Tenerife Beaches

There is a beach to suit everyone in Tenerife from the black sand beaches in Anaga to the east, to the pebbled beaches in Teno to the west and the sandy beaches in Los Abrigos, Las Galletas or La Caleta. There is a famous windsurfing beach in El Medanao, a surf beach El Socorro or the beaches of Puerto de la Cruz. Because there is such a great selection we have broken them down into categories to try and make things simpler for you.

Beaches for sunbathing:

Los Gigantes, west Tenerife, coved, black sand beach, small town with harbour

San Juan, west Tenerife, coved, black sand, sloping with good snorkelling.

Fanabe , south Tenerife, yellow sand beach, showers, sun beds, parasols and water-sports

Torviscas , near Marina South Tenerife, yellow grey sand beach, showers, shallow waters, sun beds, parasols, restaurants and bars
Playa las Americas, La Troya, south Tenerife, grey sand beach with shallow waters, sun beds, shades, showers, water-sports, restaurants and shops

Los Cristianos, Las Vistas, south Tenerife, white yellow sand beach with shallow water, sun beds, parasols, restaurants, bars and some water-sports

Candaleria, east Tenerife, small black shingle beach sloping to deeper water, often roller waves, centre of village and close to restaurants

Santa Cruz,Terasitas, north Tenerife, large golden imported sand beach with shallow waters and natural shade from some trees with a few restaurants nearby

Puerto de la Cruz, north Tenerife, black fine shingle beach sloping to deeper water, roller waves, restaurants, bars, next to salt-water lido.

Surfing beaches and coves:

K16, west Tenerife between Alkali and Playa San Juan, large open water rocky cove, rollers to reef

Playa Las Americas, La Troya, south Tenerife, large rollers sometimes come in between breaker walls creating ride on to sandy beach

Conquistador, south Tenerife, rocky reef outlet at back of Conquistador Hotel in Playa Las Americas, out water breakers running into rock formations, popular with locals

Fitenia, south Tenerife, shingle beach and reef, situated behind Parque Santiago IIII in Playa las Americas. Out water rollers riding into flat reef and shingle beach

Las Galletas small town with rocky outlets and good waves for younger surfers or novices

Puerto Del la Cruz, north Tenerife, black shingle beach sloping to deeper water, out rollers riding into beginning of breakwaters, sometimes wild and sometimes strong undercurrents

Windsurfing beaches:

El Medano, east Tenerife, open, with good winds and very flat beach which is not too choppy making it an excellent all year windsurfing competition site. Facilities include a wind surfing club, hire and instruction.

Fitenia, south Tenerife, a small peninsula behind Parque Santiago IIII in Playa Las Americas. Often very good rollers.

Snorkeling / Scuba coves:

Puerto de Santiago, Located opposite the commercial centre, you will see some steps heading down to the back of Hotel Santiago where this rocky cove is protected by out water rocks with three usually calm pools starting from very shallow to deeper water. All contain various marine life. No beach but large smooth rocks are great for sun bathing.

Playa San Juan, west Tenerife,black sand beach surrounded by rocks.

La Caletta, south Tenerife, small Spanish village with great snorkelling cove and flat rocks into deeper water. Clear viewing and small flat reef

Buenavista, north west tip of Tenerife, large rock pool formation, with several pools with clear waters

If you are planning to explore the area outside of the city centre and play some golf or go to some of the more out of the way beaches then you might consider hiring a car. There are a number of car hire firms based at Tenerife Airport who will be pleased to have a vehicle awaiting your arrival. This also cuts down on transfer costs for you and your family.

We also provide information on sporting and leisure amenities in Tenerife which includes a Tenerife Area Guide on the best Tenerife Shopping Areas, Tenerife Markets, Tenerife Golf Courses, the different types of Tenerife Beaches, recommended Tenerife Restaurants, details of Tenerife Amusement Parks for family days out and Tenerife Local Attractions.