Tenerife boasts beautiful beaches of black volcanic sand and light golden sand nestled between rocky cliffs, ideal for diving and water sports enthusiasts but also for those who like to relax by a crystal-clear sea where it is not difficult to spot whales and dolphins.
Among the most popular and appreciated beaches are Playa La Vistas, El Medano, Playa Teresitas, Playa Torviscas, Playa Fanabe and Playa del Duque.
The resorts in the south of the island such as Bollullo, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje combine the best hotels in Tenerife with sensational beaches.
Playa del Duque is a sophisticated beach, Playa Fanabe is no less so, but also not to be missed are Playa Jardin, La Caleta, Playa Tejita, Los Gigantes, Playa de Masca and Playa Benijo.
The beaches in and around Santa Cruz de Tenerife are characterised by black or golden volcanic sand, clear waters, tourist services and a relaxing atmosphere. They are often surrounded by unique natural landscapes, with quiet bays ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Don’t miss the famous Playa de Las Teresitas, with its golden sand, palm trees and clear waters, ideal for a relaxing holiday or for water activities.
Teresitas beach is located in the north-eastern part of Tenerife, at the foot of the Anaga Mountains, near the fishing village of San Andres and 8 kilometres from the island’s capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
One of the most famous beaches on the island, Playa Teresitas is over a kilometre long and 80 metres wide. The golden sand imported directly from the Sahara Desert in 1973, in stark contrast to the dark colours of the Anaga Mountains in the background, and the sea protected from the currents by a breakwater, are ideal for children’s play.
The palm trees swaying in the sea breeze make this beach even more charming and relaxing.
Flanked by bars, cafés and restaurants offering a splendid view of the sea, the beach is fully equipped and has parking facilities.
It is the ideal beach for relaxing and sunbathing. Despite its popularity, Las Teresitas remains an unspoilt place.
Playa De Las Arenas is located along the west coast of Tenerife, 2 kilometres from the centre of the small resort town of Puerto de Santiago.
The 120-metre-long beach of very soft black volcanic sand is among the most beautiful on the island. Absolutely family-friendly even though the absence of breakwaters makes the sea prone to currents, Las Areanas beach is surrounded by well-kept gardens and is equipped with all amenities.
The water here gets deep fairly quickly but lifeguards are always on hand.
Numerous restaurants and shops can be found in the surroundings as well as several excellent hotels.
Perched on the northern coast of Tenerife, within the Anaga Mountains Nature Reserve, Playa de Benijo is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Picturesque and wild, Playa Benjio is a beach of black volcanic sand and pebbles popular with surfers and water sports enthusiasts. The beach is not equipped but is served by an excellent chiringuito that serves local food and drinks at reasonable prices.
Playa Benjio, 300 metres long and 30 metres wide, offers splendid views of the Roques de Anaga, two rocky islets, the Roque de Tierras la Roque de Fuera, a symbol of Tenerife. Not far away is Playa Draguillo, little frequented except by a few naturists and locals.
To reach the beach you have to drive along the TF 134 road, which is very winding in places.
Playa de San Roque, also known as Roque de las Bodegas beach, is located in the northernmost part of Tenerife within the protected area of the Anaga Rural Park.
The black sand and pebble beach, 380 metres long and 45 metres wide, is surrounded by high cliffs and is bathed by a very rough sea. The beach is very quiet and is not equipped, but it is possible to find some small restaurants along the road that connects it to the town.
Playa de San Roque and the nearby Playa Mastic and Playa Benujo are the most famous beaches in this part of the island.
Playa El Cabezo, one of the most popular with water sports enthusiasts, is located along the southern coast of Tenerife not far from El Medano beach and a short distance from Tenerife South airport.
The long beach of black sand and small pebbles, also known as the port of Guimar, is protected by several breakwaters. Some excellent fish restaurants and tapas bars can be found near the sea.
El Cabezo is also the stage for several national windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions, including the O´Neill Tenerife Grand Prix.
