As the largest and most popular of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has an overwhelming amount of beautiful nature. From rolling green mountains to the massive volcano, it’s guaranteed to surprise you at every turn. However, when searching for things to do on Tenerife you should start with its unique beaches! On an island that you can easily circle in a day you’ll find white sand, black sand, rocky ocean cliffs, and even natural pools! Travel with us as we explore the best beaches on Tenerife, and discover what makes them so special.
Canary Islands Travel
- Mount Teide National Park by Car: Top Tips for Driving Around the Volcano
- Canary Islands Food Guide: 13 Best Things to Eat & Drink
- 10 Reasons You’ll Love Having a Rental Car in Fuerteventura Spain
- Popcorn Beach Fuerteventura: 6 Tips For Your Adventure to Corralejo
- 12 Best Beaches on Fuerteventura: Corralejo Dunes to Morro Jable
Exploring the Best Beaches on Tenerife
Starting in the North of the island we list the beaches below running counterclockwise. If you’ve never visited Tenerife before it’s good to note that there is a main road that circles the island making it easy to hit multiple beaches in one day. Also, these are our favorite beaches that are easily accessible to all travelers, have decent roads, and don’t require a massive hike to get to!
Playa De Las Teresitas
It’s only right that we start off with one of the best beaches on Tenerife! Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Santa Cruz, we were shocked to see a place that looks like it’s straight out of Southeast Asia or the Caribbean.
A rocky barrier protects the beach and soft white sand from the wavy ocean creating a natural lagoon. Also, don’t leave the area without traveling to the lookout above Playa De Las Teresitas for an epic view!
→ Playa De Las Teresitas Location
Playa Jardin and Maria Jimenez Beach
The black sands of Playa Jardin and Maria Jimenez stretch along the same coast, and from above can even look like one long beach. The waves roll and crash along the shore, but are gentle enough to have some fun swimming in.
One of the things we loved most is how even at a wavy black sand beach the water is still crystal clear! You may be staying on another part of the island, but a day of Tenerife travel and adventure are definitely worth the trip here.
If you’re looking for one of the best spots to grab lunch head to El Nispero. Hidden in the furthest corner of the beach, we were actually swimming in the water when we spotted it.
After working up an appetite in the waves we sat down to what would be one of the best seafood lunches we had on Tenerife. If you go early there is an amazing plate of the day deal. Otherwise the regular menu is well worth the price.
Piscinas Naturales El Caletón
While Piscinas Naturales El Caleton isn’t technically one of the beaches on Tenerife island it’s still an incredible swimming spot! Hitting the natural pools is considered one of the best things to do on Tenerife, and El Caleton is the queen of them all.
Located in the beautiful town of Garachico this area has a surprising past. Long ago it was actually the main port of the Canary Islands, but in the early 1700’s the Trevejo Volcano erupted and destroyed the town. In the 300+ years since it has become a beautifully preserved and historic part of Tenerife.
Typically its booming with travelers during the day, and goes back to being a sleepy fishing village at night. The rock pools in the center of town are the perfect place to soak in the sun and cool off on hot days!
→ Piscinas Naturales El Caleton Location
Playa de los Gigantes
Los Gigantes is one of the most famous points on the island and actually considered to be one of the most impressive natural wonders in Spain. The massive cliffs tower to the sky so you can easily see how they get the name Acantilados de Los Gigantes or “Cliffs of the Giants.”
Next to the harbor near Los Gigantes is a small black beach with crystal clear water and light waves. This is one of the best views of Los Gigantes that you can get aside from being out on a boat!
→ Playa de los Gigantes Location
Puerto Colon Beach & Other Southern Gems
While traveling in Tenerife on the south of the island you will find many popular towns that are full of hotels, restaurants, shops, and beaches. These are common for families who are looking to have everything in one place for their vacation.
Additionally, this is where much of the nightlife takes places with late night bars and clubs. Puerto Colon is also the jump off point for boat tours on the island. You can read all about our snorkeling and whale watching tour from here below!
