10+ BEST TENERIFE BEACHES YOU MUST VISIT & MY FAVOURITE ONES!

Looking for the best Tenerife beaches you can visit on your trip? You’re in the right place!

Tenerife is known for its beautiful beaches, from dramatic black-sand shores and rugged coastlines to golden-sand beaches with calm water. After visiting the island twice, we’ve explored beaches in different parts of Tenerife, and I can tell you that they can be very different from one another.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best beaches in Tenerife, including my favourite ones, where to find black or golden sand, and which beaches are best for swimming and relaxing. I’ll also share practical tips to help you decide which beaches to visit during your trip!

BEST TENERIFE BEACHES AT A GLANCE 👀

If you’re looking for…	Beach to consider
Golden sand and calm water	Playa de Las Teresitas
A beach near the main southern resorts	Playa de las Vistas
Dramatic scenery and black sand	Playa de Benijo
A natural beach with space to walk	Playa de la Tejita
Views of the Los Gigantes cliffs	Playa de los Guíos

Playa de Las Teresitas

Playa de Las Teresitas is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Tenerife, located just north of the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It’s a man-made beach with golden sand imported from the Sahara Desert, which makes it stand out from the island’s natural black volcanic beaches.

It’s approximately 1.5 km long, and a breakwater protects the beach, keeping the water calm and safe for swimming. Because of this, it’s a perfect beach for families. Another plus is that lifeguards monitor the beach. Due to its size, this beach is amazing for relaxing and sunbathing in a picturesque setting. While it gets quite crowded in summer, other seasons are generally quieter.

It’s one of my absolute favourite beaches because it’s one of the rare ones where you don’t have to worry about anything. It’s calm, friendly, and safe, and you have everything you need there. There are quite a few amenities at the beach, including showers, changing rooms, sunbeds, and several kiosks selling drinks and snacks. The nearby village of San Andrés also has some great local seafood restaurants if you want to grab lunch.

How to Get There

The easiest way is to reach it by car. If you have a car, Playa de Las Teresitas is about a 10-minute drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. There’s plenty of free parking, which is an amazing addition. If you don’t have a car, you can use public transport. Take the Titsa bus (Line 910) from Santa Cruz, which runs frequently.

Playa de Benijo

Playa de Benijo is one of the most stunning and wild beaches in Tenerife. It’s located on the northern coast of Anaga Rural Park, near the village of Taganana. It’s known for its black volcanic sand, rugged cliffs, and dramatic views of the Roques de Anaga.

The beach is currently closed due to falling sediment and rocks, which make it unsafe for visitors. It will remain closed to the public until the authorities find a way to make it safe. However, that shouldn’t stop you from visiting the area and admiring the views! Playa de Benijo is stunning, and even the views alone are worth the visit. There’s also a gorgeous beach right next to it where you can go for a swim afterwards.

How to Get There

Playa de Benijo is located about 25 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. We drove from Santa Cruz to the beach and it took us around 45 to 60 minutes to reach it. The drive is full of winding mountain roads, but the views were some of the best we’ve seen on the island.

There are a few parking areas near the beach, but they fill up very quickly. Come in the morning or in the evening to easily snag a spot. You can even reach it by bus 946 from Santa Cruz, if you don’t have a car.

Playa Almaciga

Although you cannot swim at Playa de Benijo, you can at Playa de Almáciga, a stunning black-sand beach located just a few minutes away within Anaga Rural Park. It resembles Playa de Benijo, and although it doesn’t have the same iconic cliffs, it’s still incredibly beautiful and absolutely worth visiting.

Playa de Almáciga has fine volcanic black sand that contrasts beautifully with the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is also surrounded by stunning green hills, making it a beautiful spot to visit, especially if you love photography (we loved taking photos here!).

This beach is very popular among surfers thanks to its consistent waves. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers, but if you’re visiting just for a swim, only go into the water if you’re a strong swimmer. We visited in winter, so there were barely any people, but it gets a bit more crowded in summer.

