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GVI’s Guide to the Best Beaches in Tenerife

GVI

Posted: March 30, 2023

Tenerife is a breathtaking island located in the Canary Islands, offering some of the best beaches in the world. Its beaches are versatile, ranging from peaceful and secluded ones to vibrant and bustling ones that are perfect for mingling. For those considering this magical and sunny location for their next vacation, this guide will serve as a comprehensive source of information on the top-rated beaches in Tenerife.

The Top 5 Must-Visit Beaches in Tenerife

If you are looking for the best Tenerife beaches, then you need to check out the top five ranked by travellers.

One of the most popular beaches in Tenerife is certainly Los Cristianos, which boasts clear waters and a lovely and lively environment that is perfect for people-watching. El Duque, located in the fashionable area of Costa Adeje, is a more upscale beach that is great for families who enjoy water activities. Playa de las Teresitas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a dazzling white sand beach that is a paradise for swimmers and relaxation seekers. For those who want to watch the sun go down, Playa del Medano, with its sublime sunsets and great windsurfing conditions, is your destination. Playa Jardin, in Puerto de la Cruz, is a breathtaking black sand beach with impressive botanical gardens that are worth exploring.

A Guide to the Best Swimming Spots on Tenerife’s Beaches

Tenerife’s beaches offer several spots that are perfect for swimming, and some of them are even more mesmerising than others.

One of the best places to swim in Tenerife is the picturesque beach of Playa de las Teresitas in Santa Cruz, with its clear waters and golden sand. The calm waters of Playa de la Arena in Puerto de Santiago are also ideal for swimming. Furthermore, Playa de Los Guios in Los Gigantes, with great amenities and a pristine environment, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing alike. If you are seeking more secluded spots, try out the quiet and lovely beach of El Puertito near Costa Adeje, or La Caleta, a hidden gem in the south of Tenerife with calm waters and a pristine environment.

Sunbathing and Relaxation: The Best Beaches for Rest and Rejuvenation

Tenerife’s beaches are renowned for their outstanding beauty and are perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating. For those who value tranquility and spectacular sights, Playa de Las Vistas in Los Cristianos is a perfect choice. The broad stretch of golden sand and clear blue waters of Playa de la Tejita is also great when looking for a spot for some simple relaxation. Playa del Camison in Playa de Las Americas is another example of an exceptional beach spot for soaking in the sun and enjoying the view of the sea.

Surfing and Water Sports: The Best Beaches for Adventure Seekers

For those seeking thrilling water adventures and surfing, Tenerife’s beaches have got everything from swells to breaks, providing the best of all worlds for adrenaline junkies. Playa Martianez in Puerto de la Cruz is an ideal spot for all sorts of water sports, including surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. If this spot is too crowded, try out the wave-rich Playa El Socorro in Los Realejos, a surfer’s paradise. Playa de las Americas sits between two famous surf spots, Las Americas and El Medano. Lastly, the secluded La Caleta is an excellent spot to escape the surfer tourist crowd and enjoy the thrill of watersports.

Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Beaches in Tenerife

While some Tenerife beaches are well-known, others are not so famous yet, making them perfect choices for those looking for undiscovered gems.

One of the hidden gems is Playa de la Jaquita in the small fishing village of Alcalá. With its peaceful environment, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of Mount Teide, Playa de la Jaquita is an ideal place for a day trip. Another unique experience is Playa Abama in Guía de Isora, a barely-known “wild” beach that provides an unforgettable isolated sensation. Finally, Playa San Blas in San Miguel de Abona offers a combination of adventure and relaxation for all travellers who enjoy the peaceful and rustic landscape of Tenerife’s south coast.

Desert solitary beach in Tenerife with Los Gigantes cliffs on background – Travel concept with nature wonder landscape in Canary islands Spain – Bright warm afternoon filtered color tones

Family-Friendly Beaches: Safe and Fun for All Ages

Family-friendly beaches are perfect for those traveling with children. These beaches offer a sheltered environment, a children’s area, and safety facilities, providing an enjoyable and worry-free experience for both parents and kids.

One of the safest and most kid-friendly beaches in Tenerife is Playa Las Galletas, which boasts calm waters and a lifeguard on duty. Playa Fañabe in Costa Adeje, with blue flag status, is also an excellent spot for families with children. Furthermore, Playa de la Arena is another beach that provides calm waters, safety facilities, and amenities for children. Finally, Playa de las Teresitas and Los Cristianos beach are the perfect family-friendly beaches with extensive services ranging from sports to shops and restaurants.

Romantic Escapes: Tenerife’s Most Romantic Beaches

Tenerife is also a perfect destination for couples who want to experience the magic of romance. Here you’ll find beaches with surreal landscapes and intimate corners that provide the perfect ambiance for a romantic getaway.

Playa La Enramada in La Caleta is a perfect lovers’ spot for anyone looking for a touch of elegance and sophistication. The dreamy Playa de las Vistas is another popular spot for people wanting a romantic atmosphere. Playa El Bullullo, with its black sand and hidden inlets, is also perfect for those seeking privacy and intimacy. Finally, the sunsets and long promenades of Playa Bollullo in Puerto de la Cruz provide the perfect scenery for a perfect romantic experience.

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Tenerife’s Coastal Areas

Tenerife’s beaches are not the only attraction the island has to offer. Some of its coastal areas are also perfect for nature lovers, with natural pools, cliffs, and stunning landscapes that will take your breath away.

Medio Almud in Buenavista, with its striking natural beauty and crystal-clear waters, is a must-see spot for adventurers wanting to connect with nature. The natural pool of La Caleta near Costa Adeje is another natural attraction ideal for those who love outdoor adventures. For those wanting more dramatic views, Punta de Teno lighthouse in the far western part of the island offers awe-inspiring vistas and is perfect for some soul searching. Last but not least, Playa del Puertito in Guimar provides a lovely spot filled with hidden caves, black sand, and stunning natural scenery.

A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Beachside Restaurants on Tenerife

After a long day on the beach, what could be better than enjoying an exquisite meal at a top beachside restaurant? Tenerife’s beaches are also home to some amazing culinary experiences that will leave foodies wanting much more.

Anchored in the picturesque La Caleta village, the El Cine restaurant offers innovative dishes and a relaxed atmosphere with spectacular ocean views. Las Rocas in Costa Adeje, with its inviting terrace and fresh seafood, is also one of the most popular beachside restaurants on the island. Pampas in Playa de Las Americas offers fusion cuisine of the highest quality, while the minimalistic La Gomera restaurant in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is an incredible gastronomic experience that is worth the trip. Finally, El Rinconcito beach bar in Los Cristianos provides typical Canarian food and drinks in a relaxed beach setting.

Volunteer with GVI in Tenerife

Volunteer in the Canary Islands and see the loggerhead sea turtle peacefully gliding between the sandy ocean floor and its sunkissed surface, and watch pods of Atlantic spotted dolphins socialising with their bottlenose friends.

From our island base in Tenerife, you’ll even spot the usually nomadic long-finned pilot whales that settle down between the islands of La Gomera and Tenerife. And as a volunteer for cetacean conservation – dolphin and whale conservation – you’ll be a part of efforts to conserve these species and their marine habitats.

Now that you have a comprehensive guide of Tenerife’s beaches, it’s time to book your tickets and choose the beach that suits you the most. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Tenerife is the perfect beach destination. Enjoy!