The beaches near Puerto de la Cruz, such as Playa Jardín and Playa de Martiánez, are characterised by black volcanic sand, spectacular scenery and cool waters. Often surrounded by lush vegetation, they offer tourist services, relaxation areas, and are ideal for surfing and water sports, while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
The cosy Playa de Martiánez is located in the lively town of Puerto de la Cruz in the north of Tenerife and is characterised by volcanic sand and warm waters. It is popular with surfers for the high waves that wash the beach.
Next to the beach is one of Tenerife’s most famous attractions, Lago Martiánez, where salt water from the ocean is filtered into a large water park consisting of pools, waterfalls, beautiful landscaped gardens, sunbathing areas, restaurants, bars and cafés.
Lago Martianez was designed by Lanzarote artist César Manrique, and is a great place to spend a day with the kids.
The beautiful black sand beach of Bollullo is located along the northern coast of Tenerife 4 kilometres east of Puerto de la Cruz and not far from La Orotava.
The beautiful and pristine beach, considered among the most beautiful in the Canaries, is composed of soft volcanic sand and is surrounded by fascinating cliffs. The currents and waves make Playa El Bollullo not particularly suitable for children.
At 300 metres long, Bolullo is also known for the curious rock formation on the shoreline.
Bolullo can be reached either by car or by following a small path with steep steps, the Camino de la Costa, that winds through banana plantations. Not far away are the beaches of Los Paros and El Pozo.
On Bolullo beach there is only a bar where you can find some tapas and several bocadillos while a restaurant is located on the cliff behind the beach.
The beautiful Playa Jardin is located along the northern coast of Tenerife a few hundred metres from the centre of Puerto de la Cruz.
This beautiful 700-metre-long black sand beach was designed by artist and architect Cesar Manrique and its characteristic feature is the botanical garden full of flowers and plants that separates it from the coastal road.
Playa Jardin is divided into 3 sections of different sizes separated by small rocks. In the first, most touristic part, there is a restaurant and sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired, while the second, smallest, and third are frequented mainly by locals. All around are small waterfalls and pools.
Playa Jardìn is surrounded and protected by a cliff that spares it from ocean currents. The entire area is surrounded by excellent hotels, including the Hotel Botanico and the Hotel Beatriz Atlantis & Spa.
Not far away is the fabulous Loro Parque.
In the south of Tenerife, the beaches are famous for their golden sand, warm, calm waters and modern infrastructure. Beaches such as Playa de las Américas and Playa del Duque offer a lively tourist atmosphere with restaurants, shops and water activities. They are ideal for relaxation and fun.
The beach of El Medano, ideal for windsurfing, is located along the southern coast of Tenerife, a few kilometres from Tenerife South Airport and about 40 minutes’ drive from the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and is among the largest on the island.
Ideal for families, the golden sandy beach of El Medano stretches for over 3 kilometres and is washed by shallow, calm, crystal-clear waters.
A quiet resort with bohemian overtones, ideal for families with young children who want to avoid the nearby bustling resorts of Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos, has developed around the beach. In the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of El Médano you will also find some of the best tapas bars in the south of Tenerife.
Playa Medano is well-equipped, served by several restaurants and offers the possibility of practising water sports. Not far away are the beaches of Jaquita, Playa El Cabezo, Playa Tejita, Playa Machado and Playa de La Pelada.
El Medano is easily accessible via the TF 1 motorway.
The beautiful beach of Playa del Duque is located along the west coast of Tenerife not far from the exclusive resort of Costa Adeje and 3½ kilometres north of Playa de las Americas from which it is divided by Playa Fanabe, Torviscas and Puerto de Colon.
The beach of soft, fine golden sand is lapped by shallow, crystal-clear waters. Equipped and refined, Playa del Dunque is surrounded by palm trees and is famous for its cleanliness, luxurious atmosphere and excellent facilities.
Playa del Dunque is lined with an elegant promenade lined with excellent seafood restaurants, trendy cafés, famous brand boutiques and luxurious 5-star hotels such as the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque Resort. The beach also offers magnificent panoramic views of the island of La Gomera.
