Life's a beach! These are the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife

As the largest island in the Canary Islands, Tenerife has 400 kilometers of coastline. That means more than fifty beaches, all offering something different. From golden patch paradise to rugged volcanic beaches with black lava sand, from jagged rock formations and imposing cliffs to calm coves where you can let the kids play in the water with peace of mind: Tenerife has it all. In the Canary Islands, every beach is unique - and in Tenerife you can discover a different gem every week of the year. So this list is far from complete, rather a beginner's guide.

Playa de las Teresitas

• Where? In San Andrés, in the north of Tenerife, near capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• Review on Google? 4,6/5.
• For whom. Families with children, snorkelers.
• Facilities? Showers, restrooms, lifeguards, beach bars, restaurants, deck chairs and umbrellas, wheelchair access.

A perfect picture, otherwise we cannot describe this two-kilometer-long beach. Swaying palm trees flank a golden beach, dotted with deck chairs and umbrellas, providing a true island feel. A tropical paradise! A volcanic landscape flaunts in the background, crystal clear, azure water ripples in the foreground. The Mirador Las Teresitas, a vantage point on the peak of a hill, offers the best view of it. Playa de las Teresitas is perhaps Tenerife's most famous beach, because of the 70 tons of sand the local government imported from the Sahara to construct it. Don't panic: first, the developers cleared the sand of scorpions and red ants. Now this beach is considered one of the cleanest in Tenerife. Concrete breakwaters protect the bay from fierce tides, allowing children to play in the sea. The play equipment also makes this beach a great getaway for families with children. In summer, Playa de las Teresitas is popular, locals from the capital come here for the seafood restaurants - take it from us: islanders recognize quality. The nearby fishing village of San Andrés offers a taste of traditional Tenerife life.

Playa Guios

• Where? On the western side of Tenerife, not far from the major tourist resorts. About a 20-minute drive from Adeje.
• Review on Google? 4,3/5.
• For whom. Nature lovers, divers, families, sunbathers.
• Facilities? Lifeguards, deck chairs, umbrellas, showers, restrooms, bars and restaurants, wheelchair access.

Los Gigantes - or giants - are rock formations of basalt that tower vertically above the sea, up to 800 meters high. Below the cliffs, and shaded by them, is a small beach of black volcanic sand. Although Los Gigantes attracts hordes of tourists, the beach next to it is much less known. Locals love coming here because Playa Guios' western location provides shelter from the notorious easterly winds that sometimes plague the opposite side of the island. So a dramatic place above water. But even those who dive below sea level will be short of eyes. Lobsters, octopuses, murres and stingrays hide on the bottom and in small caverns. The beach is also popular with sunbathers and families; the water is calm. In the morning, the cliffs cast shade on the beach; in the evening, admire the most beautiful sunsets here. Perfect place for a cocktail!

Playa de las Vistas

• Where? In the south of Tenerife, between major resorts such as Los Cristianos and Las Américas.
• Review on Google? 4,6/5.
• For whom. Families, frantic beach bunnies.
• Facilities? Lifeguards, deck chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, bars and restaurants, wheelchair access.

Because of its location near well-known resorts, Playa de las Vista can get pretty crowded. Yet here you never feel like sardines in a can - the size means there is always breathing room. This is another manicured beach, with a long stretch of golden sand and a turquoise sea that always glistens invitingly. Ideal for a day of family fun on the beach, thanks to the lack of waves children play safely in the surf here. Only rarely does a red flag fly here. Afterwards, you can lick an ice cream at one of the kiosks.

Playa Jardín

• Where? On the north coast, near Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava.
• Review on Google? 4,4/5.
• For whom. Art lovers, peace seekers, nature lovers, bohemians, surfers.
• Facilities? Lifeguards, deck chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, showers, bars and restaurants, wheelchair access.

In Puerto de la Cruz is Playa Jardín, basically a succession of three beaches: Playa del Castillo, Playa Charcón and Playa Punta Brava. If one is too busy, you can easily check one of the other two. Canarian artist César Manrique designed the beautiful gardens behind the beaches in the 1990s, full of local plants and cacti, rock walls, art installations and waterfalls. So arriving here on a network of footpaths is delightful, the exuberant greenery contrasting nicely with the black of the lava sand. And magnificent views of the Teide accompany you throughout the beach day. Playa Jardín also offers options for those who do not like to lie on their lazy asses all day. In fact, this beach is close to Loro Parque (one of the largest animal parks in Europe) and Tenerife's famous botanical garden. Surfers are also catered for here. The large waves and fierce tides may be slightly less ideal for those who want to swim laps at leisure. Fireworks pop over the beach on June 23, during the celebration of San Juan - midsummer night - in Puerto de la Cruz.