Still, Playa de Almáciga tends to be calmer and more peaceful than many of Tenerife’s other beaches throughout the year. The beach doesn’t have many amenities, apart from showers and changing rooms, but you can find food and drinks in the nearby village.

How to Get There

The easiest and most beautiful way is to drive through the Anaga Rural Park either from Santa Cruz or Puerto de la Cruz. There aren’t many parking spots around the beach so it gets crowded quite quickly. If you’re planning on spending a day here, make sure you arrive early.

If you’re using public transport, you can catch a bus 946 from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to reach it. It will take you around 50 minutes to reach it.

Playa de la Tejita

Playa de la Tejita is one of the largest natural beaches in Tenerife, and it deserves a spot on your itinerary. This beach is known for its golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and proximity to the iconic Montaña Roja (Red Mountain). The Red Mountain is one of the most stunning backdrops we’ve seen at any of the beaches we’ve visited!

The beach is located near El Médano and is a favourite among locals and tourists looking for a more peaceful, natural beach. It’s approximately 1 km long and is known for its natural golden sand, which is less common than the black volcanic sand found across much of the island. The beach can get quite windy, so it’s also a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

There aren’t many amenities, just a few sun loungers you can rent, so make sure you bring everything you need. It’s also worth knowing that nudism is common at the eastern end of the beach, near Montaña Roja, so keep that in mind when choosing your spot.

How to Get There

The beach is near El Médano. You can reach it easily by car, best from the southern part of the island. There is a lot of free parking available near the beach, so leaving your car won’t be a problem. If you don’t have a car, you can take the Titsa bus from nearby towns like Los Cristianos or El Médano.

Playa del Médano

Playa del Médano is Tenerife’s longest natural beach, located in the charming coastal town of El Médano in the south of the island. It’s so close to Playa de la Tejita that you can easily visit both in one day.

Playa del Médano is around 2 kilometres long and is known for its golden sand and ideal wind conditions. These conditions make the eastern part of the beach a hotspot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. If you’re up for it, you can rent equipment or take surfing lessons at one of the many schools in El Médano.

Just like Playa de la Tejita, you’ll get stunning views of the nearby Montaña Roja (Red Mountain). Some sheltered parts of the beach are less windy, so they’re a great choice for families and sunbathers looking for calmer waters.

How to Get There

El Médano can be easily reached by car. There is free parking near the beach, people park along the road, but it can fill up quickly. There’s a huge parking lot Parking Montana Roja. You can park there and take a 10-minute walk to the beach if there’s no parking available near the beach.

If you’re using public transport, you can grab one of the Titsa buses which connect El Médano with Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Then all you need to do is walk to the beach.

Playa de las Vistas

If you love a great, touristy beach, Playa de las Vistas will be perfect for you. Playa de Las Vistas is one of the most popular beaches in Tenerife. It’s located between Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas on the island’s sunny south coast. It’s famous for its golden sand, calm waters, and great amenities. That makes it an ideal spot for families, couples, and anyone looking for a relaxing beach day with plenty of things to do nearby.

Playa de las Vistas is approximately 850 meters long with calm and shallow waters protected by breakwaters. On top of that, the beach is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and accessible bathrooms. Playa de las Vistas if perfect for anyone who wants a safe and clean beach for swimming, but also to be in the lively part of town. The beach is part of a long seafront promenade that connects Los Cristianos to Playa de las Américas, lined with restaurants, shops, and cafés.

You can rent chairs and umbrellas for your time at the beach, but there are also plenty of things you can do once you don’t feel like swimming or sunbathing, such as enjoying water sports or beach volleyball. Make sure you arrive early if you want to be comfortable, as this beach gets really crowded during peak season.

How to Get There

Drive to one of the popular towns in the south, such as Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas. Once you’re there, you can reach the beach easily on foot. Make sure you park somewhere relatively close so you don’t have to walk too far. There is plenty of free parking space in town.

If you’re using public transport, use one of many Titsa buses to arrive to any of the previously mentioned towns, and then walk to the beach.