If you like hiking, don’t miss the magnificent cliffs of Los Gigantes, about 30 kilometres away, and the whale watching excursions.
From the main towns of Tenerife there are regular buses to Playa del Duque, the most child-friendly beach on the south coast.
Los Cristianos beach is located west of Tenerife South Reina Sofía Airport and is one of the busiest and most crowded places in the Canaries. The beach is beautiful and nearby is the city port that offers mini-cruises, diving excursions and trips to the neighbouring island of La Gomera.
The long promenade by the sea with good restaurants, bars and cafés offering typical Canarian dishes is very popular. The beach is large, has golden sand, calm waters and is equipped with sunbeds and showers.
Close to Los Cristianos is Playa de las Vistas, another long stretch of soft golden sand with all amenities. Water sports and pedaloes can be practised here.
Playa de las Américas is located on the southern coast of the island and is characterised by golden beaches and warm, calm waters. This lively and colourful tourist destination is famous for its parties.
Young people head for Playa de las Américas, particularly along the one-kilometre stretch called Verónicas, packed with nightclubs, cabarets, live music venues, shops and restaurants. On the beach, one can enjoy water activities such as jet-skiing, scuba diving and windsurfing, and a large number of boat excursions.
Tip: Those seeking peace and quiet should perhaps avoid Playa de las Américas.
Playa Fanabe beach is located along the south-western coast of Tenerife, not far from the exclusive resorts of Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos.
Fanave beach is an expanse of fine golden sand bathed by crystal-clear waters and equipped with excellent facilities.
Popular with water sports enthusiasts, families and couples, Playa Fanabe offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, the island of La Gomera and the mountains.
Gourmet restaurants, elegant cafés, famous brand boutiques and luxurious 5- and 4-star hotels line Fanabe’s promenade.
Nearby, the beach of Playa del Duque is not to be missed.
Tejita beach is located along the southern coast of Tenerife, not far from Tenerife South Airport, and is divided from El Medano beach by the protected natural area of Montana Roja, a 171-metre high volcanic cone.
Playa Tejita is a kilometre-long and 100-metre-wide beach of fine golden sand set in a breathtaking natural environment.
The beach, the longest sandy shoreline on the island, is equipped and very popular but unfortunately it is very open to the sea and waves and currents often prevent swimming. The south-eastern end is very popular with naturists.
Not far from Tejita, easily accessible by car, is the beach of El Confital.
The beach of Poris de Abona is located on the southern coast of Tenerife, about 20 kilometres north of Tenerife South Airport and 35 kilometres from the capital Santa Cruz, and its beauty has led to the development of several residential and tourist complexes.
The dark sand of volcanic origin and pebbles, with classic Canarian charm, is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, just remember that it is not equipped.
Near the beach, frequented mainly by islanders, there are several restaurants and tapas bars.
Certainly less hospitable than the rest of the island, the beaches in the north-west of Tenerife are not lacking in charm and distinctiveness, and are distinguished by their black volcanic sand and spectacular natural landscapes
The beautiful Playa de Masca beach is located along the north-western coast of Tenerife, at the end of the Masca gorge south of the Punta de Teno.
The picturesque beach of black sand and pebbles lies at the foot of imposing cliffs and is bathed by a crystal-clear sea of deep turquoise green.
Inaccessible by land except by a tortuous and difficult route that starts from the village of Masca and takes about 3 hours, Playa de Masca is easily reached by boat from the nearby port of Playa San Juan or from the port of Los Gigantes, which is 6½ kilometres away.
Playa de los Gigantes is located on the coast of the municipality of Santiago del Teide, in the western part of the island of Tenerife. The beach consists of fine black sand, and the town’s marina is very close to the beach, so it is normal to see a lot of movement in the area.
This beach is famous for its fantastic landscape, as from it you have a wonderful view of the imposing Cliffs of the Giants. There are many facilities on the beach, including showers and sunbeds.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.