Puerto de la Cruz is an ideal stopover for enjoying Tenerife’ s northern coastline! We explored its beaches, nestled between cliffs, rocks and lush vegetation. Whether you’re attracted by the lively atmosphere of the port or the slightly quieter seaside resorts, you’ll find beaches with wave-swept black sand.
Here’s our selection of the most beautiful beaches in and around Puerto de la Cruz, with our helpful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
The best beaches in Puerto de la Cruz – map
In this article, we have selected the most beautiful beaches in Puerto de la Cruz. Between Tenerife’s superb landscapes and the movement of theAtlantic Ocean, you’ll have a great time, alone or with friends!
But there’s much more to do in and around the city. An article on our favorite activities will be available soon.
Here’s a map of the beaches listed in this article, to help you find your way around:
1. Playa de Martiánez
Why we love it
What struck us most about Playa de Martiánez was its sporting atmosphere. The waves invite you to surf. And surfers have a field day at all hours of the day. The volcanic black sand, typical of Tenerife, and the rock formations don’t stop them from taking to the water. And then there are the cafés and boutiques lining the promenade above the beach. It’s a great opportunity to stroll along and marvel at the view of the ocean and the cliffs. The Lago Martiánez complex, with its large artificial lake and emerald pools, is right next door.
Access
- In the eastern part of Puerto de la Cruz
- Next to the Lago Martiánez leisure complex
- Easy access on foot from the town center, with a long pedestrian promenade along the beach. Allow about 15min.
- Parking is available at the Piramides de Martianez shopping center, a 7-minute walk away, at a charge and open 24 hours a day. More details here.
Practical information
- Black volcanic sand and pebbles
- The slope to enter the water is relatively steep, and the sea is often rough.
- The beach is supervised all year round.
- There are toilets and showers
- The beach is accessible to disabled persons
- There are restaurants along the promenade and in the surrounding streets.
- Find out more here.
WHERE TO STAY IN Tenerife
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Tenerife
- Our favorite: Hotel Corales Beach
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families (coming soon)
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Costa Adeje
- Best hotels in Puerto de La Cruz
- Best hotels in Los Gigantes
- Best hotels in Santa Cruz
- Best hotels in Laguna
- Best hotels in Playa de las Americas
- 5-star hotel in Los Cristianos (coming soon)
2. Playa del Castillo
Why we love it
Playa del Castillo is a unique beach, also known as Playa Jardin. We were charmed by its picturesque setting: the San Felipe Castle, from which it takes its name, on one side, and the garden with its palm trees on the other. It’s a veritable oasis between the city and the ocean. The waves are relatively moderate and the water shallow. This makes it an ideal beach for families, especially as sun loungers and parasols are available for hire. We have dedicated an article to it.
Access
- Northwest of Puerto de la Cruz
- 20min walk from downtown
- There are parking spaces above. They were free at the time of our visit.
- Less than a 15-minute walk away, Parking Explanada del Muelle is free and open 24 hours a day.
Practical information
- The sand is black and volcanic, typical of Tenerife.
- The slope is gentle but the bottom is rocky, which can make swimming difficult. Special footwear is recommended, especially as the sand is hot in summer.
- The beach is supervised and there is a first-aid center.
- There are showers and toilets in the building above the beach.
- There’s also a straw mat path to the water, very useful when the sun is beating down and the black sand is getting hot.
- Sun loungers and parasols are available for hire.
- The beach is accessible to people with reduced mobility. There is an access ramp from the road and reserved parking spaces.
- We found a cafeteria with a terrace on the beach.
- More details here
3. Playa Jiménez
Why we love it
Playa Jimenez is our favorite. It is the furthest from the center of Puerto de la Cruz. You can recognize it by the colorful facades at the end of the promenade overlooking it. We went there in the early hours of the morning and really appreciated its peaceful atmosphere. But make no mistake, during the hottest hours of the high season, the beach is packed. It’s right next to one of Tenerife’s most popular attractions, Loro Parque.
Access
- Northwest of Puerto de la Cruz
- Next to Loro Parque
Practical information
- The sand is fine and black, and there are a few rock formations.
