Why Gorillas Stands Out
Located on Tenerife’s northern coast near Puerto de la Cruz, Gorillas offers visitors dramatic basalt cliffs and sheltered coves shaped by ancient lava flows. The site’s name comes from the way certain rock stacks resemble primate silhouettes when viewed from the sea or nearby paths. Unlike the busier beaches farther west, this stretch remains largely undeveloped, giving travelers a sense of discovery while still being reachable by rental car or local bus.
What to See and Do
Walk the short coastal path that follows the cliff edge for close-up views of tide pools teeming with limpets and small fish. Snorkeling in the calmer inlets reveals parrotfish and occasional octopus among the submerged lava tubes. Photographers favor late afternoon when the setting sun lights the reddish rock faces. Birdwatchers may spot shearwaters gliding offshore, especially during migration periods.
How to Get There
From Puerto de la Cruz, follow the TF-5 westward for about ten minutes then turn north on the narrow coastal road toward Playa de los Patos. Limited roadside parking sits above the main cove; arrive early on weekends. Public bus line 102 stops at the nearby village of La Orotava, from where a 20-minute walk downhill reaches the start of the coastal trail.
Best Time to Visit
Winter and spring bring the calmest seas for swimming and snorkeling, while summer offers warmer water but stronger afternoon winds. Avoid visiting after heavy rain, when the clay paths become slippery. The area sees fewer crowds mid-week and outside Spanish holiday periods.
Nearby Attractions
Combine a visit with the botanical gardens in Puerto de la Cruz or the lava fields of the Orotava Valley. The coastal drive continues west to the black-sand beaches of Playa de San Juan, offering a full-day itinerary without retracing steps.
