Tenerife's coastline stretches from golden-sand tourist beaches to wild volcanic coves barely anyone visits. Here are our picks across every type.
Tenerife's coastline is more varied than most visitors realise. There are long, managed tourist beaches with sunbeds and cafes, wild natural beaches with no facilities at all, dramatic black volcanic sand, and sheltered coves tucked into sea cliffs. Here's our guide to the best across the island.
Playa de las Vistas, Los Cristianos
The best of the busy south coast beaches. Playa de las Vistas is wide, long, and consistently sheltered - it faces southwest, which means the trade winds don't really reach it. The sand is imported golden sand, maintained well, and the water is calm enough for young children. Sunbeds and parasols are available for hire, and the promenade behind is well-stocked with cafes and restaurants.
Gets very busy from 10am in peak season. If you want a sunbed in a good spot, arrive before 9am.
Best for: Families, those who want facilities, reliable sunshine.
Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje
The premium end of the south coast, flanked by five-star hotels. Playa del Duque has finer sand, better water quality, and a noticeably calmer atmosphere than the busier beaches further south. It's quieter during the week and fills up at weekends.
The promenade here is genuinely lovely - less touristy than Las Americas, with better restaurants and a more relaxed pace.
Best for: Couples, those who want a slightly more upmarket feel.
El Médano Beach
A long, natural beach on the southeast coast that feels completely different from the south resort beaches. El Medano faces the open Atlantic and catches the full force of the trade winds - this is Tenerife's world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing beach, and on the right day watching the wave riders is as good as any spectator sport.
The town behind is one of Tenerife's most authentic - a proper local community with good independent restaurants and bars, not a resort strip.
Warning: The wind here is relentless. It's genuinely not a beach for those who want to lounge peacefully. Bring a windbreak or choose a different beach.
Best for: Wind sport enthusiasts, those who want an authentic Tenerife feel.
Playa Jardín, Puerto de la Cruz
Designed by the Canarian artist César Manrique and opened in 1992, Playa Jardín is one of the most visually striking beaches on the island. The volcanic black sand sits against a backdrop of lush tropical gardens, with the profile of Teide visible on clear days.
The sea here is cooler and often rougher than the south - this is the north coast, exposed to Atlantic swells. It's more for walking along and admiring than for safe family swimming. But as a beach experience, it's unique.
Best for: Those who want beauty over functionality, photography, evening walks.
Playa de Los Gigantes
The beach at Los Gigantes sits directly below the extraordinary sea cliffs - the Acantilados de Los Gigantes - which rise nearly 600 metres from the water. Dark volcanic sand, usually calm water, and a dramatic cliff backdrop that you won't forget.
Smaller and more intimate than the big south coast beaches. The town above is a quiet, pleasant resort popular with long-stay visitors.
Best for: Anyone who wants dramatic scenery with their beach day.
Playa de Benijo
This is the one worth the effort. A wild, remote black sand beach in the Anaga peninsula in the far northeast, Benijo is what Tenerife looks like before tourism. Ancient laurel forest comes down to sea cliffs, the Atlantic crashes against dark rock, and there are usually more surfers than tourists.
There are no sunbeds, no hire kiosks, and limited facilities. The approach road is rough and narrow. It doesn't matter. This is one of the most beautiful spots on the island.
Getting there: Drive to the village of Benijo. The road is narrow and can be slow with oncoming traffic. A small car is recommended. There's limited parking at the top of the track down to the beach.
Best for: Adventure seekers, photographers, surfers, anyone who wants the real Tenerife.
Playa de Las Teresitas, Santa Cruz
Just north of the capital, Las Teresitas is one of the most famous beaches on the island for residents and Spanish visitors. The golden sand was imported from the Sahara in the 1970s, and a breakwater creates calm, shallow water.
It's less geared towards foreign tourists and more of a proper local beach - packed at weekends with families from Santa Cruz, quiet on weekday mornings. There's a row of fish restaurants just off the beach that are among the best value on the island.
Best for: A glimpse of local Tenerife life, excellent seafood lunch.
Beach Tips for Tenerife
- UV is intense year-round - SPF 50 and regular reapplication, even on cloudy days.
- The sea in the north is colder and rougher than the south - check local conditions before swimming at any beach without a lifeguard.
- Calima events can drop air quality and dump red dust on everything - including your towel. Check forecasts if you see the sky turning hazy.
- Early morning is always best at the popular south coast beaches - before 9am you'll often have a long stretch to yourself.