Explore Tenerife’s Shores: Map of 19 Top Beaches

Sergio Fomenkov Sergio Fomenkov

Written by Sergio Fomenkov

Beautiful beach in Spain

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a popular destination due to its mild climate, hot sun, and relatively warm Atlantic Ocean. The beach season lasts all year, although there may be occasional rain or strong winds in winter. The weather is generally consistent, with average temperatures ranging from 64.4°F (18 °C) to 78.8°F (26 °C). 

Water temperature is coldest in February, March, and April at 64.4°F (18°C)., and warmest from September to October at 73.4°F (23 °C), which is considered the velvet season in Tenerife.

Once you’re in the Canary Islands, you’ll be amazed that the Atlantic Ocean surrounds you on all sides. The Canary archipelago is bathed by the cold Canary current, but don’t worry, the ocean isn’t so cold that you can’t swim in it. 


Key Takeaways

  • The best time to visit Tenerife for a beach vacation is from May to October, although the beach season lasts all year round.
  • There are no private beaches in Tenerife; all are freely accessible, but sunbeds and umbrellas usually come at a cost.
  • Playa Duque is the best beach in Tenerife (in my humble opinion).
  • Playa de Las Teresitas is a sandy beach, perfect for families.
  • Playa de Benijo is an excellent spot for windsurfers, but it may be dangerous for swimming.
  • Los Cristianos is a quieter resort, boasting two gorgeous beaches: Playa de los Cristianos and Playa de las Vistas.

What people say on Reddit

Hello, I lived on Tenerife for half a year. The north is greener, while the south is much dryer with less vegatation (and more tourists). My favorite beach is in the north: Playa de las terecitas, there you are right next to the Anaga mountains, which should fit your ‘ineresting nature’ wish. I was recently on Tenerife with my girlfriend for a week and we rented scooters for that period, which gave us a great sense of freedom and mobility, I highly recommend doing that 🙂 they even drive 80kmh, so you can also ride on the highway with them, and you don’t need a motorcycle license. Have a great time there 🙂

RedCheeseSausage

I like Playa del Socorro quite a lot — it’s gorgeous and close to where I live. It’s under renovations at the moment, and usually over the winter the waves are too crazy to actually go in the water, but the rest of the year it’s really nice.

drinking-coffee

I prefer Los Patos to El Ancón. I have only been to El Ancón once and the sea was so bad that only surfers could get into the water. I think Los Patos doesn’t get so bad waves as El Ancón.

Anonymous375298

In La Punta del Hidalgo? Yeah it’s good for surfing especially but it’s a good beach for swimming too. The last times that I went there was jellyfish and people was leaving so I also left. There use to be also problems with algae, some times that I have went it was almost impossible to swim because of that.

Anonymous375298

The nearest mainland from the island of Tenerife is 186 miles (300 km) away, and that’s Africa, specifically the Western Sahara region. You might imagine yellow sand, but surprisingly, there’s little yellow sand here, and in general, there isn’t much sand – the beaches in Tenerife are primarily rocky. 

In many places, the coast is rugged and steep with volcanic sharp protrusions, but this is more prevalent in the northern part of the island than in the south. In the north, the beaches are mainly covered with stones, large pebbles, and granular river sand, while in the south, it’s more often light sand with small rocks.

There are no private beaches in Tenerife, so all beaches are freely accessible at any time of the day. The beaches are always quiet, except for the occasional lively children. The police maintain order, occasionally patrolling the beaches.

Tenerife also has several Blue Flag beaches. The Blue Flag is a prestigious international award given to beaches that meet high standards for water quality, safety, environmental education, and information. As of 2023, there are 14 Blue Flag beaches in Tenerife.

Beaches in Tenerife Map

The best beaches in Tenerife in 2023

1. Playa del Duque

Playa del Duque is a premium-class beach on the Costa Adeje, boasting soft golden sand, warm crystal-clear azure-colored water, and gentle sunshine. It’s situated between La Caleta and Playa de Fañabe in the southern municipality of Adeje, just 1.5 miles (2.5 km) from the large city of Playa de las Americas. 

