Are you searching for a special place on the coast of Tenerife where you can truly get away from the busy crowds? Playa Amarilla is exactly that kind of escape. It is not a typical sandy beach filled with umbrellas. Instead, you will find a wild volcanic shoreline with bright yellow rocks, clear blue water, and a calm, laid back atmosphere. This hidden cove near Costa del Silencio is a favourite among snorkelers, divers, and travellers who enjoy discovering something different from the usual tourist spots.
The soft, wavy shapes of the rock walls look like natural artwork, shaped by old volcanic activity and many years of erosion. From the wide rock platforms you can jump straight into the deep water, or you can wander over to the small tide pools where small fish and tiny crabs often appear. And if you feel like having something refreshing, there is a cosy cocktail bar with a view of the sea that plays relaxed music in the background.
In this blog you can learn why Playa Amarilla is such a special place, how its dramatic coastline was formed by volcanic forces, and what you can do there to make your visit even more fun.
Where is Playa Amarilla located on Tenerife?
Playa Amarilla rests on the southern coast of Tenerife, right beside the village of Costa del Silencio. This peaceful stretch of coastline belongs to the municipality of San Miguel de Abona and is close to well known resort towns like Los Cristianos and Las Galletas. Even with these popular places nearby, Playa Amarilla feels completely different. There is no mass tourism and no endless lines of sunbeds. Instead, you will find a wild volcanic shoreline with bright blue water and a bold yellow rock formation that immediately catches your eye.
The beach sits right next to Montaña Amarilla. The area is protected as a natural monument and creates the setting for one of the most photogenic spots on the entire island.
Playa Amarilla is simple to reach by car. If you are coming from the southern region of Tenerife, follow the TF 1 toward San Miguel de Abona and take the exit for Las Galletas or Costa del Silencio. The drive from Los Cristianos usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes. In Costa del Silencio you can park along the road above the beach, and from there it is only about a one minute walk down to the water.
Keep in mind that you will walk along a narrow path or staircase and that the beach is rocky. Water shoes are very useful and can make your visit much more comfortable.
What is Playa Amarilla known for?
Playa Amarilla is known for its striking rock formations, clear blue water, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels a little different from most beaches. This is not a place with soft sand and long rows of sun loungers. It is somewhere people come for nature, calm surroundings, and a setting that feels truly special. The rocks have gentle, flowing shapes with layers of yellow and orange that create a beautiful contrast with the turquoise water of the Atlantic Ocean.
The overall vibe is laid back and slightly bohemian. People visit to snorkel, dive, stretch out on the rocks, or simply enjoy the view. At the small cocktail bar by the water, soft music plays throughout the day, and you will often see someone reading a book or strumming a guitar. Topless sunbathing and full nudity are not uncommon here. There are no major facilities, only the cosy cocktail bar and a few stairways that lead directly into the sea.
What makes Playa Amarilla truly stand out is its underwater world. The volcanic seabed, clear water, and rocky landscape make this a favourite spot for divers and snorkelers. You have a good chance of seeing colourful fish, tiny crabs, or even an octopus swimming close to the surface.
The Rolling Rocks of Playa Amarilla
The eye catching rock formations of Montaña Amarilla, which sit right beside the beach and the ocean, were formed by phreatomagmatic eruptions. These are powerful volcanic events that happen when magma meets seawater. This reaction creates fragile, layered deposits of volcanic material. Over thousands of years, wind and waves have shaped these layers into soft, rounded curves that almost look otherworldly.
The rocks slope gently down toward the water in natural steps. In some spots you can sit or lie comfortably, while other parts involve a bit of climbing. There are also natural plateaus and ledges that make the area easier to move around. Keep in mind that the surface is uneven and sometimes sharp. Water shoes are a good idea and can make your visit more comfortable.
Practical Information
Playa Amarilla is a small beach without sand and without the usual beach facilities. You will mostly sit or lie on the rocks, so bringing a mat or a thick towel makes a big difference.
Right next to the flowing rock formations, you cannot walk straight into the water. There is no gradual slope into the sea, the way you would have at a sandy beach. A few metres past the wave shaped Montaña Amarilla, you can enter the water at several spots by using a ladder. The water becomes deep immediately. Because of this, the beach is not ideal for young children or inexperienced swimmers. Our children preferred the shallow rock pools along the edge of the shore. They spotted small fish, seaweed, and tiny crabs there. It is a perfect place for calm and safe water play.
Even so, there is plenty to enjoy outside the water. During low tide you can walk along the rocky coastline. You can follow the cliffs on the sea facing side of Montaña Amarilla and climb the hill from there. The view at the top is worth the short climb. Afterward you can walk down again on the landward side and head back toward the beach.
At the start of the rocks you will find a small cocktail bar with wooden seating. Here you can sip a fresh mojito or smoothie while looking out over the sea. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and slightly alternative. You will often see divers, snorkelers, and walkers passing by. There are no lifeguards or toilets, so come prepared. Playa Amarilla is all about nature, a calm mood, and a dramatic landscape.
