Tenerife’s beaches are truly unique. With nearly 70 kilometers of swimmable coastline, they stretch across dramatic cliffs, hidden sea caves, and natural pools, as well as lively urban and tourist hotspots. These beaches showcase the volcanic beauty and biodiversity of the largest Canary Island, offering something for every traveler—whether you prefer bustling shores with full amenities or secluded, untouched escapes. The color of the sand, water depth, and wave intensity change from one beach to another, creating a variety of coastal experiences perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends.
So, what’s your perfect beach plan?
Below, we highlight Tenerife’s top 10 beaches—so grab your beach bag and see for yourself why Tenerife remains the ultimate classic getaway.
The 10 best beaches in Tenerife
Playa del Duque
Ranked Tenerife’s best beach by Tripadvisor users in 2025, Playa del Duque is a true gem. Recognized with the Blue Flag for its pristine environment, accessibility, and top-notch facilities, this white-sand beach in Costa Adeje is one of the most stunning in the island’s south. The crystal-clear turquoise waters contrast with the golden reflections of its sandy beach, flanked by dramatic rock formations. At 390 meters long, it offers sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, restrooms, parking, and access for those with limited mobility. Nearby, you’ll find luxury boutiques, restaurants, and shopping centers.
There, in what is known as the Golden Mile of the Costa Adeje, you’ll find JOIA El Mirador by Iberostar, a five-star resort with direct beach access. Specially designed for adults, this romantic retreat blends traditional Canarian architecture with modern luxury, offering gourmet dining, a 1,000 m² spa, and the exclusive Star Prestige area with suites, concierge services, and butler assistance.
Playa de Fañabé
A short walk along the Costa Adeje promenade leads to Playa de Fañabé, another beloved beach known for its prime location and island charm. Unlike Playa del Duque, Fañabé features fine, volcanic black sand and gentle, shallow waters, making it perfect for families with young kids. The beach is lifeguard-patrolled and well-equipped with restaurants, beach bars, sunbeds, and umbrellas.
For a front-row seat to the ocean, Iberostar Selection Anthelia sits right across from the beach. Awarded as the best all-inclusive hotel in Spain, this five-star resort is ideal for a relaxing getaway as a family.
Playa de Torviscas
Located next to Playa de Fañabé, Playa de Torviscas is known for its calm waters, thanks to protective breakwaters that shield it from the wind. It offers accessible facilities and is conveniently connected to the Costa Adeje promenade, making it easy to explore the surrounding area.
This white-sand beach in Tenerife is popular for its lively, family-friendly atmosphere, with beach bars and food stalls right by the shore. Its excellent accessibility makes it ideal for families, including those visiting with babies experiencing the beach for the first time.
Playa de Torviscas proudly flies the Blue Flag and enjoys clear, open skies, which, at sunset, transform into a breathtaking display of colors. In fact, this spot offers one of the most stunning sunsets in Tenerife—rivaling even the famous viewpoints of Teide National Park.
Playa del Bobo
If you're looking for activities for your family vacation in Tenerife, continue your tour of the best beaches in Costa Adeje and head to Playa del Bobo—named after a plant introduced to the Canary Islands from the Americas via the Atlantic.
At just 130 meters long, this small volcanic-sand cove may be compact, but it has plenty of charm. It’s the perfect setting for creating special family memories, with exciting activities like water sports adding a dynamic touch to your beach days. These experiences let you immerse yourself in the marine environment while enjoying quality time together.
Its central location couldn’t be more convenient—less than a 10-minute walk from the bus station, making it easy to explore the rest of the island sustainably using public transport.
Playa de Los Cristianos
Did you know that some beaches in Tenerife host their own Carnival celebrations? That’s the case with Playa de Los Cristianos, located in the south of the island, which transforms into a vibrant party scene during the Tenerife Carnival, celebrating the joy of life by the sea.
With its fine golden sand and moderate waves, this beach is perfect not just for sunbathing but also for dancing, live performances, and costume contests—all part of the main festivities. If you’re lucky enough to visit with friends during this time, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
Beyond its Carnival charm, Playa de Los Cristianos is a fully developed urban beach located next to the harbor of the town of Los Cristianos in the municipality of Arona. It’s accessible and lively year-round, offering sunbeds, umbrellas, beach volleyball nets, and nearby sailing and diving schools.