Playa del Camison

Another great beach in the south is Playa del Camisón. This is a picturesque, crescent-shaped beach located in the popular resort area of Playa de las Américas. It’s known for its calm waters, golden sand, and many beach clubs. If you want to have a more relaxed and elegant beach experience, skip Playa de las Vistas and come to Playa del Camison.

This beach is much smaller, being approximately 350 meters long. However, that doesn’t make it any less pretty. The beach is protected by breakwaters, so the calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, or just relax at Bahía Beach Club with drinks, snacks, and live music right by the sea. There are also showers, toilets, and changing rooms there.

It’s an incredibly lovely beach which does get a bit crowded if you’re visiting during summer. Make sure you arrive early to snag a good spot!

How to Get There

You can reach Playa del Camisón easily by car, with parking options nearby in town. For public transport, use one of the Titsa buses. They’ll get you to Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas, and then walk to the beach.

Playa de los Guíos

If you want to swim underneath some of the most incredible cliffs on Tenerife, this is the beach for you! Playa de Los Guíos is a stunning volcanic beach located in the charming village of Los Gigantes on the west coast of Tenerife.

The beach is approximately 180 meters long and it’s famous for its spectacular views of the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, incredible cliffs that rise up to 600 meters above the sea.

The black volcanic sand and the breathtaking views of the cliffs make this setting one of the most beautiful places to swim in Tenerife. Even though the beach is underneath the cliffs, the waters are generally calm, making it safe for swimming and snorkeling.

While there aren’t too many amenities on this beach, there are toilets and showers, and a few restaurants and cafes are nearby at the Los Gigantes Marina. The marina is also a great place to book excursions. The most popular being whale and dolphin watching tours, and kayaking trips.

How to Get There

Playa de Los Guíos is located in Los Gigantes, about 45 minutes from Costa Adeje and an hour from Santa Cruz. You can reach them easily by car. There’s parking in the marina, it’s paid, but it’s under a euro per hour, so pretty inexpensive.

Use Titsa buses if you don’t have a car. They connect Los Gigantes with other parts of the island, and the actual bus lines you can see here!

Playa de las Gaviotas

If you’re looking for a natural, black sand beach near Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Playa de Las Gaviotas is the perfect one for you. This secluded black sand beach is located at the foot of cliffs and surrounded by greenery. It offers a stark contrast to the famous Playa de las Teresitas, which is only a few minutes away. This natural beach is a favorite for many locals, and it’s especially popular with nudists and surfers.

The beach is approximately 300 meters long, but make sure to check the tide before visiting as it can shrink during high tide. Although the tide is a big factor when it comes to the safety of this beach, if the tide is low, this beach has calm waters and it’s great for swimming. The beach has no amenities, it’s completely natural, so make sure you bring everything you need yourself.

How to Get There

This beach is near the village of San Andrés. You can reach it easily by car, it’s only a 10-minute drive from Playa de Las Teresitas. There’s a small parking lot at the beach, but it fills up quickly. If there’s no place to park there, you can park at the Mirador de la Playa de las Teresitas. You’ll have a steep way down to the beach but it’s doable!

You can even reach the beach by bus. Grab a Titsa bus 945 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and you can reach the beach in about an hour!

Playa Maria Himenez

If you’re staying in Puerto de la Cruz, this beach will be perfect for you. Playa María Jiménez is a picturesque black sand beach located in Punta Brava, a neighborhood of Puerto de la Cruz. This is another beach with soft black volcanic sand. It’s approximately 300 meters long, so there’s plenty of space if you decide to visit. This one was one of our favourites!

The beach experiences moderate waves, and most of the time is completely suitable for swimming. On top of that, there are lounge chairs and umbrellas to rent, toilets, and showers. There’s also space for beach volleyball. There aren’t many other amenities so make sure you bring everything you need with you. For food and drinks you’ll have to venture into the neighborhood.

