Tenerife is one of the natural wonders of the world. The beautiful, serene island has become one of the most popular spots for people to unwind and relax. Of course, its beaches are the ones that stand out the most, with 93 classified beaches and even one volcano on the island. Clearly, finding the best beach in Tenerife is not going to be simple, just because there are so many of them. It’s important to know what kind of beach you are interested in, ranging from sand type to amenities, features, and so on.

In this article, we will learn more about the top beaches in Tenerife and narrow down which ones you may want to check out. All of these beaches are great in their own right, and they can be a lot of fun to explore. However, Tenerife on its own is very distinct, and that’s why no two beaches are quite alike.

About Tenerife beaches in general

The cool thing to note about Tenerife is the fact that much of the island is volcanic. And because of that, many of Tenerife’s beaches have black and white sand. Is it safe to walk on both? Absolutely, but there are certain characteristics that you want to consider.

Black sand

When we talk about a black sand beach in Tenerife, you usually should know the following:

• These are natural beaches formed by the erosion of basalt rocks and volcanic lava. So it’s natural sand created over thousands of years due to volcanic activity.
• What happens is whenever hot lava enters the ocean, it starts cracking, and then the sea will slowly grind those fragments into sand.
• You can find volcanic sand on the Northern and Western sides of the island. What’s important to note is that black sand has a lot of minerals, and because of its volcanic nature, it heats up much faster when compared to lightly-colored sand.

White sand

Finding a white sand beach in Tenerife is also quite simple, because there are tons of them available. However, these are artificially made, and they are designed specifically for tourism. Clearly, not everyone knows or appreciates black sand, and that’s why there are artificial beaches whose golden/white sand was imported from the Sahara Desert. That imported sand comes with a traditional color, and it’s also finer when compared to black sand, for example.

Clearly, there are beaches with white sand in Tenerife, but those are artificial. If you want to visit the true, original, and unaltered beaches, they will have black sand due to the volcanic nature of the island. As we mentioned earlier, though, black sand is completely safe, and you don’t need to worry about it at all.

The Best Beaches in Tenerife South

The southern part of Tenerife is defined by sunshine and warmth. It makes sense to choose these beaches, especially during the wintertime. And the cool thing is that you have plenty of diversity, too. There are modern resorts, along with hidden corners where you can unwind and relax. Here are some of the most beloved beaches in the Southern part of Tenerife.

Playa Del Duque

When we talk about good beaches in Tenerife, we have to consider Playa del Duque. It’s widely known for being one of those beaches that gives you an innate sense of holiday as soon as you walk in. The beach has golden, soft sand, and it’s stretched beautifully under the pastel sky. It all feels very serene and visually stunning. But the nice thing for most visitors is that the area itself is rather calm, unlike most of the neighboring beaches, which tend to be very busy and noisy.

Pros

• It has a great atmosphere, and the water is usually very calm because they have breakwaters.
• Swimming is much more relaxing here
• The sand here is soft and clean, not to mention you have well-maintained facilities
• You have access to nearby shopping locales in the vicinity

Cons

• Prices are slightly higher when compared to the other beaches
• It does tend to get a lot busier during the peak season

Playa El Médano

Playa El Médano is a very popular spot for people who enjoy water sports. It’s still excellent for anyone who wants to just unwind and relax under the sun. The shallow waters and fine sand make it a stunning spot. Also, it’s great for those who enjoy thrills, but also for families, too. Since it’s not in a central location and it’s just near a small town, it’s not as busy when compared to a lot of the other beaches.

However, you’ll likely appreciate it because it has a whole bunch of upsides. The boardwalk makes it suitable for relaxing walks, and it’s also one of the cleaner beaches in Tenerife, something you have to keep in mind here. Interestingly, Playa El Médano’s water quality is certified with the Blue Flag award. Therefore, if you want the best beach in Tenerife, Spain, this is an excellent choice. Plus, the variety of water sports and activities available makes it definitely worth visiting.

Pros

• A great beach for water sports enthusiasts, but also for families
• The atmosphere here is very authentic, less commercial when compared to other beaches
• Safe for swimming, you have designated zones
• It’s one of the cleaner beaches in Tenerife

Cons

• Winds can be very strong, which can be difficult to deal with sometimes
• Keep in mind that there are some slippery, rocky sections
• Finding parking can be difficult, especially on weekends
• Umbrella and sunbed rentals are pricey

Playa del Camison

Playa del Camison is widely appealing to many categories, and that is mainly because of its innate charm. It’s very close to Los Cristianos, and it’s a supervised beach. Not only that, but they have golden sand, showers are available, there are bars and restaurants nearby, not to mention you get parasols and sun loungers for hire, too.

Aside from amenities, the beach itself is downright beautiful, and a lot of people will enjoy its style and look. The fine, golden sand brought from the desert is definitely making the beach shine, and many see it as one of the best beaches in Tenerife, Canary Islands, because of that. Plus, thanks to it being safeguarded, it’s one of the safest you can opt for.

