Los Patos Beach Closure Extended Indefinitely
The reopening of Los Patos, one of Tenerife’s most spectacular beaches, remains uncertain as local authorities prioritize visitor safety. La Orotava Town Council confirms the black-sand cove will stay closed until all risks from unstable cliffs are properly addressed.
Safety Over Political Pressure
Narciso Pérez, La Orotava’s Councilor for Environment and Urban Planning, rejects political calls for immediate reopening, calling it “irresponsible” to compromise safety. “Human lives come before everything,” he states, responding to the PSOE party’s demands for a clear reopening timeline.
A Troubled History of Landslides
This historically nudist-friendly beach has faced recurring safety issues. After a 2013 closure due to dangerous access stairs (replaced in 2022), fresh landslides in December 2023 forced another shutdown. Emergency stabilization work revealed deeper geological instability, prompting a comprehensive study of the cliff face.
Awaiting Geological Solutions
Specialists warn the cliff remains dangerously unstable, with continuing landslide risks common across Tenerife’s northern coastline. Authorities await the island council’s geological report to determine necessary safety measures. “We want Los Patos open as much as anyone,” Pérez notes, “but not until we can guarantee visitors’ safety.”