Originally, there was a small beach of black volcanic sand here, but it was expanded using yellow sand brought from the Sahara. The beach now has excellent infrastructure, with remnants of its original nature still visible around the edges. 

The beach is named after a castle built on the ocean by the Duke d’Abrantes (“el duque” means “duke” in Spanish). Playa El Duque is considered a beach for the upper-middle class due to its proximity to five-star hotels, upscale restaurants, bars, and designer shops. 

It has also received the “Blue Flag” award from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) multiple times for cleanliness and safety. Many consider it the best beach in Tenerife.

The beach spans about 1300 feet (390 m) in length and 200 feet (60 m) in width, and admission is free. It’s often crowded with vacationers and is suitable for families with children due to its stone-free bottom, flat coast, and rare large waves thanks to breakwaters. 

Playa del Duque is fully equipped and offers free Wi-Fi. A rescue service ensures the safety of vacationers.

How to get to Playa del Duque

From La Caleta, you can take bus line No. 452 or 467 to Arecas, a journey that takes approximately 10 minutes.

Parking

There are several free parking spaces available.

Where to eat

You can grab a bite at one of the many coastal restaurants and cafes. These include the seafood restaurant La Torre del Mirador, the Spanish restaurant White Tapas, and the Asian restaurant SOBO.

Read also: 11 Best Hiking Trails in Tenerife

2. Playa de la Arena

Playa de la Arena is a remarkable beach located in the small resort town of Puerto de Santiago, on the southwestern side of Tenerife. It’s believed that the beach’s natural black volcanic sand has healing properties. 

The beach measures 393 feet (120 m) in length and 127 feet (39 m) in width. La Arena beach is surrounded by many cafes and restaurants, as well as a beautiful palm-lined promenade. Sea creatures, including various fish and even octopuses and cuttlefish, can be spotted swimming near the shore.

Due to the beach’s unique location, the water here is warmer than at other island beaches, and the black sand retains heat from the sun, making flip-flops a necessity. The beach occasionally experiences strong waves, so caution is advised, especially during such weather. 

This beach may not be the best choice for families with children due to the medium waves and large stones that can be brought in by the waves, making it important to be vigilant when entering the water.

How to get to Playa de la Arena

From Puerto de Santiago, you can take bus line No. 473 or 477 to La Arena, a journey that takes approximately 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can walk from Puerto de Santiago via Avenida Marítima Puerto de Santiago, a walk that will take about 12 minutes.

Parking

There are several free parking spaces available.

Where to eat

  • Pancho, Mediterranean cuisine
  • La Quinta, Spanish cuisine
  • Domingo, Italian cuisine.

3. Playa Jardin

Playa Jardin is one of the most renowned beaches near the resort of Puerto de la Cruz, adjacent to Loro Park. The name translates as “garden beach.” Along the beach, there’s a picturesque garden with endemic plants, waterfalls, and stone caves. The beach offers all the necessary amenities and a beautiful view of the Teide volcano. I recommend relaxing on the beach after visiting Loro Park.

One side of the beach features a breakwater to protect against waves, but several open areas are designed for surfing enthusiasts. The place is quiet and peaceful, and Jardin has been awarded the Blue Flag. The sand here is black, and the water is clean but quite cold; there are often large waves, so many vacationers choose to sunbathe. The beach has all the necessary infrastructure.

Jardin Beach is divided by rocks into three sections:

  1. Playa de San Felipe is located next to the El Castillo San Felipe fortress. It’s a good spot for sunbathing, but not ideal for swimming due to large boulders in the water. The beach is often closed for swimming. However, there are showers, changing rooms, and cafes.
  2. Playa Chica is the next lagoon located in the middle of the beach. The waves here are big, making swimming uncomfortable, but it tends to be less crowded.
  3. Playa Grande is the best place to swim at Playa Jardin. However, be cautious! There can be large waves and dangerous currents. Pay attention to the flag colors; do not swim when they are red.

Near the beach, there’s a well-equipped playground for children, offering a break from the beach to play with the kids.

How to get to Jardin Beach

The beach is located near the resort of Puerto de la Cruz.

Parking

There are several parking lots available, here is the nearest one.

