Playa Amarilla, Tenerife: Swimming and Snorkelling Guide

Playa Amarilla is not a conventional sandy beach, but a cove and bathing area on pale volcanic rock at the foot of Montaña Amarilla. Its character comes from the yellowish tuff walls, the contrast with the blue sea and the rocky seabed, which makes it very attractive for snorkelling when conditions are calm. Visitor access is generally associated with Costa del Silencio, in Arona, but the natural landmark of Montaña Amarilla sits on the coast of San Miguel de Abona. It is therefore best understood as the Costa del Silencio-Montaña Amarilla area, rather than forced into a single municipal label for the whole experience. It is a short, local and visually distinctive stop, quite different from the broad sandy beaches of the south. It especially suits those who prefer rock, a brief swim and clear water over the services of a conventional beach. The draw is geological as much as seaside, so it is worth visiting without rushing.

The most practical access is through Costa del Silencio, heading down towards the Montaña Amarilla area from the nearby residential streets. By car, you approach via the Las Galletas, Costa del Silencio and Amarilla Golf corridor; if you are coming from the TF-1, allow for a final stretch on local roads in the south. Do not expect a large beach car park: you park where permitted in the urban surroundings and walk a few minutes to the coast. By bus, the area is connected with Costa del Silencio and Las Galletas, but check TITSA before setting off so the stops and times work for you. Avoid leaving the car on tracks or questionable verges: this is a heavily pressured natural setting. If you are carrying a lot of equipment, this is not the right cove.

Swimming here depends heavily on the state of the sea. In calm water, Playa Amarilla is excellent for entering carefully, snorkelling and observing the rocky seabed. With waves, wind or swell, the rocky platforms and steps become awkward and slippery. This is not a full-service beach: do not count on sunbeds, parasols or a sandy promenade. Bring water shoes, a snorkel mask and common sense when getting in and out. With children, it is better for looking, walking and perhaps getting wet in very calm conditions, rather than letting them loose as you would on a family sandy beach. Do not jump from the rocks unless you can clearly see the bottom, the depth and a safe exit. Getting out of the water matters as much as getting in, especially as the tide rises.

Go light and wear shoes with grip: bringing a cool box, chairs and parasol makes little sense here. Morning is often the best time, when the southern wind is usually gentler and the water may be clearer. Do not climb onto eroded edges or remove stones; this is a fragile volcanic setting that already receives heavy footfall. If you really want to swim, first watch how people are entering and leaving the water. If you see foam, waves hitting the rock or steps wet from longer sets, switch to walk-and-photo mode. For a full beach day on sand, combine it with Las Galletas or another nearby beach.