Summer in Tenerife is marked by the closure of seven emblematic coastal spots due to the danger of cliff and slope collapses. Municipalities have chosen to prioritize user safety, prohibiting access to these areas, a measure that has become more stringent since the tragic event in Los Gigantes in 2009.
The affected beaches include Los Patos in La Orotava, Benijo and Las Gaviotas in Santa Cruz, La Consolación in the El Guincho neighborhood (Garachico), Los Barqueros in Buenavista del Norte, Santo Domingo in La Guancha, and the Tabaiba cove in El Rosario. These locations have experienced landslips or collapses, leading to prolonged closures, some lasting a decade or more.
The fatal incident involving two people at Los Guíos beach (Los Gigantes) in 2009, caused by a cliff collapse, set a precedent. Since then, local administrations are aware that the risk of landslides is not a mere probability but a 'mortal certainty' with severe legal consequences.
Santo Domingo beach in La Guancha holds the record for the longest closure, dating back to 2007, and was officially shut down in 2010. Despite agreements and projects, its reopening remains pending, with hopes now placed on the transfer of competencies to the Government of the Canary Islands.
In Buenavista del Norte, Los Barqueros beach has been closed for over ten years due to its complex location within a ravine. Although frequented by locals, access is prohibited following the Los Gigantes accident.
Los Patos, in La Orotava, is entering its third summer closed due to cliff instability. The City Council awaits studies from Involcan on the geological processes affecting cliff stability, with conclusions expected in November.
In the metropolitan area, Benijo beach (Santa Cruz) has been closed since July 2024 following a collapse on the access slope. The City Council has declared the action as an emergency to expedite procedures.
Las Gaviotas, another beach in Santa Cruz, has also been closed again due to the risk of collapse. An urgent contract worth 1.9 million euros has been approved to stabilize the slope, with reopening expected after the works are completed.
In Garachico, La Consolación beach (El Guincho neighborhood) has been closed since February after a wall section collapsed. The City Council is taking steps to declare the action as an emergency, while beachgoers are disregarding the installed fencing.
Lastly, in El Rosario, the Tabaiba cove remains closed to bathing, although access to El Moro beach has been reopened. The City Council continues repair work on storm damage and ongoing construction in the area.
