Tenerife is one of my favourite places for a winter sun holiday. While it’s cold and miserable in the UK, you can hop on a quick (and usually relatively cheap!) flight to Tenerife and you’re sunning yourself on one of the many beautiful Tenerife beaches the very same day.
Tenerife is an easy option for families or anyone who doesn’t want to fly too far but still wants to feel the warm sunshine on their face in the winter.
Tenerife is very much a beach destination where your days will revolve around a beautiful hotel, swimming in the pool, swimming in the sea and soaking up the sun on the beach. There are lots of all inclusive hotels in Tenerife to choose from. These gorgeous hotels have all the entertainment and amenities you need but it’s still a lot of fun to get out and explore Tenerife and the best beaches on the island.
I highly recommend hiring a car and getting out to explore these Tenerife beaches. There are so many things to do in Tenerife and, for me, most days will revolve around jumping in the car and visiting a new beach!
Jump to:
Tenerife black sand beaches
Tenerife is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and these volcanoes have led to some stunning black sand beaches. We often think ‘golden beaches’ are the best but these black sand beaches are gorgeous. Here are three standout examples of black sand beaches in Tenerife:
Playa Jardín, Puerto de la Cruz
This beach is a perfect blend of natural beauty and man-made design. The black volcanic sand contrasts beautifully with the surrounding lush gardens, designed by local artist César Manrique. It offers stunning views of Mount Teide and is well-equipped with facilities like cafes, showers, and lifeguards, making it ideal for families.
Playa de Benijo, northeast Tenerife near the Anaga Mountains
With its rugged charm, dramatic rock formations and dark sands, Playa de Benijo is a a photographer’s dream. Accessible via a short hike, it offers a serene escape from the crowds. While swimming here can be tricky due to strong currents, the sunsets are truly magical.
Playa de la Arena, Puerto Santiago
This beach boasts some of the finest black sand on the island. Known for its crystal-clear waters and Blue Flag certification, it’s popular for sunbathing and water sports. The nearby promenade has plenty of restaurants and bars for a relaxed beachside experience and a lovely place to spend the day.
Nudist beaches in Tenerife
Playa de la Tejita, near El Médano in the south of Tenerife
Playa de la Tejita is one of Tenerife’s most famous nudist beaches. This expansive stretch of golden sand is nestled against the striking Montaña Roja, a volcanic cone which creates a dramatic backdrop.
The nudist-friendly area of the beach is found towards the western end, offering privacy and tranquility. The beach is relatively untouched, without major developments, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful and natural environment. Just be mindful that the strong winds make it popular among kite surfers.
Playa de los Patos, near La Orotava in northern Tenerife
Playa de los Patos is a secluded black sand beach known for its nudist-friendly atmosphere. Surrounded by lush cliffs, this beach is only accessible via a challenging path which makes it best for adventurous visitors looking for solitude. The wild beauty and natural setting create a perfect spot for sunbathing and relaxation, though caution is advised as the waves can be rough!
Best beach in Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is one of the most popular areas of Tenerife. Located on the sunny south coast is famed for its upscale ambiance and stunning beaches. Here are some of the best beaches in Costa Adeje:
Playa del Duque
This luxurious beach is the jewel of Costa Adeje. With golden sand, turquoise waters, and a sophisticated atmosphere, it’s perfect for those seeking a premium beach experience. Playa del Duque is the beach I spend most of my time at when I visit Tenerife as I usually stay nearby. The beach has plenty of nice beach clubs, high-end restaurants, and chic boutiques. The calm waters make it ideal for swimming and relaxation.
Playa Fañabé
A lively and family-friendly beach, Playa Fañabé is known for its soft sands and excellent facilities. There are loads of water sports like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and paddleboarding. The promenade is bustling with cafes, bars, and shops, ensuring plenty of dining and entertainment options.
Playa Torviscas
This beach is adjacent to Playa Fañabé. It offers a relaxed vibe and clear, shallow waters, making it perfect for families with children. It’s equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a variety of nearby eateries.
Playa de la Enramada
This is a pebble beach which I know isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but I had to include it because it’s lovely - and some people prefer a pebble beach! This Tenerife beach has stunning sunsets and the volcanic scenery creates a unique backdrop.
Quiet beaches in Tenerife
Tenerife is gorgeous but I often find it very busy and it’s nice to escape the crowds and find a quieter, serene beach.
Playa de Antequera, northeastern coast
Playa de Antequera is a hidden gem that can only be reached by boat or a challenging hike through the Anaga Mountains. This remote beach features fine black sand and a dramatic backdrop of rugged cliffs. The journey to Antequera is an adventure in itself, but it’s well worth it for the tranquility and breathtaking views. Its isolation ensures few visitors, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Swimming here is possible, but care should be taken due to occasional strong currents.