→ Best Tenerife Boat Tour: How to See Dolphins & Whales from Costa Adeje
Playa Amarilla
During our time traveling in Tenerife we came across a one of a kind swimming spot. Play Amarilla is hidden among the cliffs of Costa del Silencio, and it’s so small you might even miss it if you don’t know where to look. So what makes this beach so unique?
Well, it’s actually not much of a beach at all! The cliffs to the left hang above each other creating makeshift beach chairs for you to enjoy.
There’s small ladders that go into the rough, but clear waters from the rocks and even a beach bar on the far side. Playa Amarilla is also is known as a great place to snorkel and scuba dive as well!
→ Playa Amarilla: Tenerife’s Most Unique Swimming Spot
Playa de la Tejita
The stunning Playa de la Tejita might just be the most naturally beautiful out of all the beaches on Tenerife. The Golden sand stretches along the coast all the way to Mount Roja in the distance. In late November the wind was whipping and ocean was crashing against the shore, making it too wild to jump in.
However, during the summer this is one of the most popular beaches for people traveling in Tenerife. Don’t miss the 20 minute hike to the top of Mount Roja for an incredible view of Playa de la Tejita as well!
Have any questions about our Tenerife travel guide or want to share your favorite things to do on Tenerife island? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where To Stay in the South of Tenerife
Ultra Luxury (High End) – Royal Hideaway Corales Beach – This ultra high end hotel in the south of Tenerife is an adults only escape with massive open concept rooms, onsite restaurant, spa, and an infinity pool you’ll never want to leave. If you’re looking to add luxury to your Tenerife travel, this is it!
Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – H10 Atlantic Sunset – This new modern hotel and property is perfect for a fun vacation. Rooms are beautiful with large balconies and upscale amenities, with onsite pools, restaurants, spa, and gym. Quick drive to all the popular Tenerife beaches.
Hostel Life (Budget) – Hostel chillax costa Adeje – Set in the hills of Costa Adeje, this is one of the few hostels located on Tenerife island. Beautiful views, large balcony, shared kitchen, and washing machine are included. Both private twin rooms and dormitory beds are available, and the staff is more than happy to assist with your Tenerife travel.
For more places to stay in Tenerife you can explore the latest prices here!
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Explore Spain
Best of Spain: Planning a Trip – 40 Foods & Drinks – Visiting in Winter – Costa Del Sol – 13 Best Drinks – 22 Fun Facts – Plate of the Day – 11 Cities in Southern Spain – Vueling Airlines Tips
Granada: Best Tapas – 15 Fun Things to Do – Alhambra de Granada
Nerja: 15 Things to do – Best Tapas – 7 Beautiful Beaches – Playa Burriana – Nerja Caves
Small Towns: Mijas – Frigiliana – Rupit – Cadiz – Ronda
Gran Canaria: Agaete Natural Pools – Route of the Tapas – Volcano Hike
Fuerteventura: Travel Guide – 12 Best Beaches – Aguas Verdes Natural Pool – Krabbenfelsen Natural Pool
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Spain Travel Planning
Flights: We always find the best flights using Skyscanner. Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly between cities in Spain than driving or taking the train!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to explore when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic Spain road trip!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around Spain. You can book a tour of the Madrid Royal Palace, skip the line and explore the Alhambra de Granada, or even jump on a Tenerife Dolphin cruise!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
great place to visit, thank you for creating this article
Author
Of course! Thanks for reading (-:
Thank you for this helpful guide to all these beautiful beaches!
Did you find it easy to drive around and find parking in Tenerife especially by the beaches?
Author
Hi Tara! Thanks for reading. No, it wasn’t too difficult to drive around Tenerife and there is plenty of parking at most of the beaches! Some parts of the island are quite mountainous so it would be wise to pick a sturdy car. Enjoy (-:
Thank you for the information! We are headed there for Christmas!
Author
Anytime! Christmas is the perfect time to visit the Canary Islands. We will have more Tenerife blogs coming if you want to check back in a few days, too! Enjoy (: