If you’re picturing calm turquoise water like Mallorca or Menorca, Tenerife’s beaches are going to surprise you. Believe me, I’m Spanish, and I’ve been to the balearic islands more times than I can count. I never expected Tenerife to be the same… After all, it is 3 hours by flight from Barcelona. But, somehow, they were still not what I expected at all. Most of them are wild, wavy and properly Atlantic, with black volcanic sand, dramatic cliffs and wind that can go from a nice breeze to towels-flying-everywhere in about five minutes.
I can confidently say this is what makes them some of the favorite beaches I have ever been to (and I’ve travelled a lot)!
We spent the end of August and September exploring the island, and we went to four beaches in different parts of Tenerife, from the wild northeast coast in Anaga to the crystal-clear water at Abama in the south. In this guide I’ll share our honest thoughts on each one, plus the most popular beaches on the island that we didn’t make it to, so you can pick the right ones for your trip.
My Quick Answer: The Best Beaches in Tenerife
If you only have time for a few, these are the ones I’d pick:
- Best overall (my favourite): Playa de San Roque, a quiet, wild beach near Almáciga in Anaga with huge waves and the most beautiful light.
- Best for swimming: Playa de Abama, the clearest water we saw on the whole island
- Most dramatic setting: Playa de los Guíos, right under the Los Gigantes cliffs
- Best golden sand: Playa de las Teresitas, near Santa Cruz
- Best for families: Playa del Duque, calm water in Costa Adeje
I’ve organised the rest of this guide by area, north, west and south, because which side of the island you’re on changes everything about the beaches, from the weather to the waves.
What to Know About Tenerife’s Beaches Before You Go
Most of the sand is black
Tenerife is a volcanic island, so most of its natural beaches have black or dark grey sand. It looks incredible in photos, but it gets really hot in the sun, so bring sandals for walking to the water. The few golden beaches, like Las Teresitas, were actually made with imported sand.
Expect waves
This is the Atlantic, not the Mediterranean. Most beaches have proper waves and some have strong currents, so always check the flags and the conditions before you go in, and don’t swim at beaches without lifeguards if the sea looks rough.
Check the wind, not just the sun
Nobody warned us about this one. Some beaches were so windy we could barely lie down, while a beach on the other side of the island was completely calm. Before you pick a beach for the day, check the wind forecast too.
And whilst in some places it doesn’t really matter, in Tenerife you must keep this in mind as it’s a very windy island.
The north and the south are really different
The north is greener, wilder and cloudier, with more dramatic beaches and bigger waves, while the south is sunnier and drier, with calmer, more developed resort beaches. If you can, try to see both. Check out 10 Days in Tenerife: Our Full Itinerary from the North Coast to Teide, Perfect for First-Timers.
The Best Beaches in North Tenerife
1. Playa de San Roque (My Favourite)
If I had to pick just one beach from our whole trip, it would be Playa de San Roque, close to the village of Almáciga in the Anaga mountains on the northeast coast. It’s not the kind of beach you go to for a calm swim, because the waves are huge, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.
It felt quiet and untouched, with only a few people around, and the light here is just beautiful, especially later in the day when the sun starts to go down. It’s honestly one of the best spots on the island for photos and sunset.
Just know that the waves and currents here are strong, so I’d treat it as a place to sit, take it all in and maybe dip your feet, rather than a swimming beach.
2. Playa de las Gaviotas
Playa de las Gaviotas is a small black sand beach at the foot of the Anaga cliffs, not far from Santa Cruz. When we went, there were a lot of waves and it was very crowded, with lots of people playing with balls on the sand, so it had a fun, lively local feel rather than a quiet, relaxing one.
It’s about 820 feet (250 metres) long, with very fine black sand, and there’s a small car park right next to it, but with fewer than 50 spaces it fills up fast, so get there early. One more thing worth knowing: nudism is accepted on this beach, so don’t be surprised.
3. Playa de las Teresitas
We didn’t go to Las Teresitas, but it’s one of the most famous beaches on the island, so it deserves a spot here. It’s near Santa Cruz and it’s one of the few golden beaches in Tenerife, because the sand was actually brought over from the Sahara. A breakwater keeps the waves down, so it’s one of the calmer and safer beaches for swimming in the north, and there’s free parking right next to it.
We’re personally not a fan of beaches that are too crowded, too popular, even if the water is amazing, which is why we chose to prioritize wilder, more private spots. But definitely save this beach for your next time in Tenerife
4. Playa Jardín, Puerto de la Cruz
Playa Jardín is a black sand beach in Puerto de la Cruz, surrounded by tropical gardens designed by the Canarian artist César Manrique. It’s made up of a few coves, with some calmer spots for swimming and windier ones that are popular with surfers, and it’s an easy beach to combine with a day exploring Puerto de la Cruz.
If you like botanical or tropical gardens, definitely check this one out!
5. El Bollullo
El Bollullo is a wild black sand beach near La Orotava, tucked under volcanic cliffs and reached by a walk of about 15 to 20 minutes through banana plantations. It’s beautiful and much quieter than the town beaches, but the currents are strong and there often aren’t lifeguards, so it’s better for relaxing than swimming.
A note on Playa de Benijo: Benijo, near Almáciga, is one of the most photographed beaches in Anaga, but access has been officially closed because of the risk of rockfalls, so check the current situation before you go and respect any closure signs.
The Best Beaches on Tenerife’s West Coast
6. Playa de los Guíos, Los Gigantes
Playa de los Guíos is a small black sand beach right at the foot of the Los Gigantes cliffs, and it’s where you really feel how massive they are. You’re lying on the sand and this enormous wall of volcanic rock just keeps going up above you, which is something I’ll never forget.
It’s a short walk from the Los Gigantes marina, but the path down has some uneven ground, so wear proper shoes. If you’re coming here, I’d also really recommend seeing the cliffs from the water on a boat trip (I wrote a full guide to visiting Los Gigantes if you want all the details).
7. Playa de la Arena, Puerto de Santiago
Just down the coast from Los Gigantes, Playa de la Arena is a black sand beach in Puerto de Santiago with toilets, showers, cafés and small restaurants, which makes it a lot more comfortable for a full beach day than Los Guíos.
The swell can be strong and there are rocks under the water, so take care when swimming, but it’s a lovely spot for the sunset.
Good for families or people who like being close to facilities while at the beach.
The Best Beaches in South Tenerife
8. Playa de Abama
Playa de Abama was the big surprise of our trip, because it’s the one beach where the water was actually crystal clear and calm, like the Mediterranean beaches I’m used to. After so many wild, wavy beaches, it felt amazing to just float around and swim properly.
It’s a small, sheltered cove on the southwest coast, below the Ritz Carlton resort, and if you want one classic swimming day on your trip, this is where I’d go.
9. Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje
Playa del Duque is one of the most popular beaches in the south, with golden sand and calm water thanks to the rocks that protect it, which makes it one of the safest beaches for swimming with kids.
It’s lined with neat rows of loungers and a promenade full of restaurants, so it’s more polished and resort-style than the beaches we went to, and a bit pricier too. Not my first pick, but a great option nonetheless.
10. El Médano and 11. La Tejita
El Médano is a laid-back beach town in the southeast, famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing because of the steady wind that blows here most of the year. This was actually the first beach we went to. If you’re into water sports, or just want a relaxed surfer vibe, it’s a great place to spend a day. They also rent out a lot of equipment there.
Instead of this beach, we went right next to it (a 5-minute walk), to La Tejita. At the foot of the red volcanic cone of Montaña Roja, La Tejita is a long, wild-feeling beach with a mix of golden and dark sand. The views are stunning, especially if you hike up Montaña Roja, but the currents can be strong, so be careful in the water.
There’s also small closed huts that protect you from this sand. We weren’t able to snag one as they were all full but if you come early you can make sure to be protected from the wind. Our friends did swim, but it wasn’t the most relaxing.
When the Sea Is Too Rough: Try the Natural Pools
On days when the waves are too big for swimming, which happens a lot in the north, head to one of Tenerife’s natural pools instead. These are volcanic rock pools right on the coast that fill up with ocean water, so you get to swim in the Atlantic without being thrown around. We loved the natural pools in Bajamar, not far from where we stayed in Tejina.
FAQs About Tenerife’s Beaches
Does Tenerife have white sand beaches?
Not naturally. Most of Tenerife’s beaches have black or dark volcanic sand. The golden beaches, like Las Teresitas, were made with sand brought in from the Sahara.
Which side of Tenerife has the best beaches?
It depends on what you want. The south has calmer, sunnier and more developed beaches that are better for swimming and families, while the north has wilder, more dramatic and quieter beaches. My personal favourite, Playa de San Roque, is in the north. In general, I feel the North has a feel that I haven’t seen anywhere else, so keep an open mind and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Are Tenerife’s beaches safe for swimming?
Many are, but the Atlantic can be rough, and some beaches have strong currents and no lifeguards. Always check the flags and the conditions, and stick to calmer, protected beaches like Playa de Abama, Las Teresitas or Playa del Duque if you want an easy swim.
What’s the best time of year for the beach in Tenerife?
We went at the end of August and in September, when the sea is at its warmest of the year, and it was perfect. The south is warm enough for the beach most of the year, but the sea is cooler in winter and spring.
Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Tenerife
Tenerife’s beaches aren’t the calm, turquoise kind you might be expecting, and that’s exactly why I loved them. My favourite was the wild, quiet Playa de San Roque in Anaga, but if you want a proper swim, Playa de Abama in the south is the one to go for. And whichever beaches you choose, check the wind and the waves first, bring sandals for the hot black sand, and try to see both the north and the south.
Check Out Our Other Tenerife Guides
Los Gigantes Tenerife: Is It Worth Visiting?
Best Time to Visit Tenerife: When I’d Go Again
Things to Know Before Going to Tenerife: 15 Things I Wish I Knew
10 Days in Tenerife: Our Full Itinerary from the North Coast to Teide
