10 BEST Beaches in Tenerife (North & South): White Sand, Black Sand & Clearest Water
Looking for the best beaches in Tenerife? You’ve come to the right place!
This stunning Spanish island has everything, from golden sand coves and family-friendly resort beaches with calm, shallow water, to wild black sand shores and windy surf spots that are among the best in Europe.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed beach holiday with kids, chasing waves and water sports, or hunting for dramatic volcanic scenery and hidden coves, there’s a Tenerife beach that fits your style.
On top of that, Tenerife has a warm and sunny climate year-round. So regardless of what time of the year you’re visiting, you can be sure to enjoy these beautiful beaches.
I have spent a lot of time exploring Tenerife, adventuring around the island and discovering the best Tenerife beaches. In this article, I put together all of my favourites, with useful advice like how to get there, who they're best suited, sand type and more.
So what are you waiting for? Dive in, and discover the best beaches in Tenerife!
Best beaches in Tenerife at a glance
Here is a quick overview of my favourite beaches in Tenerife, what you can expect in terms of sand and sea conditions, as well as the location and who they're best suit
| Beach | Water & swimming | Best for | Area | Sand type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playa del Duque | Generally calm, good for swimming | Families, couples, luxury resort stays | South (Costa Adeje) | Golden |
| Playa de Las Vistas | Calm, protected by breakwaters | Families, long walks, lots of facilities | South (Los Cristianos) | Dark golden |
| Playa El Camisón | Sheltered bay, usually gentle waves | Easy beach days close to resorts | South (Playa de las Américas) | Golden |
| Playa de la Tejita | Windy with stronger waves | Surfing, windsurfing, wild open feel | South (near El Médano) | Volcanic / reddish |
| Playa de Los Gigantes | Usually calm but small and can feel crowded | Swimming with dramatic cliff views | Southwest (Los Gigantes) | Black |
| Playa San Juan | Generally calm near the harbour | Quieter local vibe, relaxed days | Southwest (San Juan) | Black with pebbles |
| Playa de Abama | Sheltered cove, usually very calm | Snorkelling, hidden-feel golden cove | Southwest (near Abama resort) | Golden |
| Playa de Benijo | Strong waves and currents, no breakwater | Dramatic photos, sunsets, wild scenery | North (Anaga area) | Black |
| Playa del Socorro | Rougher surf, stronger waves | Surfing, wave watching, rugged coast | North (near Los Realejos) | Black |
| Playa Las Teresitas | Very calm and shallow thanks to breakwaters | Families, non-swimmers, “white sand” beach days | North-east (near Santa Cruz) | Imported golden Sahara sand |
How to choose the right Tenerife beach for you
If you want a safe swim with kids: Las Teresitas, Las Vistas, El Camison, Playa del Duque. These beaches have calm and shallow water, lifeguards and full services.
If you want resort convenience without a car: Las Américas, Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje beaches. This whole stretch of coastline is walkable, along a beautiful beach promenade, as is also connected by bus.
If you want wild landscapes and black sand: Benijo, El Socorro. There are no breakwaters on these beaches and the currents can be really strong, so swimming is not advised.
If you want surf or windsurf: El Médano, La Tejita, El Socorro, Las Américas. In Las Americas and El Medano you'll find plenty of surf schools for classes or rentals.
If you want a hidden or less crowded beach: Playa San Juan, Los Gigantes. Away from the main tourist area, these beaches are considerably less crowded.
Map of the best beaches in Tenerife
Before we dive into a detailed description of the best beaches in Tenerife, here is a map of their locations, so you can see visually where they are around the island.
Best Beaches In Tenerife South
While Tenerife has a good climate year round, it’s important to note that there are big climate differences between the north and south of the island, especially if you’re visiting Tenerife in winter.
Personally I find the beaches in the north more beautiful and scenic, but the beaches in the south tend to receive more sun, hence why this part of Tenerife receives also more tourists.
Let’s dive into some of the best beaches in Tenerife South:
El Camison
- Sand & scenery: Small golden cove, palm-fringed
- Water & safety: Sheltered, usually calm
- Facilities & access: Promenade, sunbeds, easy walk
- Best for: Simple beach days near resorts
One of the best beaches in the south of Tenerife, Playa El Camison became my regular spot.
I like it because it’s relatively small and cozy, but it still has everything you need. There are sunbeds and sun umbrellas for hire, as well as kiosks, showers, and local restaurants.
