The 6 Best Beaches on Tenerife

Playa de las Americas - Tenerife

It’ll come as little surprise that Tenerife has some genuinely spectacular beaches. The island is sunny 365 days a year and known for its ‘eternal Spring’ weather. So whichever month you visit Tenerife – it will be beach time! Make sure to visit the 6 best beaches on Tenerife.

1. Playa Jardin, the ‘Garden Beach’

It’s a strip of sand surrounded by a lot of beautiful flora like palm trees and cacti. The greenery of Playa Jardin stretches from San Felipe Castle to Punta Brava and provides a beautiful background for the shiny black volcanic sand. The ocean waves are usually big here and less suitable for swimming, but all the better for surfing or paddling.

2. Playa del Bullullo

Playa del Bollullo is one of the furthest and most remote beaches in Tenerife. But you can reach it relatively easily using a footpath from Puerto de la Cruz. It is worth the walk! Playa del Bollullo offers a great opportunity to step onto the black volcanic sand for which Tenerife’s beaches are famous. The sand and the nearby rocks present untamed wild beauty and an unforgettable experience.

The black sand in del Bollullo - Jan Willem Plug
The black sand on Playa del Bollullo

3. Playa de las Americas

Playa de las Americas is the most famous beach on Tenerife. It is a man-made, big, clean, well-equipped beach with sun beds and umbrellas. The coastline of Playa de las Americas appears very natural, and it is a popular place for all kinds of sports, ranging from surfing to volleyball and basketball. You can learn kite surfing here, too. There are always some classes on the beach. So why not spend a day here and learn how to do it?

The most popular beach in Tenerife; Playa de las Americas
The most popular beach in Tenerife; Playa de las Americas

4. Playa de las Teresitas

Playa de las Teresitas is known for its dreamy picture-perfect appearance. It is man-made and extremely popular with tourists, as it is situated very close to Santa Cruz. The nearby fishing village of San Andrés is well worth exploring because it will give you an impression of what traditional Tenerife looks like and how the locals live. The beach is filled with palm trees, and backed by kiosks that serve chilled drinks and snacks and there are nice views of the city and skyline and clear lagoon-like waters.

Sunset at Playa de las Teresitas - the instatripper
Sunset at Playa de las Teresitas

5. El Médano

I you want to bare it all than the long golden sands of La Tejita and especially Montaña Roja near El Médano are the place to go for you, both in the south of the island. Walk along the narrow path along the red rocks and sometimes over them and you will get to a part that is almost like a private beach. There are always a handful of people sunbathing nude but because of all the little coves and rocks you can have as much – or as little – privacy as you want. There is basically a beach for everyone on Tenerife.

Red rocks at the beach

6. My Favourite Beach: Playa de Benijo

Out of the six best beaches on Tenerife, Playa de Benijo is one of my personal favourites. That is because of the beautiful rock formations and views. It’s a great drive to get to this beach and you can see the rocks in the ocean from far away. The closer you get, the more details you see. Once you park your car and start the walk downhill to the beach itself you will not be able to stop taking photos. The views just get better and better. And it’s especially beautiful when the sun starts setting. The colours and clouds in the sky are reflected in the waves and the water on the beach and it all just starts looking magical. Although it is not a typically nude beach I was here all alone several times and had the entire beach to myself.

Playa de Benijo - Tenerife
Playa de Benijo
Sunset at laya de Benijo on Tenerife - the instatripper
Sunset at Playa de Benijo
Beach walk on Playa de Benijo
Reflections at Playa de Benijo

Tenerife has a lot more to offer than gorgeous beaches. Click here to find out the best places to go sightseeing on Tenerife.