Puerto Naos Beaches

Overview

Puerto Naos, on the sunny west coast of La Palma, is a premier beach destination known for its distinctive black volcanic sand and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors often wonder about the unique color of the sand, which comes from the island's volcanic origins and can even have greenish tints from olivine crystals. While the 2021 volcanic eruption did cause temporary closures due to gases, Puerto Naos Beach, the area's iconic tourist hub, has largely reopened, with ongoing safety monitoring ensuring a pleasant experience. The area offers a relaxed holiday vibe, perfect for those seeking sun, sea, and stunning sunsets.

Among the island's coastal gems, Puerto Naos Beach itself stands out as the most famous, historically drawing many visitors with its palm-lined promenade and Blue Flag status. For those seeking dramatic scenery, Playa de Nogales offers wild, untamed beauty with its impressive cliffs and dark sands. Families and those looking for convenience will appreciate Playa de Tazacorte, the well-serviced town beach with a lively atmosphere. Another excellent choice for families is the sheltered cove of Charco Verde Beach, known for its calm waters. These selections represent some of the best coastal experiences Puerto Naos and its surroundings have to offer.

Beyond these highlights, La Palma boasts numerous other beaches, each with its own character, from secluded coves to popular stretches of sand. Whether you're looking to swim in clear waters, enjoy water sports, or simply relax and soak up the sun, the beaches around Puerto Naos cater to a variety of preferences. The island's volcanic landscape provides a stunning backdrop to these coastal areas, making a beach day here a unique Canary Islands experience. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal spots, be sure to explore the longer list of beaches in this guide.

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FAQ

Is Puerto Naos beach open and is it safe to visit now?

As of early 2024, Puerto Naos beach has reopened to the public after being closed due to the 2021 volcanic eruption. Access was initially restricted to the southern part of the beach with a QR code system, but since June 2024, most of Puerto Naos, including the beach, is open without a QR code. There are CO2 measuring devices in place, and while levels have generally been normal, a small area at Playa Chica remained closed as of June 2024. Occasional CO2 level increases have activated security protocols, but these have been managed by ventilation and have not posed a risk to the population or required evacuations. The area is heavily monitored to ensure safety.

Puerto Naos Beach

What is Puerto Naos beach like?

Puerto Naos beach is known for its black volcanic sand, which can have greenish hues due to olivine crystals. It's a relatively long and wide beach, approximately 500-600 meters in length, lined with palm trees that offer natural shade. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for its quality services and clean, crystal-clear waters. It features a promenade with restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's considered one of the most important and frequented beaches on La Palma.

Puerto Naos Beach

Can you swim at Puerto Naos beach?

Yes, swimming is possible at Puerto Naos beach, and it's a popular activity. The waters are generally crystal-clear. However, like all Atlantic beaches, it's important to pay attention to the flag system indicating sea conditions (green for safe, yellow for caution, red for no bathing). Lifeguards are typically on duty.

Puerto Naos Beach

What are the facilities at Puerto Naos beach?

Puerto Naos beach offers a range of facilities typical of a tourist area, including showers, changing rooms, restrooms, lifeguard services, sunbed and umbrella rentals, and access for people with reduced mobility. There are also sports areas, walkways, and nearby restaurants, bars, and shops along the promenade.

Puerto Naos Beach

Are there accommodation options near Puerto Naos beach?

Yes, there are various accommodation options in and around Puerto Naos, including beachfront hotels (like Hotel Sol La Palma, which has reopened) and apartment rentals. These provide easy access to the beach and its amenities. However, it's worth noting that not all accommodations may have reopened or be fully operational following the volcanic eruption, and some buildings may still have elevators out of service due to official requirements.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Puerto Naos Beach

Is Puerto Naos a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Puerto Naos is considered a good destination for families. The beach itself is family-friendly with lifeguards, and the calm waters are often suitable for children. The promenade offers easy access to restaurants and ice cream shops. Some sources specifically mention it as ideal for families due to gentle waves and amenities.

Puerto Naos Beach

What's the best time of year to visit Puerto Naos for a beach holiday?

For a beach holiday in Puerto Naos, the summer months from June to September are often considered ideal, offering the warmest weather and sea temperatures (around 23°C or above). However, the weather is mild year-round, with temperatures rarely below 20°C, making it a suitable destination in any season. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) offer warm weather with potentially fewer tourists.

How do you get to Puerto Naos beach?

Puerto Naos is located on the west coast of La Palma, in the municipality of Los Llanos de Aridane. It is accessible by car, typically via the LP-213 road. Public transportation options are also available. From the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma, it's approximately an hour's drive.

Puerto Naos Beach

People Also Ask

What other activities can you do at or near Puerto Naos beach besides swimming and sunbathing?

Besides swimming and sunbathing, Puerto Naos is popular for paragliding, with landing often occurring near the beach. Night diving is also a notable activity. The area is also a good base for hiking and exploring volcanic landscapes. The promenade is great for strolling, and there are nearby restaurants and cafes. Some beach sports like yoga and beach football tournaments have also returned to the beach.

Puerto Naos Beach

What is the sand like at Puerto Naos beach?

Puerto Naos beach has fine black sand of volcanic origin. Some sources also mention that the sand can have slight green hues due to the presence of olivine rock dust.

Puerto Naos Beach

Are there any restrictions or things to be aware of when visiting Puerto Naos beach due to the recent volcanic activity?

While the beach has largely reopened, visitors should be aware that the area was affected by volcanic gases (CO2) after the 2021 eruption. Monitoring systems are in place, and access protocols can change based on gas levels. As of June 2024, a QR code is no longer needed for most areas, but it's always advisable to check the latest local information and respect any posted warnings or restricted zones. For instance, a small area at Playa Chica remained closed as of that time, and elevators in some buildings were still out of service.

Puerto Naos Beach

How does Puerto Naos beach compare to Tazacorte beach?

Both Puerto Naos and Tazacorte are popular west-coast beaches in La Palma with black volcanic sand. Puerto Naos is known for its palm trees providing shade along a 500-600m stretch and has held a Blue Flag award. Tazacorte is often described as one of the sunniest spots, with calm waters protected by a harbor wall, making it very family-friendly. Tazacorte also has a nudist section. Both have promenades with restaurants and amenities. Puerto Naos was more directly impacted by recent volcanic gas emissions, leading to closures and restricted access for a period.

Puerto Naos Beach

Playa de Tazacorte

Are there places to eat and drink along Puerto Naos beach?

Yes, Puerto Naos beach has a promenade lined with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can enjoy local cuisine, snacks, and drinks with views of the ocean. Some of these establishments, including beach bars, have reopened following the period of closure.

Puerto Naos Beach

Is Puerto Naos known for sunsets?

Yes, Puerto Naos beach is renowned for offering spectacular and unforgettable sunsets, making it a perfect place to relax in the evening, perhaps with a cocktail by the sea.

Puerto Naos Beach

What is the general vibe of Puerto Naos?

Puerto Naos generally has a tranquil and relaxed holiday atmosphere. It's a key tourist hub on La Palma, known for its pleasant climate, beautiful black sand beach, and good services. It attracts beach lovers, families, and those interested in activities like paragliding and diving. While it has a tourist focus, it was also home to around 1,500 residents before the volcanic eruption, which significantly impacted the town.

Puerto Naos Beach