Playa de las Conchas (Tenerife): tips + photos

Playa de las Conchas is a small beach in Puerto de Santiago, at the foot of Los Gigantes, Tenerife. It is renowned for its big waves, which attract surfers. This urban cove, adjacent to Playa de la Arena, is a natural mini-amphitheatre facing the ocean.

In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips for making the most of your visit to Playa de las Conchas.

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Content

Is Playa de las Conchas worth it?

Yes, this small beach, located in the extension of Playa de la Arena, offers a more intimate setting for admiring the ocean. We really enjoyed the wide steps, which form a natural amphitheatre facing the waves. Here you can sit back and watch the swell and surfers, or simply enjoy the sunset.

The beach is also known as Playa Neptuno or Playa del Volcan. Watching the waves was one of our favorite activities at Los Gigantes.

Type of beach

Sand or no sand?

The soil of Playa de las Conchas is black volcanic sand. We also saw some beautiful rock formations.

Swimming conditions and supervision

The beach is a famous surfing spot thanks to its strong waves. The currents are powerful and the swell large. We advise against swimming, as the beach is not supervised. Swimming shoes are recommended due to the rocks.

Playa de las Conchas - Swimming conditions

Installations

We found showers on the beach but no toilets. There are some on the Playa de la Arena, just next door. No deckchairs or parasols for hire either. On the other hand, the wide amphitheatrical steps allow you to sit facing the sea. We enjoyed a smoothie bought at Restaurant Neptuno, which we found on the seafront between Playa de la Arena and Playa de las Conchas.

HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities

Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling

Playa de las Conchas in Puerto de Santiago: access

Where to find Playa de las Conchas

In the town of Puerto de Santiago, at the foot of Los Gigantes
Adjacent to Playa de la Arena
25min from Costa Adeje
1:05 from Santa Cruz
1h15 from Puerto de la Cruz

Playa de las Conchas, Los Gigantes, Tenerife

Access by car and parking

Limited parking is available on Avenida Maritima Puerto de Santiago.

Playa de las Conchas - Parking — Parking on Avenida Maritima

OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife

Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.

See available cars >>

Read our tips

Public transport access

The beach is accessible by bus. The nearest stop is El Lajial. Find out more here.

Special features

Dog

We didn’t see any information about dog access to the beach.

Playa de las Conchas - information panel

Reduced mobility access

We found the beach accessible to people with reduced mobility thanks to access ramps.

With children

This beach is not suitable for families with children due to high waves and strong currents.

Playa de las Conchas - Children's access

Naturism

Naturism is not permitted on this urban beach.

Eating out

Restaurant Neptuno is located on the seafront between Playa de la Arena and Playa de las Conchas. We didn’t have lunch there, just a smoothie to take away.

Playa de las Conchas - Restaurant Neptuno — **Restaurant Neptuno**

Hotels

We stayed at theHotel Landmar Playa La Arena. It’s just 5m from the beach, with several pools overlooking the ocean. See prices, photos and availability.

Don’t miss our article on our favorite hotels in Los Gigantes.