Where to eat

I recommend having a snack or lunch right on the beach at the Andaman Beach Club restaurant. The cuisine and service are good, though prices are slightly above average. If you’re in the mood for hearty Canarian cuisine and seafood, head to the old quarter after the beach to a restaurant called Rincón Del Mar. The dishes are large and homemade.

4. Playa de la Tejita

Playa de La Tejita is located in the south, near the South airport, nestled between the cities of Medano and Los Abrigos. It directly adjoins the eastern end of Montaña Roja, or “Red Mountain,” which shields it from the east wind. Sometimes referred to as the “Red Mountain Beach,” La Tejita is about 1 km from Medano. It’s the longest beach in Tenerife, stretching 0.9 miles (1.5 km), and the widest, ranging from 300 to 900 feet (100 – 300 m).

La Tejita, like El Medano on the other side of the mountain, is a natural beach with golden-gray sand. The sand was either brought here by strong winds from the Sahara or is the result of millions of years of erosion of Montaña Roja. The beaches of El Medano, La Tejita, and Montaña Roja are part of a protected natural area, and car access is prohibited.

The beach slopes gently into the water and is not typically crowded. A small part of La Tejita, fenced off by a stone ledge in the ocean near the mountain, is a popular spot for nudists. For visitors, there are two zones with sun beds and umbrellas available for rent. Constant trade winds and frequent large waves create ideal conditions for surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing, or kitesurfing.

How to get to Playa de la Tejita

From Los Cristianos, you can take bus line No. 483 or 470 to El Medano, a journey that takes approximately 40 minutes.

Parking

There are several car parks and the Montaña Roja camping site within walking distance.

Where to eat

Options for dining include the tapas bar Chiringuito Pirata, Rock N Hopz Sotavento restaurant, Salvaje La Tejita grill bar, and Bombay Babu La Tejita, an Indian food restaurant.

5. Playa El Bollullo

Playa El Bollullo is a beautiful beach in Tenerife that remains a hidden gem for many tourists, making it a magical and exclusive spot for the lucky few who discover it. Located in the Municipality of La Orotava, it’s situated next to Los Patos Beach and Alcon Beach, the only three beaches in the municipality. Despite its remote location, it consistently attracts visitors. The beach is nestled on the edge of a cliff, setting it apart from the urban landscape.

This magnificent beach offers enchanting landscapes, the delightful smell of the sea, and natural views that promote relaxation and peace. It’s a wild beach that has remained untouched by time, and it’s adjacent to a beautiful bay that is equally charming. 

The beach spans about 656 feet (200 m) in length and 132 feet (40 m) in width. At Bollullo Beach, you’ll feel as if you’ve escaped the city and entered a paradise you won’t want to leave. The beach also features fine black sand of volcanic origin, which lends it a unique beauty. 

The wind from the north of the island stirs the waters, creating waves that are safe for swimming. This makes it a favorite among surfers in Tenerife. Children are also welcome here; they enjoy playing on the shore and walking on the sand, making it a family-friendly destination. Sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach bars are available for rent on the beach.

How to get to Playa El Bollullo

From Puerto de la Cruz, you can take bus line No. 30, 351, or 363 to El Rincón. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes in total, including a 25-minute walk. Alternatively, you can walk from Puerto de la Cruz, which will take about 45 minutes. If you choose this option, be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the longer walk.

Parking

There are paid parking lots with affordable rates where you can park your car from morning to evening. Please note that these are small spaces, so I recommend you to arrive early during the high season. One parking option is the lot near the Restaurant Bollullo Beach, which charges €3 per day.

Where to eat

There are several restaurants and cafes on the way to the beach. On the beach itself, several small establishments offer food and drinks in a beachy atmosphere. These include Restaurant Bollullo Beach and Restaurant San Diego.

6. Playa de Las Teresitas

Located near Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Playa de Las Teresitas is a beach that everyone visiting Tenerife should explore. I believe it is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, suitable for families with children, and due to its size, it’s never overly crowded.

Just outside the village of San Andreas, a spacious sandy strip extends along the coast. This is Playa de Las Teresitas, a one-mile (or one-and-a-half kilometer) sandy beach with a width of 230 feet (70 m). Entrance is free, with charges only for equipment rental and related services.