If you don’t want to have to think about planning anything, El Camison is the place to come.
It sits on the border between Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, so it’s super easy to access and there’s plenty of nearby parking if you drive there.
Las Vistas
- Sand & scenery: Long, wide, darker golden sand
- Water & safety: Breakwaters, gentle waves
- Facilities & access: Lots of services, very accessible
- Best for: Families, flat walks, facilities
This beach is right next to El Camison. It's much bigger compared to its neighbour and has even more restaurants and facilities. On busy days you’re more likely to find a spot for your towel here.
Personally, I prefer El Camison, but only because the sand at Las Vistas is darker. It’s not a particularly quaint or picturesque beach, but it’s spacious, the water has a lovely blue colour, and it’s very easy to access.
You can get there super easily as it’s just off the walking promenade of Los Cristianos.
Playa de la Tejita
- Sand & scenery: Wild, wide, volcanic sand, Montaña Roja views
- Water & safety: Windy, stronger waves
- Facilities & access: Basic services, car + short walk
- Best for: Surf, wind, natural feel
Playa de la Tejita is one of the wilder beaches in Tenerife. It’s super open, exposing it to all the elements. There’s a large cliff that juts out of the open sand on one end of the beach, which looks especially beautiful at sunset.
The beach is very close to El Medano and is one of the most popular spots on Tenerife for surfing and windsurfing.
I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for a chilled beach day, as the wind often kicks up the sand. But if you’re ready for an adventure - it’s the place to come!
As Tenerife is one of the best spots for surfing in Europe, it would be a shame not to give it a go. Check out my surfing in Tenerife article for all you need to know.
Playa del Duque
- Sand & scenery: Golden sand, polished resort look
- Water & safety: Generally calm, good for swimming
- Facilities & access: Full facilities, promenade, easy access
- Best for: Families, couples, comfort
Looking for the most luxurious beach in Tenerife? Pack your swimming costume and get yourself to Playa del Duque. Even the name, The Duques Beach, suggests glamour.
With grand palm trees in the distance, and surrounded by smooth rock you can wander along, it’s one of the most famous Costa Adeje beaches.
The sand is soft and golden, boasting gentle waters that are perfect for a dip.
It’s the best beach in Tenerife for families as there are lots of luxury shops, bars and restaurants around, as well as plenty of parking and a nice beach promenade walk right behind it.
There are sunbed rentals for a truly relaxing day on the beach, and there are lots of seafood restaurants along the beach so you can try some local dishes.
Playa de Los Gigantes
- Sand & scenery: Small black-sand cove under cliffs
- Water & safety: Usually calm but compact
- Facilities & access: Limited on beach, harbour nearby
- Best for: Cliff views, clear-water swims
Named after a town of the same name, Los Gigantes means “the giants”. It was called this because of the imposing cliffs that rise high above the town and reach up to 800 meters tall!
The beach is one of the best beaches in Tenerife for swimming as the water there is crystal clear and calm. Bear in mind it’s a pretty small beach, so it can get crowded on sunny days!
There are sunbeds you can rent on the beach itself, but there aren’t any restaurants or kiosks for drinks and food on the beach itself - so make sure to bring what you need with you. Otherwise, take a short walk to the harbour where you’ll find lots of options.
Personally I also think Los Gigantes is one of the best starting points for a Tenerife whale-watching tour, since the black cliffs are a particularly scenic backdrop for your boat tour!
Click here to book your whale watching tour in Los Gigantes, Tenerife!
Playa San Juan
- Sand & scenery: Dark sand with pebbles, harbour views
- Water & safety: Generally calm inside bay
- Facilities & access: Sunbeds, cafés, not much on the beach but easy town access
- Best for: Quieter, local-feel days
Right in the heart of a little seaside town of the same name, Playa San Juan is one of the more laidback beaches in the south of Tenerife.
The beach has black sand at the top, and a layer of pebbles nearer the water, so it’s not the most comfortable for sunbathing but it has the perk of being one of the quieter beaches in the area.
When the crowds get too much, escape the chaos of Los Cristianos and read your book on this less popular beach in Tenerife.
There’s a little harbour next to the beach too, so you can see the boats bobbing up and down in the water.
It’s right by a town road so access isn’t an issue. There are toilets, sunbed rentals, nearby restaurants, and kiosks selling cool drinks and snacks.
