The best beaches in Tenerife: enjoy this Canarian paradise

When you think of the best beaches in Tenerife, images of Los Cristianos packed with sun loungers or Playa de las Américas probably come to mind. But the truth is that the Canary Island hides coastal treasures that most tourists do not even realize exist.


The largest island in the Canary Islands boasts corners that quite literally leave you speechless. We are talking about volcanic beaches where you are practically the only person in sight, hidden coves that require a little effort to reach but reward you with the most authentic experience, and stretches of sand where the contrast between black volcanic sand and the blue of the Atlantic Ocean creates a truly unique postcard-perfect scene. So if you are looking for the real gems of the Tenerife coastline, you have come to the right place.

South Tenerife Beaches: where the sun never lets you down

The south of the island has the weather advantage everyone is looking for: sunshine is virtually guaranteed 365 days a year. While the north can be covered by clouds, the southern skies usually remain clear. And although it is true that this area concentrates most of the tourist infrastructure, there are still places that preserve their wild and untouched spirit.

El Médano and La Tejita: a surfer’s paradise

We begin with what we consider one of the south’s greatest surprises. El Médano is not exactly a hidden beach, but it has something special that sets it apart from the rest: its bohemian atmosphere is worlds away from the resort vibe that dominates other coastal areas in the south.

The sand here has a golden-brown hue that contrasts spectacularly with Montaña Roja, the reddish volcanic cone that looks as though it has been lifted straight from Mars and dominates the landscape. The constant wind makes this beach a sanctuary for surfers and kitesurfers, but do not be intimidated: the area closest to the town has calm waters that are perfect for a relaxing swim.

Just on the other side of Montaña Roja lies La Tejita, and this is where things become truly interesting. Nearly two kilometres of unspoilt beach where naturism is common and where you can walk for hours feeling as though you have discovered your own private slice of paradise. There are no beach bars or rental umbrellas—just you and the sea.

El Médano Beach (Tenerife) — Photo: Jose Mesa / Flickr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0).

Montaña Pelada: black sand and solitude

Continuing through the south, we find this gem that many visitors overlook. The Montaña Pelada Natural Monument is a volcanic cone that plunges into the ocean, creating small dark-sand coves that offer a complete sense of isolation. You will need to walk to reach them, but that very effort is what keeps the crowds away.

These coves are known as Playa La Pelada and Playa La Rajita. The currents can be strong, so take care when entering the water.

Las Teresitas: Tenerife’s Caribbean beach

It was created with sand imported from the Sahara in the 1970s. And frankly, that does not matter in the slightest, because Las Teresitas Beach is simply spectacular. Just 15 minutes from Santa Cruz, this beach, with nearly a mile of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, looks as though it belongs in the Caribbean.

The palm grove that surrounds it, the mountain that shelters it and creates its perfect bay, and the turquoise colour of the water when the sun shines brightly combine to create a truly stunning setting. It offers beach bars, ample parking (although it fills up on weekends), lifeguards, and a family-friendly atmosphere that makes it perfect for a carefree beach day.

Las Teresitas Beach (Tenerife) — Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Playa del Duque: comfort and elegance by the sea

If you are looking for a beach that combines comfort with a refined atmosphere, Playa del Duque is a reliable choice. Located in Costa Adeje, it stands out for its light-coloured sand, calm waters, and well-maintained surroundings, complete with restaurants, sun loungers, and seaside promenades that invite you to extend your day by the ocean.

It is one of the most exclusive beaches in the south and also an especially convenient option if you are staying at Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur 5*, as it is only a short walk away. It is perfect for alternating days of exploring wild coves with relaxing, hassle-free beach time.

Playa del Duque (Costa Adeje, Tenerife) — Photo: wuppertaler / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).

Tenerife Coves: hidden gems among the cliffs

Tenerife’s coves have a special charm. They usually require a good walk to reach, but they are always worth the effort.