How to Get There

The easiest way to get there is by car. There’s plenty of parking all over Puerto de la Cruz, and the famous Loro Parque is close, so you can grab a parking spot easily and walk to the beach.  If you’re using public transport, grab any of the buses close to you that drive to Puerto de la Cruz, and then walk to the beach.

Playa Martiánez

If you’re looking for a surfer’s paradise, check out Playa Martiánez. This gorgeous beach is located in Puerto de la Cruz and due to the moderate to high waves, it’s a hotspot for surfing enthusiasts.

This beach is another 350-meter beach with black sand, but this one is a bit rockier than the other beaches. It’s not the easiest to enter and get out of, but if you’re an experienced swimmer or a surfer you’ll enjoy it. If you’re not a strong swimmer, I would suggest skipping this one as the waves and currents are quite strong.

The beach has some amenities, such as showers, changing rooms, and a small beach bar. For anything more, you’ll have to go into Puerto de la Cruz and get it. If you don’t feel safe swimming on this beach, make sure you check out Lago Martiánez. It’s a complex which features seawater pools designed by the renowned artist César Manrique. Entrance ticket for an adult is only 7 euros. The pools are huge, clean, and really stunning, so it’s absolutely a must-visit if you’re close by.

How to Get There

The easiest way to get there is by car. Find parking somewhere in Puerto de la Cruz and walk to the beach.  If you’re using public transport, grab any of the buses close to you that drive to Puerto de la Cruz, and then walk to Playa Martiánez.

TIPS FOR VISITING THE BEACHES IN TENERIFE

When visiting the beaches in Tenerife, first of all, keep in mind that conditions can vary quite a bit between the north and south of the island. The southern beaches are generally sunnier and often have calmer water, while beaches on the north coast can be more exposed to waves and strong currents. If you plan to swim, always check the beach flags and local warnings before getting into the water, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer.

Also, bring sandals for black-sand beaches, as the sand can get very hot on sunny days. They’ll also help protect your feet when walking over rocky areas or entering the water. I’d recommend renting a car if you want to explore beaches outside the main resort areas, as some of the most unique ones are harder to reach by public transport. However, make sure to check parking options in advance, especially during the summer months, as parking can be tricky at many beaches during peak season.

BEST TENERIFE BEACHES FAQ

What is the best beach in Tenerife?

There isn’t one best beach for everyone. Playa de las Vistas is a good choice if you want a beach with facilities and relatively sheltered water, while Playa de Las Teresitas is a popular option for golden sand. For dramatic scenery and volcanic beaches, the ones in Anaga Rural Park are the best.

Are there black-sand beaches in Tenerife?

Yes, Tenerife has many natural black and dark-grey sand beaches because of its volcanic origins. Playa de Benijo, Playa de los Guíos and Playa de San Marcos are examples, but swimming conditions vary from beach to beach.

Which beaches in Tenerife are best for swimming?

Beaches with sheltered bays or breakwaters, such as Playa de las Vistas and Playa de Las Teresitas, can be good options for swimming. Always check the local conditions and beach flags before entering the water.

Are Tenerife’s beaches sandy or rocky?

Both. Tenerife has black volcanic sand, grey sand, lighter imported sand and beaches with pebbles or rocky areas!

Do you need a car to visit the best beaches in Tenerife?

You don’t need a car to visit beaches near the main resorts, as many are accessible on foot or by public transport. However, renting a car gives you more flexibility if you want to explore remote beaches and different parts of the island.

CONCLUSION: BEST TENERIFE BEACHES + MY OPINION

Tenerife has some incredible beaches, from golden-sand shores in the south to wild black-sand beaches along the northern coast. After visiting the island twice, we’ve explored beaches in different parts of Tenerife, and I think they’re worth adding to your itinerary, even if you’re not planning a typical beach holiday.

My personal favourites are the beaches with dramatic scenery and a more natural feel, but if you want to spend the day swimming and sunbathing, you’ll find plenty of great options in the south, too. I’d recommend renting a car if you want to explore beyond the main resorts and discover some of Tenerife’s most unique beaches. Just remember to check the swimming conditions before you go, as the sea can be rough in some areas.