Teresitas Beach is the result of the hard work of local residents. In 1973, golden light sand was brought in bags directly from the Sahara to the vicinity of the village of San Andreas. This corner of the coast stands out from most of Tenerife’s beach areas, which typically have volcanic, dark sand.

A long dam was constructed to shield the coastal strip from large waves, making it more comfortable for those swimming in the sea. As a result, the water temperature in the beach area is slightly higher than in unprotected areas. Canary palms were planted along the beach, creating a magnificent palm alley that flourishes today.

Las Teresitas is bustling on weekends as locals come to enjoy their days off. The beach is cozy, with all necessary amenities including parking, a medical center, equipment rental, toilets, and showers. Restaurants line the beach, offering fresh seafood delicacies.

How to get to Teresitas Beach

From Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you can take bus line No. 910 to Las Teresitas, a journey that takes approximately 30 minutes.

Parking

There is ample free parking nearby.

Where to eat

You can find several dining options near the village of San Andreas. 

  • Cofradía de Pescadores Restaurant is known for its Canarian blackfish
  • Restaurant Los Pinchitos offers delicious grilled squid
  • Rincón del Pescador Restaurant is another great choice.

7. Playa de Las Vistas

Playa de Las Vistas is an artificially created beach with imported light sand. It’s protected by breakwaters and has all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay.

Las Vistas Beach extends along a wide promenade that connects Playa de Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Américas. It’s one of the most famous beaches on the island of Tenerife, renowned for its excellent water quality, the width of the beach, and its comprehensive infrastructure, making it a favorite among both tourists and locals.

Undoubtedly, the main advantage of this beach is its length. Playa Las Vistas is one of the longest beaches on the island of Tenerife, measuring 3030 feet (925 meters) in length and 262 feet (80 meters) in width. The place is perfect for all types of beachgoers. Both young people and retirees can spend a wonderful and unforgettable day here. As a decorative element, a large fountain is installed in the very center of Las Vistas beach, with water sourced from deep springs located beneath it.

There are almost no waves on the beach, which is one reason why Las Vistas beach is often crowded! This is the place for beach volleyball! You’ll also see local dancers and artists performing near the promenade.

Night entertainment is limited: after sunset, there are a few bars and restaurants. But during the day, you can visit shopping malls and numerous shops, most of which are located on Avenida Los Playeros.

How to get to Playa de Las Vistas

The beach is located near the Los Cristianos resort.

Parking

There are several parking spots, the best one is here.

Where to eat

NED Craft Beer offers the best draught craft beer and excellent food! Bar Restaurante El Cine is known for its fried octopus and sardines, and Oro de Napoli is a popular Italian restaurant.

8. Playa de Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos is a resort in the south of Tenerife. It’s essentially a continuation of another popular resort, Playa de Las Américas, as their borders have merged together, making it nearly impossible to distinguish where one city ends and the other begins. Los Cristianos is a quieter resort compared to Playa de Las Americas, making it more suitable for family holidays rather than for young people.

The coastline of the resort stretches about 1.8 miles (3 km) and boasts two gorgeous beaches: Playa de Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Vistas.

Playa de Los Cristianos is a natural beach located next to the seaport. Despite this, local authorities diligently maintain the cleanliness of the beach and water. On the north side, you’ll find the popular Las Vistas beach, while rocks bound the beach on the south side. A promenade stretches along the beach, beginning within the city. Los Cristianos beach itself is a very spacious place, about 0.6 mile (1 km) long and 295 feet (90 m) wide. 

The sand here is gray, a result of mixing black volcanic sand with white sand from the Sahara. Playa de Los Cristianos is characterized by shallow water, which extends for several meters into the bay, making it attractive for families with children.

There’s a large playground on the embankment near the beach. Los Cristianos Beach has everything you need for relaxation. Hotels for every budget, bars with live music, restaurants with fresh seafood, shops, and shopping centers are located either on the beach itself or within a short walking distance. 

The beach offers sunbed, hammock, and umbrella rentals, and is equipped with showers, toilets, and changing rooms. A rescue service is also available.

