Tenerife's best beaches: a guide to sun, sand, and sea
Tenerife, the crown jewel of the Canary Islands, is an island paradise that captivates the hearts of its visitors. As the largest and most populous island in the archipelago, Tenerife boasts a diverse landscape that ranges from the rugged, volcanic terrain of Teide National Park to the lush, green forests of Anaga Rural Park. However, it's the island's stunning coastline that truly sets it apart. With over 400 kilometers of coastline, Tenerife is a beach lover's dream come true.
Renowned for its year-round warm climate, Tenerife is a perfect destination for those seeking sun, sea, and sand at any time of the year. The island's geographical location, just off the coast of Africa, ensures that it enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine annually, making it an ideal getaway for sun-seekers and beach enthusiasts.
Tenerife's beaches are as diverse and varied as the island itself. They come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own unique character and charm. From the golden sands of Las Teresitas to the black volcanic sands of Playa Jardin, the island offers a fascinating array of beaches that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you're a fan of bustling tourist hotspots with all the amenities or prefer secluded coves where you can enjoy some peace and tranquility, Tenerife has got you covered.
But there's more to Tenerife's beaches than just sunbathing and swimming. Many of them are perfect for water sports, from surfing and windsurfing to scuba diving and snorkeling. Others are backed by lively promenades lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, offering plenty of entertainment options for when you want a break from the beach.
In addition to their natural beauty, many of Tenerife's beaches are also steeped in history and culture. Some are located near charming fishing villages, where you can get a taste of the island's traditional way of life. Others are home to important archaeological sites or are part of protected natural areas, adding an extra layer of interest to your beach day.
In this article, we'll take you on a journey around Tenerife's coastline, exploring some of the island's best beaches. We'll delve into what makes each of them unique, from their natural features and attractions to the activities they offer. Whether you're planning your first trip to Tenerife or are a seasoned visitor looking for new beaches to discover, this guide is sure to inspire your next beach adventure on this beautiful island.
1. Playa de Las Teresitas
Playa de Las Teresitas is a stunning golden sand beach located in the north of Tenerife, near the town of San Andrés. The beach stretches for over a kilometer and is known for its crystal clear waters and calm conditions. The sand was imported from the Sahara Desert, making it one of the few golden sand beaches on the island.
Source: pxhere.com
One of the unique features of Playa de Las Teresitas is the breakwater that protects the beach from strong waves and currents. This breakwater creates calm waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is also surrounded by mountains and palm trees, creating a picturesque setting for a day at the beach.
In addition to its natural beauty, Playa de Las Teresitas has several amenities to make visitors' stay comfortable. There are several bars and restaurants nearby, serving traditional Canarian cuisine and fresh seafood. There are also showers and changing facilities available, making it easy to rinse off the sand and saltwater after a day at the beach.
Playa de Las Teresitas is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, especially during the summer months. However, even at peak times, the beach is rarely overcrowded, making it a great option for those looking for a more relaxed beach experience. The beach is also popular with families, as the calm waters are perfect for children to swim in.
To get to Playa de Las Teresitas, visitors can take a bus from Santa Cruz de Tenerife or drive themselves. There is a large parking lot near the beach. Overall, Playa de Las Teresitas is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Tenerife, offering a unique golden sand beach experience on this volcanic island.
2. Playa de la Arena
Playa de la Arena is a beautiful black sand beach located on the west coast of Tenerife, in the town of Puerto de Santiago. The beach is surrounded by the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes, offering stunning views of the landscape.
The black sand of Playa de la Arena is formed from volcanic rocks that have been eroded over time, giving the beach a unique and striking appearance. The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and calm conditions, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Playa de la Arena is a family-friendly beach, with plenty of amenities to make visitors' stay comfortable. There are several beachside cafes and restaurants serving traditional Canarian cuisine, as well as ice cream and snack stands. Sun loungers and parasols are available for rent, and there are showers and changing facilities nearby.
The beach is also popular for water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. There are several rental facilities nearby, making it easy to try out these activities even if visitors don't have their own equipment.
In addition to the beach itself, Playa de la Arena has several other attractions nearby. Visitors can take a boat trip from the nearby marina to explore the cliffs of Los Gigantes or go whale and dolphin watching. There are also several hiking trails in the area, offering stunning views of the coastline and nearby villages.
To get to Playa de la Arena, visitors can take a bus from Los Cristianos or drive themselves (you can rent a car here). There is a parking lot nearby, although it can get crowded during peak season.
