Playa de la Tejita is Tenerife’s longest natural beach — nearly a kilometre of dark golden sand stretching beneath the volcanic cone of Montaña Roja. No sunbeds for hire, no beachfront hotels, no bar music. Just the wind, the waves, and a red mountain against a blue sky. For some, that’s perfection; for others, it’s too rugged. One thing is certain: Tejita is a beach with character.
Montaña Roja — the red mountain
The landscape is dominated by Montaña Roja (171 m above sea level) — a volcanic cone with a striking rusty-red colour, protected as a nature reserve. The hike to the summit takes about 30 minutes and rewards you with panoramic views across the entire south-east coast of Tenerife, Tenerife South Airport right next door, and on clear days even a glimpse of Gran Canaria.
The trail starts at the car park on the El Médano side. It’s not technically difficult, but there’s no shade — a hat and water are absolutely essential.
Nudist beach
Tejita is the best-known nudist beach on Tenerife. The clothing-optional area occupies the south-eastern end of the beach, closer to Montaña Roja. The rest of the beach is “textile,” though the boundary is fluid and nobody bats an eye either way. The beach attracts people seeking peace, a connection with nature, and an escape from the tourist resorts of the south.
Wind — a blessing and a curse
La Tejita sits in one of the windiest spots on Tenerife, right next to El Médano — the island’s windsurfing capital. The north-easterly trade winds blow here almost every day, especially in the afternoon. For kitesurfers and windsurfers, it’s paradise. For sunbathers lying on a towel, it’s a challenge. Practical tip: arrive in the morning when the wind is still light, or set up in the shelter of Montaña Roja on the eastern side.
The Cuna del Alma hotel controversy
For years, Tejita has been at the centre of a heated debate about tourism on Tenerife. The planned Cuna del Alma hotel, located on the hillside directly above the beach, triggered massive protests from environmentalists and local residents. Critics argued the development threatens the Montaña Roja nature reserve and would alter the character of one of the island’s last truly wild beaches. The issue continues to divide public opinion to this day.
Practical information
- Getting there: by car from the TF-1 motorway, exit towards El Médano. The car park by the beach is large but fills up at weekends. Alternative: the car park by Montaña Roja on the El Médano side.
- Public transport: bus line 470 from Costa Adeje / Los Cristianos to El Médano, then a 15-minute walk.
- Airport proximity: Tenerife South Airport (TFS) is literally 2 km from the beach. Planes fly right overhead — some people love it, others hate it.
- Facilities: NO sunbeds or parasols. A seasonal food truck / bar operates by the car park. The nearest shops and restaurants are in El Médano (2 km).
- Swimming: the beach is open to the ocean and waves can be strong. Swimming is possible but watch out for currents, especially in windy weather.
Nearby beaches
- Playa de El Médano — the main beach in El Médano town, promenade with restaurants, surfing.
- Playa de la Jaquita — a smaller, more sheltered beach in El Médano, better for calm swimming.
- Playa de Los Abrigos — a small cove by a fishing village, excellent seafood restaurants.
Weather at Playa de la Tejita
La Tejita is a long natural beach at the foot of Montaña Roja, near El Médano. It’s one of the windiest spots on Tenerife – the steady trade winds attract kitesurfers but can make sunbathing a challenge. Be sure to check the weather in El Médano, especially wind conditions.