Location
Spain
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
All year; go in the morning
About Playa de Las Gaviotas
Las Gaviotas is a small black-sand beach at the foot of a high cliff in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, just north-east of the big golden Las Teresitas beach at San Andrés. FEN gives it as about 250 m long and 40 m wide, with moderate waves. It is one of the best-known nude beaches on the island, though nude and clothed bathers share it. The cliff blocks the sun from the afternoon onward, so locals go in the morning. The beach was closed for several years because of rockfall risk and partly reopened in 2013, with some areas still restricted. Services are minimal: some sources mention a small kiosk and a lifeguard in season.
Getting there
From San Andrés, take the winding Las Gaviotas road that branches off the TF-121 and climbs over the headland, then drops to the beach. There is limited parking (around 50 spaces) above the sand, then steps or a short path down. TITSA buses serve the road; check current routes. There is no adapted access. Respect any rockfall closure tape at the base of the cliff.
What visitors say
Visitors describe Las Gaviotas as a dramatic little black-sand beach under the cliffs and a relaxed mixed nude beach. Common advice is to arrive early, because parking is scarce and the cliff shades the beach in the afternoon, and to go at low tide when there is more sand. Some mention the rockfall-restricted sections.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Spain has no national law against nudity in public, and nudity at Las Gaviotas is long-standing and listed by the Spanish Naturist Federation. The beach was closed for rockfall risk and reopened in part in 2013; check for current restrictions.
Naturism at Playa de Las Gaviotas sits under Spain's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Spain public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 28.5130, -16.1762
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions
Is Las Gaviotas a nude beach?
Yes, by long custom, though clothed bathers use it too.
When is the best time to go?
In the morning. The cliff shades the beach from the afternoon onward, and parking fills early.
Is the beach fully open?
It reopened in part in 2013 after a rockfall closure, and some areas may still be restricted.
How do I get there?
Take the Las Gaviotas road off the TF-121 at San Andrés.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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