How to get to Playa de Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos Beach is located in the southern part of Tenerife in the resort of the same name, 18 km from Tenerife South Airport Reina Sofia and 80 km from Tenerife North Airport Norte.

Parking

Here is the nearest parking lot.

Where to eat

  • Ocean View Restaurant & Bar
  • Factory 33
  • Los Tarajales

9. Playa del Camisón 

El Camisón Beach is a nice and tranquil beach located in the municipality of Arona, nestled between the beaches of Las Vistas and Los Cristianos on one side and, at some distance, the beaches of Troy on the other. The beach stretches 1246 feet (380 m) in length and 164 feet (50 m) in width. The fine golden sand for Playa del Camisón was brought to the island directly from the Sahara Desert.

To prevent the sand from being washed away by the tides, a barrier was constructed. This barrier ensures that the water near the beach is always calm. El Camisón Beach is separated from the rest of the beaches by rocky embankments, a rarity for Tenerife. The beach was named in honor of Cape Camisón (Punta del Camisón), which adjoins it. A beautiful promenade with palm trees runs along the beach.

The beach is popular with both tourists and the locals.

Amenities include WCs, beach showers, cafes, restaurants, and shops. The beach is ideal for a family vacation, offering a variety of water sports and other activities.

Parking

Free parking is available.

How to get to Playa del Camisón

From Arona, you can take bus line No. 342 to Zentral Center, a journey that takes approximately 30 minutes. From Los Cristianos, bus lines No. 418,447,467,471,473 to Zentral Center will get you there in about 10 minutes.

Where to eat

  • Hard Rock Café
  • El Rincón del Pescador
  • Restaurant Meson Castellano

10. Playa del Médano

You will find El Médano Beach in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona, right next to the small resort of the same name. The beach consists of six smaller beaches with mostly flat terrains. 

Some of these beaches are well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and fresh water showers for a comfortable sunbathing and relaxation experience. Others simply offer sand and fine gravel, with less congestion.

The coastline and constant winds attract windsurfing and kite enthusiasts from all over Europe. The World Kite Surfing Championship, an international windsurfing competition, has been held here for many years. Despite the winds, the area doesn’t deter beachgoers and those seeking a relaxing holiday.

A characteristic feature of the El Médano resort is the east winds. Sometimes, the winds can make it uncomfortable to be on the beaches due to sand getting into the eyes and nose. In such cases, it’s worth visiting the nearby resorts of Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Américas, and Costa Adeje, where conditions are usually calmer. 

On good weather days, these are some of the best beaches on the island. It’s no surprise that El Médano Beach has held a “Blue Flag” for many years. On weekends and holidays, it’s a favorite spot for Canarians. The area surrounding the mountain is ecologically significant and is a protected nature reserve.

In the beach area, you can find a surf school, Red Rock Surf Academy, and Sognicanarias Watersport.

How to get to Playa del Médano

From Los Cristianos, you can take bus line No. 483 or 470 to El Médano, a journey that takes approximately 45 minutes.

Parking

Free parking is available within walking distance.

Where to eat

  • Restaurant La Rambla
  • Cafetería Zumería Tamboril
  • Aqua Café Tapas-Music-Bar

11. Playa de Fañabe

Fañabe Beach is located in the Costa Adeje resort area, stretching from the luxurious El Duque beach to the more modest Torviscas Beach. Fañabe was created several decades ago using imported African sand. A green island was planted on the north side of Fañabe Beach to create a more relaxing atmosphere. Along the entire beach, there is a picturesque promenade that connects it with the neighboring Torviscas beach. The beach is 820 feet (250m) long and 164 feet (50m) wide.

Fañabe Beach offers rental of sunbeds, sun loungers, beach umbrellas, as well as showers, changing rooms, and toilets. For an additional fee (€20 per person), you can stay under the awnings on the sun beds, where waiters will serve you from the bar located right on the beach.

The beach has excellent infrastructure and entertainment for children. Along the entire beach, there is a shopping gallery with restaurants and shops. Despite the fact that there are usually many vacationers on the beach, it is well suited for family holidays.

How to get to Playa de Fañabe

From Costa Adeje, you can take bus line No. 417, 467, 471, or 473 to Fanabé Plaza, a journey that takes approximately 10 minutes.

