7 magnificent beaches in Tenerife
Tenerife's most famous beach is more resort than playa. Playa de las Américas is Tenerife's version of neighbouring Gran Canaria's Playa del Inglés; a hotspot which is just as popular (if not more) at night as during the day.
If you're keen to explore more of Tenerife, and are prepared to hunt down some more of the island's obscure locations, then our guide to seven beautiful beaches you may not have heard of is for you.
Tenerife needs no introduction, and if you're hoping to get to this beloved Canary island and try this beach guide for yourself, don't miss the latest holiday deals from Thomas Cook, which departs from airports across the UK throughout the year.
1. Playa de las Teresitas
- Best for: creating your very own picture postcard
The Canary Islands are split into two provinces: the westerly Santa Cruz and the easterly Las Palmas with the former having more stony than sandy beaches. Indeed, northerly Las Teresitas in Tenerife originally consisted of rocks and a strip of volcanic black sand.
These days, it's been transformed into a Caribbean-looking white beach with sand imported from the Sahara to give it a desert makeover.
Playa de las Teresitas is a 20-minute drive from capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, accessible either by car or the 910 bus. Visit the overlooking village of San Andrés for the chance to tuck into a fresh fish dish.
2. Playa Grande Médano
- Best for: watersports
Although Tenerife is not as windy as Fuerteventura, you'll certainly feel the gusts in the laid back resort of El Médano (The Sand Dune). Located close to Tenerife South airport, as in a 10-minute drive, its Big Beach hosts international kitesurfing and windsurfing championships.
Not to be confused with the Arico beach of the same name, Playa Grande is overlooked by Montaña Rojo. As opposed to the likes of Las Américas and Los Cristianos, El Médano is a living, breathing, working town. Remember to wear plenty of suncream as the wind lulls you into the false impression that the sun is not as fierce as it actually is.
3. Playa Jardín
- Best for: lovers of all things bright and beautiful
It's no surprise to find Garden Beach in the northwest's Puerto de la Cruz for this is the part of the island in which the English originally settled in.
The flora, though, was introduced by Canarian native, Lanzarote's very own César Manrique, an artist/designer who was determined to keep local land easy on the eye.
The botanic garden is rainbow-colourful and the Canary palm trees provide welcome shade. At Playa Jardín, the ocean is not the only water feature as there are waterfalls between the promenade and beach.
Head into town to try out the tapas at the inventive restaurants, many of which count amongst the island's very best.
4. Playa las Vistas
- Best for: disabled visitors & families
Less boisterous than noisy neighbour Playa de las Américas, the resort of Los Cristianos attracts a more mature crowd, which explains why this mellow yellow beach (also featuring imported sand) has a water break to reduce the surge of the Atlantic.
There are amphibious wheelchairs for lowering disabled travellers into the water, such is the Arona municipality's commitment to the concept of tourism for all.
Blue-flag Playa las Vistas is a family-friendly beach, with lifeguards on duty at peak times. Kids will love the offshore inflatable park, which works out cheaper if you buy a day ticket rather than an hourly one.
5. Playa Bollullo
- Best for: sundowners
Lazy, hazy days can be enjoyed all year round on Tenerife: there's nothing quite like watching the sun go down from the vantage point of a beach on the island.
Join the natives in giving the cocktails a miss and supping on a cold local brew, Dorada, at the chiringuito (scruffy beach bar) at this all-natural playa.
The most pleasant way for active types to reach El Bollullo is by starting from Puerto de la Cruz and walking through the banana plantations, transporting you from turf to surf in 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can turn off the TF-5 at Rincón to reach this beach.
6. Playa las Gaviotas
- Best for: acquiring an all-over tan
The locals (and indeed northern European visitors) have a very relaxed attitude when it comes to nudity. As a result, there are quite a few naturist beaches on the island.
If you're getting your kit off in public for the first time, you might want to try so at Las Gaviotas, which is close enough to Las Teresitas should you want to make a swift return to the world of textiles.
Bring your own food and drinks to a bar-less beach and keep this pristine beach clean by taking your rubbish away with you. The waves here are perfect for bodyboarders.
7. Playa de Roque Bermejo
- Best for: a great escape
There are only two ways to reach this isolated beach: by boat or on foot. The latter is a popular option, especially if you've been hiking in the nearby Anaga mountains where the reward for your trek lies in an inviting dip in the ever-fantastic Atlantic.
The more adventurous might even want to start off with a swim at Playa Benijo. This similarly wild beach is the start of a 9km hike which will take around three and a half hours, and pass through the picturesque El Draguillo and stunning Chamorga mountain village on the way.
If you're tempted to hike the trails or ride the bus to one or all of the above beaches in Tenerife, you'll want to check out the weather, and see when we think is the best time to visit the island for perfect beach holiday conditions before booking with the latest travel deals.
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