Cala Amarilla
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Cala Amarilla

4.6
·6k reviews·, Spain

A unique rocky cove in Tenerife with striking yellow rock formations and incredibly clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and photography.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Cala Amarilla

Cala Amarilla

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique rocky cove in Tenerife with striking yellow rock formations and incredibly clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and photography.

4.6
(6k reviews)

"The scenery, caves, and plethora of sea life make this small place truly outstanding for snorkeling."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

Essential for navigating the rocky terrain and entering the water safely.

🐠 Bring Snorkel Gear

The clear waters teem with marine life, a must-see experience!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Montaña Amarilla Formations

Montaña Amarilla Formations

The cove itself

Striking yellowish rock formations create a dramatic backdrop, perfect for photos and exploring hidden nooks.

Reddit
Underwater Wonderland

Underwater Wonderland

The clear waters

Abundant sea life makes this spot a snorkeler's paradise, with frequent sightings of fish and even turtles.

InstagramReddit
Unique Sandstone Caves

Unique Sandstone Caves

Along the cove

Discover ancient caves carved into the yellow sand, historically used to shelter boats.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Footwear is Key

Cala Amarilla is a unique rocky cove, not a sandy beach. Visitors rave about the underwater life but warn about the sharp, uneven volcanic stones. Bring water shoes or sturdy sandals for comfortable exploration and safe entry/exit from the water. Reddit

Timing for Tranquility

While beautiful, Cala Amarilla can get crowded, especially during peak season. Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday rush and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and unique rock formations more peacefully. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La Marilla surfista 🏄 #🏝️ #playa #verano #paratii #fyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy #viralvideos #lamarilla #humor #comedia #sketch
@betzylagosborge27
34.1K likes • 352.8K views

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

Essential for navigating the rocky terrain and entering the water safely. Reddit

🐠 Bring Snorkel Gear

The clear waters teem with marine life, a must-see experience! InstagramReddit

¿Confirmamos que nos encanta esta agua tan cristalina? Confirmamos 😉 📍 Playa Montaña Amarilla #TenerideDespiertaEmociones #VisitTenerife #Tenerife #fyp
@visit_tenerife
5K likes • 621.8K views
🌊✨ Montaña Amarilla es una cala espectacular en Tenerife Sur, con agua cristalina y perfecta para hacer snorkel 🤿. Ese día no lo grabamos, pero ¡nos encontramos con una tortuga! 🐢 ¡Impresionante! En la montaña, hay un chiringuito con un ambiente maravilloso 🌅🍹. ———————— 🌊✨ Montaña Amarilla is a stunning cove in South Tenerife, with crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling 🤿. We didn’t catch...
xmiletenerife
14 likes • 278 views

📸 Perfect for Photos

The unique rock formations and clear water offer stunning photographic opportunities. Reddit

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk to find parking. Reddit

[La BIBLIA de las CALAS de la Región de MURCIA 2025] 👈🏾 Sigue leyendo ⬇️ 🌊 Cala Cocón - Cartagena 🌊 Calnegre - Lorca 🌊 Calblanque - Cartagena 🌊 Cala Leño - Mazarrón 🌊 Cala Amarilla - Mazarrón 🌊 Cala Cerrada - Cartagena 🌊 Cala Abierta - Cartagena 🌊 Cala Blanca - Lorca 🌊 Cala Stracas - Cartagena ❤️ Si quieres saber llegar a alguno de estos lugares maravillosos, no dudes en escribirnos. 🚮 Recuer...
tomatealgoporelmundo
9.3K likes • 353.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

Essential for navigating the rocky terrain and entering the water safely. Reddit

🐠 Bring Snorkel Gear

The clear waters teem with marine life, a must-see experience! InstagramReddit

📸 Perfect for Photos

The unique rock formations and clear water offer stunning photographic opportunities. Reddit

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk to find parking. Reddit

🍹 Beach Bar Vibes

Enjoy drinks and local art at the chiringuito with a great atmosphere. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cala Amarilla is praised for its stunning natural beauty, unique rock formations, and exceptional snorkeling opportunities with abundant marine life. However, visitors note that the rocky, uneven terrain makes it less comfortable for lounging and requires appropriate footwear for safe access and swimming.

"For us, it was hands down the best Tenerife beach. It's not much of a beach, really. There are some rocks and giant oval stones where you have to pay attention when descending to and getting out of the water, especially at high tide. But the scenery, caves, and looks of Montaña Amarilla, and above all, the plethora of sea life, make this small place truly outstanding."

Krzysztof Nosek

"The rock beach was scenic but not very enjoyable for relaxing. Walking barefoot was uncomfortable, and swimming was tricky with the sharp stones. It’s better suited for a short stroll and photos than for spending a full day. Pretty views, but overall not the most fun experience."

Allen

"Nice rock beach. In rock there are many places where you can stay. But it is a bit harder to get there, sometimes you have to climbe a little bit.
The water is full of fish, perfect for snorkeling 😊
But I highly recommend to have some shoes to the water. 😉"

Dominik Jelínek

What People Like

Spectacular rock formations
Abundant marine life
Crystal-clear waters

What People Dislike

Uncomfortable rocky terrain
Difficult to relax on
Requires water shoes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cala Amarilla is located in Tenerife South, part of the Costa del Silencio. Access involves navigating rocky terrain, so appropriate footwear is crucial. Parking can be challenging, especially during peak times, so arriving early is recommended. InstagramReddit

While the cove itself is beautiful, the path to get there can be a bit tricky, requiring walking on big rocks. It's not a typical sandy beach, so be prepared for a more rugged descent. Reddit+1