Parking

There are several free parking spaces available.

Where to eat

  • Banh Noï Thaï Viet Food
  • Limoncello (Mediterranean cuisine)
  • El Mak (tapas)

12. Playa De Puerto Colón (Playa de la Pinta)

Playa de la Pinta, also known as Playa de Puerto Colon, is a relatively small beach situated between Playa de Fañabe and Playa de Las Américas. It stretches 590 feet (180 memters) in length and 131 feet (40 meters) in width. This beach is renowned for various sports and is considered a hub for active recreation, particularly water sports. This is unsurprising given its proximity to Puerto Colon harbor, one of the largest on the island. The harbor offers jet skis, boats, and vessels of all kinds. The beach is often referred to as “Puerto Colon Beach” due to this harbor.

The beach is well-protected and quite safe, with the seabed remaining shallow even 300 feet (100) m from the shore. Lifeguards are on duty at the beach, and it’s not uncommon to see a police patrol ensuring safety and order. 

This beach is an ideal place for family vacation. When neighboring beaches have waves and cool water, there are almost no waves here, and the water warms up nicely.

Beach umbrellas are available for rent, and showers, changing rooms, and toilets are provided.

Parking

Free parking space with direct access to the beach.

How to get to Playa de Puerto Colon

From Adeje, you can take bus line No. 447 to Ocean Park. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, including walking time.

Where to eat

  • Picamar Tapas Bistró
  • Restaurant Amalfi
  • Trópico Beach Bar

13. Playa de Torviscas

Torviscas beach is located in the municipality of Adeje, south of Fañabe beach. These beaches form a single coastline, and the border between them can only be discerned on a map. 

Playa Torviscas and Playa de Fañabe are united by a long and picturesque promenade that stretches along both beaches and continues towards the cities of Los Cristianos on one side, and La Caleta on the other. 

The beach is equipped with everything you need, and stone embankments protect the beach on the ocean side, making swimming safer. 

How to get to Playa de Torviscas

To get to Playa de Torviscas from Adeje, you can take bus line No. 471 to Fañabé Plaza. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes, including walking.

Parking

Parking is available in several free spaces nearby, but I recommend La Pinta parking.

Where to eat

  • Restaurant Amalfi
  • Restaurant Cala
  • Restaurant Torviscas Spice Village (Indian cuisine)
  • Tropico Beach Bar.

14. San Juan Beach

San Juan Beach is a charming, small beach with black sand and stones situated on the southern outskirts of Playa San Juan, within the municipality of Gia de Isora in the south of Tenerife. The beach is sheltered and backed by a quiet, unspoiled village and small fishing port. A nice selection of good restaurants is conveniently located within a short walking distance.

There are many hotels near the beach, a small marina, and a variety of restaurants. During the day, you can enjoy a cup of coffee in the shade, and in the evenings, live music adds to the relaxing atmosphere. San Juan Beach is ideal for those who prefer to stay near the city but do not enjoy large crowds.

San Juan Beach offers equipment and services including sunbed and umbrella rentals, toilets, showers, changing rooms, bars and restaurants, and boat rentals.

How to get to Playa San Juan

From Los Cristianos, you can take bus line No. 473 to Puerto Playa San Juan. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

Parking

Free parking is available nearby.

Where to eat

  • Sesto Senso Restaurant 
  • MarSalá
  • Bar Sandy

15. Playa La Jaquita

Playa de La Jaquita is situated in the village of Alcala on the west coast of Tenerife, near San Juan Beach. There are several gentrified beaches in this area, and Playa de La Jaquita is one of them. It’s located next to the Gran Meliá Palacio De Isora Hotel, and its guests are the main visitors to the beach. 

The beach itself is covered with black volcanic sand, measures approximately 490 feet (150 meters) in length and about 98 feet (30 meters) in width, and is typically wave-free.

Amenities include showers, changing rooms, toilets, trash cans, sunbed and umbrella rentals, a tourist office, a playground, and the Beach Club Areia bar.

How to get to Playa La Jaquita

To get to this beach from Costa Adeje, you can take bus lines No. 473 or 477 to Isora Alcalá, which takes approximately 50 minutes.