Playa de Las Vistas
Along the Los Cristianos coastline, just a short distance from its main beach, you’ll find Playa de Las Vistas—a slightly less crowded but equally lively spot. It sits at the foot of Montaña de Chayofita, offering a stunning view of its one-kilometer-long, semi-circular shoreline, with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. A man-made island with a central fountain adds a distinctive touch to the landscape.
Further down, between the sea and the mountains, the promenade connects this beach with other white-sand beaches in southern Tenerife. Thanks to its excellent quality and facilities, Playa de Las Vistas has been awarded the Blue Flag for several consecutive years.
Nearby, in the Playa de las Américas tourist area (not to be confused with the beach of the same name), you’ll find a wide selection of beach bars and restaurants serving authentic Canarian cuisine.
Playa de las Américas
Considered by many as one of Tenerife’s most beautiful beaches, Playa de las Américas has a timeless charm that lingers in its market stalls, palm-lined promenade, and the smooth pebbles that cover certain areas. It flourished as a sun-and-sea tourism hub in the 1960s, and today, it blends history, entertainment, and relaxation along its shore.
Visitors include families with children, honeymooning couples, groups of surfer friends (there are several great surf spots nearby), and travelers from all over the world. Locals and regulars also frequent the beach to exercise outdoors or unwind at any time of the day.
As night falls, the area comes alive with music, neon lights, and buzzing nightlife. One of its most famous venues is the legendary Papagayo Beach nightclub. There’s even a claim that its golden sand was brought from the Sahara—whether myth or fact, one thing is certain: this picturesque coastal gem will captivate you with its versatility.
Playa de las Teresitas
Ranked in Tripadvisor’s Top 5 Beaches of 2025, Playa de las Teresitas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is renowned for its breathtaking landscape, featuring fine golden sand, turquoise waters, black volcanic mountains, and lush tropical vegetation.
Thanks to a breakwater that shields it from the wind, this beach offers calm and safe swimming conditions, making it an excellent choice for families with children. It is well-equipped with parking, beach bars, sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, showers, restrooms, changing facilities, and a lifeguard team.
For an elegant stay nearby, Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey—a luxury hotel with over 70 years of history, located just 10 minutes from the city center—offers easy access to this and other Santa Cruz beaches. Here, you’ll be staying in the same place that once hosted Hollywood stars, renowned writers, and royalty.
Playa El Bollullo
Playa El Bollullo is one of the most stunning beaches in Tenerife—a wild, peaceful retreat with black volcanic sand and crystal-clear waters, nestled within the protected natural area of El Rincón in La Orotava. The towering cliffs surrounding the beach, once formed by volcanic lava, are now covered in lush greenery.
If you visit this 200-meter-long cover, be aware that the waves and winds here can be quite strong, so extra caution is advised, especially when swimming.
Accessing Playa El Bollullo requires a short hike along a scenic path lined with banana plantations, followed by a steep descent. You can park in Puerto de la Cruz and take a 45-minute walk to reach the beach or opt for a local bus from the port.
There is a small restaurant on-site, but for a more immersive experience, consider packing a sustainable picnic and spending the day soaking up the serene, untouched beauty of Playa El Bollullo.
Playa El Ancón
Some beaches in Tenerife allow nudism, and Playa El Ancón is one of them. Located just 10 minutes by car from Playa El Bollullo, it sits alongside Playa de Los Patos, another secluded spot well worth a visit.
To reach this rocky, little-frequented cove, you’ll need to hike down a winding trail through the cliffs of La Orotava, passing banana plantations and vineyards along the way. If you’re looking for peace, privacy, and complete silence, this is the perfect beach for you.
However, keep in mind that the shoreline is quite exposed to the elements, so be extra cautious with the waves and currents. Practicing sustainable tourism is also particularly important when visiting places like this pristine natural coastal area.
Where are Tenerife’s best beaches?
As you may have guessed, some of Tenerife’s best beaches are found in the south, spread across Costa Adeje and the municipality of Arona. While exploring these areas, you’ll also have the chance to swim in Tenerife’s natural pools—a true wonder of Atlantic nature in southern Tenerife. The Playa de las Américas tourist area is another hotspot, known for its lively, vibrant atmosphere surrounding its beaches.
If you’d like to balance your visit with more secluded, unspoiled landscapes, consider taking a day trip to the beaches and coves of La Orotava, in the north of the island.
Finally, near Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital, you’ll find beautiful beaches—each with its own unique character and stunning scenery, guaranteed to make you want to return.
Now, all that’s left is to choose a hotel in Tenerife that connects you with the sea and allows you to easily explore the island’s spectacular coastline.