Playa de Fañabé

• Where? On the popular Costa Adeje, in southern Tenerife.
• Review on Google? 4,5/5.
• For whom. Avid beachgoers, families, water sports enthusiasts, party animals.
• Facilities? Lifeguards, deck chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, trash cans, showers, wheelchair access.

The heart and soul of Costa Adeje is how Playa de Fañabé is described here and there. We can't go around it: this is one of the most popular beaches in Tenerife. Partly because of the blue flag that guarantees perfect water conditions. The pale yellow color of the beach is not only beautiful, but also ensures that the sand on sultry summer days does not get as hot as that on some volcanic beaches. Everyone gets their money's worth here. Families love the calm water - also ideal for swimming! - and the many playgrounds. Water rats will find banana boats, jet skis and rowboats nearby. A trip on a glass-bottomed boat is also among the options, as is parasailing. After the stunning sunset, Playa de Fañabé is known as one of Tenerife's beaches where the party lasts the longest and life is celebrated most exuberantly.

Playa del Duque

• Where? Near Costa Adeje, in the south of Tenerife.
• Review on Google? 4,6/5.
• For whom. Jetset, luxury horses.
• Facilities? Lifeguards, deck chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, trash cans, showers, wheelchair access.

In a neighborhood full of luxury hotels, celebrity restaurants and boutiques where you can easily leave a month's pay, this is without a doubt the most exclusive beach in Tenerife. At Playa del Duque, you come to see and be seen - just put on your best swimsuit or bathing suit! We understand why: the satin sand, dotted with straw umbrellas and elegantly striped huts, the crystal clear waters, the promenade that invites extensive strolling.... this is a gem of a beach.

Playa el Médano

• Where? In the southeast of the island, near Tenerife South airport.
• Review on Google? 4,5/5.
• For whom. Hikers, nature lovers, surfers, water sports enthusiasts.
• Facilities? Lifeguards, deck chairs, umbrellas, showers, restrooms, bars and restaurants, wheelchair access.

El Médano, a former hippie village where a bohemian atmosphere still lingers, is located at the most southeastern tip of Tenerife. That means: ideal conditions for wind and kite surfers. In windy conditions, the sky not infrequently looks black with kites. Here you will also find many surf schools. The location is also ideal for another reason: El Médano is just five kilometers from Tenerife South Airport, ideal for making a first or last splash just after arrival or before departure. Officially, the beach is called Playa Leocadio Machado, but everyone knows it as Playa el Médano. Here you will meet a lot of locals. A little further on is Montaña Roja - literally: the red mountain, a perfect volcanic cone. The hike to it is definitely worth it.

Playa de la Tejita

• Where? In the south of the island, near Tenerife South airport.
• Review on Google? 4,5/5.
• For whom. Hikers, nature lovers, surfers, peace seekers, nudists.
• Facilities? Deck chairs, umbrellas, toilets, trash cans. No saviors.

On the other side of Montaña Roja is Playa de la Tejita, Tenerife's longest and largest natural sandy beach. Expect jagged rock formations, pale blue water and soft sand - not transferred but -blown from the Sahara! Like El Médano, the wind makes this beach popular with surfers. Here you escape the crowds with ease. Hikers can step up to Montaña Roja - from the top you overlook the entire beach. Because of the vastness of the beach, nudists are welcome. A rocky protrusion forms the grans between the clothed and naked parts.

Playa El Bollullo

• Where? East of Puerto de la Cruz, in the north of Tenerife.
• Review on Google? 4,5/5.
• For whom. Peace seekers, nature lovers, hikers, water sports enthusiasts.
• Facilities? Beach bars, trash cans. No saviors.

Although Playa El Bollullo can be reached by car, we recommend following the coastal path from Puerto de la Cruz. That will get you to this somewhat remote, wild beach in 45 minutes. The current lends itself to windsurfing and water sports, somewhat less to swimming. And certainly not for children. But that is not the reason to visit this beach, but rather its pristine beauty and impressive setting - pitch-black lava sand surrounded by cliffs. Have yourself a cocktail from the chiringuito and enjoy!

Playa del Camison

• Where? In the south of Tenerife, between the resorts of Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos.
• Review on Google? 4,6/5.
• For whom. Budget travelers, families, avid beach bunnies.
• Facilities? Lifeguards, deck chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, trash cans, showers, wheelchair access.

