Playa de la Arena is the largest beach in Puerto de Santiago, at the foot of Los Gigantes, on the west coast of Tenerife. It’s a black sand beach much appreciated by tourists for its lively atmosphere and comfortable facilities.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips for making the most of your visit to Playa de la Arena.
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
Is Playa de la Arena worth it?
Yes, this beach is well worth a visit. We loved its lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Playa de la Arena offers a host of facilities for your comfort, including sun loungers and parasols for hire. The volcanic rocks that line the ends of the beach create a landscape very characteristic of Tenerife.
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
- Playa de la Arena is covered with fine black sand, typical of Tenerife’s volcanic beaches.
- We advise you to wear sandals, as the rocks are slippery and the sand hot in summer.
Swimming conditions and supervision
The beach is supervised in season. Be careful, though, as the ocean can be rough with strong currents. During our stay, there were some very nice waves.
Installations
The beach is well equipped with showers and public toilets. We noted that deckchairs and parasols were available for hire. In fact, they take up a large part of the space in high season.
Access to Playa de la Arena
Where’s the beach?
- South of the town of Puerto de Santiago
- Near the cliffs of Los Gigantes, on the west coast of Tenerife
- At the foot of theLandmar Hotel Playa de La Arena
Access by car and parking
- There is no dedicated parking at the beach.
- There are parking spaces just above, along the avenue maritime, but finding one can be difficult.
- If you’re staying in the city, we recommend you come on foot.
- You can also get there on two wheels, as you’ll find everything you need to secure your bike.
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.
Public transport access
The beach is accessible by bus. Find out more here.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
Useful information
Dog
Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Reduced mobility access
The beach is accessible to people with reduced mobility thanks to a ramp.
With children
The beach is suitable for families, but we recommend you take care as the currents can be strong and the sea often rough.
Naturism
Naturism is not permitted on this urban beach.
Eating out
We didn’t have lunch near the beach, but there are plenty of restaurants all around, including two with direct sea views. Be sure to check out our article dedicated to our top addresses in Los Gigantes.
Hotels
We stayed at theHotel Landmar Playa La Arena. It’s located 50m from the beach, with several pools overlooking the ocean. See prices, photos and availability.
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)
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