Pros

• Family-friendly beach with calm waters, and also safeguarded
• Very good location within Tenerife, easy to access
• Wheelchair accessibility features
• There are lots of activities, including water sports

Cons

• The seabed can be rather rocky, which may bring some pain when you enter with your bare feet.
• Tons of vendors are walking around, disrupting the overall experience
• Water conditions can vary; sometimes there are strong waves, so you want to perform your due diligence

Playa de Los Guios

You can find Playa de Los Guios on the SW side of Tenerife, so it’s not exactly deep in the south side or northern one. But it is one of the best beaches you can visit because it has a stunning view. It’s located right at the bottom of the Los Gigantes cliffs, and you get to enjoy these amazing, massive volcanic walls towering right near you.

With that in mind, the beach itself is known for water sports activities, including kayaking. A lot of people appreciate it, and the uniqueness of this place sets it apart and makes it stand out. It’s north of Los Gigantes, but next to the Marina. One thing to note is that even if the beach is supervised, you want to be aware of currents.

Pros

• The scenery here is downright beautiful, very inspirational
• It can be a great starting point for exploration and excursions
• You have a very good spot for snorkeling
• It’s possible to access family-friendly activities like paddleboarding

Cons

• Due to its small, compact side, Playa de Los Guios can get very crowded often.
• The beach has a rather rocky entry, so you have to be wary of the footwear you are wearing.
• You have limited sun exposure due to the rocky wall
• Finding parking can be a tad difficult

Playa del Bobo

Sure, Playa del Bobo might not be the largest spot out there, but it more than makes up for it with the great features that it provides. You get a sheltered bay, the atmosphere itself is very relaxed, and the water tends to stay really calm. It can be rather busy, and that’s a challenge at times, but it’s definitely one of the beaches in Tenerife that you are bound to like if you visit it. Just be wary of the pros and cons.

Pros

• It’s a family-friendly beach, protected by breakwaters
• The location is known for being very convenient and also really close to the local bars, shops, and restaurants
• It’s a very clean beach, one of the best beaches in Tenerife South in that regard
• You have options for renting umbrellas and sunbeds, something you do want to keep in mind

Cons

• Due to the smaller size, it can get crowded fast, which does become an issue sometimes.
• The rocky seabed is also problematic, so you need adequate footwear
• It’s one of the Tenerife beaches where there are incidents like petty theft
• The darker sands can get very hot, so it makes sense to have water shoes or sandals

Playa de los Cristianos

When we talk about Playa de los Cristianos, we should notice that the place itself is very charming, and it feels more like a homey, stunning location. You can see the harbor is busy most of the day, fishing boats sitting on the sand, etc. With that in mind, you can find a lot of cool vistas here. The harbor also serves as a departure point for dolphin and whale watching trips, which is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Shallow and calm waters, and the beach has a plethora of amenities
• It’s known for being a clean, well-maintained beach and a safe one at that
• Accessibility features are great, so it’s suitable even for people who have really limited mobility
• Engaging in whale or dolphin watching is possible, and it’s incredibly fun

Cons

• It’s a popular beach, so you can normally expect it to be very crowded
• The vendors that roam the beach are very persistent
• Stingrays are also exploring the region, so try to stay away from deeper waters
• Some of the public restrooms in here are poorly maintained

Playa de Torviscas

Playa de Torviscas is the best beach in Costa Adeje, as mentioned by a lot of tourists and locals alike. It’s meant to be a great beach for families, and it can also be a solid spot for diving and enjoying water-based activities. While it’s not primarily designed for water sports, you’ll still enjoy plenty of fun activities there. Additionally, the beach itself is very close to amenities, it has stunning scenery, and pretty much all the amenities that you may want.

Pros

• The location is very convenient, and it has breakwaters as well as very calm water most of the time
• Since you have access to umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguards, and showers, it’s a safe and enjoyable spot for everyone
• You’re very close to bars and restaurants, but also local shops

Cons

• It can be rather overcrowded, which is problematic at times
• Additionally, Playa de Torviscas is very noisy, and there are lots of pushy vendors to deal with
• Accessing the higher elevation areas requires climbing, which may be challenging for some visitors

Best Beaches in Tenerife North

Just like the southern part of Tenerife, the northern side of Tenerife is quite impressive, and it comes with its own authentic culture, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cities. Of course, there’s lush vegetation, and in this region, you’ll find some excellent beaches. With that in mind, here are the best beaches in Tenerife North.

Playa de El Socorro

Playa de El Socorro stretches under the sloping hills, and many people go there for surfing. With that in mind, the local atmosphere which is fun, yet grounded is what appeals to a lot of people here, outside of the beautiful sands and friendly people. It’s a very spacious beach, which a lot of people will love, and it’s a delight to visit, which is something you will love more than you might expect.

