Discover the beaches of Tenerife: from bustling life to desolate

Discover the beaches of Tenerife: from bustling life to desolate

June 11, 2025

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is often called the 'island of eternal spring.' Its coastline is a true paradise for sun and sea lovers, offering a remarkable variety of beaches - from bustling resorts to wild, desolate coves. In this article, we'll take you on a tour of Tenerife's most beautiful beaches, showcasing their unique features and attractions. Whether you dream of relaxing on golden sand, taking an active vacation or exploring unspoiled corners, Tenerife has something for you. Get ready for a fascinating journey along a coastline that delights in the contrast of black volcanic sand and turquoise ocean water.

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The most popular beaches of Tenerife

Let's begin our journey with Tenerife's best-known and best-loved beaches, which attract tourists from all over the world.

Playa de Las Teresitas is a true gem of the northern part of the island. This artificial beach, created from sand brought from the Sahara, impresses with its golden color and azure water. 1.5 kilometers long, it offers ideal conditions for families with children thanks to a gentle descent into the water and a breakwater that protects against strong waves. On the beach you will find numerous amenities, including showers, toilets and sunbed rentals. A rating of 4.6/5 in tourist reviews attests to its enduring popularity.

Let's now move to the south of the island, to the famous Playa de las Américas. This beach is the tourist center of Tenerife, bustling with life both day and night. It is characterized by golden sand (some of it artificially applied) and calm waters, ideal for swimming. Along the beach stretches a promenade full of stores, restaurants and bars. With a rating of 4.4/5, this beach is an excellent choice for those looking for fun and active recreation.

Another popular destination is Playa el Médano, a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, especially kitesurfing and windsurfing. This natural beach, more than 2 km long, impresses with its golden-black sand and crystal clear waters. With a rating of 4.5/5, El Médano attracts not only sports enthusiasts, but also families with children thanks to its gentle descent into the water and wide beach. Numerous surf schools and equipment rentals can be found in the area.

We can't miss Playas de Troya, a complex of beaches in the popular resort of Costa Adeje. These artificial beaches with bright sand and calm waters are ideal for families with children. With a rating of 4.5/5, they offer full tourist infrastructure, including sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and numerous beach bars. A promenade stretches along the coast, ideal for evening strolls.

Also worth mentioning is Playa de Los Cristianos, which, with a rating of 4.4/5, is one of the most popular beaches in southern Tenerife. This wide, sandy beach offers calm waters thanks to breakwaters, making it safe for children. There is a harbor nearby for boat trips or dolphin and whale watching.

Each of these beaches has its own unique character, but they all have in common high quality tourist infrastructure and clean water. When choosing between them, it's worth considering not only the beach itself, but also the attractions in the area and transportation accessibility.

Discover the lesser-known beaches of Tenerife

Although Tenerife's popular beaches have much to offer, the real treasures are often hidden off the beaten tourist track. In this section, we'll take you to the island's less traveled but equally beautiful beaches.

Let's start with Playa de los Guíos, a picturesque beach located at the foot of the majestic Los Gigantes cliffs. This small beach with black volcanic sand offers unforgettable views and a quieter atmosphere than the crowded resorts. With a rating of 4.4/5, Playa de los Guíos attracts tourists looking for an authentic Canarian atmosphere. Note that due to the steep cliffs, this beach is shaded in the afternoon, which can be an advantage on hot days.

Another gem is Playa Amarilla, also known as 'Yellow Beach'. This charming cove, hidden among the rocks, is stunning with its golden sand contrasting with black rock formations. With a rating of 4.6/5, it is an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts due to its crystal clear water and rich underwater fauna. It is worth noting that access to the beach requires a short walk over rocky terrain, which can be a handicap for those with limited mobility.

For those seeking true seclusion, we recommend Playa Los Patos. Tucked away in the northern part of the island, this wild beach offers undisturbed contact with nature. With a rating of 4.5/5, it is prized by surfing enthusiasts for its good waves. However, it is worth remembering that getting to the beach requires a short hike, and the tourist infrastructure here is minimal - the price for true wildness and tranquility.

Beach of the Views, also known as Playa de las Vistas, is another gem of Tenerife's south coast. With a rating of 4.6/5, this beach combines the best of popular resorts and quieter corners. The wide, sandy beach offers excellent conditions for sunbathing, and the crystal clear water beckons for swimming. A promenade with numerous restaurants and bars stretches along the beach, making it an ideal place for a day's rest.

Last but not least is Playa de la Tejita, one of the longest natural beaches in Tenerife. This expansive dark sand beach, surrounded by red mountains, offers unforgettable views and tranquility. With a rating of 4.5/5, it is popular with kite surfers due to its constant winds. Note that part of the beach is designated for nudists.

By choosing lesser-known beaches, you get the chance for a more authentic experience and closer contact with Tenerife's nature. However, keep in mind that this often involves limited tourist infrastructure and more difficult access. Before visiting, it's a good idea to check current conditions and accessibility, especially for the more isolated beaches.

Practical tips for beachcombers in Tenerife

To fully enjoy beachcombing in Tenerife, it's worth keeping in mind some practical tips that will help make your stay more comfortable and safe.

First of all, remember to protect yourself from the sun. Tenerife is famous for its intense sunshine all year round. Even on cloudy days, the UV rays can be strong. Always use a high sunscreen, wear headgear and sunglasses. You can rent umbrellas on beaches like Playa de Las Teresitas and Playas de Troya, but on more isolated beaches like Playa Los Patos, it's a good idea to have your own.

Pay attention to the warning flags on the beaches. A green flag means safe conditions for swimming, a yellow flag means use caution, and a red flag means swimming is prohibited. Popular beaches such as Playa de las Américas and Playa de Los Cristianos always have lifeguards present, but on wild beaches you'll have to rely on your own judgment.

Keep in mind that the ocean water may be cooler than you expect, especially on the island's northern beaches. Water temperatures range from about 19°C in winter to 24°C in summer. On beaches such as Playa el Médano, popular with surfers, the wind can make the perceived temperature lower.

If you plan to visit less accessible beaches such as Playa Amarilla or Playa de la Tejita, bring enough water and snacks with you. On these beaches, food and beverage facilities may be limited or absent.

It's also worth remembering the variety of beaches in Tenerife. Some, like Playa de Las Teresitas, have light, soft sand, ideal for those seeking traditional beachcombing. Others, like Playa de los Guíos, feature black, volcanic sand that can be hot on sunny days - it's a good idea to bring appropriate footwear.

For outdoor enthusiasts, beaches such as Playa el Médano offer excellent conditions for water sports. Here you can rent equipment for surfing, kitesurfing or paddleboarding. Be sure to use licensed schools and rental companies, however.

If you plan to visit nudist beaches, such as part of Playa de la Tejita, be sure to respect local customs and etiquette.

Finally, pay attention to environmental protection. Tenerife is famous for its beautiful beaches and clean water - help keep it that way. Don't leave trash on the beach, avoid using plastic disposables and respect the local flora and fauna.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can fully enjoy the charms of Tenerife's beaches, whether you choose the popular Playa de las Américas or decide to explore hidden gems like Beach of the Views. Each of these beaches offers unique experiences, but they all have one thing in common - the unique charm of the Canary Islands.

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