Tenerife is home to countless beautiful spots, but some require extreme caution to visit. Much of the risk depends on the unpredictable weather and sea conditions.

One such place is the spectacular Cave of Colors (Cueva de los Colores).

Location and Names

This hidden gem is located on the northwest side of the island, near Playa de San Marcos in Icod de los Vinos.

* Approximate Location: [28.375833, -16.711111] (This is a sample coordinate near the area; specific coordinates for the cave entrance are often deliberately omitted by locals for safety reasons, but you can use coordinates for Playa de San Marcos or nearby viewing points.)

* The Cave of Many Hues: The cave is known by various names due to the rich mineral and microbial deposits on its walls—Rosa,Caldera and others.

The cave itself is quite large, carved directly into the cliffs right on the ocean's edge, and it slightly resembles the famous cavern where the Count of Monte Cristo found his treasures.

The Descent and the Dangers

The final section of the descent into the cave is particularly steep and requires navigating large, slippery rocks.

Danger 1: The Ocean (The Primary Risk)

Visiting the cave is inherently risky, as the main danger is the ocean itself. However, every time I have visited, I have met locals, and once even saw a small tourist group with a local guide.

The crucial conditions for a safe visit are:

* A calm ocean with no large waves.

* A low tide (or, ideally, a strong ebb tide).

I vividly recall my second visit: the tide was at a record low of -1.1 meters, but the waves were powerful, and I decided not to enter. Safety must always come first.

Danger 2: The Colors (Biological Hazard)

The second critical danger to be aware of is the vivid color on the rocks. These colors are created by live microorganisms.

* Warning: Touching the rock surface with unprotected skin can provoke a severe allergic reaction.

* My Experience: During my fourth visit, I decided not to wear a protective shirt and simply stood near the wall, lightly touching it with my back. The result was a severe rash (urticaria) that lasted for two weeks.

Important Note: It is highly recommended to use water shoes when exploring this area.

Final Verdict

When the weather is good, especially during the calmer summer months, this cave is absolutely beautiful. It is an ideal spot for snorkeling and taking incredible photographs. You can find many stunning videos of it online.

However, you will also find comments from locals strongly urging people not to go and requesting that visitors delete videos to prevent new visits.

The choice is yours, but heed the warnings and respect the ocean's power.