Tenerife does not have just one type of beach. In the south you will find convenient bathing beaches with light-coloured sand and full facilities; in the north, wild coves with black volcanic sand; and between them, natural pools formed in lava rock.
This guide compares 15 places that are genuinely worth considering. For each one, you will find information about waves, access, facilities and the character of the bathing area. Remember that ocean conditions can change quickly — always follow flags, notices and lifeguard instructions.
The best-known beach near Santa Cruz lies beside the village of San Andrés. Golden sand, palm trees and a breakwater that reduces the force of the waves make it comfortable for a full day out. Facilities include toilets, showers, food outlets, sunbed hire and a large car park.
Best for: families and anyone looking for calm water and full facilities.
Good to know: arrive in the morning on weekends and public holidays.
One of Costa Adeje's best-maintained beaches, surrounded by hotels, restaurants and a seafront promenade. It offers easy access, sunbed hire, toilets, showers and nearby parking. It is a good choice if you want to combine the beach with a walk and lunch overlooking the ocean.
Best for: couples, families and travellers who value comfort.
Good to know: services and restaurants are usually more expensive than in less touristy areas.
These neighbouring Costa Adeje beaches offer relatively calm water, a long promenade and a very wide choice of restaurants and activities. You can hire sunbeds or try water sports. Easy access and extensive facilities also make them convenient when visiting with children.
Best for: families, groups of friends and water-activity enthusiasts.
Good to know: it can become busy in the middle of the day.
A large, light-sand beach between Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas. Breakwaters reduce the swell, while the promenade connects it with the neighbouring resorts. The beach has facilities for people with reduced mobility, toilets, showers, and sunbed and parasol hire.
Best for: families, seniors and people with reduced mobility.
Good to know: the nearest car parks fill up quickly.
A grey-gold sandy beach with a distinctive view of Montaña Roja. The section closest to the town is calmer and more family friendly, while the farther stretches attract windsurfers and kitesurfers. Restaurants, cafés and sports shops line the promenade.
Best for: active travellers, families and people who enjoy a local atmosphere.
Good to know: El Médano is one of the windier parts of the island.
A natural beach more than a kilometre long beside the Montaña Roja reserve. Short footpaths lead to it from roadside parking areas. Facilities are limited, and the wind and waves can be stronger than on sheltered resort beaches. Part of the beach is also used by naturists.
Best for: lovers of open space, nature and long walks.
Good to know: there is no wheelchair-adapted access and very little shade.
A small light-sand cove below a luxury hotel in the municipality of Guía de Isora. The beach is public, but you must walk down from the car park along a prepared path and steps. The sheltered cove often has calmer water, and its western position makes it a good sunset spot.
Best for: couples and anyone looking for an intimate cove.
Good to know: the return to the car park is uphill and access is not wheelchair adapted.
A small black-sand beach beside the harbour in Los Gigantes. Its main attraction is the direct view of the high cliffs. Nearby are restaurants, diving centres and the port from which boat trips depart. Parking in the compact town centre can be difficult.
Best for: people combining the beach with a cruise or a visit to Los Gigantes.
Good to know: always check the flag and current ocean conditions before swimming.
One of the most spectacular beaches in north-eastern Tenerife. Black sand, the Roques de Anaga and sunsets create an exceptional setting, but access is by steps and parking is limited. The ocean is often rough, so Benijo is better treated as a viewpoint than as a guaranteed swimming beach.
Best for: photographers, nature lovers and anyone seeking peaceful scenery.
Good to know: strong waves and currents require particular caution.
A black-sand beach below a cliff in the La Orotava area. You can walk there from Puerto de la Cruz or drive along a narrow road towards the restaurant and descend by steps. The setting is natural and much quieter than the major resorts, but waves are strong for much of the year.
Best for: people looking for black sand and a less urban setting.
Good to know: parking is limited and there is no adapted access for people with reduced mobility.
A beach complex designed among gardens, palms and volcanic rocks. It lies near Loro Parque and offers extensive facilities, including toilets, showers, restaurants, recreation areas and access for people with reduced mobility. Individual sections may close temporarily when the swell is high.
Best for: families and visitors exploring Puerto de la Cruz.
Good to know: check the current bathing status and lifeguard signs.
Tenerife's best-known natural bathing area consists of several pools and small coves among lava rocks. Its central Garachico location lets you combine a swim with sightseeing and lunch in a local restaurant. During high waves, entering the water may be dangerous or temporarily prohibited.
Best for: people who want to combine swimming with a visit to Garachico.
Good to know: enter the water only when conditions and signs allow it.
The complex has two larger pools and a smaller children's pool. Lifeguards, changing rooms, restaurants, ramps and handrails help make it suitable for families, seniors and people with reduced mobility. During a heavy swell, water can wash over the protective breakwater.
Best for: families and people who prefer a managed bathing area.
Good to know: even in a pool, always follow lifeguard instructions.
A small natural pool on the Tejina coast, visited mainly by residents of the north. It has prepared entrances and features that improve access for people with reduced mobility. It is an interesting alternative to larger beaches, but swimming safety still depends on the waves and tide.
Best for: people looking for a quieter, local place.
Good to know: choose another bathing area in bad weather and stay off wet rocks.
Alcalá's seafront promenade runs past small black beaches and prepared bathing areas. Near Playa de La Jaquita there are toilets, changing rooms, lifeguards, sunbathing areas and access for people with reduced mobility. It is a comfortable choice for a quieter day and sunset.
Best for: families, walkers and people staying on the west coast.
Good to know: natural sections of the coastline can be slippery.
Conditions in Tenerife can change very quickly. Always check the flag, notices and lifeguard instructions at the beach.
In the south, it is easy to combine the beach with kayaking, a dolphin cruise or water sports. When exploring the north, include Benijo, Garachico or Playa Jardín in a full-day route.
See Tenerife's 25 best attractionsView all AVEMTO offersThe best known are Las Teresitas, Playa del Duque, Las Vistas, Fañabé and the small Playa de Abama. Sand colours range from golden to grey-gold.
Las Teresitas, Las Vistas, Fañabé and Torviscas are usually the most convenient. They have facilities and sections protected from larger waves, but always base the decision to swim on the flag and the day's conditions.
Yes. El Caletón in Garachico is the best known, while well-prepared complexes can also be found in Bajamar and Alcalá. Jover in the north is a smaller, quieter option.
The public beaches and bathing areas described here do not require a ticket. Parking, sunbeds, parasols, sports activities or food services may carry a charge.
The widest choice of activities is available in Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and El Médano. The exact options depend on the location and weather conditions.
Choose kayaking, snorkelling, wakeboarding or another activity in southern Tenerife.
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