Believe it or not, it’s not only pristine pale white beaches that make for an idyllic seashore! Tenerife will shake up your expectations with its buffet of brilliant sands of all hues between star-bright white and near-midnight black. Here’s our pick of the very best.
1. Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje
• Known for its azure Atlantic ripples, sunset views and toe-sinking light gold sands, it’s so easy to fall for this much-loved cove in classy Costa Adeje. Of course, it had to be top of our list!
• With calm, lagoon-like shallows thanks to a protective breakwater, Playa del Duque is one of the best Tenerife beaches for families.
• Costa Adeje’s other beaches are ultra enticing, too. Hire pedaloes at Playa de Fanabe, chill out at Playa Torviscas or build sandcastles on the golden curve of Puerto Colon beach.
WHERE TO STAY IN COSTA ADEJE >>
2. Playa de las Vistas, Los Cristianos
• Head to popular Los Cristianos for soft golden sands that have literally been lifted straight out of the Sahara Desert. Yes, like many of the best Tenerife beaches, Playa de las Vistas may be man-made but it’s total holiday bliss!
• It’s not only the sand that’s Insta-perfect, with Blue Flag standards and tranquil water you’ll be more than happy to let your kids paddle in.
• Stretching out from the centre of the resort, Playa de las Vistas puts you in a champion spot for restaurants, bars and shops too. And don’t miss the smaller Los Cristianos Harbour Beach next door for a change of scene.
WHERE TO STAY IN LOS CRISTIANOS >>
3. Playa de las Teresitas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• If you’re a sucker for a pretty bay, this is the best beach in Tenerife for you! A sweeping 1.5 km of lush white sand, clear blue sea and swaying palms, Las Teresitas is the pride of the island’s north.
• One of the most popular spots for laid-back beach holidays, it’s a chilled-out contrast to the city streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife just 7 km away (4.5 miles).
• Grab a book, slap on the SPF and get ready for a day of swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing, with beach bars on hand and sweet little San Andres village behind you.
WHERE TO STAY IN SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE >>
4. Playa Jardin, Puerto de la Cruz
• Before you write off black sandy beaches, you have to see Playa Jardin in Puerto de la Cruz. It’s an absolute stunner, framed by luxuriant gardens and views of Mount Teide. Its secret? Eye-catching landscaping by the renowned Canarian artist, Cesar Manrique.
• Dramatic waves make this one of the best beaches in Tenerife for surfing - while a well-placed breakwater creates a calmer zone for swimming and paddling.
• And that’s not all – Playa Jardin is actually three beaches in one. Will you lay your towel on Castillo, Charcon, or Punta Brava?
WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ >>
5. Playa El Medano, El Medano
• Love watersports? Make a beeline for the waves at Playa El Medano, one of the best beaches in Tenerife South. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are just a few of the adrenalin-pumping activities you’ll find here.
• This secluded seaside spot is a lovely family holiday option and an excellent alternative to the bigger names a few miles away. Feast from the menus along the prom by day, then swap your beach bag for glad rags and head into El Medano for the evening buzz.
• Plus, there’s another fantastic surfer beach nearby. Slow down the pace and up the wilderness vibe at La Tejita just outside town. At the edge of Montana Roja Nature Reserve, La Tejita’s out-of-the-way beauty is also popular with naturists (so it’s not one to take the kids to).
6. Playa de los Guios, Los Gigantes – near Puerto de Santiago
• One of the best beaches in Tenerife for dramatic scenery, Playa de los Guios near Puerto de Santiago is perfect if you prefer a coastline that’s a little rough around the edges.
• Sunbathe on the dark black sand here and visit a tourist attraction at the same time – double tick! It’s surrounded by the soaring Los Gigantes sea cliffs, one of Tenerife’s most famous natural features.
• Top tip – check out the views from the plane window while you’re descending and you might see Los Gigantes cliffs from the air!
WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO DE SANTIAGO >>
Book your holiday to the best beaches in Tenerife
From the gold and white sand beaches of the south to the black stretches of the north, there’s no denying Tenerife has an incredible coastline!
And we haven’t even mentioned the natural rocky swimming pools on the most rugged stretches. The views of La Gomera island from Tenerife’s western shores. Or Playa del Camison – proof that you can even find quiet beaches in Tenerife’s zippiest resort, Playa de las Americas.
So, which Tenerife beaches are you going to choose?
HOLIDAY DEALS TO THE BEST TENERIFE BEACHES >>
About the author
Lucy spent 18 years writing about all kinds of holidays at the old Thomas Cook, and, after a short stint as a freelance copywriter, is now back and loving life on the new-look content team!