Beaches in the Canary Islands
Travel journalist
What would the Canary Islands be without their beaches? Indeed, travellers take to Tenerife’s sandy beaches and make the most of its exceptional climate in winter and summer. And there really are beaches all around the island with something to delight everyone: Untamed or immaculate, golden or pitch black sands and even a few nudist beaches. Although the majority of beaches are found along the southern coast of the island, northern Tenerife (which is often less visited) is full of incredible places to swim. Don’t miss our list of the most beautiful beaches for your trip to the Canary Islands .
| Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | Jul | August | sept. | Oct | nov. | dec. | |
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| Sea temperature | 20° | 19° | 19° | 20° | 20° | 22° | 22° | 23° | 24° | 24° | 22° | 21° |
The most beautiful beaches
Playa de los Gigantes, Santiago del Teide
Heading to the west of Tenerife, the village of Santiago del Tiede is where you will find Playa de los Gigantes, named after the 800 metre cliffs which plunge onto the beach. They offer swimmers a unique vista. The beach is covered in black volcanic sand, not uncommon in Tenerife, but surprising the first time you encounter it. Although the beach is fairly small, Playa de los Gigantes is relatively unknown and remains fairly quiet. Just off the beach is a group of restaurants and bars to help you make the most of this peaceful and authentic environment. Nearby, you can also book your maiden dive or an excursion to observe marine life.
Beach equipment
Playa de la Tejita, El Médano
Playa de la Tejita is close to El Médano, opposite Tenerife South Airport. When you unfurl your beach towel here, you will experience an exceptional view of the red crater of an ancient volcano: Montaña Roja contrasts with the turquoise waters below, making Tejita Beach one of a kind. Although one end of the beach is reserved for nudists, the majority is accessible to all. Water sports enthusiasts, notably kite surfers, enjoy this beach. The beach is easily accessible and has a large car park. Unusually for the south of the island, this well kept natural beach only has one restaurant.
Beach equipment | Naturist beach
Playa de las Teresitas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Close to the capital, you will find Playa de las Teresitas, covered in white sand and lined with an avenue of palm trees. Although it is an artificial beach, you will feel the magic as soon as you set foot there. Very quiet during the week, locals make the most of it at the weekend. The calm shallow water is ideal for young children. Playa de las Teresitas is suitable for those with reduced mobility and has showers and lifeguards.
Beach equipment
Playa de Las Vistas, Arona
A few minutes from Playa de las Americas you will find the ideal destination for a relaxing holiday on a beach of golden sand. You won’t have trouble finding a place as it stretches over 850 metres. Protected by sea walls, the water is calm and less tidal, making it an ideal venue for families with young children. You can also take part in water sports here, which might appeal to younger visitors. The beach stretches the length of the pedestrianised promenade which links Los Cristianos and Las Americas, the best known resorts on the island. Playa de las Vistas is heavily visited by tourists.
Beach equipment | Centres nautiques
Playa de Benijo, Taganana, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Only a few minutes from Taganana, you will find Benijo Beach, a conservation area surrounded by rocks and nature. This beach provides a wonderful view of the peaks of the Anaga range and is an ideal setting to watch the sun go down. Furthermore, it is located in the north of the island, an area with fewer tourists and far from the bustle of the south. Perhaps explaining why nudists enjoy it so much. To make the most of the beach, it’s best to visit at low tide.
Wild beach | Plage nudiste
Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje
Close to Fanabé Beach, this is the most visited beach in Adeje. Playa del Duque is the perfect place to sunbathe and relax in exceptional waters. It is classed as a Blue Flag beach for its environmental standards of cleanliness and water quality. The long, fine sand beach is close to hotels along the length of its pedestrian promenade. There are a number of shops and restaurants bordering the beach, and bars and sun beds on the sand.
Beach equipment
Natural pool of Charco de la Laja, San Juan de la Rambla
The volcanic island of Tenerife has a unique features such as the natural pools formed by past volcanic eruptions. Charco de la Laja promises swimming in an exceptional setting of clear water and gentle waves lapping the rocks. San Juan de la Rambla also has exceptional natural surroundings. The experience begins even before you arrive, as you need to take a path along the sea front to get there. The view is breathtaking.
Équipements de plage
Playa del Bollullo, La Orotava
Playa el Bollullo is one of northern Tenerife’s most beautiful but lesser known beaches. It’s an excellent place to switch off in a peaceful setting. The black sand is laced with rocks along the water’s edge. The exceptional terrain reminds us of Tenerife’s volcanic heritage. If that isn’t enough, El Bollullo’s appeal is accentuated by its incredible position at the foot of cliffs whose dark colour contrast with the blue of the sea. Not to be missed.
Wild beach
Playa de Las Americas, Arona
One of the main seaside resorts in Tenerife, but also an essential place to visit on any visit to the Canaries. Located to the south-west of the island, Playa de las Americas is a paradise for surfers, beginners and aficionados alike. You can take your first lessons in mastering the waves here before a restful break sheltered by the rocks. The beach is lined with a long promenade filled with restaurants, bars and shops to fill the rest of your day or evening.
Beach equipment | water sports center
Playa Jardín, Puerto de la Cruz
To the north of the island, Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz is symbolic of Tenerife. An idealised picture of the island’s unique countryside, it was the vision of the artist César Manriqe, a great standard-bearer for the island’s natural environment. Manrique created several works in Tenerife. He dreamt of a botanical garden by the sea where the green vegetation would contrast with the black volcanic sand, giving the beach an incredible and unique charm.
Beach equipment
Travel journalist