Finding parking can be difficult, as it's a popular spot. Visitors often suggest arriving early in the day to secure a spot, or being prepared for a short walk from where you can park. Reddit

Cala Amarilla is more suited for a short stroll and photos rather than extensive walking due to its rocky nature. It's best enjoyed for its scenic beauty and snorkeling opportunities. Reddit

Information on direct public transport to Cala Amarilla is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car or taxi for easier access to this somewhat secluded cove. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Cala Amarilla is a natural cove and does not require an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy its beauty freely. Reddit

As a natural beach, Cala Amarilla is accessible at all hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery. Instagram

There is no entry fee for snorkeling at Cala Amarilla. You only need to bring your own snorkeling gear to explore the abundant marine life. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but it's always advisable to respect the natural environment. Avoid leaving any trash behind and be mindful of the rocky terrain. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to check local regulations regarding pets on beaches in Tenerife. Many natural coves may have restrictions. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The striking yellowish rock formations of Montaña Amarilla provide a dramatic backdrop. Exploring the small caves and capturing the clear, fish-filled waters also make for excellent shots. InstagramReddit

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography. The golden hour during sunset can create stunning visuals with the unique rock colors. Reddit

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. However, an underwater camera or waterproof case would be ideal for capturing the vibrant marine life while snorkeling. Instagram

Yes, the unique sandstone caves and the diverse sea life visible in the clear water are prime photo opportunities. Don't miss capturing the contrast between the dark volcanic stones and the yellow rocks. Instagram

Cala Amarilla is excellent for landscape photography, underwater photography (snorkeling), and capturing unique geological formations. Reddit

🎫 🐠 Snorkeling & Marine Life

Absolutely! Cala Amarilla is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a top spot for snorkeling. You might even spot turtles! InstagramReddit

The waters are full of fish! Visitors frequently report seeing a diverse array of marine species, contributing to the excellent snorkeling experience. Reddit

It's recommended to bring your own snorkel gear. While there might be vendors selling art, rental services for snorkeling equipment are not commonly mentioned. Reddit

The main concern is the rocky seabed. Wearing water shoes is highly recommended to protect your feet when entering and exiting the water, and to avoid stepping on sharp rocks. Reddit

Yes, the calm, clear waters and the abundance of visible marine life make it a great spot for beginner snorkelers to get comfortable and enjoy the underwater world. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cala Amarilla offers a unique natural playground, but it requires some preparation for families. The rocky terrain means it's not ideal for toddlers to run freely, and water shoes are a must for everyone to prevent cuts from the volcanic stones. The clear, shallow areas near the shore can be fun for supervised splashing, and the abundance of fish visible from the edge might captivate curious young minds. Reddit

While there isn't a sandy area for building sandcastles, the natural caves and rock formations provide opportunities for imaginative play. Consider bringing a small inflatable for calmer water sections if your children are comfortable. The beach bar offers refreshments, which can be a welcome break for parents. Instagram

🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts

For snorkelers, Cala Amarilla is a dream destination. The exceptional water clarity and the rich marine biodiversity make it one of the best spots in the area. You'll be amazed by the variety of fish and the potential to encounter sea turtles. InstagramReddit

Remember to bring your own snorkeling equipment and water shoes. The rocky entry can be a bit challenging, but the underwater rewards are well worth the effort. Aim for early morning or late afternoon visits to avoid crowds and enjoy the most serene underwater experience. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Cala Amarilla is a visual feast for photographers. The dramatic yellowish rock formations of Montaña Amarilla, combined with the dark volcanic stones and the clear blue sea, create stunning photographic opportunities. The natural caves also offer unique framing possibilities. InstagramReddit

Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, will provide the most magical light to capture the cove's beauty. Don't forget to bring an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case to document the vibrant marine life you'll encounter while snorkeling. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Unique Geology of Cala Amarilla

Cala Amarilla is not your typical sandy beach; it's a captivating cove characterized by its black volcanic stones and striking yellowish rock formations that give the area its name. These unique geological features create a dramatic and picturesque landscape, with natural caves carved into the rock faces. Historically, these caves served a practical purpose, used by locals to shelter their boats. The contrast between the dark stones and the vibrant yellow rock is a photographer's dream. InstagramReddit

Visitors often describe the experience of walking on the beach as unique but challenging. The uneven, rocky terrain requires careful footing, and many recommend wearing water shoes or sturdy sandals for comfort and safety. This rugged environment, however, is precisely what contributes to the cove's raw beauty and its appeal for those seeking a less conventional beach experience. Reddit+1

The Montaña Amarilla, a prominent rock formation within the cove, is a focal point for many visitors. Its distinctive color and shape add to the overall allure of Cala Amarilla, making it a memorable destination for its natural, untamed beauty. TikTok

The Underwater Paradise of Cala Amarilla

The true magic of Cala Amarilla unfolds beneath the surface of its crystal-clear waters. This cove is a celebrated spot for snorkeling, offering an incredible opportunity to witness a diverse array of marine life. The visibility is often excellent, allowing snorkelers to easily spot numerous species of fish darting amongst the rocks and underwater formations. InstagramReddit

Many visitors have shared exhilarating encounters with sea turtles, adding an extra layer of wonder to the snorkeling experience. The abundance and variety of sea creatures make Cala Amarilla a must-visit for anyone interested in marine ecosystems. It's a place where you can truly connect with the underwater world, even with just a mask and snorkel. Instagram

To make the most of your snorkeling adventure, it's highly recommended to bring your own snorkeling gear and water shoes. The rocky seabed, while beautiful, can be sharp, so protecting your feet is essential for a comfortable and safe exploration of this vibrant underwater realm. Reddit

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