Parking

Free parking is within a 9-minute walk.

Where to eat

For dining options, consider Le Bistrot Provencal, Restaurante Pangea, or the Mexican restaurant Agave.

16. Playa de Abama

Playa de Abama is a small, cozy beach located near the town of Playa San Juan. The water is clean, the bottom is smooth, and the sand is light and shallow. The beach is typically calm, with a green flag often displayed. Black volcanic rocks shield the bay from the wind on three sides, and an artificial reef provides reliable protection from strong waves. The beach, which is 360 feet (110 m) long and 66 feet (20 m) wide, was created by the luxury hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Abama Golf & Spa 5*. The rocky shore is covered with sand brought from the Sahara.

Rocks and artificial breakwaters protruding into the ocean protect the small bay from storms and strong winds, turning it into a lagoon with crystal clear turquoise water. The beach is open to everyone, but formally, the territory belongs to the Abama Hotel. Playa Abama is suitable for family holidays and is popular with tourists and locals, so it can get crowded on weekends and holidays.

Amenities for guests include a toilet and an outdoor shower. You can rent umbrellas and sun loungers or simply sunbathe on a towel.

Parking

To get to Abama Beach, you need to leave your car in the parking lot which is about 0.6 mile (1 km) away and walk through the hotel area. After half distance is done, you will see the upper station of the funicular, which is only for hotel guests. For others, the only option is to descend the stairs to the right of the funicular. Some may find the way back challenging. Another option is to drive through the hotel by car, go down to the beach, drop off the family there, and drive back to the parking lot.

How to get to Playa de Abama 

To get to this beach from Los Cristianos, you can take bus lines No. 473 or 477 to Abama. It takes approximately 40 minutes. From the bus stop to the beach, it’s a 900-meter walk.

Where to eat

For dining options, you can have a snack at the nearest cafe of The Ritz-Carlton Abama Golf & Spa 5*, or visit the Restaurant The Beach Club.

17. Playa de Benijo

Playa de Benijo is a secluded beach on the northeastern coast of Tenerife, spanning 1600 feet (500 m) and covered with small pebbles and black sand. It’s located in a protected natural area, with the coastal strip measuring about 100 feet (30 m) wide. 

The coast is surrounded by bizarre rock peaks, aptly named “crocodile teeth” by the locals. Many people visit this beach to admire and capture the unique landscapes of dark rocks and clear blue water churning with white foam.

Despite the gentle descent, swimming at Benijo can be dangerous due to sharp winds, strong currents, powerful waves, and frequent storms. Many visitors come here to escape the tourist crowds and relax on the sand, enjoying the sound of waves, splashing water, and beautiful views. This northern beach is also a favorite among naturism enthusiasts, who often gather here in large numbers. However, you’ll need to time your visit with the low tide; otherwise, the beach may not be visible. Despite the lack of shade during the scorching noon sun, Playa de Benijo is an excellent spot for windsurfers, offering every athlete the chance to “catch” a wave. The beach tends to be crowded on summer weekends, but is usually deserted on weekdays.

I recommend visiting the beach a few hours before sunset, as the sun sets behind the mountains earlier. The resulting photos will be spectacular!

How to get to Benijo Beach

To get to Benijo Beach from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, take bus line No. 946 to the Benijo stop. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. From there, you’ll need to walk uphill along the road for about 1.2 miles (2 km).

Parking 

You can park at “Pepe” Benijo Parking or near the El Frontón restaurant, which is a great spot for coffee or lunch.

Where to eat

  • Restaurant La Venta de Marrero offers excellent fish dishes
  • Restaurant El Mirador and Restaurant Casa Paca, which serves cuisine from the southern USA, are also great dining options.

18. Playa de Las Gaviotas

This is my favorite beach in the northern part of Tenerife. Las Gaviotas is located on the northeastern outskirts of the island, just below the Anaga mountain range. It’s the closest beach to Las Teresitas Beach. The name of this secluded and beautiful place translates from Spanish as “Seagull Beach.” 

This beach is considered wild and is a favorite among nudists in Tenerife. It’s a paradise for nudists in winter, and in summer, it attracts every type of person.