Playa de las Gaviotas, near Santa Cruz
Playa de las Gaviotas is another secluded black sand beach nestled beneath steep cliffs. Despite being relatively close to urban areas, it remains uncrowded and offers a laid-back vibe. This beach is a favorite among locals and nudists seeking a calm, unspoiled setting. The surrounding cliffs provide shelter, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing. The gentle waves are suitable for a refreshing swim, and the stunning natural scenery enhances the tranquil experience.
Beaches in Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos, on the southern coast of Tenerife, is another popular spot and, in my opinion, is where you’ll find some of the island’s best beaches!
Playa de Los Cristianos
This central beach is the heart of the town and is popular thanks to its golden sands, calm waters and proximity to the bustling promenade. It’s perfect for families as there are lots of amenities nearby as well as sunbeds, umbrellas, boats to hire and nearby cafes and shops.
Playa de las Vistas
Just a short stroll from Playa de Los Cristianos, Playa de las Vistas is one of the biggest and most popular beaches in the area. It’s a busy, bustling kind of beach with golden sand and clear water. It’s great for swimming and water sports and has lifeguards, showers, and beach bars.
Playa del Callao
For a quieter experience, Playa del Callao offers a more natural, pebble-lined setting. It’s perfect for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds, with stunning views and a relaxed vibe ideal for peaceful sunbathing.
Best beaches in Tenerife north
The north of Tenerife is quieter than the south and it’s known for its black sand beaches and rugged landscapes. Here are two of my favourite beaches in the north of Tenerife.
Playa de Benijo, in the Anaga Mountains
Playa de Benijo is one of Tenerife’s most picturesque beaches. Known for its dramatic rock formations, striking black sand, and wild, untouched beauty, it’s a favorite among photographers and nature lovers. The beach is relatively isolated and you’ll need to take a scenic drive followed by a short walk to reach it. This adds to the charm and I feel it’s all part of the adventure!
Strong currents make swimming challenging, but it’s perfect for a peaceful day of sunbathing or enjoying the mesmerizing Atlantic waves. The sunsets here are particularly magical, painting the sky with vibrant hues over the rugged landscape. Take your camera because you’re going to want it!
Playa de Bollullo, near Puerto de la Cruz
Playa de Bollullo is a hidden gem of a beach in north Tenerife. Surrounded by cliffs and banana plantations, this black sand beach provides a serene escape. It’s accessible via a walking path through and you’ll be met by strong waves and plenty of surfers to watch. You’ll find a small beach bar with a relaxed and unspoiled vibe.
White sand beach in Tenerife
If you prefer white or golden sand over black sand then here are two of Tenerife’s top white sand beaches:
Playa de las Teresitas, near Santa Cruz
Playa de las Teresitas is arguably Tenerife’s most famous white sand beach. Its golden sand was imported from the Sahara Desert, creating a stunning contrast against the surrounding lush green hills and blue waters. This man-made beach stretches over a kilometer, offering plenty of space for sunbathing and relaxation. The breakwaters calm the waters, making it ideal for swimming and families with children. Facilities such as sun loungers, umbrellas, beach bars, and ample parking add to its appeal.
Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje
So good it had to be featured in our list of Tenerife beaches twice! Playa del Duque has fine golden-white sand and turquoise waters. The beach is impeccably maintained and has great amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby gourmet restaurants and boutiques.
Best beaches in Tenerife south
If you’re staying in the south of Tenerife then these are two best beaches you have to visit!
Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje
I sound like a broken record but Playa del Duque really is the nicest! It is synonymous with luxury and relaxation and, if you don’t mind paying a little extra for your food, drinks and loungers, it’s well worth a day there.
Playa de las Vistas, between Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas
Playa de las Vistas is one of Tenerife’s largest and most popular beaches. Known for its golden sands and calm waters, it’s ideal for families, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts. The promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars and there’s great facilities like showers, lifeguards, and accessibility ramps, making Playa de las Vistas a great place to spend the whole day.
My favourite Tenerife beach
If you haven’t guessed it already, I think the best beach in Tenerife is Playa del Duque.
I love the remote, black sand beaches for sunset walks and adventurous days out (especially when the weather isn’t great!) but Playa del Duque is the winner for me when it comes to long, lazy days sunbathing, reading, playing with the kids, swimming in the sea and popping back and forth into beach bars for drinks and icecreams!
Bonus Beach
A bonus beach you probably wouldn’t think about visiting for a beach day is the man made beach at Siam Park.
Siam Park is one of the biggest waterparks in the world and my kids would happily spend every single day of their holiday there! I like to get there early and get a nice spot at the Siam Park Beach and my kids are entertained all day while I can relax!