7 Best Beaches in Tenerife: Hidden Gems & Secret Paradises

Tenerife. Sun-kissed shores. Volcanic landscapes. A mix of golden and black sand beaches, each with its own personality.

Some are wild and untamed.
Others, calm and family-friendly.
Some, hidden paradises—waiting to be discovered.

But here’s the thing: finding the perfect beach isn’t as simple as Googling “Tenerife’s best beaches” and picking the first option.

No.

Tenerife is an island of contrasts. The north and the south tell completely different stories—and if you stick to the wrong side, you might miss out on something unforgettable.

So, let’s dive in. Whether you’re chasing secret beaches, looking for the best family-friendly spots, or craving a kitesurfing adventure, this guide will take you through Tenerife’s top beaches, one wave at a time.

Must-Visit Beaches in Tenerife

There are beaches.
And then, there are beaches that leave a mark.

Tenerife has both.

Playa de las Teresitas – The Postcard-Perfect Beach

Golden Saharan sand. Palm trees swaying under the Atlantic breeze. A breakwater that keeps the waves calm.

This is Playa de las Teresitas, a mile-long tropical paradise.

Perfect for families, sunbathers, and anyone who loves a peaceful swim.

Pro tip: Walk towards the far-left end of the beach. Fewer people. More shade. A different vibe.

And if you happen to be road-tripping across the island? Imagine waking up in a campervan, opening the door, and stepping onto this golden shore at sunrise. That’s an experience.

Playa de Benijo – Tenerife’s Wild Side

This is not a beach for casual sunbathing.

Playa de Benijo is raw nature at its finest—a black sand beach hidden between towering cliffs, with roaring waves crashing against jagged rock formations.

It’s the kind of place where you feel small.

Perfect for sunset seekers, photographers, and those who love remote, wild beaches.

Warning: The currents here are strong. Really strong. If you’re not a confident swimmer, stick to the shore and enjoy the view.

Oh, and wear shoes—the descent can be tricky.

El Médano – The Ultimate Kitesurfing Spot

If there’s a single beach in Tenerife that screams “adventure,” it’s El Médano.

Endless golden sands.
Consistent trade winds.
A perfect setting for kitesurfers and windsurfers.

The best part? Even if you’ve never touched a kite in your life, you can take a lesson and join the action.

Perfect for water sports lovers, adrenaline junkies, and those who like a laid-back, surf-town atmosphere.

If you’re planning to explore Tenerife in a van, this is one of those beaches where you could park, wake up, and step straight into the water.

Tenerife’s Hidden Gem Beaches

Some beaches make it to every list.
Others? They stay under the radar.

These are the hidden gems—the beaches most tourists never find.

Playa del Puertito – The Turtle Spot

A tiny bay.
Crystal-clear water.
And, if you’re lucky? Loggerhead turtles swimming beside you.

Playa del Puertito is one of the most peaceful beaches in Tenerife. It’s small, it’s quiet, and it feels like stepping into another world.

Perfect for snorkelers, nature lovers, and those who want to escape the crowds.

Best time to go? July to September, when the turtles are most active.

Playa de Abama – A Hidden Slice of Paradise

It’s secluded.
It’s breathtaking.
And it’s not easy to get to.

Playa de Abama is tucked beneath a luxury resort, but don’t worry—you don’t need to be a guest to visit. You just need to walk down a steep path (or take the tiny lift, if it’s working).

Perfect for couples, photographers, and anyone who loves soft, white sand and turquoise water.

Worth the effort? Absolutely.

Best Beaches for Families

Some beaches are spectacular… but not exactly kid-friendly.

If you’re traveling with family, you’ll want calm waters, good facilities, and plenty of space to relax.

Playa las Vistas – The All-Rounder

This beach has everything:

• Crystal-clear water
• Beach bars and restaurants
• A promenade for sunset walks
• Even inflatable castles for kids

It’s one of the best beaches in Tenerife for families, hands down.

And the best part? The sunsets here are unreal.

Playa del Duque – Luxury Meets Comfort

If Caribbean vibes exist in Tenerife, they exist here.

Playa del Duque is all about soft golden sand, calm waves, and a relaxed, upscale atmosphere.