Pros

• The scenery here is great, and you have stunning volcanic sand
• The facilities are very well-maintained, which is not always possible for every beach
• As we mentioned earlier, it’s a beloved local spot for surfing, something to keep in mind
• You get a variety of accessibility features, which makes Playa de El Socorro suitable even for people with reduced mobility

Cons

• There can be strong currents at times, which means that swimming in this place can be difficult.
• There aren’t a lot of amenities available nearby, so you may have to pack stuff.
• It does get quite crowded sometimes.

Playa de Las Teresitas

You can choose to visit Playa de Las Teresitas if you want a beach in North Tenerife, which features warm, but also shallow and calm waters. Unlike other beaches in this list, this one has really good facilities, beach bars, and sun loungers, among many others. With that in mind, it’s close to Santa Cruz, so that automatically means it’s very crowded a lot of the time. It can feel artificial sometimes, but that’s mostly due to the imported sand and the breakwater system designed to improve safety.

Pros

• The waters in the Playa de Las Teresitas are safe and rather calm
• Local scenery is amazing, white sands are beautiful
• Easily accessible, close to Santa Cruz
• The facilities available nearby are excellent

Cons

• It does get crowded very often, thanks to its location
• You see the port, with oil tankers and various ships getting moored in the distance, which is distracting
• Sometimes, the beach tends to be very windy, especially when we talk about late afternoons

Playa de Bollullo

Playa de Bollullo is seen as a very popular option in Tenerife thanks to its black sands. It’s all natural, and the local region itself is a delight to explore. You have a scenic walk available here that takes you through various banana plantations, and there is a beach bar in there as well. Of course, it’s not a spot that you can easily navigate towards, so reaching it can be difficult, and the same can be said about parking. It’s also not exactly the most family-friendly spot, since you have to deal with winds and stairs.

Pros

• The beach is stunning, and the volcanic sand truly adds to its innate magic.
• There’s a beach bar, which is quite unusual for remote spots like this
• You have scenic access, and that does add to the delight of this spot

Cons

• Accessing Playa de Bollullo can be very challenging
• There are strong currents in the region
• Not the most family-friendly spot
• Parking is very difficult

Playa Jardín

Visiting Playa Jardín makes it feel like you are a part of a beautiful, incredible blend of nature and art. It was designed by Cesar Manrique, at least partially. You have pathways made by humans, but they also get combined with the dark sands. What you will like here are the stone structures, but also the various spots that they provide for enjoying your time. All in all, there’s a great time to be had here, and it’s surely worth considering if you want a great beach in Tenerife North.

Pros

• It has a very scenic look, especially since it seamlessly blends nature and art
• You have access to a variety of facilities, ranging from parasols to sun beds, showers, restrooms and so on
• Lifeguards are always on duty, which makes the beach very safe
• Tide pools are great for kids, so Playa Jardín is indeed a family-friendly beach

Cons

• Waves can get very strong on this beach, so you have to listen to the lifeguards.
• Beach vendors are sometimes too persistent, and it deters the experience
• Parts of the Playa Jardín are rocky, so you need proper footwear to avoid any damage

Playa de Almáciga

Like most of the northern beaches in Tenerife, Playa de Almáciga certainly has its unique appeal, and in this case, it’s the black, volcanic sand. The beach also has great natural beauty, with a truly wild look that stands out from the start. It’s that natural look and style that makes it a solid choice, especially if you want to take a lot of photos. Playa de Almáciga is also known for people who want to take a scenic drive in the region.

Pros

• The dramatic, beautiful scenery makes it an amazing spot for sunbathing
• You can take lots of stunning photos of the environment
• The scenic drive that also covers Anaga Rural Park is worth it

Cons

• Swimming conditions get very difficult at times
• There’s very limited parking available
• It’s more of a natural spot instead of a resort beach, so it doesn’t have that many amenities.

Tips for visiting beaches

• If you want to stay safe when visiting beaches in Tenerife, you should always check the latest weather forecast. While there, also check if the lifeguards have posted any flags, just to make sure that everything is safe and you don’t need to worry.
• Generally, it’s a better idea to go to the beach during the mornings, because the waters are calmer.
• Even on windier days, the south is usually better for swimming because it has stable temperatures and a lower humidity level.
• Winds are stronger during August and July, so keep that in mind.
• Getting water shoes is a very good idea if you want to visit rocky beaches or beaches with volcanic sand.

Conclusion

Clearly, visiting the local beaches in Tenerife is an excellent idea. There will always be challenges as you try to find the right beach to fit your needs and style. But in the end, what matters the most is the water calmness, the cleanliness of the beach, amenities, and many other personal preferences. By highlighting some of the best beaches in both the northern and southern parts of Tenerife, now you should find it much easier to pick a great place for you to enjoy, unwind, and relax in. Check these out and give them a try during your next adventure in Tenerife!