Playa de Antequera

Playa de Antequera

Playa de Antequera is one of the most remote and wild coves of the Anaga massif, in the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is a strip of golden sand of volcanic origin about 400 metres long, wedged between imposing cliffs and completely away from any road. Its isolation is precisely what defines it: here there is no development, no beach bars, no services of any kind, only open sea, rock and the silence of the Anaga Rural Park. It is one of those corners that reward the visitor willing to get there under their own steam, and it ranks among the most singular beaches of northeast Tenerife.

How to get there

There is no road access to the beach. The two ways to reach it are on foot, via demanding trails that descend from the Chamorga or Igueste de San Andrés area, or by sea on one of the boats that set off from Santa Cruz de Tenerife and from the San Andrés dock. The walking route requires good physical fitness, suitable footwear and enough water, as the descent through the ravine is long and technical, taking approximately several hours there and back. The boat option is the most comfortable and popular: it lets you approach the small cove while also enjoying views of the Anaga cliffs from the water. Many visitors combine both, walking down and returning by boat.

What the beach is like

The beach is of golden volcanic sand, open and virgin-looking, with no construction to break the landscape. It is a naturist beach, where nudism is fully normalised. As it completely lacks facilities, it is best to arrive self-sufficient: there are no showers, toilets, bins or bar, and there is no lifeguard service. The setting is part of one of the best-preserved natural spaces on the island, declared a Biosphere Reserve, so it is essential to leave no trace and take all rubbish back with you.

Safety in the water

Antequera is a beach exposed to the open sea, with strong swell and currents that can be dangerous. Bathing is inadvisable and is in fact usually discouraged except on especially calm-sea days, common above all in summer. There is no surveillance or rescue means, and help would be slow to arrive because of the remoteness of the place. If you decide to bathe, do so only with a very calm sea, near the shore and never alone. It is also advisable to check the state of the sea and the tides before visiting.

Services

• Type of sand: golden, of volcanic origin

• Length: about 400 metres

• Access: on foot (demanding trails) or by sea

• Lifeguards: no

• Parking: no

• Toilets, showers and bar: no

• Atmosphere: naturist / nudist

• Sea: strong swell, bathing inadvisable

More information on the official Tenerife tourism portal: Web Tenerife and on Hola Islas Canarias.