We discovered some magnificent beaches on the north-east coast of Tenerife, close to Santa Cruz. Beyond the emblematic Playa de Las Teresitas, we took the TF-121 road to access smaller, more isolated and wilder beaches. They offer breathtaking views of the ocean and steep cliffs.
Discover our selection of the most beautiful beaches north of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with our photos and useful tips!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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The most beautiful beaches in Santa Cruz de Tenerife – map
In our opinion, the best beaches are to be found north of Santa Cruz in the Anaga massif. In the town itself, swimming is prohibited due to potentially contaminated water. However, you can still swim in the César Manrique Maritime Parkclose to the city center. Instead, we recommend heading for the San Andrés area, home to the famous Playa de Las Teresitas, with its golden sands and turquoise waters. If you’re looking for wilder, more secluded beaches, push on to Igueste and the surrounding area, where you’ll discover unspoilt coves and cliffs that plunge into the ocean.
To help you find your way around, here’s a map of the beaches north of Santa Cruz:
1. Playa de Las Teresitas
Why do we love it?
This magnificent beach of golden sand imported from the Sahara is a real gem in the region. We particularly appreciate its gentle, gradual slope as you enter the water. It’s perfect for a family outing with swimming, water polo, beach volleyball, pedal boats and other modern facilities. The setting is spectacular, with the ocean stretching as far as the eye can see, and the mountains as a backdrop. We also recommend a walk with your feet in the water to the end of the black rock jetty to admire the panorama. Its calm waters are ideal for trying out water sports: have you ever tried stand-up paddling? – see activity details.
Access
- Located a 15-minute drive from Santa Cruz, near the village of San Andrés
- TF-11 road along the seafront then Avenida Marítima de San Andrés
- Ample free on-site parking
- By bus: line 910 from the Santa Cruz Intercambiador – more info here
Useful information
- Fine golden Sahara sand
- Gentle, gradual slope into the water
- Supervised beach with first-aid post
- Sunshade and deckchair hire
- Showers and toilets
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility (access ramp, pontoon on sand)
- Beach bars and restaurants in San Andrés
- Water-taxi available to Playa de Antequera – book in advance 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.
2. Playa de Las Gaviotas
Why do we love it?
This beautiful black sand beach is a little corner of paradise surrounded by impressive cliffs. We were won over by the natural, unspoilt setting of Playa de Las Gaviotas. Although the TF-121 road leading to it is narrow and winding, it’s well worth the detour. We fell under the spell of this haven of peace, cut off from the world. Equipped with a mask and snorkel, you can go snorkeling along the coast. We recommend stopping off at the viewpoint on the TF-121 road to admire the spectacular view of the beach.
Access
- Located 25 minutes by car from Santa Cruz, just past Playa de Las Teresitas
- Very narrow, winding TF-121 cliffside road
- Steep bend on the “Carretera de Las Gaviotas” down to the beach
- Free off-road parking between Playa de Las Gaviotas and Playa Cueva del Agua
- By bus: line 945 then 20min walk downhill – more info here
Useful information
- Black sand and rocks
- Gentle, gradual slope into the water
- Red Cross first-aid post on site
- No facilities or services
- Partly naturist beach
- Not accessible to people with reduced mobility
- No catering on site
3. Playa Cueva del Agua
Why do we love it?
This secluded beach, to the east of Playa de La Gaviotas, is one of our favorites hidden away in the Anaga massif. We were seduced by its fine black sand and natural charm. Although unsupervised and unequipped, it offers good swimming conditions. The slope to enter the water is gentle and gradual. As we passed, a mother and child were playing in the waves, laughing. Although overlooked by a vacation residence, this unspoilt beach offers pleasant privacy. However, access from the Playa de Las Gaviotas parking lot can be very limited at high tide.
Access
- Located 25 minutes by car from Santa Cruz, next to Playa de Las Gaviotas
- Very narrow, winding TF-121 cliffside road
- Steep bend on the “Carretera de Las Gaviotas” down to the beach
- Free off-road parking between Playa de Las Gaviotas and Playa Cueva del Agua
- Short walk between the rocks to reach the beach from the east of the parking lot
- By bus: line 945 then 20min walk downhill – more info here
Useful information
- Fine black sand and rocks
- Gentle, gradual slope into the water
- Unsupervised beach
- No facilities or services
- Shade under the trees depending on the time of day
- Not accessible to people with reduced mobility
- No catering on site
4. Playa del Llano
Why do we love it?
An extension of Playa de Igueste, this pebble beach boasts a unique, unspoilt setting. Surrounded by steep cliffs, it offers breathtaking views of the Anaga massif and the Atlantic Ocean. We loved walking along the beachfront path and taking in the scenery. It’s not suitable for long tanning sessions, as you won’t find any sandy areas or equipment on site. But you’ll be won over by its authentic atmosphere and exceptional decor. We advise you to put on swimming shoes before getting into the water!
