Playa de los Monolitos

The second beach at Maruata is entirely different in character from the main bay. Here the Pacific hits full force, and the shoreline is framed by dramatic volcanic monoliths — tall, weather-carved pillars and stacks of dark rock that jut from the sand and sea in every direction.

Swimming here is not recommended when there is a swell; the waves break directly on shore and the undertow is strong. But the beach is spectacular to walk and the rock formations are worth exploring at low tide. The light at sunset from this side of the headland is outstanding.

things to do sight
A story
The monoliths — enormous weathered sea stacks of basalt and igneous rock — frame the second beach like an open-air cathedral. At high tide the sea rushes between them; at low tide you can scramble over the rocks and peer into pools. Locals call this the wild beach, and on days with a strong swell, the waves that crash directly onto the sand can be spectacular to watch but dangerous to enter.