Tenerife is the largest island of the entire Canary Islands archipelago off the coast of Morocco, a veritable treasure trove of fantastic natural landscapes afloat in the Atlantic Ocean with desert areas, lush pine forests, valleys with canyons and exotic flora, protected natural areas of volcanic origin and, above all, a large number of spectacular beaches kissed by the sun all year round.
It is precisely its wild nature and its incredible beaches that are the great tourist attraction that has made Tenerife a must-see destination for lovers of beach life, even during the mild winter months, thanks to its always pleasant climate with temperatures ranging between 16 and 23 degrees with sunny days reflected in crystal-clear sea.
Tenerife boasts, not surprisingly, the highest number of Blue Flag beaches of all the Canary Islands. No less than 12 beaches are scattered along its coastline have received the coveted award, which is recognised on the basis of no less than 32 sustainability criteria with particular attention to the quality of bathing water, waste management, purification efficiency, sustainable tourism and also the enhancement of natural areas.
Tenerife's most beautiful beaches (perfect for the end of summer)
El Duque
Playa de Los Gigantes - Los Guios beach
La Tejita - El Médano
Playa Fañabé
Playa del Camisón
Playa de las Teresitas - Santa Cruz
Playa Jardin
Playa El Bollullo, La Orotava
Beach of Antequera - Igueste de San Andrés
Las Vistas Beach
Due to its volcanic origin, Tenerife has a rich variety of black sand beaches alternating with golden sandy coves, some of which have been specially designed for tourism while others retain a wilder and more unspoilt nature.
With over 300 km of coastline, Tenerife has beaches to suit every taste, from the more secluded yet to be discovered to those equipped with every comfort ideal for families.
Map in hand shows how the south-western part of the island accommodates the largest resorts, with wide stretches of golden sand, numerous accommodation facilities and safe waters for swimming. The northern part of the island, on the other hand, is more likely to have dark sandy beaches and spectacular bays sheltered by cliffs.
Here are the most beautiful ones for the end of summer.
Best Beaches - South Tenerife
The south of Tenerife is the most tourist-oriented part of the island thanks to its year-round warm climate, luxury resorts, easy-access paradise beaches and shallow waters ideal for spending days by the sea with the family.
El Duque Beach
This exclusive bay located on the western tip of Costa Adeje, among some of the island's most luxurious resorts, stands out for the beauty of its landscapes characterised by the contrast between ivory-coloured sand and turquoise sea and the quality of its services.
Clean, well-equipped, elegant, surrounded by luxury boutiques and trendy restaurants Playa El Duque is a perfect beach for swimming and relaxing, ideal for the whole family. Moreover, from here at sunset you can enjoy views of the most spectacular sunsets in all of Tenerife.
Playa de Los Gigantes - Los Guios Beach
This small sandy beach lies at the foot of Tenerife's imposing cliffs that rise 800 metres above sea level in a picture postcard natural landscape of black sand and clear water, ideal for snorkelling.
It is a quiet bay protected from the wind with some of the most spectacular views on the island. Nearby is the marina of Los Gigantes, from where numerous boat excursions to spot dolphins and whales depart.
La Tejita - El Médano
In the southernmost part of Tenerife is Playa De La Tejita, one of the most beautiful natural beaches on the island. It is a bay next to the Montaña Roja Nature Reserve, which gives it its characteristic reddish colour and a unique view that makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife.
Fine sand, turquoise waters and the steep volcanic rock formations that line the coast are the hallmarks of this small, secluded beach, so secluded that it has become a popular spot with nature lovers and naturists.
Adjacent to Playa de la Tejita and with its magnificent views of the Montaña Roja lies Playa del Médano, the largest beach in Tenerife.
In addition to its vast expanse of light golden sand and windswept bays, this wild beach is exposed to strong easterly winds to such an extent that it has become an ideal destination for surfing, winfsurfing and all water sports enthusiasts.
Playa Fañabé
Also located in the exclusive region of Costa Adeje is the beautiful beach of Playa Fañabé, a popular destination among bathers due to its crystal-clear waters, golden sand and excellent facilities. In addition to its beautiful seascape, this beach offers the possibility of practising a wide selection of water sports or relaxing in the sun amidst live music and numerous trendy restaurants, bars and cafés.
Playa del Camisón
Located between Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, Playa Del Camisón is a charming, palm-fringed beach ideal for families. This golden sandy beach close to all the activities of the main towns in the south sits on a small peninsula surrounded by a crystal-clear, calm sea and equipped with every service.
Playa Del Camisón is also the perfect place for an evening aperitif or a nice picnic at sunset right on the beach or on the green area nearby.
Best Northern Tenerife Beaches
The north coast of the island has a more rugged character but is still full of hidden coves and elegant city beaches waiting to be discovered.
Playa de las Teresitas - Santa Cruz
Las Teresitas beach on the north-eastern coast of Tenerife is a white sandy beach located a short walk from the island's main town, Santa Cruz. Protected by breakwaters that create perfect conditions for swimming, the beach boasts a two-kilometre strip of sand imported from the Sahara Desert, palm trees and turquoise waters.
The beauty of this beach lies in the volcanic mountain peaks that frame and protect its authentic atmosphere, far from the tourist hustle and bustle of Tenerife and home to some of the best hiking trails on the island.
Playa Jardin
Another city beach, this time with black sand, is Playa Jardin, one of three beaches designed by Canarian artist Cesár Manrique. Surrounding the black sand is a lush garden full of tropical plants, rock caves and waterfalls, mixing together natural and artistic elements with a breathtaking view of the majestic and often snow-capped peak of Mount Teide, the 3,718-metre volcano in the background.
Playa Jardin is also one of the best beaches for water sports and has a designated section for surfers.
Playa Jardin is divided into three sections: Castillo beach, Punta Brava beach and Charcón beach. Each of the beaches is connected by a promenade with numerous restaurants, cafés, children's playgrounds and live music performances.
Playa El Bollullo, La Orotava
The beautiful Playa El Bollullo is considered one of the most beautiful and authentic beaches in Tenerife. Nestled in the picturesque valley of La Orotava, Playa El Bollullo maintains an unspoilt, wild environment, hidden from the large tourist flows and frequented mainly by locals.
Its large expanse of dark volcanic sand, scenic paths lined with banana plantations and sheer cliffs, and the absence of shops provide a striking visual impact.
Antequera Beach - Igueste de San Andrés
This beach is located north of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and is not accessible by car. When the tide is low you can enjoy a magnificent sandy bay surrounded by a natural landscape in the middle of the Anaga Rural Park. To get there you have to walk along a not-very-easy hiking trail that starts from Igueste de San Andrés. Alternatively, the beach can be reached by boat from San Andrés.
Las Vistas Beach
Another blue flag beach on the southern coast of Tenerife is Playa de Las Vistas. It is well-maintained and perfect for families due to its safe bathing conditions and easy access. Its wide expanse of golden sand of about 850 metres provides enough space for everyone to relax on the beach in front of the artificial island on which a large fountain stands.
In addition to providing all the conditions for a relaxing day at the beach, Playa de Las Vistas is ideal for practising a variety of water sports or for lounging on a beautiful promenade lined with kiosks, restaurants and beach shops.
Tenerife Beaches: Video of the most beautiful ones Map and map
Below is a map of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife
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