Tenerife beaches guide · the Canaries
12 standout Tenerife beaches, from the golden southern sands of La Tejita and Playa La Pinta to the black-sand coves of the wild Anaga coast — grouped by coast, with access and family notes.
Curated by the Beach Atlas team · Updated July 2026
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, and its beaches change completely as you circle Mount Teide. The north and the Anaga peninsula are wild and volcanic, with black-sand coves like Playa de Tachero and the hike-in Playa Roque Bermejo tucked under steep cliffs. The sunnier south is where the golden sand and the resorts gather, from the dune-backed La Tejita to the sheltered, family-friendly Playa La Pinta in Costa Adeje. Browse every verified beach on the island in Tenerife.
This is a curated best-of rather than the full list — pick a coast below, then use each beach page for access and sea-state detail before you go. A rental car helps everywhere here, and a few of the Anaga beaches are reached only on foot. For hand-picked sets across all the islands, see our best beaches collection.
The north coast and the Anaga Rural Park hold Tenerife's most rugged beaches, shaped by Atlantic swell and trade winds. Playa de Tachero is a small black-sand beach reached by a steep path in Anaga, where moderate to strong waves make it one to watch rather than swim, while Playa Roque Bermejo sits even more remotely under steep cliffs, accessible only on foot and rewarding for hikers. On the northwest side, Playa de Castro is a wild black-sand cove framed by cliffs in the Teno Rural Park, and nearby Charco Las Damas shelters natural rock pools with calm, clear water for a quieter dip. Along the exposed north shore, the pebbly Playa La Coronela and the surf-battered sands of Playa Punta Brava suit strong swimmers and bodyboarders more than casual bathers.
Not all of the north is rough. Close to the town of Puerto de la Cruz, Playa la Magdalena is a small dark-sand beach protected by breakwaters, with calm water that draws families and sunbathers. A little along the coast, Playa de los Roques is a small pebble cove sheltered by volcanic rock formations that tame the Atlantic swell, leaving generally calm water and clear conditions good for a swim or a snorkel among the black lava.
The south is Tenerife's sunny, resort-lined side, with the island's most swimmable sand. La Tejita is a long natural beach of fine golden sand backed by dunes and the imposing Montaña Roja, its steady swell and wind making it a favourite for windsurfing and kitesurfing. In the developed heart of Costa Adeje, Playa La Pinta is sheltered by breakwaters into calm, easy water ideal for families. Further east near the fishing village of Los Abrigos, Caleta de Teodoso is a quiet dark-sand cove sheltered from the trade winds, while on the east coast Playa de la Entrada is a low-key, dark-sand spot popular with locals.
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Why go: Caleta de Teodoso is a small cove beach located on the southeast coast of Tenerife, near the fishing village of Los Abrigos.
Caleta de Teodoso is a small cove beach located on the southeast coast of Tenerife, near the fishing village of Los Abrigos. Sheltered from the prevailing northeast trade winds, the waters are typically moderate, making it suitable for swimming.
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Why go: Charco Las Damas is a small, secluded cove on the northwestern coast of Tenerife, characterised by its natural rock pools.
Charco Las Damas is a small, secluded cove on the northwestern coast of Tenerife, characterised by its natural rock pools. Protected from the Atlantic swell by its sheltered location, the waters are typically calm and clear, making it suitable for a peaceful dip.
Why go: La Tejita is a natural beach on Tenerife's south coast, consisting of fine golden sand backed by dunes and the imposing Montaña Roja.
La Tejita is a natural beach on Tenerife's south coast, consisting of fine golden sand backed by dunes and the imposing Montaña Roja. Its exposure to Atlantic swells and trade winds generates consistent, surfable waves, making it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Why go: Playa de Castro is a small black-sand beach on the northwest coast of Tenerife, nestled between cliffs within the Teno Rural Park.
Playa de Castro is a small black-sand beach on the northwest coast of Tenerife, nestled between cliffs within the Teno Rural Park. Its exposed location to Atlantic swells often brings moderate to strong waves, making it suitable for experienced swimmers but not for beginners.
Why go: Playa de la Entrada is a small beach on the east coast of Tenerife, characterized by dark volcanic sand and moderate wave action typical of the region's eastern shores.
Playa de la Entrada is a small beach on the east coast of Tenerife, characterized by dark volcanic sand and moderate wave action typical of the region's eastern shores. It is a relatively quiet spot, popular with local residents, and offers basic amenities with roadside parking available.
Why go: Playa de los Roques is a small pebble beach on the north coast of Tenerife, sheltered by volcanic rock formations that reduce Atlantic swell.
Playa de los Roques is a small pebble beach on the north coast of Tenerife, sheltered by volcanic rock formations that reduce Atlantic swell. The beach's setting in a small cove ensures generally calm to moderate sea conditions, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
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Why go: Playa de Tachero is a small black sand beach on the northeast coast of Tenerife, situated within the Anaga Rural Park.
Playa de Tachero is a small black sand beach on the northeast coast of Tenerife, situated within the Anaga Rural Park. Its exposure to the Atlantic trade winds and open sea frequently generates moderate to strong waves, creating a lively and often rough sea state.
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Why go: Playa La Coronela is a pebble beach on the northern coast of Tenerife, exposed to Atlantic swells and trade winds.
Playa La Coronela is a pebble beach on the northern coast of Tenerife, exposed to Atlantic swells and trade winds. The sea conditions are typically rough, with moderate to strong waves, making swimming challenging but appealing for observing the natural coastal dynamics.
Why go: Playa la Magdalena is a small beach on the northern coast of Tenerife, sheltered by breakwaters that create calm waters ideal for swimming.
Playa la Magdalena is a small beach on the northern coast of Tenerife, sheltered by breakwaters that create calm waters ideal for swimming. Its dark volcanic sand and gentle sea state make it a popular spot for families and sunbathers.
Why go: Playa La Pinta is a small sandy beach in Costa Adeje on Tenerife's southwest coast.
Playa La Pinta is a small sandy beach in Costa Adeje on Tenerife's southwest coast. Sheltered by breakwaters, it typically has calm waters ideal for swimming and family outings. The beach is situated within a developed tourist area, providing easy access and amenities nearby.
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