Tenerife Beaches - 10 of the Best

Tenerife is probably the best known of all the Canary Islands - being the largest and also boasting the highest point in Spain ... Mount Teide. Tenerife is also known as the "Island of Eternal Spring" due to its glorious year-round weather, which is normally what attracts people to holiday in Tenerife year after year.

With plenty of beaches in Tenerife to chose from, we have set out our top 10 recommended beaches for you to visit.

Playa de las Teresitas : This large artificial beach was built to provide the residents of Santa Cruz
de Tenerife [the island's capital] with a beach and probably is the most striking on the island.

There is a man-made breakwater, which stops waves and currents and the beach itself is studded with palm trees - the sand was imported from the Sahara. The good facilities available on this beach make it an excellent place to visit - with changing rooms, toilets, bars and restaurants. However, being located on the east coast, it can sometimes be a bit windy, but the calm and clear water coupled with the golden sand makes this ideal for families.

Playa de las Gaviotas : Just along from Playa de las Teresitas you will find Playa de las Gaviotas; named after the seagulls that can found here. This beach is far quieter than las Teresitas and is more intimate - however this beach is known for its nudists; so be warned.

Playa Jardin : Located in Puerto de la Cruz in the north of Tenerife is Playa Jardin - a sandy and very popular beach - and due to this the beach itself can become crowded during the high season. There are some good facilities here but the sea can sometimes be unsuitable for the less experienced swimmer. As the name suggests, there are numerous gardens along the edge of the beach and you will find a cascade here which is attractive to children and the young at heart.

Playa del Duque : This beach is located in the area of Costa Adeje which borders the busy resort of Playa de las Americas in the south. Playa del Duque is a golden sand beach where you will find that the sea is relatively calm.

The services here are particularly good with an "upmarket"
feel about it. There are sun loungers and parasol for hire, restaurants, bars, showers, toilets and changing rooms.

El Medano : This is a natural beach and one of the longest to be found in Tenerife - around 2km long. At one of the beach is the resort itself - El Medano with the Medano Hotel jutting out into the sea, and at the other end is the Red Mountain or "Montana Roja". This is a famous venue for windsurfing and kitesurfing therefore expect it to be on the windy side - especially during the months from April to September. Despite the windy conditions experienced, the sea is fairly calm and is ideal for families due to the shallow water.

El Socorro : Located near Los Realejos in the north of Tenerife, El Socorro is well known for surfing as there is quite a strong swell so be careful when you are swimming [lifeguards are present]. The beach itself if quite long and has some good facilities including bars and
restaurants.

El Bollullo : Located in La Orotava near Puerto de la Cruz in the north, this beach is backed by volcanic rocks and with sizeable waves. You won't find a lot to do on this beach, but there is a bar at hand for cold drinks and plates of seafood. The beach itself is about 400m long and is reached by a dirt track.

Playa de la Arena : A bit confusing as there are at least 2 "Playa de la Arena"s on Tenerife as it simply means "sandy beach". However, the best of the bunch is to be found in the resort of Playa de la Arena which is near Los Gigantes on the west coast. The actual beach has the most recorded sunshine hours on the island and enjoys great views over to the neighbouring island of
La Gomera.

Las Vistas : This beach is probably one of the longest in the south of the island located between Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas and is arguably one of the best in this part of the island.

You will find the sea here calm making it ideal for families. Children will especially enjoy the fountain which shoots seawater high into the air and keeps sunbathers cool. This beach is particularly good for disabled visitors as there are specially developed areas and the additional benefit of amphibian chairs.

Los Cristianos : Located in the south of Tenerife, the beach itself is 400m long and is at the end of the marine walk which begins in the resort of the same name. As the resort is one of the busiest on the island, the beach can get crowded during peak season but the facilities are excellent. It also overlooks the harbour so you are never bored as you can watch boats coming in.

So, if you are looking for a good beach to go to on your holiday to Tenerife then we would suggest you try at least one of our suggestions, but bear in mind that there are plenty of smaller coves dotted around the coastline of this island of eternal spring.