According to recent statistics, roughly two-thirds of tourists on the island spend time on one of the more than 100 beaches that line Tenerife's 342 kilometers of coastline. Like the island itself, these sand and pebble areas possess a multitude of different personalities - from big and brash to shy and withdrawn and from naturally beautiful to cosmetically created.
As well as including some of the biggest and most famous in our top 10, we've also included a few hidden gems that are definitely worth lugging all your beach gear the extra few yards.
For more Tenerife inspiration, check out our guides to hotels, restaurants, bars, nightlife and attractions.
Playa de Las Teresitas, Santa Cruz
Probably the most Instagrammed beach on the island thanks to the abundance of palm trees sprouting from the golden sand (imported from the Sahara). Playa de Las Teresitas is located in the fishing village of San Andrés, just north of the capital Santa Cruz. .
How to get there: Take bus 110 from Costa Adeje to Santa Cruz (a 1-hour journey), then hop on bus 910 for a 20-minute ride to the beach.
Insider tip: There's a whole block of cheap and cheerful eateries nearby. The paella at Marisqueria Ramón is especially recommended.
Playa del Médano, El Médano
If you like water sports using any board, Playa del Médano is your destination. Thanks to the wind that blows this laid-back eastern city, kitesurfing and windsurfing are the two favorites on this 2km stretch of sand.
How to get there: Bus 470 meanders from Los Cristianos to El Médano. You can also take the 111 from the main resorts and then change to the 408 at San Isidro.
Insider tip: Restaurante Playa Chica on the waterfront is the best place for cheap mojitos after a hard day of sunbathing.
Playa Grande, El Poris
This quiet, secluded beach, far from the tourist spots, offers a mix of sandy and pebble beaches. The beach is small and can be busy with locals in summer, but it is a great place to sunbathe with Tenerife people.
How to get there: Playa Poris is best reached by car and is located at exit 39 of the TF-1 highway. Parking is available near the church square.
Insider tip: If you are new to surfing, this is one of the best and safest beaches to learn. Be sure to bring your own board, because there are no rental facilities here.
Back to indexSouth Coast
Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje
On the chic side of Costa Adeje is Playa del Duque, probably the second most photographed beach on the island. Expect golden sand (dredged from the ocean floor) and an abundance of quality restaurants along the boardwalk.
How to get there: If you're staying in the south, just follow the lovely promenade until you see Casa del Duque, a beautiful private home perched atop a beachfront promontory.
Insider tip: Shoppers should visit the chic Plaza del Duque for designer purchases, or the cute Centro Comercial El Mirador for smart souvenirs (open only on Sundays).
Playa las Vistas, Los Cristianos
Playa las Vistas offers the complete package for family outings, with wide lanes, water sports, shower/toilet facilities and gentle waves thanks to the breakwaters. Excellent lifeguard facilities for the disabled include assisted access to the ocean. The center of San Telmo has dozens of bars and restaurants overlooking the beach.
How to get there: Parking can be a challenge, so walking or taking a taxi is your best bet.
Insider tip: Place your stall on the southern tip for the most elbow room; you are also close to the lovely beach bar and restaurant Chiringuito Atlanticus.
Playa Fañabe, Costa Adeje
With soft sand and calm waters, this is a popular choice for families holidaying with children of bucket-and-spade age. Amenities include sun loungers, brollies and a variety of water toys from paddle boats to parasailing. Behind the beach there are a large number of bars, restaurants and shops, plus play areas for children.
How to get there: Easily accessible by bus 467 and 471 and with good accessibility and paid parking.
Insider tip: When the sun sets, grab an icy cocktail and listen to the relaxing DJ sounds at one of the three beach clubs.
Playa el Camisón, Playa de las Américas
Centrally located on 'The Golden Mile' in Playa de las Américas, this quiet, beautiful beach has calm waters and a backdrop of palm trees. On one side are paddle boats and kayaks, on the other a fantastic tiki hut style bar serving food and drinks.
How to get there: Parking can be difficult on this beach, so you may be better off walking from your hotel or taking a taxi.
Insider tip: If you want to relax by the ocean but aren't a fan of sand, there is also a grassy berm overlooking the beach.
Back to indexPlaya Abama, Guia de Isora
Cradled by cliffs on Guia de Isora's coastline, this is one of the island's most beautiful beaches with soft imported sand. It also houses a good quality beach restaurant.
How to get there: Take the 473 from the southern towns and it's a lovely walk along gardens to the 280 steep access steps (resort guests can use the funicular).
Insider tip: You can actually drive through the resort to the beach, but only to drop off your inflatables et al. You then have to drive back up, park and walk back down.
Playa La Jaquita, Alcala
One of Tenerife's newest beaches, the black sands of La Jaquita Beach in Alcalá, can be reached by walking along Alcalá's picturesque promenade. The beach is rarely crowded and is popular among locals for swimming and sunbathing. There is a lifeguard on duty and there are toilets, changing rooms and a bar.
How to get there: Buses 477 and 473 from the south stop in this fishing village on the west coast. Just head to the ocean and follow the boardwalk north.
Insider tip: The nearby rock pools just off the promenade are also worth a dip.
Playa de Diego Hernández, Costa Adeje
This cozy bay is locally known as a 'hippie beach' because of the free-spirited travelers who lived here. This cozy bay is a favorite with both connoisseurs and enthusiasts. If you like to share with naturists: this is one of the most beautiful natural beaches on the island.
How to get there: Buses 447, 452 and 467 run through La Caleta. From there it is an undulating 25 minute walk over hills and scrubland.
Insider tip: The village of La Caleta is the foodie center of the south. Make time for fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Back to index For bus times see Tietena.com
