Best Beaches in Tenerife — Complete Guide to the Island’s Top Beaches

Tenerife boasts over 70 beaches — from golden sands in the south to wild, black volcanic shores in the north. Each side of the island has a completely different character: the south offers tourist resorts with calm waters, while the north is a surfer’s paradise with dramatic cliffs. Below you’ll find our guides to the best beaches on Tenerife.

Beaches in Southern Tenerife

The southern coast is the tourist zone — light-coloured sand and calm waters, ideal for families and sun-seekers.

  • Playa del Duque — the most exclusive beach on the island. Golden sand, luxury hotels, Blue Flag status. Sunbeds around €20.
Playa del Duque Tenerife
  • Playa de Fañabé — a family-friendly beach in Costa Adeje with golden sand, water sports and plenty of restaurants. A great alternative to Playa del Duque at a lower price.
Playa de Fañabé Tenerife
  • Playa de las Américas — the nightlife capital of Tenerife. Surfing, jet skiing, parasailing and buzzing bars. Several beach sections (Troya, Honda).
Playa de las Américas Tenerife
  • Playa de las Vistas — 850 m of peaceful shoreline in Los Cristianos. Sheltered by a breakwater, perfect for families with children. Ferry port to La Gomera nearby.
Playa de las Vistas Los Cristianos
  • Playa de la Tejita — the longest natural beach on Tenerife (~1 km). Montaña Roja, a nudist section, wind and zero facilities — wild and authentic.
Playa de la Tejita Tenerife
  • Playa de Abama — a hidden gem beneath the Ritz-Carlton hotel. Golden sand, turquoise water, reached by lift or stairs.
Playa de Abama Tenerife
  • Playa de la Arena — black sand, Blue Flag holder for 20+ consecutive years (a record!), views of Los Gigantes. Small (140 m) but charming.
Playa de la Arena Tenerife

Beaches in Northern Tenerife

The north is a different world altogether — black volcanic sand, stronger waves, fewer tourists, more authenticity. Beaches are framed by dramatic landscapes and lush greenery.

  • Playa de las Teresitas — the only golden-sand beach in Tenerife! Sand shipped from the Sahara in 1973. Calm water, free parking, a local atmosphere.
Playa de las Teresitas Tenerife
  • Playa Jardín — a black-sand beach designed by César Manrique in Puerto de la Cruz. Tropical gardens, views of Mount Teide, Blue Flag status.
Playa Jardín Tenerife
  • Playa de Benijo — a wild surf beach in the Anaga massif. Roques de Anaga rock formations, dramatic sunsets. Warning: strong currents, no lifeguards!
Playa de Benijo Tenerife
  • Playa del Socorro — black sand, popular with local surfers. Blue Flag, lifeguards on duty, though waves can be powerful.
Playa del Socorro Tenerife
  • Playa de San Marcos — a small sheltered cove in Icod de los Vinos. Very calm water, ideal for families. Close to the ancient Drago Milenario dragon tree.
Playa de San Marcos Tenerife

Wild and Hidden Beaches

  • Playa de Masca — accessible only by boat or by hiking through the Masca Gorge (permit required!). Zero infrastructure, spectacular scenery.
Playa de Masca Tenerife

Sandy Beaches — Where to Find White Sand?

Most beaches on Tenerife have black volcanic sand. If you are looking for light-coloured sand, here are your options:

  • Playa de las Teresitas — golden Saharan sand (north)
  • Playa del Duque — natural golden sand (south)
  • Playa de Fañabé — golden sand (south)
  • Playa de Abama — golden sand (southwest)
  • Playa de las Vistas — golden sand (south)

Nudist Beaches on Tenerife

The main naturist beach is Playa de la Tejita — long, wild, with a designated nudist section. Nudism is also tolerated on more remote beaches such as Playa de Benijo and Playa de Masca.

Beaches on Other Islands

Check out our beach guides for the other Canary Islands:

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