Playa de Abama
- Sand & scenery: Sheltered golden cove below cliffs
- Water & safety: Very calm, clear, good for snorkelling
- Facilities & access: Steep walk, limited but good services
- Best for: Snorkelling, hidden-feel cove
The Playa de Abama is under the Ritz Carlton Hotel, one of the best places to stay in Tenerife. You can still get to it if you’re not a hotel guest, but you won’t be able to drive your car all the way down, unfortunately.
From the car park, there are steep steps down to the shore, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the beach but it’s worth the extra effort.
Tucked into a little alcove, this golden sand beach is picturesque and perfect for relaxation. Surrounded by hills covered in banana trees, it feels peaceful and hidden away from the rest of the hustle and bustle.
Bring your snorkels! The water is clear and the calm waters are great for spotting local marine life. There’s a beach bar and restaurant on the shore too. Relax and enjoy your time at one of the top beaches in Tenerife!
Best Beaches in Tenerife North
Now we’ve explored the south of the island, let’s have a look at some of the best beaches in Tenerife north:
Playa de Benijo
- Sand & scenery: Wild black sand, dramatic rocks and cliffs
- Water & safety: Strong waves, no breakwaters
- Facilities & access: Steep steps, no services on the beach and limited at the closest town
- Best for: Photos, sunsets, rugged scenery
Up till now, we’ve talked about beaches that are great for lounging on, but Playa de Benijo in the north offers something a little different.
You can only reach this stunning black sand beach by car. Park by the El Mirador restaurant and walk down the little path the rest of the way.
Wild and exposed, the beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and features stark rock formations that rise out of the water near the shore.
There are no facilities apart from some beach showers and often no lifeguards, which only adds to the place’s remote and wild allure.
Please be mindful of getting in the water though, whilst most beaches in Tenerife have wave breaks to calm the waves hitting the shore, there isn’t one here. The tide can quickly sweep you out to sea.
More a beach for exploring and admiring the landscape than swimming, Playa de Benijo is still one of the most scenic and best beaches of Tenerife.
El Socorro Beach
- Sand & scenery: Long black-sand beach, rugged coast
- Water & safety: Surf beach, stronger waves
- Facilities & access: Parking, kiosk, basic facilities
- Best for: Surfing, wave watching
This rocky black sand beach is a classic example of how Tenerife’s volcanic eruptions have shaped the landscape. Don’t worry though, the last one was in 1909!
Surrounded by stretches of rugged coast, the beach is one of the more scenic beaches on the island. There are a few services there, like parking along the edge of the beach and a kiosk.
The beach is most known for surfing though, and is one of the most popular surf beaches in Tenerife.
I think if you just want to relax and swim, this isn’t the best beach as the waves can get pretty rough, but it is worth a visit if you want to see the more rough-around-the-edges sections of the coast in Tenerife or try surfing.
Playa Las Teresitas
- Sand & scenery: Wide golden “Sahara” sand bay, palm trees
- Water & safety: Very calm and shallow
- Facilities & access: Big car park, sunbeds, beach bars
- Best for: Families, easy “white sand” days
Just a 20-minute drive away from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Playa Las Teresitas is by far the most iconic of the island’s beaches. It features in most Tenerife bucket lists and marketing photos of the island.
With glistening golden Sahara desert sand, the beach sits nestled into a backdrop of the mountains of Anaga that surround it.
It’s no wonder it attracts so many travellers! The mountains of Anaga are home to some of the best hikes in Tenerife, so you could easily pair a scenic hike with some down time at this incredible beach.
The water is calm and a clear turquoise hue. If you’re looking for the prettiest beach in Tenerife, this might just be it!
Spacious and long, the beach has a few kiosks and bars dotted along its length. You can also hire sunbeds for the day for as little as 2 EUR. There’s a big car park behind the beach too.
FAQs about Tenerife beaches
Are Tenerife’s beaches sandy or rocky?
Tenerife has a mix of natural black volcanic sand, imported golden or “white” sand, and some rocky beaches. There are also lots of natural pools around the island, so there's really beaches for any taste and preference.
Are there white sand beaches in Tenerife?
Yes. Playa Las Teresitas near Santa Cruz is the most famous white / golden sand beach, with sand that was imported from the Sahara desert. Some south resort beaches like Playa del Duque also have lighter golden sand.
