Hidden away within the protected natural area of El Rincón, this picturesque spot on the northern coast of Tenerife has long been admired for its unspoilt beauty and striking volcanic black sands. After more than a decade of planning and construction, safe access to Los Patos Beach in La Orotava was finally made available in late 2022.
However, after only a year of being open to the public, large rockfalls in December 2023 forced local authorities to close the beach once again. Despite efforts to stabilise the cliffs, smaller rockfalls have continued to occur in recent months. Now, local officials have confirmed that the terrain remains unstable, making it unsafe for visitors for the summer of 2025.
“The beach isn’t closed out of choice,” said Narciso Pérez, Councillor for Security, Urban Planning, and Land Management, according to Canarian Weekly. “We would love to welcome visitors, but nature doesn’t always cooperate, and safety must come first.”
Los Patos is located within a highly protected natural reserve, meaning any intervention requires coordination with environmental authorities. Therefore, a geological study is currently underway to better understand the erosion affecting the cliffs and explore long-term safety solutions that still preserve the area’s unique landscape.
“We hope to have a clearer idea by the end of the year,” says Pérez. “But for this summer, the beach will unfortunately remain closed. It will only reopen once we can guarantee it’s completely safe.”
Authorities are urging visitors to respect the closure and avoid attempting to access Los Patos: “Ignoring the closure not only puts your own safety at risk but also endangers the lives of rescue teams who may have to intervene,” Mr Pérez continued.
For those headed to Tenerife this summer, all is not lost, as the Canary Island is home to an impressive array of alternatives. For example, the nearby beaches of El Bollullo and El Ancón remain fully open, offering dramatic scenery, beautiful volcanic sands and a more secure environment for swimming, sunbathing and relaxation.
Tenerife and its neighbours experienced a tourism boom in 2024 and are predicted to have another record-breaking year in 2025. Last year, the Canary Islands saw a record 17.7 million visitors, including both international and domestic tourists. Preliminary data for 2025, particularly the first quarter, indicates a continued rise in both visitor numbers and spending, with some projections suggesting a potential increase of over half a million foreign tourists compared to 2024.