The beaches of Tenerife, the complete guide

Looking for a change of scenery and beaches you won't find anywhere else? Then the Canary archipelago is the place for you. Tenerife is first and foremost a volcanic island. Its crater, Teide, is the third highest volcanic peak on the planet after Hawaii. It is the island's focal point, visible from more or less every coastline. The erosion of the volcanic rocks has created a deep black sand, sometimes tinged with green or red. In Tenerife, two volcanic beaches are famous for their wonderful contrasts between the turquoise water and the black grains of sand on the coast.

Playa El Bollullo, wild and isolated

In the north of the island, El Bollullo beach is secluded and wild. After a descent towards the sea marked out by bougainvilleas and various succulent plants, discover the natural charm of this magical place. For hikers, a path takes you from the beach car park to a small chapel, Cueva de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, overlooking Goyuyo beach. The beach does not have many amenities, apart from a restaurant and car park.

Where to eat?

Bullo Beach

The Bollullo Beach restaurant is open from 10am to 10pm every day during the high season. It overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers a magnificent panoramic view, especially at sunset.

Chiringuito Bollullo Beach

This bar-restaurant carefully prepares plates of seafood freshly caught by local sailors. Octopus, arancini and other delicacies are served on the relaxed wooden terrace in front of the sea. The restaurant is open from 10am to 8pm, every day except Tuesday.

Playa de Los Gigantes, cliffs and walks

The cliffs of Los Gigantes, also known as the Cliffs of the Giants, are impressive. Ranging in height from 300 to 600 metres, this Baltic rock stretches along the west coast of Tenerife. It's a very popular spot for its exceptional hikes, particularly the Masca trail. Nestling in the rock is Los Gigantes beach. This pleasant grey-sand beach is close to the town of Los Gigantes, where you'll find plenty of restaurants and shops. If you fancy a bite to eat, there are plenty of seafood restaurants in the port of Los Gigantes.

Where to eat?

KV Bar Gourmet Watching the boats in the harbour move to the rhythm of the waves, enjoy sashimi, tempura fritters, fish or beef entrecôte. The restaurant is open from midday to 10pm every day.

Playa Jardín, also known as Playa Maria Jiménez, is another long, wild, black-sand beach. The small white houses of the village contrast magnificently with the landscape.

Travelling to Tenerife with children? Do you prefer more comfortable beaches, with showers, toilets and restaurants? No problem, Tenerife is also known for the comfort and luxury of its beaches...

Playa de El Duque, city comforts meet the ocean

To the south of the island's west coast, El Duque beach is perfect for relaxing in the sun and perfecting your tan. The beach is lined withluxury hotels, restaurants and bars. It has showers and free, clean toilets, as well as kiosks where you can hire equipment such as masks and snorkels. Beware of the waves on this beach, which can be powerful at times, and you can hire private mattresses and parasols to spend the day in peace. For parking, the underground car park in the El Mirador shopping centre costs €1.80 per hour, and there is a choice of restaurants.

Playa Fañabé, the lively beach

Fañabé beach is a quiet beach lined with palm trees. It is teeming with small restaurants, bars and shops. This huge beach in the south of Tenerife's west coast is very lively in the high season.

Playa de Las Vistas, relaxation and luxury

To the south of Fañabé beach, this man-made beach offers sun loungers, a paved promenade along the seafront, luxury accommodation and restaurants.

Las Teresitas beach, parasols on the east coast of the island

On the other side of the island, on the east coast, Las Teresitas beach is 1.5 km long. This beach, with white sand imported from the Sahara, is protected by a breakwater that prevents the swell and waves from entering the cove. On this pleasant, cosy beach, you can hire umbrellas, enjoy a meal, take a shower, etc.

Far from the crowds and the music of the bars, the wild beaches of Tenerife are places of peace and relaxation where you can recharge your batteries in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Playa de Benijo

On the eastern tip of the island of Tenerife, this beach is part of the Anaga Biosphere Reserve. On this beach where time seems to stand still, volcanic rocks rise out of the water while powerful waves beckon surfers. Surrounded by nature park paths, the beach is simple and wild. To get there, you need to drive about 20 minutes through the Anaga Park. You can park in the small car park above the beach before descending the stairs to the sea.

Where to eat?

El Mirador

The El Mirador restaurant offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and authentic, local dishes. It is open from 11.30am to 5pm, every day except Sunday.