After visiting the famous Playa de Las Teresitas, we decided to stop at Playa Amarilla on our way back to the hotel. We parked our car right near the beach, we walked for a few meters and we were rewarded with a breathtaking view.
The overlapped layers of rock at Montana Amarilla form some unique formations bordering the ocean. I’ve visited many beaches in Tenerife, but this one is pretty spectacular.
The waves have carved into the yellow rocks, forming beautiful shapes. Amarilla Beach is narrow and mostly covered in pebbles, but the water is crystal-clear, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know when planning a visit to Playa Amarilla. From what to expect to how to get there, here is all the information you need.
1. About Playa Amarilla, Tenerife
The beach itself is only about 50 meters long and is covered with small, black rocks. However, most people sit directly on the rocks. There are small crevasses where you can lay your towel and hide from the sun.
Amarilla Beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The water is crystal-clear, but keep in mind that sometimes, the currents are quite strong. There are two ladders leading into the water, for those who plan to swim.
When we visited, the wind was blowing fiercely. The waves were quite big and outside it was cold, so we didn’t had the chance to swim. We only stayed for a few minutes, took some photos and then we left. Sometimes, the weather is our worst enemy.
When visiting Playa Amarilla, keep in mind that during the high tide, the waves are powerful. The perfect time to swim and snorkel is during low tide.
If you can, bring some water shoes with you. The bottom of the ocean is covered in rocks that might hurt your feet. Also, bring some snacks.
There are no restaurants on the beach, but there are a few in town. If you get hungry, stop at Fish-ART for some delicious seafood. If you’re craving a pizza, go to Pizzeria Fuoco & Pizza – it’s about 400 meters away from the beach.
Even if you’re not into swimming and snorkeling, you can still enjoy Montana Amarilla Beach. Walk along the rocks, admire their shapes and be amazed by nature’s power.
I recommend spending at least one hour here. If you’re looking for an underrated place in Tenerife, a hidden gem tucked away from the eyes of most tourists, head to Amarilla Beach and you won’t regret it. It’s one of the best black sand beaches on the island!
2. Facilities at Amarilla Beach
Unlike other popular beaches on the island like Las Teresitas, Los Gigantes or El Duque, there are no facilities at Amarilla Beach. There are no showers, public toilets, sunbeds or lifeguards.
However, there is a small beach bar called Mana Nui Chiringuito. They serve a wide range of drinks, starting at 2 EUR. After a good swim, what can be better than a fresh lemonade or a beer?
3. Mirador de Montana Amarilla – a short hike from the beach
From the beach, hike for a few minutes to the Montana Amarilla Viewpoint. From this beautiful location covered in volcanic rocks, you can admire the beach, Costa del Silencio and the surrounding mountains.
The hike only takes 10-15 minutes and it’s totally worth it! I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and avoiding flip-flops. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen at home!
-> Other must-see places in Tenerife:
- Climb Mount Teide – The tallest mountain in Tenerife
- Take a whale watching cruise
- Siam Park – The world’s best water park
4. How to get to Playa Amarilla
We chose to rent a car to explore Tenerife because we wanted to see as much of the island as possible. We rented our car from Oasis for 35 EUR per day. The parking lot is right near Playa Amarilla, in front of an apartment building.
You can also reach Playa Amarilla on foot from Costa del Silencio. If you plan to use public transport, there are a few bus stations close to Amarilla Beach – Jose Antonia Tavio and Minerva.
5. Where to stay in Tenerife
Tenerife is a small island, but it has thousands of hotels. Searching for the perfect accommodation might be overwhelming, so I’m here to help you. Below are the best hotels for every budget.
- Budget – Atlantic Holiday Hotel – amazing ocean view, beautiful modern studio, good location, friendly staff, good amenities
- Mid-Range – Labranda Bahia – beautiful pools, good location, spacious rooms and good services, friendly staff, all-inclusive
- Luxury – Fantasia Bahia – perfect for couples and families, excellent services, all-inclusive, huge & modern rooms, beautiful pools
6. Final thoughts
I visited many beaches in Tenerife. They’re all beautiful with their palm trees, golden or black sand and crystal-clear water. However, Playa Amarilla is different. The rock formations here are unique and the beach is a bit more remote and underrated.
I recommend this beach to those searching for off-the-beaten-path destinations in Tenerife. If you have any questions about this place, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below. May the travel bug bite you!
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Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!