Which beaches in Tenerife are best for families?
Las Teresitas, Playa del Duque, Las Vistas and Los Cristianos are ideal for families thanks to calm, shallow water, lifeguards in season, flat promenades and plenty of cafés, toilets and shade.
What beaches in Tenerife are safest for swimming?
Sheltered bays with breakwaters are usually safest, including Las Teresitas, Las Vistas, El Camisón, Los Cristianos and Playa del Duque. The wild beaches on the north coast, like Benijo or some Anaga coves, often have strong waves and currents.
Where can you surf in Tenerife?
Head to El Médano and La Tejita for wind and kitesurfing, and to Las Americas for surfing or bodyboarding. Here you'll find lots of local surf schools for classes or rentals.
Some beaches in the north like El Socorro are also great for surfing, but there are no schools by the beach where you can take classes or rent a board, so only go if you have your own gear and are already a capable surfer.
Do you need a car to visit the best beaches in Tenerife?
You can easily reach the main south resort beaches by bus or on foot if you stay in Las Américas, Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje, but a car makes it much easier to visit remote Anaga beaches like Benijo, or smaller hidden coves.
Are there nudist or clothing-optional beaches in Tenerife?
There are a few traditional naturist areas and clothing-optional sections, including parts of La Tejita, Playa Diego Hernandez (also known as hippie beach) and some more remote coves, but rules can change, so it’s best to check local info and always respect signs and other visitors.
Playa San Juan and Playa Los Gigantes on the south-west coast tend to be quieter than the big resort strips. Most of the beaches in the north of the island are usually quieter, especially outside weekends, but they won't have the same facilities.
Are Tenerife beaches free and public?
Yes, Tenerife’s beaches are public, even those in front of luxury resorts, although services like sunbeds and umbrellas are paid. Some “hotel” beaches like Abama just have trickier access if you're not staying at the hotel.
Is the sea in Tenerife warm enough for swimming all year?
Yes. I've personally swam in the sea in Tenerife in December and January. It's obviously cold in winter, but it's definitely doable if you're just jumping in to cool down. If you plan a long swim or surf, it's better to wear a wetsuit.
The sea in the south coast tends to feel more comfortable thanks to sunnier, more sheltered conditions.
When is the best time to go to the beach in Tenerife?
Obviously summer will always guarantee the best weather. Long sunny days, warm water and higher temperatures all around the island. While you can still expect that in Tenerife South also in winter, in the north of the island the conditions can be much colder and cloudier.
Are Tenerife beaches safe?
Most main beaches are patrolled and use a flag system to show sea conditions, but you should always respect red flags, currents and jellyfish warnings, and take extra care at wild beaches without lifeguards.
Are Tenerife beaches good for snorkeling?
Sheltered rocky coves like Abama and some areas near breakwaters or natural pools are good for spotting fish in clear water, while open surf beaches are less suited to relaxed snorkelling.
Final Thoughts On The Best Beaches Of Tenerife
From wild black sand beaches that attract surfers from around the world, to picturesque beaches nestled into hidden alcoves, Tenerife has so many amazing beaches to choose from.
Pack your swimming costume and get ready to soak in the sun! Not sure where to start? Check out my 3-7 days in Tenerife itinerary for more inspiration, or start planning your perfect Tenerife Christmas trip!
While I love the sun and beaches of Tenerife, I’m the first to say that what’s great about Tenerife is its variety of landscapes.
I’ve seen better beaches in other Spanish islands, like Cala del Moro in Mallorca, but the Balearic Islands can’t compare with the Canary Islands in terms of weather in winter.
The Canary Islands are completely different from the rest of Spain, they have nothing to do with the architecture of the Alhambra in Andalusia, or the hustle and bustle of cities like Barcelona or Malaga, but they should still feature on your Spain bucket list nonetheless!
Have you been to Tenerife before? Are you planning to go? Let me know in the comments below!
Enjoyed reading about the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife? Pin it!
Discover more Europe travel guides!
- Hiking the Chestnut Trail in Südtirol, Italy: The Ultimate Italian Self-Guided Walking Holiday!
- Sustainable Tourism in Ravenna, Italy - What is It, Best Tours & More!
- The BEST Places to Visit in Upper Austria: Discover Linz & Vitalwelt!
- Best Things to do in Ravenna, Cervia & Comacchio! Highlights of Emilia Romagna