Diego Hernández Beach: the hippie cove

Also known as Caleta de los Hippies, this small beach located between El Puertito de Adeje and La Caleta is one of those places that makes you wonder how somewhere like this can exist in the heart of the island’s tourist south. White sand, turquoise-blue waters that seem more Mediterranean than Atlantic, and an almost untouched natural setting.

Access is via a trail that starts at Costa Adeje Golf Course, and it is best visited at low tide because at high tide the beach almost disappears.

Bollullo Beach: volcanic beauty in the north

Now we move to the northern part of the island to talk about one of our favourite beaches in all of Tenerife: Bollullo. It is exactly the kind of beach that appears in your dreams when you think of volcanic coastlines: fine black sand, dramatic cliffs, and a majestic Atlantic Ocean displayed in all its splendour.

To get there, take exit 32 from the TF-5 motorway. You will arrive in an area of banana plantations where you will need to decide whether to park higher up and walk or pay for one of the nearby private car parks. The final stretch must be completed on foot, but do not worry—it is a scenic trail with spectacular views.

Once you reach the beach, you will find sun loungers available for hire as well as plenty of space to spread out your towel. The currents here can be deceptive, so if you are not a strong swimmer, it is best to enjoy the scenery with your feet in the water.

El Bollullo Beach (Tenerife) — Photo: TenSob / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).

Los Patos: when nature gets dramatic

Just one kilometre from El Bollullo, but with a completely different character, you’ll find Playa de los Patos. This is nudist territory par excellence, and the beach has that wild, remote feel that makes you feel like an explorer for a day.

Access, once again on foot and over uneven terrain, is part of what keeps this spot relatively untouched.

Playa de los Guíos: at the foot of the Giants

When you arrive in Los Gigantes for the first time and see those towering vertical rock walls rising up to 600 metres above the sea, the feeling is truly awe-inspiring. And right at the base of these cliffs, almost unexpectedly, you’ll find this dark sand beach, one of the island’s greatest natural spectacles.

Playa de los Guíos (also known as Playa de Los Gigantes) is small, just 180 metres long, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character. The waters here are calmer than on other volcanic beaches, making it ideal for families. It has all the services, Blue Flag status, and that dramatic cliff backdrop that makes every photo look like a film still.

Parking is in the village, not directly at the beach, but the walk down to the sand lets you enjoy the views along the way. From here you can also book boat trips to see the cliffs from the sea or even go whale watching.

Playa de los Guíos (Los Gigantes, Tenerife) — Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Hidden beaches in Tenerife: guaranteed adventure

These are the beaches that require extra effort, either due to a serious hike or challenging swimming conditions caused by strong currents.

Tamadite

If there is one beach in Tenerife that leaves you with the feeling of having discovered a true hidden treasure, it is Tamadite. Located in the Anaga Rural Park, this beach is so inaccessible that the only way to reach it is on foot. And we’re not talking about a short stroll: it’s a 10-kilometre round trip from Taganana.

But those 10 kilometres are arguably the most beautiful coastal route in the Canary Islands. The trail winds along vertiginous cliffs with breathtaking sea views, passing through areas of laurel forest. When you finally arrive and see that black sand and pebble cove framed by rocky walls, you understand why the effort is worth it.

Swimming here is not recommended due to strong currents, but frankly, it isn’t necessary. The experience of being in such a remote and wild place is reward enough.

Tamadite Beach (Tenerife) — Photo: Beneharo Hdez. / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Benijo: legendary sunsets

Benijo Beach has gained a certain fame in recent years, especially for its sunsets, which many consider the best in all of Tenerife. And they may well be right: watching the sun set behind the Roques de Anaga from this black sand beach is one of those unforgettable experiences.

Access requires descending steep stairs that may occasionally be closed due to landslides (it’s worth checking in advance), but if open, it is absolutely worth the effort. Parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended. And if you can, stay until dusk: when the sky turns shades of orange and pink and the rock formations stand out as dark silhouettes against the horizon, you’ll understand why visitors return here time and time again.