Access
- Located 30 minutes by car from Santa Cruz, next to Playa de Igueste
- Very narrow, winding TF-121 cliffside road
- Lane narrowing in Igueste
- No on-site parking
- Parking along the Carretera Igueste de San Andrés, which stops in front of the Church of San Pedro Apóstol
- 10-minute walk through the village to the beach (stairs, slope)
- By bus: line 945 then 10min walk downhill – more info here
Useful information
- Pebble beach
- Gradual slope to enter the water, but subject to wave movements
- Potentially violent waves
- Unsupervised beach
- No equipment
- Not accessible to people with reduced mobility
- No catering on site
WHERE TO STAY in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
The old town of Santa Cruz
AC Hotel by Marriott Tenerife – Check photos and availability
North of downtown
Hotel Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey – Check photos and availability
The Park Suites by IRES LAR – Check photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Santa Cruz.
5. Playa de Igueste
Why do we love it?
A must-see surfing spot on Tenerife, this pebble beach captivates with its raw, wild beauty. Frequented mainly by hikers and surfers, it is more a place for observation than for swimming. We also noticed a sign indicating that the area to the east of the beach was closed to swimming. Head to nearby Playa del Llano for a safer launch. However, the site offers a fascinating spectacle when the surfers challenge the waves!
Access
- Located 30 minutes by car from Santa Cruz, next to Playa de Igueste
- Very narrow, winding TF-121 cliffside road
- Lane narrowing in Igueste
- No on-site parking
- Parking along the Carretera Igueste de San Andrés, which stops in front of the Church of San Pedro Apóstol
- 10-minute walk through the village to the beach (stairs, slope)
- By bus: line 945 then 10min walk downhill – more info here
Useful information
- Pebble beach
- Potentially violent waves
- Swimming prohibited except for regular surfers
- Unsupervised beach
- No equipment
- Not accessible to people with reduced mobility
- No catering on site
6. Playa de Antequera
Why do we love it?
Isolated to the north of Igueste, this beach is only accessible by boat or after a pleasant hike. Less frequented because more difficult to access, this is one of the last truly wild beaches on the island. Its unspoilt character and turquoise waters make it a paradise for bathing. You can reach it by water cab from the village of Igueste or from Playa de Las Teresitas in season. We advise you to bring everything you need with you, as there is no equipment on site.
Access
- Located north of Igueste
- Accessible by water cab or after a hike (approx. 7-hour loop, difficult route).
- You can walk there and return by water cab – book in advance here
Useful information
- Black sand and pebbles
- Gradual slope to enter the water
- Unsupervised beach
- No equipment
- Not accessible to people with reduced mobility
- No catering on site
- Bring water and a snack
- Poor on-site telephone network
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Other bathing areas around Santa Cruz
In this article, we’ve concentrated mainly on the beaches north of Santa Cruz, as these are the most beautiful close to the city. Otherwise, there are a few beaches to the south, a 15-minute drive from Bocacangrejo, but we don’t think they’re the best. If you’re looking for other swimming spots in the area, head for the coast opposite Santa Cruz, home to some magnificent natural pools:
- Jóver Natural Swimming Pool
- Mesa del Mar natural pool
- Bajamar Natural Swimming Pool Tenerife
- Natural Swimming Pool Punta del Hidalgo
However, it’s a 30-minute drive to get there.
Frequently asked questions
Are there beaches in Santa Cruz itself?
Swimming is prohibited at Santa Cruz itself, due to the risk of water contamination from port activities. The beach closest to the town center, Playa Valleseco, located near the ferry port, does not offer optimal bathing conditions, with its black pebbles and industrial environment. We highly recommend heading north, towards San Andrés and Igueste, for safer, unspoilt beaches. Alternatively, you can take a dip in the César Manrique Maritime Park – find out more here.
When to swim in Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
Thanks to its privileged climate, Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers pleasant bathing conditions almost all year round. We’ve found that the optimal period is from June to September, with a very comfortable water temperature of around 24°C. In winter, from December to February, the ocean cools but remains accessible, fluctuating between 18°C and 20°C. During the winter season, opt for the seaside resorts in the south of the island, such as Playa de Las Américas or Costa Adeje. This area generally enjoys milder conditions than the Santa Cruz sector.
Where to surf in Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
Playa de Igueste is considered the surfing paradise of northern Tenerife. It is renowned for its powerful waves. It is mainly frequented by local surfers who know the area well. This spot is reserved for experienced sportsmen and women, as the rocks and currents can be dangerous. It’s more of an observation post than a swimming hole for the curious. A sign indicates that the area to the east of the beach is closed to swimming.
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
