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There are many beaches in Tenerife, each with defining traits that make it special. Some have black volcanic sand and, others, white sand. Some are ideal for surfing, while others are perfect for relaxing in the sun. In addition, you can find the best beaches in Tenerife, both in the north and in the south, so it doesn’t matter where you’re staying or which route you’re doing. Wherever you go, you’ll be able to enjoy a lovely beach!
In this guide, you’ll learn about the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife, as well as their location and characteristics. Keep in mind that this article doesn’t include the Playa de Las Américas beach and Los Cristianos beach because while they’re popular and touristy, they’re not the most beautiful on the island.
After reading this article, you’ll know which are the best beaches in northern Tenerife, with volcanic black sand, and the nicest southern beaches in Tenerife, which have white sands and the perfect waves for surfing and water sports.
1. Benijo, one of the best beaches in Tenerife
Benijo is considered one of the best beaches in Tenerife, as well as one of the most beautiful, wild, and pristine beaches in Spain. So, while swimming is allowed, it’s not advisable to do so if the waves are strong, as you could get pulled away from shore by the currents. Besides, Benijo doesn’t have any lifeguards.
1. Benijo, one of the best beaches in Tenerife – Efrén Yanes
Benijo is in the Taganana municipality, so it’s one of the northern Tenerife beaches. To get there, you must park at El Mirador restaurant and, from there, it’s about a 15-minute walk. While it’s a short walk, it’s full of steps, so it’s not the best beach for children, older people, or anyone who has trouble getting around. That said, Benijo’s location makes it a very quiet and secluded beach in Tenerife, and the black sands are gorgeous.
The surrounding landscape is incredible, especially Roque Benijo and Roque La Rapadura. You’ll see that the arduous walk is well worth it!
2. Bollullo, one of the most spectacular north Tenerife beaches of Tenerife
Without a doubt, Bollullo is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in northern Tenerife. It’s practically unknown, and few tourists go here, but it’s still one of the best things to do in north Tenerife.
2. Bollullo, one of the most spectacular north Tenerife beaches of Tenerife
One of Bollullo’s main attractions is its location on the edge of a cliff. Combined with the black sand, the volcanic rocks create a stunning landscape. However, keep in mind that the surf tends to be quite strong throughout the year, so while it’s ideal for windsurfing and other water sports, it’s not great for swimming, especially with kids. That said, if you’re looking for a pristine volcanic beach in Tenerife with few tourists, this is the best option!
Bollullo is on Tenerife’s northern coast in La Orotava, and it’s one of the few unspoiled beaches with parking, a beach bar, and nearby restaurants.
3. Las Teresitas Beach, a beautiful white sand beach in Tenerife, Spain
Las Teresitas Beach is another one of the best beaches in North Tenerife, and it’s one of the most popular both among locals and tourists.
3. Las Teresitas Beach, a beautiful white sand beach in Tenerife, Spain
The beach is in the town of San Andrés, which belongs to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and is one of the few white sand beaches in the northern part of the island. However, Las Teresitas once had black sand, but the stones and strong currents made swimming there difficult. In the 1970s, the government installed a breakwater and laid down white sand, in the hopes of bringing in more tourism. So, while it’s an artificial beach, it’s still quite magnificent.
If you’re looking for a good beach in Tenerife for families, this is one of the best. Besides its beauty, Las Teresitas has showers, lifeguards, beach bars, and nearby restaurants. It’s also more accessible to people with mobility issues.
4. El Médano Beach, one of the best beaches in South Tenerife
El Médano Beach is considered one of the best beaches in southern Tenerife and even among the entire island. While it’s a more remote beach, it is frequented by locals and tourists, so it’s a bit crowded.
4. El Médano Beach, one of the best beaches in South Tenerife
El Médano has something for everyone, and it’s a nice beach in Tenerife for kids because the waves are calm. On the farther end of the coast, you’ll find the perfect swell for surfing and watersports. In fact, there are several surf schools here, so if you’ve ever wanted to try this activity, El Médano is the perfect place!
The beach is in the town of El Médano, within the municipality of Granadilla de Abona, and it’s very easy to access. This lovely beach has fine, light brown sand and crystal-clear waters, so if you’re looking for a scenic place to surf or swim, it’s an excellent choice.
5. La Tejita Beach, another nice beach in southern Tenerife, Canary Islands
La Tejita Beach is another one of the best beaches in south Tenerife that I recommend. Among the many reasons to come here, one of them is the spectacular views of Montaña Roja that you’ll get here.
5. La Tejita Beach, another nice beach in southern Tenerife, Canary Islands – Efrén Yanes
This beach is the longest in all of Tenerife, so there is plenty of room for everyone, whether you want to sunbathe, take a swim, or enjoy watersports. It’s also one of the nudist beaches on the island, so if you want to avoid tan lines, this is the place!
