Tenerife beach ban: Second popular tourist beach closed to holidaymakers amid fears of loose rocks

Benijo beach in the Santa Cruz area, often described as a "hidden jewel", is now closed off to the public. It's located in Taganana in the north of the Spanish island and is known for its stunning views of the Roques de Anaga rock formations.

It is now closed to visitors while authorities assess the risk to the public amid fears that loose rocks could fall on holidaymakers. In a statement on Monday (8 July), Santa Cruz city council said: "The councillor for citizen security and emergencies, Gladis de León, has signed this morning a decree to close access to Benijo beach due to small landslides that have been observed in recent weeks.

"Over the last few days, small falls of material have been detected that could indicate the instability of some areas of the slope above the beach," the council explained. These warnings, coming from the Spanish Red Cross staff that provides the rescue and lifeguard service in this area, have led the Santa Cruz city council to take this decision.”

They added that though the situation does not currently appear serious, "it is necessary to carry out the relevant studies and adopt the necessary precautionary measures". Officials said that technical reports have been commissioned to evaluate both the risks posed by the slope and what possible actions may be necessary.

A sign will be erected at the access area to the beach to warn visitors while security and security emergency personnel will be present to notify the public. It comes after swimming was banned "indefinitely" at another Tenerife beach popular with holidaymakers.

The Playa Jardin beach in Puerto de la Cruz is closed due to the quality of the water and indicators of waste pollution. Health experts in the area have warned that entering the water is too dangerous and as such have banned anyone from doing so.