Nearby you’ll also find Playa de Almáciga and Playa Roque de las Bodegas, equally volcanic and wild, but with easier access.

Benijo Beach (Anaga Rural Park, Tenerife) — Photo: FrDr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Masca: the beach of the legendary ravine

This beach is defined by its difficulty of access. Located beneath the impressive cliffs of Los Gigantes, Playa de Masca is the final destination of one of Tenerife’s most famous (and demanding) hiking routes.

The trail begins in the Hamlet of Masca, a mountain village that seems to defy gravity, and descends through the ravine all the way to the sea. It is demanding, requires good physical condition, and is currently regulated with permits. The alternative is to arrive by boat excursion from Los Gigantes, allowing you to swim at this remote beach before returning by sea.

Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur 5*: your luxury accommodation for a dream experience

After exploring so many incredible coastal spots, you need a place to recharge. And if you’re visiting the beaches of the south and surrounding areas, one option clearly stands out: Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur 5*.

Pool of Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur 5* Hotel.

This hotel, located in the heart of Costa Adeje, is the kind of accommodation that perfectly balances luxury and authenticity. With its Canarian colonial-style architecture, tropical gardens that feel like a small paradise, and direct sea views, it is the ideal base for your beach adventures. It is just 500 metres from Playa del Duque, 20 minutes from the airport, and perfectly located to reach any of the southern beaches on your list in a short time. Although it is in a tourist area, it maintains a refined and peaceful atmosphere that makes you feel you are somewhere truly special. Its excellent sea views, design, gardens, and five pools surrounded by sun loungers and Balinese beds make it a very special place to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying all the attractions of the island of eternal spring without even leaving the hotel. The property features 122 rooms and 43 exclusive villas, with private gardens or solariums and whirlpool baths. It also offers a 2,500 m² Nammu Spa Area designed for maximum relaxation during your stay, including 16 treatment cabins, an outdoor “active” pool with hydromassage jets and swan necks, and three thermal circuits. There is also a fully equipped gym and outdoor activities such as “Morning Yoga” on its terrace overlooking the sea. In terms of gastronomy, Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur 5* offers a wide variety of dining options for every moment of the day, from the charcoal-grilled cuisine of Afuego, specialising in fish, meat, and seasonal vegetables, to the Italian tradition of Osteria Pulcinella; as well as a buffet restaurant with themed dinners and live music, La Jaima Pool & Snack for poolside snacks and meals, and the Golden Bar, ideal for enjoying cocktails, mixed drinks, and coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. Everything is designed so that, after a day exploring remote beaches and hiking trails, you return to an oasis of comfort.

Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur 5* Hotel.

Why Tenerife’s beaches leave a lasting impression

In the end, what makes Tenerife’s beaches so special is not just their beauty —which they certainly have in abundance— but the island’s incredible diversity packed into a relatively small area. On the same morning, you can be on a black sand beach battered by Atlantic waves, and by the afternoon be lying on golden sand with calm, natural pool-like waters.

What you will discover on your trip to Tenerife is that the island rewards those who stray off the beaten path. While the crowds gather on the urban beaches of the south, there is a parallel world of hidden coves, volcanic shores, and places where you can still feel a genuine connection with Atlantic nature.

Each beach tells a different story about the island. The volcanic northern beaches speak of a wild, green Tenerife, where currents are strong and the landscape is dramatic. The southern beaches speak of eternal sunshine and relaxed living. The hidden ones reveal that places still exist that demand effort but reward you generously. And the urban beaches show that, sometimes, comfort and beauty can go hand in hand without losing the essence of the place.

So our advice is simple: rent a car, be ready to walk a little, bring water and sunscreen, and let yourself be surprised. Because the best beaches in Tenerife are not in the tourist brochures or resort zones. They are waiting for you down that trail that seems to lead nowhere, along that winding coastal road, or at that turn you almost missed. And when you find them, you will understand why people return to Tenerife again and again.

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