The Best Beaches in Tenerife

Tenerife boasts three main beach areas. To fully enjoy them, it’s recommended to rent a car and embark on a beach-hopping trip.

Northern Beaches

• Climate: Cooler compared to the rest of the island with more rainy days.

• Highlights:

  • Playa de las Teresitas – San Andres: Yellow sand beach created with sand from the Sahara, located near the fishing village of San Andres, close to Santa Cruz.

  • Igueste de San Andres: A secluded, quiet black sand beach, sometimes frequented by nudists.

  • Taganana: A more isolated area with black sand beaches. Often has more rainy/cloudy days, but a lovely spot on a sunny day.

  • Bajamar – Punta de Hidalgo: Rocky and green beaches with natural pools, great for surfing.

  • Los Patos: A small, intimate black sand beach at the base of cliffs, frequented by locals.

  • Puerto de la Cruz: Home to several beaches, the most beautiful being Playa Jardin with black sand.

  • Playa Socorro: A black sand beach next to cliffs. Be cautious of strong currents.

Eastern Beaches

• Climate: Similar to the southern beaches but with stronger winds.

• Highlights:

  • Punta Teno: A small, pristine beach with a lighthouse. Often secluded, perfect for a quiet retreat.

  • Masca: A small, quiet beach accessible only by a 3-hour hike from Masca (about 1000 meters altitude) or by boat.

  • Los Gigantes: A 100-meter black sand beach with occasional parking issues.

  • Alcala: A clean beach with natural pools and rocky areas.

  • San Juan: A well-maintained beach with a sailing school and numerous family-friendly boat trips.

Southern Beaches

• Climate: Drier and warmer year-round with almost no rain. Ideal for sunbathing and catching some color.

• Highlights:

  • Adeje: White sandy beaches that are clean, well-maintained, and more tourist-oriented.

  • Costa Fañabe: Located in the hotel area of Costa Adeje, this beach offers white sand, shops, hotels, restaurants, and more amenities compared to northern beaches.

  • Las Americas: A large, clean beach with open sea and surfing opportunities. The walk to the beach is lined with shops and food stalls.

  • El Medano: A large, beautiful beach popular with windsurfers. Enjoy watching various beach sports, primarily windsurfing and kitesurfing.

  • Playa del Duque: A beautiful sandy beach in the south, highly recommended by various travelers.