Playa de Tazacorte is one of the warmest and sunniest beaches on La Palma — and by far the one with the most breathtaking sunsets. Situated on the island’s west coast, at the mouth of Barranco de las Angustias (the ravine leading to the famous Caldera de Taburiente), it offers over 300 metres of black volcanic sand, a charming fishing port and views of the open sea, where dolphins are a regular sight.
Legendary sunsets
La Palma’s west coast is one of the few places in the Canary Islands where the sun sets directly over the ocean, with nothing on the horizon to block the view. Thanks to its position and orientation, Tazacorte is widely regarded as the best spot to witness this spectacle. In the evening, locals and visitors gather along the promenade and the harbour breakwater to watch the sun dip into the Atlantic. The colours — from orange through violet to deep crimson — are reflected in the dark, wet sand of the beach.
Harbour and dolphin cruises
At the southern end of the beach sits the small fishing port of Tazacorte — the starting point for coastal boat trips. Several operators offer excursions with dolphin and whale watching — the waters off La Palma’s west coast are among the best in the Canaries for spotting cetaceans in their natural habitat. Two-to-three-hour cruises cost around 35-50 euros and often include a swimming stop in the open sea.
The port itself is a delightful spot with a handful of seafood restaurants serving the freshest catch of the day straight from the boats. Specialities include vieja (parrotfish), cherne (wreckfish) and lapas (limpets) — classic Canarian dishes that taste their very best here.
Banana landscape
Behind the beach and the town of Tazacorte, banana plantations stretch as far as the eye can see — one of the most iconic views on western La Palma. Canarian bananas (plátanos de Canarias) are smaller and sweeter than imported varieties, and their cultivation is a cornerstone of the local economy. A stroll among the plantations with ocean views in the background is one of those experiences that stays with you.
Practical information
- Getting there: by car from Los Llanos de Aridane on the LP-1, about 10 minutes. From Santa Cruz de La Palma about 40 minutes.
- Public transport: bus from Los Llanos to Puerto de Tazacorte (line 200, several services daily).
- Facilities: showers, toilets, lifeguards in season, sun loungers for hire. Restaurants at the port and along the promenade.
- Swimming: the water is generally calm, but can get rough in winter. Watch out for currents near the ravine mouth.
- Dolphin cruises: depart from the port; book at the promenade offices or online. Best conditions in the morning.
Nearby beaches
- Playa de Puerto Naos — 10 minutes south, the largest beach on La Palma (check post-eruption status).
- Playa del Charco Verde — a small, pretty cove between Tazacorte and Puerto Naos.
- Playa de Nogales — on the opposite, north-eastern coast, a wild beach beneath 100-metre cliffs.
Weather at Playa de Tazacorte
Tazacorte is known for some of the most spectacular sunsets in the Canary Islands. La Palma’s west coast is warmer and drier than the east, making beach visits pleasant even in winter. Check the weather forecast for Los Llanos de Aridane.