The infrastructure here is not highly developed. The beach is completely natural and wild, and when I’m there, I lose track of time and place. Here, you can do yoga on the shore, as I do, or surf the waves. 

In short, everyone feels free and indulges in their favorite activities. Some people set up an awning for the day, which provides protection from the scorching midday sun.

How to get to Playa de Las Gaviotas 

To get there from Intercambiador Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you can take bus line No. 945, which takes approximately 40 minutes. However, reaching the beach by car is more convenient.

Parking

Parking is available for up to 50 cars. 

Where to eat

There are no places to eat on the beach, and the nearest place to grab a snack is the village of San Andreas. If you’re planning to come by bus, I recommend bringing enough food and drink for the day.

19. Los Guíos Beach

Playa de los Guíos is located in the city of Los Gigantes and is the only beach here with black volcanic sand and pebbles. Some people find it a bit challenging to locate, especially if they are new to the resort and are unsure of its whereabouts.

The beach is relatively small, stretching about 328 feet (100 m) in length and 66 feet (20 m) in width. Due to the concrete pier, the waves here are mild, making it suitable for families with small children. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent. Nearby, you’ll find bars, restaurants, and shops selling souvenirs and other items. The beach is also easily accessible for people with disabilities.

Another nearby swimming spot is the natural seawater pool “Isla Cangrejo,” located on the cliffs and rocks near the borders of Puerto de Santiago. This is a convenient place for swimming without waves, offering free access and a wonderful view. “Crab Island” (“Isla Cangrejo”) is also suitable for families with young children.

How to get to Los Guíos Beach

To get there, head towards the seaport in the city of Los Gigantes and follow Los Guíos Street, which runs behind the residential complex with the “Poblado Marinero” apartment.

Parking

Parking is available nearby.

Where to eat

For lunch or dining, consider Rincón del Puerto Bar, La Paella Rústica Restaurant, or Los Gigantes Restaurant.

Beaches in Tenerife FAQ

How many beaches are there in Tenerife?

In total, there are approximately 70 beaches in Tenerife, some of which are natural and others artificially created.

Which part of Tenerife has the best beaches?

The west coast of Tenerife is renowned for its most beautiful beaches, including those in Costa Adeje and Guía de Isora. Playa del Duque is considered the best beach in Tenerife, with Playa de Arena being a close competitor.

Where are the golden sand beaches in Tenerife?

The best golden sand beaches include Las Teresitas, located in the east, about 8 kilometers from the capital, Santa Cruz; Playa de Abama, located in the municipality of Gia de Isora near the Abama Hotel; and Playa del Duque and Playa Fañabe.

What is the best time of the year to visit Tenerife for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday is from May to October. The high season is from August to October when the water is at its warmest. September and October are considered the velvet season in Tenerife. However, the beach season on the island lasts all year round.

Are there any direct flights to the Canary Islands from the US / UK?

Yes, there are direct flights to the Canary Islands from both the US and UK. United Airlines operates a seasonal direct flight from Newark, USA to Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. The flight duration from Newark is approximately 7 hours. From the UK, there are also direct flights available to the Canary Islands, with the journey taking approximately 4.5 hours.

Which beaches in Tenerife are best suited for swimming?

The best beaches for swimming are those with breakwaters that protect against large and powerful waves in the open ocean. These include Playa de Las Teresitas, Playa Las Vistas, Playa del Camisón, Playa Abama, Playa de Torviscas, and Playa Grande.

What are the best beaches in Tenerife for families with kids?

The best beaches for families with kids include Playa de la Pinta, Playa del Camisón, Playa de Las Teresitas, Playa Abama, and Playa El Bollullo.

Final Thoughts

Tenerife is one of the most visited of the Canary islands, attracting many people with the promise of a beautiful beach vacation. The island entices with its clear blue skies, comfortable temperatures, and a variety of lovely beaches available throughout the year. 

Whether you seek family-friendly beaches, ideal spots for water sports and surfing, or some secluded and pristine beaches, you will find any of them in Tenerife. 

So, I hope this inspires you to explore not only these 19 but also the remaining 50 beaches, as well as the other six islands of the Canary Archipelago!

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