A guide to the best beaches in Tenerife
The island’s native volcanic sands are a striking black colour, however over the years sand has been lovingly imported from the Sahara to create golden stretches of sunbathing space for you to enjoy on holidays in Tenerife. Black or gold, most of the beaches boast Blue Flag status for cleanliness and quality of sand.
Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje has some of best natural beaches on the island. Fañabe and Torviscas combine to form a long stretch of dark sand that’s popular with families. Kick back and unwind on the sunbeds or hammocks with a cold drink. The beaches also offer a range of watersports should you get restless. Hungry? There’s lots of restaurants that surround the beach, offering everything from ice cream sundaes to traditional Spanish tapas.
Another one perfect for families, Puerto Colon has a golden sand beach and beautifully calm waters. With a picturesque marina and views of the Teide Mountain, this beach is a must-visit if you’re planning a Tenerife holiday.
Puerto de la Cruz
Situated on the northern side of Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz is Tenerife’s oldest tourism destination, and this popular city is home to a range of gorgeous beaches.
Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos
The most popular areas in Tenerife for holidaymakers, the beaches of Playa De Las Americas and Los Cristianos join together to form six stunning beaches. Playa de las Americas boasts beautiful black sand bays, while in Los Cristianos you can choose between either the old beach or the golden sands of Las Vistas – one of the longest beaches on the island that features a huge fountain showering sea water.
Los Gigantes
The towering cliffs that Los Gigantes is named after are a stunning backdrop to your sunbathing. Located on Tenerife’s west coast, the town has maintained its traditional Spanish roots with low rise buildings that lead down to the marina and the black sands of Los Guios beach.
Playa de la Arena
Set in a cove with rocky sides, the well-maintained, glittering black sand of Playa de la Arena beach on the west coast is a consistent EU blue flag winner. Although not the largest beach, it has many facilities, including Wi-Fi!
Playa Ajabo
On the west coast, the town of Callao Salvaje boasts a recently rebuilt beach – Playa Ajabo. Overlooked by the well-priced restaurant Sansibar, you don’t even need to leave your sun bed for food and drink, just call for service via a buzzer, which is included in the 3 euros you pay for a sun bed and shade.
Las Teresitas
In the east, Santa Cruz residents head for Las Teresitas beach – a 15 minute drive or bus from the capital. Services are basic but the large stretch of imported orange sand is protected by barriers which help defend against the waves that the weather may cause.
A watersports heaven, El Medano beach is just 15 minutes from the airport, perhaps that’s why it was chosen as the stage for the annual World Kite Surfing Championship. Surfers also love the waves here but the beach is split so that families can enjoy it too. Further along, there is a small cove nearest to the mountain that is a designated nudist beach, but don’t worry – a rocky outcrop forms a border between the clothed and non-clothed sections of the beach.
A watersports heaven, El Medano beach is just 15 minutes from the airport, perhaps that’s why it was chosen as the stage for the annual World Kite Surfing Championship. Surfers also love the waves here but the beach is split so that families can enjoy it too. Further along, there is a small cove nearest to the mountain that is a designated nudist beach, but don’t worry – a rocky outcrop forms a border between the clothed and non-clothed sections of the beach.