3. Playa del Duque
Playa del Duque is a luxurious beach located on the south coast of Tenerife, in the town of Costa Adeje. The beach is renowned for its fine golden sand and clear blue waters, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Credit: dailytravelpill.com
The beach is approximately 700 meters long and 60 meters wide, with plenty of space for visitors to spread out and enjoy the sun. The sand is soft and clean, and there are several sun loungers and parasols available for rent. Visitors can also enjoy beachside cafes and restaurants serving delicious food and drinks.
Playa del Duque is a perfect destination for those looking for a luxurious beach experience. There are several high-end hotels and resorts nearby, offering spa treatments and other amenities for visitors to enjoy. The beach is also surrounded by upscale shops and restaurants, making it easy to combine a day at the beach with some shopping or fine dining.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors can also enjoy several water sports activities at Playa del Duque. These include jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding, among others. There are several rental facilities nearby, making it easy to try out these activities even if visitors don't have their own equipment.
Playa del Duque is a family-friendly beach, with plenty of amenities to keep children entertained. There is a playground and a beachside fountain for kids to play in, as well as several ice cream and snack stands. The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards, providing an extra layer of safety for families with young children.
You can find a great review of this beach at Aura's blog: https://dailytravelpill.com/playa-del-duque-tenerife/.
4. Playa de las Vistas
Playa de las Vistas is a beautiful sandy beach located in the town of Los Cristianos on the south coast of Tenerife. The beach is approximately 850 meters long and is one of the most popular beaches in the area.
Source: tenerifesurprise.es
Playa de las Vistas has a wide range of amenities to make visitors' stay comfortable. There are plenty of sun loungers and parasols available for rent, as well as showers and changing facilities. The beach also has several beachside cafes and restaurants serving delicious food and drinks, as well as ice cream and snack stands.
The waters of Playa de las Vistas are clear and calm, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can also enjoy several water sports activities, including jet skiing, paddleboarding, and parasailing. There are several rental facilities nearby, making it easy to try out these activities even if visitors don't have their own equipment.
Playa de las Vistas is a family-friendly beach, with plenty of amenities to keep children entertained. There is a playground and a beachside fountain for kids to play in, as well as several ice cream and snack stands. The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards, providing an extra layer of safety for families with young children.
The beach is surrounded by several hotels and resorts, making it a popular destination for tourists. The nearby promenade is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the views, and there are several shops and restaurants in the area. Playa de las Vistas is also a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the ocean.
5. Playa Jardín
Playa Jardín is a unique and stunning black sand beach located in the town of Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast of Tenerife. The beach is surrounded by beautiful gardens and palm trees, making it a picturesque spot for a day at the beach.
Playa Jardín is approximately 1 kilometer long and is divided into three sections, each with its own unique features. The first section has the largest expanse of sand and is the busiest area of the beach, with plenty of sun loungers and parasols available for rent. The second section is quieter and has several large rock formations, creating a more secluded and private spot. The third section is the most natural and unspoiled, with fewer amenities but stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The black sand of Playa Jardín is formed from volcanic rocks that have been eroded over time, giving the beach a unique and striking appearance. The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and calm conditions, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Playa Jardín has plenty of amenities to make visitors' stay comfortable. There are several bars and restaurants nearby, serving traditional Canarian cuisine and fresh seafood. There are also showers and changing facilities available, making it easy to rinse off the sand and saltwater after a day at the beach.
In addition to the beach itself, Playa Jardín has several other attractions nearby. The nearby Lago Martiánez is a beautiful outdoor swimming pool complex with several pools, waterfalls, and gardens, designed by the famous Canarian architect César Manrique. There are also several hiking trails in the area, offering stunning views of the coastline and nearby villages.
6. Playa de los Cristianos
Playa de los Cristianos is a bustling beach located on the south coast of Tenerife, in the town of Los Cristianos. The beach is approximately 500 meters long and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
The golden sand of Playa de los Cristianos is soft and clean, and the water is clear and calm, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can enjoy several water sports activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and parasailing. There are several rental facilities nearby, making it easy to try out these activities even if visitors don't have their own equipment.
Playa de los Cristianos has plenty of amenities to make visitors' stay comfortable. There are several beachside cafes and restaurants serving delicious food and drinks, as well as ice cream and snack stands. The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards, providing an extra layer of safety for families with young children.
The beach is surrounded by several shops and restaurants, making it a popular destination for tourists. The nearby promenade is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the views. Visitors can also take a boat trip from the nearby marina to explore the nearby coastline or go whale and dolphin watching.
Playa de los Cristianos is a family-friendly beach, with plenty of amenities to keep children entertained. There is a playground and a beachside fountain for kids to play in, as well as several ice cream and snack stands.
