Playa de Nogales
★ 4.8 (681 reviews)
Playa de Nogales is one of those Canarian spots that takes your breath away: black volcanic sand with bluish-grey shimmer, cliffs cloaked in lush green vegetation, and the Atlantic at its wildest. Located in Puntallana on La Palma's northeast coast, this virgin beach stretching about 500 meters is a true paradise for surfers and nature lovers seeking authenticity. The access is part of the adventure: a steep trail winding down the cliffsides, all downhill first (remember, you'll climb back up!), with a tap midway to refresh yourself.
The beach itself is spectacular, with stunning contrasts between the intense green surroundings, the deep black volcanic sand, and the ocean blue. That said, the surf can be tricky: sudden depth changes and strong currents mean swimming requires caution and respect for the sea. If arriving by bus, wear comfortable shoes, a cap, and sun protection because the trail is demanding. There's parking available if driving, and the reward upon arrival justifies every step: an authentic beach without beach bars or umbrellas, where nature rules supreme.