Playa de Tacorón

Introduction

If there is one place in El Hierro that embodies the essence of the island, its untamed character and its singular beauty, that is, without a doubt, Playa de Tacorón. Do not expect to find a long stretch of typical golden sand here; Tacorón is much more than that. It is a jewel forged by the island's volcanic nature, a set of natural pools that open to the Atlantic, offering a refuge of calm and crystal-clear waters that invite absolute disconnection. We, as lovers of authentic beaches and places with soul, always return to Tacorón with the same excitement, knowing that each visit will give us a unique experience.

This corner, located in the municipality of El Pinar de El Hierro, on the island's south coast, is a living testimony to the geological force that shaped this territory. The lava flows, upon meeting the sea, created a lunar landscape that, over time, the Atlantic has shaped to form these cavities that fill and empty with the rhythm of the tides. The result is a sanctuary of peace, a place where time seems to stand still and where the connection with nature is felt in every pore of the skin. It is, in short, one of those places that alone justify a trip to the westernmost of the Canary Islands, a destination that invites us to explore without haste and to marvel at every detail.

How to get to Playa de Tacorón

The road to Playa de Tacorón is already part of the adventure and charm of this enclave. To reach this paradise, we start from the town of El Pinar de El Hierro, the southernmost municipality on the island. From there, we take the road that descends towards the coast. It is a well-signposted road, but it is important to drive carefully, as it winds through the volcanic landscape and the dense Canarian vegetation. The road is narrow in some sections and with sharp curves, which adds a touch of excitement to the journey, but also requires us to be attentive.

The journey from El Pinar

From El Pinar, the descent is constant and offers us spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the south coast. As we get closer, the landscape transforms, leaving behind the Canary pines to give way to a more arid and rocky terrain, dotted with tabaibas and cardones, plants adapted to aridity and salinity. It is a drastic change that reminds us of the diversity of ecosystems that El Hierro harbors. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes by car, depending on our pace and the stops we make to admire the landscape.

Parking and access

Once we reach the end of the paved road, we find a parking area, generally sufficient for the vehicles visiting the beach. From the parking lot, access to the natural pools of Tacorón is via a not very long path, but one that is somewhat irregular with natural steps carved into the rock. It is not a complicated path, but it does require comfortable footwear and some caution, especially if we have small children or people with reduced mobility. We always recommend wearing sturdy flip-flops or water shoes to move easily among the rocks and inside the pools. The descent is simple, but the climb back up can be a bit more demanding, although the reward of a swim in Tacorón is well worth the effort.

The sand and the water

As we have already anticipated, Playa de Tacorón is not defined by its sand, at least not by the fine, golden sand one might expect from other Spanish beaches. Here, the protagonist is the black basalt, the volcanic rock that has shaped this peculiar coastline. Instead of a vast expanse of sand, we find small coves and rocky platforms that shape the natural pools. However, in some of these cavities, especially in the most sheltered areas, we can find small accumulations of volcanic sand of a dark, almost black tone, mixed with small pebbles. This mix of sand and rock is what gives it its unique and wild character.

The natural pools of Tacorón

What is truly exceptional about Tacorón are its natural pools. These rock formations act as protective barriers against the Atlantic waves, creating spaces of incredibly calm and transparent waters. The depth varies in each pool, from very shallow areas perfect for children to splash in, to deeper areas where we can swim comfortably. The color of the water is a spectacle in itself: an intense turquoise that contrasts dramatically with the black of the volcanic rock, creating a hypnotic visual effect. The underwater visibility is excellent, making Tacorón a paradise for snorkeling lovers.

Temperature and marine life

The waters of Tacorón, being more sheltered, usually have a slightly warmer temperature than the open sea, which makes swimming even more pleasant, even outside the summer months. Diving into these waters is diving into a natural aquarium. The richness of marine life is astonishing: schools of colorful fish, small moray eels hiding among the rocks, starfish, sea urchins... It is a festival of biodiversity that we can observe with just a simple mask and snorkel. We always recommend bringing snorkeling gear, as the experience of exploring the seabed of Tacorón is unforgettable. The feeling of floating in these waters, observing the life teeming beneath the surface, is pure magic and one of the reasons why this beach in El Hierro is so special.

Services and facilities

Playa de Tacorón, true to its natural and wild spirit, does not have extensive service infrastructure, which helps maintain its pristine charm. However, it does have the essentials to ensure a comfortable and pleasant visit.