The best beaches in Tenerife: a guide to enjoying the island

Tenerife is not just an island: it is a thousand islands in one. You just need to travel the few kilometres that separate the massif of Anaga from the cliffs of Los Gigantes to understand that it is a destination with many personalities (and possibilities). For those looking for a perfect corner for their towel, the “island of eternal spring” offers everything from tongues of golden sand that seem to be brought from another continent to coves which are a volcanic black so intense that it overwhelms. But how do you choose when there is so much variety?

In this guide, we will help you discover the best beaches in Tenerife depending on what you are looking for. Let’s go!

What to consider when choosing a beach in Tenerife

Before you hit the road, there are three main tips for finding the best beaches in Tenerife depending on what you are looking for.

First: the wind. Trade winds are considered the architects of the Canary Islands climate; and while in the southeast (El Médano area) they are a boon for surfing, in other areas they can be annoying when you want a relaxed afternoon of reading on the beach.

Second: the colour of the sand. And not just for aesthetic reasons. The volcanic black sand, typical of the best beaches in northern Tenerife, absorbs the heat significantly more. If you go at noon, remember your sandals!

And last but not least, safety. The north tends to have a rougher sea and stronger currents. On the other hand, the best beaches in southern Tenerife are usually protected by breakwaters, offering waters so calm that they look like a swimming pool. 

Tenerife South beaches with the best weather

If what you are looking for is guaranteed sun almost 365 days a year and facilities within steps of the sand, the south is the destination for you.

• Playa del Duque (Adeje). It is popular with those looking for a touch of exclusivity. Its white sand and turquoise waters make it one of the jewels of the crown.
• Playa de las Vistas (Los Cristianos). One of the most extensive and accessible. It is perfect for walking along the shore and enjoy water that is always calm thanks to its artificial island that creates breakwaters.

• La Tejita (El Médano). If you prefer something less urban in the south, this unspoilt beach next to the Montaña Roja, a very special nature reserve, is a visual spectacle, although, yes, it is usually windy.

Wilder northern beaches of Tenerife

The north is the paradise of the authentic. Here nature takes charge and the landscape becomes dramatic, with green cliffs leading to the ocean:

• Playa de Benijo (Anaga). Many people think this is the most spectacular beach. The rocky formations emerging from the sea create an unrivalled landscape, particularly at low tide. From the El Mirador restaurant, where you can park, you can take a 15-minute walk down the steps to the beach. Hiking lovers can access it through a dazzling laurel forest, although, yes, it is challenging and involves several hours of walking. 
• El Bollullo (La Orotava). A beach of fine black sand and an unspoilt environment. The access on foot between banana trees is an experience in itself: pure Canary Islands nature. You can also drive to El Bollullo restaurant and take a shorter route using stairs Like playa de Benijo, its currents and waves are strong and dangerous, so it is advisable to take great care when swimming. 
• Playa Jardín (Puerto de la Cruz). Designed by Canarian artist César Manrique, this complex comprises playa del Castillo, playa del Charcón and playa de Punta Brava. It combines botanical gardens, waterfalls and volcanic sand, demonstrating that urban and wild can coexist in harmony.

Tenerife beaches to go with children

Travelling as a family requires comfort, that is to say bathrooms nearby, gentle waves and easy access. The following beaches have all that and more:

• Las Teresitas (Santa Cruz). This is the family beach par excellence. Its golden sand and its long breakwater dike mean the water is always calm, ideal for the little ones to play without frights.

• Playa de Fañabé (Adeje). In the south, there are a wide range of nautical activities and a promenade full of shops, restaurants and ice cream parlours that will delight children after a dip.

Hidden Tenerife coves worth discovering

Sometimes silence is the ultimate luxury. If you move away from the main areas, you will find corners where time seems to have stopped.

• Playa de Diego Hernández (La Caleta). Known as the “beach of the hippies”, it is a cove of white sand that can only be reached on foot. A haven of peace with crystal clear waters. It is essential to visit it at low tide.
• Playa de Montaña Amarilla (Costa del Silencio). It is not a conventional sandy beach, but a bathing area under a yellow volcano eroded by the sea. It is undoubtedly one of the best beaches for snorkelling in Tenerife due to its rocky bottoms full of marine life and its exceptional visibility.

The 10 best beaches in Tenerife

So that you don’t miss out, we have compiled a list of the 10 best beaches in Tenerife:

• Playa de Benijo (north), for its landscape.
• Playa de Las Teresitas (north-east), for its relaxing family atmosphere.
• Playa del Duque (south), for its quality and facilities.
• Playa de El Bollullo (north), for its nature.
• Playa de las Vistas (south), for its accessibility.
• Playa de La Tejita (south), for its unspoilt surroundings.
• Playa de Diego Hernández (south), for its silence. It is also ideal for a romantic escape.
• Playa de Montaña Amarilla (south), for snorkelling and enjoying the geology.
• Playa de la Arena (west), for its sunsets with views of La Gomera. 
• Playa Jardín (north), for its leisure activities and design.

Tenerife does not ask you to choose a single type of holiday. You can have breakfast in front of the untamed sea of a volcanic cove in the north and watch sunset in the golden calm of the south. You just need good sunscreen, respect for the environment (always take your litter with you!) and to let yourself be surprised by the Atlantic.

Do you already know which beach you will visit first on your next trip to the island?