Tenerife's beaches depend on which coast you're on. The south and south-west, sheltered from the trade winds by the mass of Teide, have calm water and many of the island's golden-sand beaches, several of them made with imported sand and protected by breakwaters. The north faces the open Atlantic: the beaches there are wilder, mostly black volcanic sand, with bigger waves and far fewer people. The north-east tip, the Anaga massif, has the most dramatic of all.
The twelve beaches below are organised by coast rather than ranked, because the best beach for you depends on where you're staying and what you want from the day. The photo above is Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje.
The Best Beach for…
The Classic Image
Golden sand, palms and calm water below the Anaga mountains, near Santa Cruz.
Best Resort Beach
Fine sand, calm water and the most elegant setting in Costa Adeje.
Best for Young Children
A harbour-protected bay with some of the calmest water on the island.
Most Dramatic
Black sand and sea stacks at the end of the road through Anaga.
The 12 Beaches at a Glance
| Beach | Coast | Sand | Swimming | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playa del Duque | South-west | Golden | Calm | Couples, families |
| Playa de Fañabé | South-west | Golden | Calm | Families |
| Playa de las Vistas | South | Golden | Calm | Easy access |
| Playa de Los Cristianos | South | Golden | Very calm | Young children |
| Playa de La Arena | West | Black | Usually calm | Scenery, sunsets |
| El Médano | South-east | Golden-grey | Windy | Kitesurf, windsurf |
| La Tejita | South-east | Golden | Can be windy | Wild beach |
| Las Teresitas | North-east | Golden | Calm | First-timers |
| Benijo | Anaga | Black | Dangerous | Scenery, sunset |
| El Bollullo | North | Black | Waves, currents | Hidden cove |
| Playa Jardín | North | Black | Often waves | Gardens, town |
| San Marcos | North-west | Black | Sheltered cove | Village feel |
Sea conditions change quickly on Tenerife's north coast. Always check the flag at beaches with lifeguards and don't swim when the sea is rough.
The South and Costa Adeje: Calm and Golden
The most visited beaches on the island, with lifeguards, sunbeds and calm water most of the year. Many are protected by breakwaters and topped up with imported sand.
1. Playa del Duque
Costa Adeje · The best resort beachThe most elegant beach in the south: fine golden sand, calm, clear water and a promenade lined with good restaurants and the island's grandest hotels, including Bahía del Duque. It's less hectic than the beaches of Las Américas and works well for both couples and families, with a gentle slope into the water. Sunbeds go early in high season.
2. Playa de Fañabé
Costa Adeje · Long, wide and practicalJust south-east of El Duque along the same promenade, Fañabé is a long, sheltered golden beach with plenty of space, lifeguards and a more relaxed, less exclusive feel. It's one of the most practical choices for families staying in Costa Adeje, and the promenade continues all the way to Las Américas.
3. Playa de las Vistas
Los Cristianos – Las Américas · Easy and accessibleA long, man-made golden beach between Los Cristianos and Las Américas, protected by breakwaters that keep the water calm. It's one of the most accessible beaches on the island, with adapted facilities for people with reduced mobility, and it's walking distance from the hotels of both resorts.
4. Playa de Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos · Calmest water for small childrenThe town beach of Los Cristianos, an old fishing village turned resort, sits in a bay protected by the harbour walls, with some of the flattest, shallowest water in Tenerife — ideal for very young children. The promenade has traditional fish restaurants, and the ferries to La Gomera leave from the harbour next door.
The West and South-East: Cliffs and Wind
5. Playa de La Arena
Puerto de Santiago · Black sand below Los GigantesA natural black-sand beach in Puerto de Santiago, a short drive from the Los Gigantes cliffs, with lifeguards and services. The water is usually calm enough for swimming, the sunsets face La Gomera, and the town has a good choice of restaurants. Combine it with a boat trip under the cliffs of Los Gigantes.
6. El Médano
Granadilla de Abona · The wind-sports capitalThe longest natural beach in Tenerife, close to Tenerife South Airport, runs from the relaxed town of El Médano to the red cone of Montaña Roja. The wind blows hard and often, which makes it one of the best spots in Europe for windsurfing and kitesurfing — and less comfortable for lying on the sand. For calmer water, try the small beaches in front of the town.
