The exceptional beaches of Tenerife are one of the main attractions of the island. Thanks to its volcanic origin, the island has numerous natural beaches with the typical black sand. For those who don’t like black sand, there are some artificial beaches whose golden sand has been imported from the other Canary Islands or Africa. In this article, we would describe what we believe are the best beaches in Tenerife.
Most of Tenerife’s beaches are easily accessible and meet all European criteria for cleanliness, services, and accommodation. The island is home to 14 of the 46 beaches in the Canary Islands that have received the Blue Flag. thanks to the exceptional quality of the water, the wide range of services, and the unparalleled attention paid to accessibility for the disabled.
The average water temperature is pleasant throughout the months and allows you to enjoy swimming regardless of the time of year. The beaches are very popular, most are lined with a lively promenade where you can find shops, ice cream parlors, and restaurants offering international cuisine and a large selection of bars.
What are the top ten beaches in Tenerife? It is a very subjective and sometimes emotional choice. Each of us has a list of his or her favorites.
Playa las Vistas, Los Cristianos
Las Vistas is a blue flag-decorated beach near Arona. This is one of the favorite beaches of families who visit the island for its 850 meters of sandy beach that bathes in crystal clear and calm water, ideal for a safe swim. However, in the high season, it can get very busy.
Water sports enthusiasts will surely visit Playa Las Vistas. Located between the resorts of Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos, this beach offers many activities for the whole family: jet-skiing, pedal boating, banana boating, kayaking, and parasailing. Numerous services are also available, from cots to wheelchair-accessible areas and toilets.
Playa Fanabe
Another family-friendly beach choice, Playa Fañabe is ideally located within a few minute’s walk of many hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and shops. It offers everything you need for the little ones: numerous shaded playgrounds, fun mini-golf courses, and even an inflatable playground on the sea.
The waves are almost absent and the sea is perfect for swimming. The facilities are numerous with deck chairs, umbrellas, showers, toilets, beach bars, and rescue services.
Playa La Tejita
Playa La Tejita is one of the best beaches in Tenerife and one of the longest on the island. It is located about half an hour from the seaside resort of El Medano, in Granadilla de Abono, and is very popular with kitesurfers.
The beach offers many of the features necessary to classify it as one of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife. Acres of golden sand, a red mountain in the background, and plenty of space. But being on the east coast, there is also a lot of wind.
To find it, you have to follow the direction towards the Montana Roja, impossible to miss it. The extreme part of the beach, at the foot of the mountain, is reserved for nudists. The rest of the beach is for non-naturists.
Playa El Medano
Multiple beaches are stretching from El Medano to Montana Roja, small bays, and a long stretch of golden sand. El Médano beach gives a wild and carefree feeling to those who visit it.
It is a beautiful and wide local beach that has remained almost intact. Windsurfers and kite-boarders add splashes of color to the scene, as well as give vacationers beautiful stunts to watch. But, like its neighbor, La Tejita, it’s too windy.
Playa Jardín, Puerto de la Cruz
Playa Jardin is one of the most popular beaches in the North. Located in the lively tourist area of Puerto de la Cruz, this black sand beach is surrounded by beautiful local vegetation and boasts a unique view of the Pico del Teide. Although the sea is often too rough for swimming, the beach has comfortable deck chairs and umbrellas to enjoy the sun or relax in the shade.
Playa Bollullo, La Orotava
One of Tenerife’s best-kept secrets is Playa Bollullo, one of the most spectacular and beautiful natural beaches in Tenerife. Located in Puerto de la Cruz, this beach is only accessible after a walk through the banana plantations and along the edge of the cliffs.
Even if it is not easy, it is worth reaching it, because in the end you are rewarded by an incredible beach of volcanic sand, almost deserted. There are no facilities on this beach, other than a small bar serving typical Canarian dishes.
Playa de Los Gigantes
Located along the west coast of the island, Playa de Los Gigantes offers a breathtaking natural setting. It is surrounded by towering cliffs of 800 meters high and is characterized by its black volcanic sand. The beach is relatively quiet even in the high season. Perfect for nature lovers in its pure state.
Playa de Masca, Buenavista del Norte
Masca, the quaint village in the mountains, is one of the best-preserved destinations in Tenerife. Playa de Masca is one of the best-kept secrets of the island, above all because to reach it takes a three-hour excursion into a spectacular gorge (Barranco de Masca).
A long and beautiful walk leads to this wild and unspoiled beach, nestled between high rock walls. If in the end, you are too tired to go back you can take the boat and reach the port of Los Guios or San Juan.