A fabulous beach for those staying in southern Tenerife who don't want to drive too far. The ideal chill day! On the beach itself there is a cool chiringuito, nearby are also karaoke bars, cheap cafes and restaurants.

Playa de Abama

• Where? Just north of Costa Adeje, in southwestern Tenerife.
• Review on Google? 4,6/5.
• For whom. Golfers, hikers, luxury horses, divers.
• Facilities? Deck chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, trash cans, showers, wheelchair access. No saviors.

Surrounded by banana plantations and rocky cliffs lies Playa de Abama. The attached luxury hotel extends into the sand, but this beach is actually publicly accessible. The breakwater ensures calm seas all year round - ideal for swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Many hiking trails meander nearby. The view of La Gomera is breathtaking. Golfers also like to come here: after a round on the nearby golf course, they come to cool off on the beach. Like Playa del Duque, Playa de Abama prides itself on an exclusive and chic image.

Playa de San Juan

• Where? Just north of Costa Adeje, in southwestern Tenerife.
• Review on Google? 4,0/5.
• For whom. Sunbathers, rest seekers, gourmands, families.
• Facilities? Lifeguards, deck chairs, umbrellas, showers, restrooms, restaurants and bars, wheelchair access.

Peace prevails at this urban beach in San Juan, a quiet fishing village on the southwestern tip of Tenerife. The calm waters are ideal for families with small children. No big skyscrapers of hotels here, but small-scale tourism and lots of locals. This area is chronicled as one of the sunniest on the island, so during the day you'll work on your bronzing here. At night, the seafood restaurants at the photogenic marina are inviting, from a terrace you can watch the sun set behind neighboring island La Gomera.

Playa de Benijo

• Where? At the northeastern tip of Tenerife.
• Review on Google? 4,8/5.
• For whom. Peace seekers, nature lovers.
• Facilities? None.

One of Tenerife's best-kept secrets, a pristine beach surrounded by the mysterious fairytale forests of Anaga Natural Park. Playa de Benijo will appeal mostly to adventurous travelers, those who stay away from the crowds in the south of the island. No hotels, bars or restaurants here. It is a 15-minute walk from El Mirador restaurant and can only be reached by stairs - so not ideal for small children or the elderly who have difficulty walking. Swimming is allowed, but keep in mind the strong waves. Playa del Puertito

• Where? Just north of Costa Adeje, in southwestern Tenerife.
• Review on Google? 4,3/5.
• For whom. Peace seekers, nature lovers, snorkelers, hikers.
• Facilities? A seafood restaurant.

Tiny fishing port with a quiet beach where snorkelers especially like to visit. Those go here to visit turtles, as the area is known as Turtle Bay (Cala de las Tortugas). Because the area is protected, you will not find the usual beach facilities here, nor the hordes of tourists.

Playa de Masca

• Where? Near Los Gigantes, in western Tenerife.
• Review on Google? 4,6/5.
• For whom. Peace seekers, nature lovers, hikers.
• Facilities? None.

From pirate village Masca, a hiking trail leaves through the Masca Gorge. Descending 700 meters in about three hours - this is not for those with weak knees or a fear of heights. At the end of the path is a small, intimate rocky beach, Playa de Masca. A wild, unspoiled place. Those who do not want to or cannot (re)hike, opt best for a boat trip from or to Los Gigantes.

Playa de La Arena

• Where? South of Los Gigantes, near Puerto Santiago, in western Tenerife.
• Review on Google? 4,5/5.
• For whom. Families, gourmands, divers.
• Facilities? Lifeguards, deck chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, trash cans, showers, wheelchair access.

A blue flag has been flying at Playa de la Arena since 1989, proving the cleanliness of this place. It is known as one of the finest examples of beaches with black lava sand. By the way, did you know that volcanic sand is beneficial for certain health problems? The protected bay makes this beach perfect for families, while fans of Spanish cuisine enjoy culinary delights at the many tapas bars near the beach. The marine life is also worthwhile - you can study it on your own or under the guidance of the local diving school.

Playa Los Cristianos

• Where? In Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife.
• Review on Google? 4,2/5.
• For whom. Families, avid beachgoers.
• Facilities? Lifeguards, deck chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, trash cans, showers, wheelchair access.

Okay, this busy beach is in the middle of Los Cristianos, a busy resort and port town where both cruisers and fishing boats dock. But the golden sand nevertheless leaves few beach bunnies untouched.