smallest beaches tenerife

Small but special: Tenerife’s tiniest beaches

Three of the smallest beaches in Tenerife

Tenerife is famous for its volcanic sand beaches, the bustling tourist resorts of the south and the natural swimming pools of the north. Yet the island’s coastline also hides a number of tiny coves that, because of their size, often go unnoticed as spots for a dip. These are beaches measuring just a few metres across, some tucked away inside fishing villages, where the appeal lies not in kilometres of sand but in the scenery and peace and quiet. The smallest beaches in Tenerife include El Varadero in Adeje, San Telmo in Puerto de la Cruz and Alcalá in Guía de Isora – three very different swimming spots united by their compact dimensions.

El Varadero: a quiet fishing beach in Adeje

Located next to the fishing village of La Caleta in the municipality of Adeje, El Varadero is among the smallest beaches in Tenerife. It measures just 25 metres in length and has an average width of eight metres. This semi-urban beach sees relatively few visitors and consists of shingle, gravel and dark sand. El Varadero also has a small slipway used by recreational and fishing boats. This fishing activity is part of the area’s identity and sets it apart from Adeje’s other, far more tourist-oriented beaches. The waters are calm and the seabed is relatively flat, making this spot very comfortable for families and anyone looking for somewhere away from the tourist crowds. The beach has no facilities – no toilets, showers or lifeguards – and you cannot hire sun loungers or parasols. However, you can enjoy some local food after your swim. Access is easy on foot, and the beach has an adapted access point. It can also be reached by public transport on interurban bus lines 467 and 448.

San Telmo: a historic cove in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz

San Telmo beach in Puerto de la Cruz is one of the most traditional swimming spots in northern Tenerife. Roughly 20 metres long and 20 metres wide, this small cove is part of the everyday landscape of the town and sits right in the city centre. San Telmo lies next to the 18th-century hermitage that gives it its name. Its origins are linked to the area’s former use as a port, as it once served as a small landing stage. Today it is one of the most popular places to take a dip without leaving the urban area. The beach is made up of shingle, black sand and volcanic gravel. What visitors notice most, however, are the natural rock pools that fill and empty with the tides. San Telmo has been awarded a Blue Flag, a recognition of its water quality and available services. It has showers, bins, cleaning services and nearby restaurants. Access for people with reduced mobility is available, although there is no car park. San Telmo promenade also has shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.

Alcalá: sunsets, fresh fish and a tiny shore

The beach of Alcalá, in the municipality of Guía de Isora, completes this tour of some of the smallest beaches in Tenerife. It is roughly 30 metres long and 15 metres wide, and lies very close to Playa San Juan. This is a beach of grey and black sand, gravel and volcanic grit, situated next to a small jetty with fishing boats. Despite its modest size, Alcalá has some basic facilities such as foot-washing stations and bins. There are also bars and restaurants nearby, and it can be reached easily on foot or by car. Parking is available, as is a bus stop. One of the biggest attractions of this beach is the food on offer in the surrounding area. In Alcalá you can find restaurants specialising in fresh fish, seafood and traditional Canarian cuisine – a combination that turns a visit into something more than just a swim. The other great draw comes at the end of the day. From the beach and the promenade you can enjoy spectacular sunsets with views over the neighbouring island of La Gomera.

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