We went all around the island and visited a large number of beaches: fine white, golden or black sand, turquoise waters… We found many beautiful resort beaches, but also some wild beaches to share with you.
It was a tough selection, but here’s our list of Tenerife’s most beautiful beaches, with our own photos – and a map to help you plan!
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
Tenerife’s best beaches: map
Map
Here’s a map of the beaches listed in this article, to help you find your way around:
Where to go in Tenerife for the best beaches
Enjoying the island’s beautiful beaches is one of the main attractions. The seaside resorts with the best beaches for sunbathing are on the south coast of the island: Costa Adeje, Los Gigantes, Los Cristianos… But for the most beautiful wild beaches, the Anaga Park in the north-east is the place to go.
1. Playa El Médano
Why we love it
A popular destination for its ideal wind conditions, Playa del Médano is a renowned spot for water sports. With its fine sand and shallow waters, it’s ideal for families and thrill-seekers alike. We loved the stunning view of Montaña Roja. It’s a beach that invites relaxation and contemplation.
Access
- Small town of El Médano
- South coast
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 45 minutes
- From Costa Adeje: 25 minutes
Useful information
- Supervised beach
- Showers available
- Sun loungers and parasols for hire
- Numerous restaurants and bars along the promenade
- Take this opportunity to try out surfing – see details of the experience.
Find out more about this beach.
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 Teresitas
Why we love it
This magnificent beach of golden sand imported from the Sahara, stretching for almost a kilometer, is one of the region’s jewels. 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. Its setting is spectacular, with the ocean stretching as far as the eye can see, and the Anaga Mountains as a backdrop. What’s more, it’s protected by a seawall, and offers calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and relaxing.
We also recommend a walk with your feet in the water to the end of the black rock jetty to admire the panorama.
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 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
- Its calm waters are ideal for trying out water sports: have you ever tried stand-up paddling? – see activity details.
Find out more about this beach (coming soon).
3. Playa del Duque
Why we love it
Fine golden sand and calm turquoise waters: this well-kept beach offers a luxurious setting, surrounded by high-end hotels and chic boutiques. This beautiful extended beach is divided into 2: Playa del Duque North and Playa del Duque South. It is well equipped. You’ll find showers, toilets, umbrellas and deckchairs, as well as bars and shops just a few meters away. For a relaxing day on the beach in Tenerife, this place is a must! Our full article will be available soon.
We really enjoyed walking along the beach at dusk. Beyond the superb scenery, we were delighted to dip our feet in the black sand warmed by the last rays of the sun.
Access
- First beach north of Costa Adeje
- 5-minute walk from Centro Comercial Plaza del Duque, which has underground parking.
Practical information
- Black sand mixed with small pebbles,
- Gentle, gradual slope into the water,
- Supervised beach,
- Showers and toilets,
- PMR accessibility.
- Bars and restaurants nearby.
Find out more about this beach.
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)
4. Playa Jiménez
Why we love it
Playa Jimenez is our favorite in Puerto de la Cruz. It is the furthest from the center. 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.
Find out more about this beach.
5. Playa del Camison
Why we love it
Playa del Camison pleasantly surprised us with its charm. This small beach of golden sand, nestled between two rocky promontories, offers calm, crystal-clear waters. We appreciated its family atmosphere and proximity to amenities, while remaining away from the hustle and bustle of the big seaside resorts.
Access
- Location: Los Cristianos
- From Costa Adeje: 10min
Useful information
- Golden sand
- Supervised beach
- Showers available
- Sun loungers and parasols for hire
- Restaurants and bars nearby
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
6. Playa de Los Guios (Los Gigantes)
Why we love it
Located at the foot of the impressive Los Gigantes cliffs, Playa de Los Guios offers a breathtaking setting. We were fascinated by the volcanic rock walls overlooking the beach. One section was closed at the time of our visit due to falling rocks. Playa de Los Guyos is also the ideal starting point for water sports activities. The proximity of the marina makes it easy to set off on whale-watching or kayaking excursions.
Access
- North of Los Gigantes
- Next to the marina, at the end of Calle de Los Guios
Useful information
- Pay parking at the marina
- Black sand and rocks
- Supervised beach, but beware of currents
- Sunshade and deckchair hire available
- Showers and public toilets
- Restaurant above the beach and several options around the marina
- Read more
7. Playa de Las Gaviotas (naturism)
Why 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 a stop at the viewpoint on the TF-121 road to admire the spectacular view from the top of the cliffs.
Access
- Located 25 minutes by car from Santa Cruz, just past Playa de Las Teresitas
- Pointe Nord
- 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
- Naturism in part
- 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
Find out more about this beach (coming soon).
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:
8. Playa del Benijo
Why we love it
Playa del Benijo seduced us with its wild beauty and secluded atmosphere. This black sand and pebble beach offers breathtaking scenery with its spectacular rock formations and sculpted cliffs.