7. Playa de las Galletas
Playa de las Galletas is a small and charming black sand beach located in the town of Las Galletas on the south coast of Tenerife. The beach is approximately 400 meters long and is a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
Credit: beachsearcher.com
The black sand of Playa de las Galletas is formed from volcanic rocks that have been eroded over time, giving the beach a unique and striking appearance. The beach is known for its clear waters and calm conditions, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Playa de las Galletas has several amenities to make visitors' stay comfortable. There are several sun loungers and parasols available for rent, as well as showers and changing facilities. There are also several beachside cafes and restaurants serving traditional Canarian cuisine and fresh seafood.
The beach is a popular spot for fishing, and visitors can often see local fishermen casting their lines from the shore. Visitors can also enjoy several water sports activities, including jet-skiing. There are several rental facilities nearby, making it easy to try out these activities even if visitors don't have their own equipment.
Playa de las Galletas is a perfect spot to escape the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed beach experience. The beach is surrounded by several small restaurants and bars, making it a great place to enjoy a drink or a meal after a day at the beach.
8. Playa de Benijo
Playa de Benijo is a wild and rugged black sand beach located on the north coast of Tenerife (read about Anaga Rural Park), near the village of Taganana. The beach is approximately 300 meters long and is known for its dramatic landscape and stunning views.
The black sand of Playa de Benijo is formed from volcanic rocks that have been eroded over time, giving the beach a unique and striking appearance. The beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and large rock formations, creating a dramatic and otherworldly landscape.
Playa de Benijo is not a developed beach, and there are no amenities or facilities available for visitors. However, this adds to the beach's wild and natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more secluded beach experience.
The beach is a popular spot for surfing and bodyboarding, with several breaks that offer great waves for experienced surfers. Visitors can also enjoy several hiking trails in the area, offering stunning views of the coastline and nearby mountains.
To get to Playa de Benijo, visitors must drive down a narrow and winding road that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. There is a small parking lot near the beach, although it can get crowded during peak season.
Overall, Playa de Benijo is a unique and stunning beach that offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience in Tenerife. While it may not have the amenities or facilities of other beaches on the island, its rugged and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for those looking for a more wild and adventurous beach experience.
9. Playa del Médano
Playa del Médano is a beautiful golden sand beach located on the south coast of Tenerife, in the town of El Médano. The beach is approximately 2 kilometers long and is known for its stunning views and calm waters.
The beach is a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with several schools and rental facilities nearby. The beach's constant winds and clear waters make it a perfect spot for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Playa del Médano has plenty of amenities to make visitors' stay comfortable. There are several sun loungers and parasols available for rent, as well as showers and changing facilities. There are also several beachside cafes and restaurants serving delicious food and drinks, as well as ice cream and snack stands.
The beach is family-friendly, with a children's play area and several lifeguards on duty. There are also several beach volleyball courts and a bike path that runs along the beach, making it easy to explore the surrounding area.
10. Playa de la Tejita
Playa de la Tejita is a stunning golden sand beach located on the south coast of Tenerife, near the town of El Médano. The beach is approximately 1 kilometer long and is known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
Source: tripadvisor.es / Marieke D.
The beach is located in a natural reserve, and the surrounding landscape is unspoiled and wild, creating a perfect spot for visitors looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more secluded beach experience. The sand is soft and clean, and the water is clear and calm, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Playa de la Tejita has several amenities to make visitors' stay comfortable. There are several sun loungers and parasols available for rent, as well as showers and changing facilities. There are also several beachside cafes and restaurants serving traditional Canarian cuisine and fresh seafood.
The beach is a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with several rental facilities nearby. Visitors can also enjoy several hiking trails in the area, offering stunning views of the coastline and nearby mountains.
Other beaches in Tenerife
In addition to these top 10 beaches, there are several other stunning beaches to explore in Tenerife, including Playa Abama, Playa de la Arena, and Playa de las Américas. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or an active day at the beach, Tenerife's beaches offer something for everyone.
Playa Abama / tripadvisor.es
When visiting Tenerife's beaches, it's important to respect the natural environment and follow local regulations. Visitors should also be aware of the sun's strong rays and take precautions to protect themselves from sunburn and dehydration. Additionally, visitors should be aware of potential currents and take care when swimming in the sea.
In conclusion, Tenerife's beaches are some of the most beautiful and varied in the world, offering visitors an abundance of options for sun, sand, and sea. Whether you're looking for a secluded cove or a bustling tourist hotspot, Tenerife's beaches have it all. So pack your sunscreen, grab your towel, and head to Tenerife for a beach vacation you'll never forget!
