Best beaches in Tenerife

Best Beaches & Coasts

Tenerife’s coastline ranges from the artificial golden sands of Playa de Las Teresitas, imported from the Sahara, to the dramatic volcanic black sands of Playa de la Arena and Playa Bollullo. The southern coast features calm, resort-adjacent waters at Playa de las Vistas and Playa de Fañabé, while the north offers rugged coves like Benijo. For water sports, El Médano serves as a hub for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while Playa del Socorro provides consistent breaks for surfing against a backdrop of steep cliffs.

Best Beaches & Coasts — Map

Derjonas / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Teresitas Beach

The Playa de Las Teresitas is an artificial, white sand, tourist beach located north of the village of San Andrés, Santa Cruz de Tenerife…

Alumnado Módulo ITG / CC BY 2.0

B

Benijo Beach

Nothing but you and the sea. A beach well-hidden from most of the tourists, offers beautiful views of the surrounding bay and impressive…

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

C

Playa de las Américas

A major hub for surfing and nightlife, featuring man-made beaches protected by breakwaters. The area is known for its consistent reef breaks and a long promenade connecting various rocky and sandy coves.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

D

Playa de Los Cristianos

A sheltered, golden sand beach located directly adjacent to the Los Cristianos harbor. The calm waters are protected from strong currents, and it serves as a departure point for whale-watching excursions and ferries.

Jose Mesa from island of Tenerife,… / CC BY 2.0

E

La Tejita Beach

A long, natural sandy beach situated at the base of the Montaña Roja volcanic cone. It is located within a protected nature reserve and features a designated clothing-optional area at its eastern end.

trolvag / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Playa de Las Vistas

A wide, accessible beach with fine sand and a distinctive fountain that shoots seawater into the air. Breakwaters ensure calm swimming conditions, making it one of the most popular urban beaches in the south.

Ayuntamiento de la Histórica Villa de… / GFDL

G

Troya Beach

A superb beach with crystal-clear water, golden sands and many amenities. A very nice place to spend the afternoon.

X3m / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Playa Los Guíos

A volcanic black sand beach located at the base of the Acantilados de Los Gigantes. The site offers views of basalt cliffs that rise up to 600 meters vertically from the Atlantic Ocean.

AnthonyandEmily Perez / CC-BY-SA

I

Bollullo Beach

A secluded beach situated under a steep cliff with black sand and big waves breaking on the rocks. A great place to get away from the crowds.

Arleta Adamska / All rights reserved

J

Plaja Jardin

Designed by Canarian artist César Manrique, this urban beach features volcanic sand integrated with botanical gardens, stone walls, and waterfalls. It is divided into three sections: Playa del Castillo, Playa del Charcón, and Playa de Punta Brava.

Kvdrgeus / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

San Juan Beach

A nice clean beach, shielded from wind and perfectly safe for children. A great place to spend a day with your family.

Wouter Hagens / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Playa de Fañabe

A Blue Flag beach in Costa Adeje characterized by light-colored sand and a wide promenade. It offers extensive facilities, including sun loungers, showers, and access to glass-bottom boat tours.

M

Arena Beach

A quiet and calm beach, with plenty of locals, located just a few hundred meters away from the big resorts.

A.Stephan / CC BY-SA 2.0 de

N

El Médano Beach

Tenerife’s primary destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to consistent trade winds. The natural grey sand beach extends toward the Montaña Roja nature reserve and features a shallow shoreline.

Dirk Niemann / CC-BY-SA

O

Playa del Socorro

A volcanic sand beach in Los Realejos known for its strong Atlantic swells. It is a frequent venue for national and international surfing competitions and features a steep descent from the main coastal road.

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