- The slope is relatively gentle, but the waves can be quite strong.
- The beach is supervised and there is a first-aid post.
- We saw toilets, showers and beach games for children.
- The beach is accessible to wheelchair users.
- There’s a restaurant above the beach.
- More details here
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
4. Playa San Telmo
Why we love it
Arriving at Playa San Telmo, we enjoyed its picturesque atmosphere in a cove right in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz. Despite its small size, its black sand and rock formations offer an atypical setting. The immediate proximity of the promenade and restaurants ensures a relaxing moment after or before swimming. It’s also a protected, landscaped beach where tourists and locals alike come to soak up the sun. Read more in our dedicated article.
Access
- In the heart of Puerto de la Cruz
- Near theSan Telmo Hermitage
- Along the Promenade San Telmo
- Pay parking lots nearby, such as Plaza de Europa, a 5-minute walk away.
- Less than a 10-minute walk away, Parking Explanada del Muelle is free and open 24 hours a day.
Practical information
- Typical volcanic black sand and pebbles
- The slope is fairly gentle , but there are rocks in places. Be careful when entering the water.
- The beach is supervised and there’s a first-aid center on the Promenade above.
- We found showers and toilets on the platform above the beach.
- The beach is accessible to people with reduced mobility. There’s an access path to get closer to the water.
- The beach is right in the middle of town, with plenty of restaurants all around.
- Find out more here.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
5. Playa del Muelle
Why we love it
It’s a small urban beach, nestled in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz. She offered us an authentic experience, with both a maritime and a city atmosphere. We particularly appreciated the proximity of the old port, whose bustling activity added a touch of local life to our visit. The view of the Casa de la Aduana, which houses theTourist Office and the Eduardo Westerdahl Museum of Contemporary Art, added a cultural dimension to this delightful discovery. We enjoyed the view from the wall around the swimming area. We have devoted an entire article to this beach.
Access
- In the town of Puerto de la Cruz
- Close to the old town and theTourist Office (Casa de la Aduana)
- Just a few minutes’ walk away, the Explanada del Muelle parking lot is free and open 24 hours a day.
Practical information
- Playa del Muelle is made up of small black volcanic pebbles.
- The slope is gentle, but there are some dark rocks that make swimming tricky, especially for young children.
- We couldn’t find any verified information about beach surveillance.
- Nor did we see any beachside showers or toilets.
- There’s an access ramp.
- The beach is right in the middle of town, with plenty of restaurants all around.
- Find out morehere.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
6. Playa Chica
Why we love it
We found Playa Chica to have an intimate charm. The impression of discovering an almost confidential corner, nestled between the rocks, with the soft colors of the house facades against the black rocks. The sound of the waves was suddenly soothing, and the space invited you to take a break from the crowds and the usual tourist clichés.
Access
- Northwest of Puerto de la Cruz
- About 2km from downtown
- The beach is easily accessible on foot or by car.
- There are parking spaces on the street above.
Practical information
- Fine black volcanic sand
- The slope is relatively gentle, but the waves can be quite strong.
- There’s a first-aid post.
- We saw toilets and showers?
- The beach is accessible to wheelchair users, with an inclined surface.
- There are restaurants above the beach
- Find out more here.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Other beaches around Puerto de la Cruz
In addition to the beaches we’ve selected, there are other places to swim in Puerto de la Cruz, such as..:
- Playa Punta Brava: a tiny beach just beyond Playa Jimenez as you head west. Find out more here.
- The artificial lake and pools of Lago Martiánez.
DISCOVER Puerto de la Cruz
Frequently asked questions
Is water quality monitored in Puerto de la Cruz?
Yes, beach water quality is controlled on the island of Tenerife. You’ll find the Drapeau Bleu label. It indicates that beaches and marinas meet specific criteria such as water quality, environmental information, safety… Find out more here.
What activities are available on the beaches of Puerto de la Cruz?
A wide range of activities are available, including surfing, fishing, volleyball and paragliding… To land on the beach! See prices, photos and availability.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