If you enjoy nature walks, here you can take advantage of the trail to Montaña Roja. From the top of this volcanic cone, you can see the entire beach and the beautiful surroundings. Surely, this is one white sand beach in Tenerife that you shouldn’t miss.
6. Masca Beach, a secluded beach in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Masca is one of the 10 best beaches in Tenerife if you’re looking for natural beauty. It’s at the mouth of the Masca ravine, which is one of the best things to do in Tenerife.
6. Masca Beach, a secluded beach in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Something you should know about this beach is that you must walk about 3 hours to get there. The scenic path starts in the town of Masca and descends the ravine. Your efforts will be worth it because there are rarely any people here, so you’ll have a quiet and intimate beach to enjoy. If you don’t want to or can’t do the walk, you can also get there by boat from Los Gigantes.
Moreover, the surrounding landscape is spectacular, and since it’s one of Tenerife’s volcanic beaches, Masca has gorgeous cliffs. It’s a beach you should definitely visit, especially if you’re looking for a wild, unspoiled natural place.
7. Playa Jardín, another beach in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Playa Jardín is another one of the best beaches in Tenerife for families because of its convenient services. Along with a playground, there is a bar, restaurant, restroom, showers, lifeguards, and other facilities.
7. Playa Jardín, another beach in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife since Playa Jardín is part of a large complex that includes Playa Chica and Playa Punta Brava. Within this area, you’ll find gardens, waterfalls, caves, and black volcanic sand, which contrasts the greenery quite nicely.
The beach is in Puerto de la Cruz, and you can reach it on foot without any problems. If it’s crowded, check out Playa Chica or Playa Punta Brava, which are just as beautiful.
8. Tamadite Beach, one of the best black sand beaches in Tenerife
Tamadite Beach, also known as Tamaiste or Tamadiste, is one of the black sand beaches in Tenerife that you shouldn’t miss. Located between large cliffs, the landscape of Tamadite is striking, although you should go at low tide when the sand is exposed. Also, while Tamadite is absolutely gorgeous, it’s not suitable for swimming because of the strong currents.
8. Tamadite Beach, one of the best black sand beaches in Tenerife
This beach is popular with people who love to hike, and there is a path from the town of Afur that passes through Tamadite and continues to the cliffs of Taganana. This is one of the best hikes on Tenerife because it takes you to one of the top beaches in northern Tenerife, where you can relax and recharge in a lovely setting.
The beach is within the Santa Cruz de Tenerife municipality and is accessible by foot. It’s not large, but it’s somewhat secluded, so if you’re looking for a quiet, volcanic beach in Tenerife, this is a good one! Plus, while you’re walking there, you’ll pass by the Charco de la Pasada, a natural pool.
9. Los Guíos Beach, a hidden beach in Tenerife that you should know
Another beach in Tenerife that you can’t miss is Los Guíos. This small, rocky beach is at the foot of the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, the Giants, vertical basaltic formations that reach up to 1,640 feet tall. Despite being next to one of the top attractions in Tenerife, this beach is relatively unknown.
9. Los Guíos Beach, a hidden beach in Tenerife that you should know
From this secluded Tenerife beach, you’ll get stunning views of the cliffs, so spend a few hours here enjoying the calm sea and the warm sun. Also, even though Los Guíos is a bit hidden, there are still lifeguards, umbrella rentals, showers, accessible amenities, and other services.
Another reason to go here is that it’s an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. So, if you want to discover the seabed or come here as a family, it’s an excellent option.
10. Playa del Duque, another gorgeous beach in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Finally, Playa del Duque is another top beach in Tenerife if you want to relax in the sun and enjoy a swim in the calm, clear water. It’s also one of the best white sand beaches in Tenerife, so if you prefer this over volcanic sand, you should definitely visit.
10. Playa del Duque, another gorgeous beach in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Visiting Playa del Duque is in Costa Adeje, in the south of the island, where you’ll find the Bahía del Duque hotel. Unlike some of the other beaches I mentioned, this one is quite crowded, but it’s still worth seeing. Moreover, it has convenient services like lifeguards, restrooms, showers, accessible amenities, and tourist information. It’s also protected from the wind and has gentle waves, so it’s one of the best Tenerife beaches for families.
Map of the best beaches in Tenerife
To help you better organize your trip to Tenerife, here is a map of the Tenerife beaches I recommend. Keep this map handy as you plan your route!
Choosing which of Tenerife’s best beaches to visit isn’t easy since each one has something that makes them unique. Have you visited any of these beaches in Tenerife? Would you add any others to this list? You can leave me a comment with your opinion below; I’d love to hear it!
Now, all that’s left to do is wish you a safe and happy trip to Tenerife, one of the best Canary Islands destinations!
