Playa de Abama is one of the most beautiful beaches on Tenerife — and one of the best hidden. Golden sand, turquoise water and cliffs on either side create a landscape that looks more Caribbean than Canary Islands. The beach sits at the foot of the luxury Ritz-Carlton Abama hotel, but it is public and open to everyone.
Where is Playa de Abama and how to get there?
The beach is in the municipality of Guía de Isora, on Tenerife’s south-west coast, about 10 minutes’ drive from Playa San Juan.
By car: Take the TF-47 from Playa San Juan towards the Abama hotel. Free car park at the top — arrive early as spaces run out fast (especially at weekends). From the car park you’ll need to descend steep steps — roughly 200–300 of them. The climb back up is demanding.
For Ritz-Carlton guests: Access via a funicular or hotel train. These are not available to non-guests.
Important: The beach is not suitable for people with limited mobility — the only public access is via steep stairs. Wear comfortable shoes.
Beach characteristics
Playa de Abama is roughly 100–200 metres long. The sand is golden — light and soft, a rarity on Tenerife’s west coast. The water is calm and turquoise — the cliff-sheltered bay keeps the swell at bay. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkelling.
The beach is relatively uncrowded — the stairs deter some visitors, which is paradoxically one of its charms. A lifeguard is on duty at the beach.
Facilities
- Beach club / hotel kiosk — open to everyone, serving drinks and snacks
- Toilets — at the beach club
- Lifeguard — on duty in season
- No public sunbeds — bring your own towel or mat
- No public showers — minimal infrastructure
Good to know
Although Playa de Abama sits at the foot of the five-star Ritz-Carlton, it is a public beach — all beaches in the Canary Islands are public by law. The only difference is access: hotel guests use a funicular and train, while everyone else takes the stairs.
From the beach you can see the island of La Gomera on the horizon. The water is exceptionally clear — rocks on either side of the bay create excellent snorkelling conditions. You may spot schools of fish and, with a bit of luck, sea turtles.
Who is Playa de Abama for?
- Beautiful-beach seekers — arguably the most stunning beach on Tenerife
- Couples — intimate atmosphere, tranquillity, turquoise water
- Snorkellers — crystal-clear water, rocky outcrops on either side
- Not for: people with knee problems (the stairs!), families with pushchairs, anyone wanting full facilities
Nearby beaches
To the north — Playa de la Arena in Puerto Santiago (about 10 km, black sand, Blue Flag, views of Los Gigantes). Further east — Playa de Fañabé and Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje (about 20 km).
Weather at Playa de Abama
Playa de Abama sits on Tenerife’s west coast in a sheltered bay near Costa Adeje. While this area is one of the driest on the island, morning sea mist can occasionally roll in. Check the current weather in Costa Adeje before you head out.