7. Playa de La Tejita
Next to Montaña Roja · Wild and naturalOn the other side of Montaña Roja from El Médano, La Tejita is a long, undeveloped golden beach inside a protected natural area, with the volcanic cone as a backdrop. It's exposed to the wind and has few services, but it's one of the most natural beaches in the south. Part of it is used by naturists.
Santa Cruz and Anaga: Golden Sand and Wild Coves
8. Playa de Las Teresitas
San Andrés, Santa Cruz · The postcard beachThe image most people have of Tenerife: more than a kilometre of golden sand, brought from the Sahara in the 1970s, a palm grove and calm water behind a breakwater, all at the foot of the Anaga mountains. It's around 15 minutes from Santa Cruz and busy with locals at weekends. The fishing village of San Andrés, next door, is the place for lunch.
Casa Julia 1, an apartment in Santa Cruz de Tenerife close to the beach, with sea views and a terrace.
9. Playa de Benijo
Anaga Rural Park · The most dramatic beachAt the end of the winding road through the Anaga mountains, past Taganana, Benijo is a black-sand beach framed by green cliffs and the sea stacks of Roque de Benijo. The sunsets are spectacular. The sea, though, is powerful and the currents dangerous, so it's a beach for walking and looking rather than swimming. Allow time for the drive and combine it with a hike in Anaga.
The North Coast: Black Sand and Atlantic Waves
10. Playa de El Bollullo
La Orotava · A hidden coveA black-sand cove below cliffs and banana plantations east of Puerto de la Cruz, reached on foot down a path from a small parking area. It feels hidden and wild, with a small kiosk in summer. The waves and currents can be strong, so only swim when the sea is calm.
11. Playa Jardín
Puerto de la Cruz · Black sand and gardensPuerto de la Cruz's main beach, landscaped with gardens to a design by César Manrique, has black volcanic sand, full services and views of Teide on clear days. The Atlantic often sends in waves, so watch the flags. On rough days, the seawater pools of Lago Martiánez, also designed by Manrique, are the alternative.
12. Playa de San Marcos
Icod de los Vinos · A sheltered village coveA small black-sand cove at the bottom of the hill below Icod de los Vinos, home of the famous dragon tree. Its shape gives more shelter than most northern beaches, and the fish restaurants on the seafront make it a good stop on a drive along the north coast.
Where to Stay Near the Best Beaches
Royal Hideaway Corales Beach
A design hotel for couples by the sea, minutes from Playa del Duque.
Check Prices →
Hotel Médano
Right on the seafront of El Médano, for windsurfers, kitesurfers and beach walkers.
Check Prices →
Casa Julia 1
An apartment close to the beach, with sea views and a terrace, for Las Teresitas and Anaga.
Check Prices →
Hotel San Marcos
A small hotel in Icod, close to the cove of San Marcos and the north coast.
Check Prices →Beyond the Beach
Los Gigantes Cliffs by Boat
The cliffs from the sea, with a swimming stop. Near Playa de La Arena.
Check Prices →
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Pilot whales and dolphins live off the south-west coast all year.
Check Prices →
Siam Park
The island's famous water park, for a day when the beach isn't enough.
Check Prices →Practical Tips
South for Calm, North for Drama
For reliable swimming, stick to the south and the sheltered beaches. Visit the north for scenery and swim only on calm days.
Check the Flags
Red means no swimming. Many northern beaches have no lifeguards, and the currents can be strong even close to shore.
Water Temperature
The sea is coolest from February to April and warmest from August to October.
Stay Connected
A Yesim eSIM keeps maps and sea forecasts on your phone at the remote beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Honest Verdict
For a classic beach day, Las Teresitas and Playa del Duque are the best on the island; with small children, Los Cristianos is hard to beat. But don't leave Tenerife without seeing the other side of it: the black sand of La Arena under the cliffs, or Benijo at sunset at the end of the Anaga road. Swim in the south, explore in the north, and always respect the Atlantic.
To plan the rest of your trip, see our Tenerife travel guide, best natural pools in Tenerife and Tenerife south vs north.