5 beautiful beaches to visit in Tenerife

5 beautiful beaches to visit in Tenerife

The largest Canary island isn’t short of sand, with beaches ranging from golden yellow to volcanic black. As these five beautiful beaches show, there’s something for everyone on the popular resort.

One of Tenerife’s most breathtaking beaches, Playa de lu Teijita is a nature lover’s dream. Spanning over one kilometre in length, the vast beach is classified as a protected nature area, and the nearby El Medano resort has many snorkelling and diving experiences on offer. With light golden sand stretching to the horizon, and a distinctive view of the Red Mountain, this shore is perfect for taking memorable holiday snaps.

Playa de las Americas is the life and soul of southern Tenerife, and its best-known beach won’t disappoint. By day, the golden sand is covered by straw sun loungers and swimmers in the warm, shallow seas. The popular destination is a Blue Flag Beach destination, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. By night, the beach doubles up as a party hotspot, with coastal bars coming alive to set the tone of the island’s nightlife. Notably, the Monkey Beach club sits directly above Playa Troya – revellers party by the sand and waves on a strobe-lit dance floor every Sunday night.

Other beach bars worth remembering include Coqueluce, in the charming village of La Caleta, and Akustito on the Playa de las Americas promenade. Each offers a quirky, relaxed atmosphere – perfect for sipping cocktails and watching the sun set.

This secret spot is located in La Oratava, in the northern part of the island. You’ll need to travel by car to reach this isolated location – or, take a 35 minute walk along the coastal path, from Puerto de la Cruz. If you’re looking for quiet, this is the perfect location – besides a small cafe serving bocadillos and tapas, there’s nothing to be seen but shimmering back sand, dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. The black sands will suit sun worshippers looking for real tranquility.

Nearby Puerto de la Cruz is the main tourist destination in northern Tenerife, famous for its raucous annual carnival. A walk along to Bollullo beach is the perfect way to wind down after the party.

This exotic garden beach was the brainchild of Canarian artist Cesar Manrique – and it shows. The dark volcanic sands come surrounded by exotic palm trees and thick botanical gardens, and even a waterfall, as the centrepiece. The purples, pinks and greens, with a traditional town as backdrop, make it a real postcard beach setting – the perfect place to take it easy and soak up the rays.

Tenerife’s most exotic beach comes in three unique parts – the first is Playa Castillo, with shady palms, and stony sand. Next is El Charcon, which offers more privacy. Finally, Punta Brava features fine, black sand and an open area perfect for young children.

The beach is located in the former fishing town of Puerto de la Cruz. On the pathway from the town to the sand, waterfalls and floral surroundings will set the scene. Playa Jardin has everything you need, in one place: playgrounds, terraces, cafes and even stage entertainment, meaning you won’t need to leave paradise in a hurry.

Located in the popular Costa Adeje resort in southern Tenerife, Playa Fanabe enjoys a land break for calm seas, making it the perfect beach for watersports. Dotted along the coastline, you’ll find plenty of facilities to rent jet-skis or banana boats. For the adventurous, travelling down the coastline by water parachute is a great way to take in the views. Tenerife is among the best destinations for families – and the watersports paradise is well worth a visit.

With the characteristic warm breeze of the Lanzarote coast, Playa Fanabe is a great place to set sail on a boat excursion – whether you’d prefer a wildlife watching experience or a luxurious sailing trip on a private yacht.

A short walk from the beach, you’ll find tapas bars, bars and boutiques along the promenade. Stretching along the upmarket Costa Adeje, you’ll find great deals on luxurious hotels, and the nearby El Conquistador is perfect for keen surfers – with strong, clear waves.