Playa De Avalos La Gomera 2023 (Avalos Beach)

Playa de Avalos La Gomera lies around 6km north of the port town of San Sebastian. This beach is picturesque, enclosed by steep cliffs on either side and wonderfully peaceful.

Basic Information Playa De Avalos La Gomera

Playa De Avalos La Gomera Canary Islands Spain Information Table
Playa De Avalos La Gomera

If you are looking for a beach in the San Sebastian area with a few more amenities, then we suggest you check out either Playa de San Sebastian or Playa de la Cueva.

An Introduction To La Gomera Beaches

La Gomera’s mild climate means its stunning beaches can be enjoyed year-round. However, if you are searching for long white beaches with endless lines of sun loungers, La Gomera may not be the place for you.

A typical La Gomera beach is small with black volcanic sand or shingle. Picture quiet (almost deserted) bays with crystal clear turquoise waters nestled between dramatic craggy cliffs.

Some beaches within the towns are busier with amenities nearby, while others can only be reached via boat or on foot. However, if you are prepared to walk, you are often rewarded with an entire beach to yourself.

However, a word of caution is that swimming in the sea on La Gomera can be dangerous, especially during the winter. The island can be windy with large waves and powerful currents, especially during high tide.

Some beaches aren’t suitable for swimming (especially for children) at any time of year, while others are more sheltered and generally safe. Before swimming on any La Gomera beach, we recommend you take the advice of a local tourist office.

An Overview Of Playa De Avalos La Gomera

Playa de Avalos is a beautiful, clean, and generally empty beach. It is around 200 metres wide with a pebbled beach and several low circular shelters built from stones.

One of the best things about Playa de Avalos is its magnificent views to Mount Teide volcano on the island of Tenerife. In addition, we were told that it is a fantastic place to watch a sunrise (although we admit we didn’t make it there that early!)

It is possible to swim in the sea, and the cliffs shelter the bay on either side. However, the beach is quite steep, and the area is subject to strong tides, so please use caution and seek advice at a visitor centre.

Prepare For Your Visit To Playa De Avalos La Gomera

Playa De Avalos Also Known As Avalos Beach La Gomera Canary Islands Spain Pebble Volcanic Beach With Blue Sea Blue Sky And Dramatic Cliffs View Looking Southeast
View Southeast From Playa De Avalos La Gomera

There are a few things it is worth noting before visiting this beach:

  1. Sunburn – The coastal winds on La Gomera mean that sunburn is common. The sun here is powerful, and the cooling breeze can fool you into thinking you are not at risk. Also, wind is now believed to reduce the skin’s natural protection against UV rays.
  2. Stones – The beach is a mix of stone and rock and very difficult to walk on with bare feet, so take suitable shoes for the water if you plan on going in.
  3. Winds, Waves and Tides – it is worth repeating that all beaches on La Gomera can be subject to these, so make sure you are fully aware of the conditions before swimming.

Access To Playa De Avalos La Gomera

Playa De Avalos Also Known As Avalos Beach La Gomera Canary Islands Spain Gravel Access Road To Beach
Playa De Avalos La Gomera Access Road

Playa de Avalos lies around 5km north of San Sebastian; it will take you around 10 minutes to drive there from the port. It is possible to drive all the way down to the beach, and there is free parking there.

However, the last 1/2 km of road is gravel and does have some potholes. If you prefer not to drive your car down the gravel track, there is parking space opposite the access to the track. There is no charge for parking, and it will take around 10 minutes to walk down to the beach.

Amenities At Playa De Avalos La Gomera

There are no amenities at Playa de Avalos, so there are no toilets, showers, or cafes/restaurants. There literally is nothing apart from a deserted building which is fenced off to the public.

However, there is a good-sized area where you can park your car for free, and we understand that it is a popular overnight location for vans and motorhomes.

Pros And Cons Of Playa De Avalos

Playa De Avalos Also Known As Avalos Beach La Gomera Canary Islands Spain Pebble Volcanic Beach With Blue Sea Blue Sky And Dramatic Cliffs View Looking North
View Northeast From Playa De Avalos La Gomera

Pros Of Playa De Avalos

  • Peaceful and quiet
  • Attractive, sheltered bay
  • Great views of Tenerife
  • Relatively easy access
  • Free Parking

Cons Of Playa De Avalos

  • No amenities
  • Possible strong tides
  • Stoney beach

Conclusion: A Quiet Retreat at Playa de Avalos, La Gomera

Considering a visit to Playa de Avalos? This beach offers a peaceful setting, is enclosed by cliffs, and is generally less crowded. It’s a good option if you’re looking to escape the usual tourist spots.

What to Know

The beach has its perks, like scenic views of Mount Teide in Tenerife, but it’s not without its challenges. The pebbly terrain and strong tides call for caution and preparation. There are no amenities, so bring what you need.

Final Thoughts

Playa de Avalos is a decent choice for those who prefer a quieter, more natural setting. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re up for a bit of adventure and solitude, it might just be worth a visit.

Leave a comment

en_GBEnglish