Access and useful information
- North coast of Anaga Rural Park
- Pointe Nord
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 1h (via small road)
- Very few parking spaces
- Unsupervised beach
- No installations
Find out more about this beach (coming soon).
9. Playa del Roque de las Bodeguas
Why we love it
In the Anaga massif, we were really seduced by this wild beach with its deep black sand, a far cry from the touristy beaches of the south. On one side the view of the Anaga cliffs, on the other a rocky promontory that gives it its name. We enjoyed its peaceful, natural ambience, even if swimming conditions can be more hectic due to waves and currents.
Access
- North of the Anaga massif
- Pointe Nord
- 45min drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Winding TF-134 road down to the beach
- Parking along the road
Useful information
- Black sand beach and rocks
- Unsupervised beach
- Basic showers and toilets
- Some small local restaurants in the village
Find out more about this beach (coming soon).
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
10. Playa del Castillo (Playa Jardin)
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.
Access
- Northwest of Puerto de la Cruz
- North coast
- 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.
- Showers and toilets
- Rental of deckchairs and parasols
- Plage 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.
Find out more about this beach.
11. Playa Cueva del Agua
Why 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
- Pointe Nord
- 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
Find out more about this beach (coming soon).
12. Playa de Fañabé
Why we love it
At the end of the day, this long beach offered us splendid views of the ocean. The wave-swept black sand and orange sky captivated us. It was a wonderful play of light and reflections!
This beach is particularly suitable for families. Here you can enjoy water sports, including pedal-boating with an integrated slide. On the promenade that runs along the sand, you’ll find children’s play equipment. Between the miniature golf course and the trampoline, your little ones won’t have time to get bored!
Access
- Second beach north of Costa Adeje
- South of Playa del Duque
- South coast
- 5-minute walk from Centro Comercial Plaza del Duque, which has underground parking.
Practical information
- Black sand mixed with small pebbles,
- Gentle, gradual slope into the water,
- Supervised beach,
- Showers and toilets,
- PMR accessibility.
- Bars and restaurants nearby.
Find out more about this beach.
13. Playa de Antequera
Why
Isolated to the north of Anaga Park, 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. You’ll appreciate its unspoilt character and turquoise waters. We advise you to bring everything you need with you, as there is no equipment on site.
Access
- Located north of Igueste
- Northeast point
- Accessible by water cab from the front beach
- 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
14. Playa de La Enramada (La Caleta)
Why we love it
La Enramada charmed us with its more isolated and wild atmosphere. This beach of black sand and pebbles offers an experience far removed from the hustle and bustle of tourism. The stronger waves make it a popular spot for surfers. We particularly liked the rock formations at the end of the beach.
Access
- La Caleta (north of Costa Adeje)
- From Playa del Duque: 5 min drive
- South coast
Useful information
- Supervised beach
- No showers
- Sun loungers for hire
- Restaurant on the beach
15. Playa de la Tejita (naturist)
Why we love it
Playa de la Tejita won us over with its natural, unspoilt character. One of Tenerife’s largest natural beaches, this long golden sandy beach offers a spectacular setting with the Roja mountain in the background. We particularly appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and sense of space offered by this less crowded beach.
Access
- West of El Médano
- On the other side of Montana Roja
- South coast
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 45 minutes
- From Costa Adeje: 25 minutes
Useful information
- Naturist beach
- Unsupervised beach
- Few installations
Other beaches in Tenerife
Black sand beaches on Tenerife
- Playa de Troya (Costa Adeje)
- Playa del Bollullo (north of Puerto de la Cruz)
- Playa San Juan (Between Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes)
- Playa de La Arena (Los Gigantes)
Golden sandy beaches on Tenerife
- Playa de la Montaña Roja (El Medano)
- Playa de Abama (Guia de Isora)
- Playa de Los Cristianos
- Playa de las Vistas (Los Cristianos)
- Playa de las Américas
Frequently asked questions
When to swim in Tenerife
The weather is fine all year round, but the ocean temperature is more pleasant in summer.
In winter, the water temperature drops to 18-20°C, while in summer it reaches 24°C.
So it all depends on your comfort zone for swimming.
Tenerife’s naturist beaches
Some naturist beaches:
- Playa de la Tejita (El medano)
- Playa de los Patos
- Playa las Gaviotas
Tenerife’s natural pools
Tenerife is rich in natural pools, especially in the north of the island, but also to some extent in the south.
If you’ve had enough of beach sand, head for the volcanic rocks.
You can go there at low tide to swim in the clear waters, or at high tide to watch the waves crash. Among our favorites:
- Piscinas Naturales Los Abrigos
- El Caleton in Garachico
- Charco de los Chochos
- …
See our list of Tenerife’s most beautiful natural pools.
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