You won’t find loud crowds here—just sun loungers, beachside cafés, and crystal-clear water.

Perfect for families, couples, and those who love a touch of luxury.

North vs. South: Where Should You Go?

Here’s the thing about Tenerife: the north and the south feel like two different islands.

The South:

• Warmer temperatures
• Golden sand beaches
• Calmer waters

The North:

• More dramatic landscapes
• Black volcanic beaches
• Stronger waves, wilder beaches

Which is better? Depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want year-round sun and calm beaches, go south.
If you want scenic, untouched beauty, head north.

But honestly? The best way to explore Tenerife’s beaches is on wheels.

Drive. Stop. Swim. Repeat.

By now, you know where to find Tenerife’s most stunning beaches.

But there’s more.

Because choosing a beach is just the beginning. When to go, what to bring, and how to get there can make or break your experience.

So, before you pack your towel and sunscreen, here’s everything you need to know.

The Best Time to Visit Tenerife’s Beaches

Tenerife is known as the Island of Eternal Spring—warm weather, mild winters, and over 300 days of sunshine a year.

But does that mean you can visit any beach, at any time, and expect perfect conditions?

Not exactly.

Winter (December – February)

• Best for: Black sand beaches in the north, quiet escapes
• Avoid: Windier southern beaches, strong waves in exposed areas

Winter in Tenerife doesn’t mean freezing temperatures—it means mild days and cooler evenings.

But here’s the thing: the Atlantic gets rougher. Northern beaches like Playa de Benijo or El Bollullo can have powerful waves, making them spectacular for photography but risky for swimming.

If you’re visiting in winter, stick to the south—places like Playa de las Vistas and Playa del Duque offer sheltered, sun-soaked conditions.

And if you’re into surfing? El Médano and Playa de Las Américas come alive with bigger waves and fewer crowds.

Spring & Autumn (March – May, September – November)

• Best for: Avoiding crowds, finding the perfect balance
• Avoid: Easter week—Tenerife gets packed

These are the golden months.

The weather is warm but not scorching, and the beaches aren’t overflowing with tourists.

This is the time to explore hidden gems without fighting for a parking spot. If you’re into snorkeling, the water is at its clearest, especially in places like Playa del Puertito.

Summer (June – August)

• Best for: Long beach days, golden sunsets
• Avoid: Overcrowding in tourist-heavy beaches

Longer days. Warmer water. More people.

Summer is peak season, which means beaches like Playa de las Teresitas and Playa de las Vistas can get packed.

But here’s the trick: get there early.

Arrive before 10 AM, and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself. And if you want to escape the crowds? Head north. The wilder beaches, like Playa de Benijo, stay quieter even in the busiest months.

Another bonus? This is prime time for beach camping and road-tripping. If you’ve ever wanted to wake up next to the ocean, this is the season to do it.

How to Get to Tenerife’s Best Beaches

Tenerife’s beaches are spread across the island. Some are easy to reach, while others require a bit more effort.

Here’s what you need to know.

By Car – The Ultimate Freedom

If you want to explore Tenerife’s coastline properly, you need wheels.

Some of the best beaches—Playa de Benijo, Playa de Abama, Playa del Puertito—are far from the usual tourist routes. Public transport won’t get you there easily.

A car lets you chase the perfect beach, the perfect sunset, the perfect hidden spot.

And if you really want the ultimate freedom, there’s nothing like traveling in a campervan. Waking up by the beach, having your own space, and moving at your own pace? That’s a different level of adventure.

By Bus – Only for the Main Beaches

Tenerife’s bus system is reliable, but it has limits.

You can easily reach places like Playa de las Teresitas or Playa de las Vistas with public transport. But if you’re looking for hidden gems, buses won’t take you there.

If you’re relying on buses, stick to the more accessible beaches.

By Foot – The Rewarding Way

Some of Tenerife’s most stunning beaches aren’t just hidden—they’re earned.

• Playa de Antequera – A 2-hour hike through the Anaga mountains, leading to one of the most remote beaches on the island.
• Playa de Masca – A legendary trek through the Masca Gorge, with dramatic cliffs surrounding you the entire way.
• Playa de los Patos – A wild, black sand beach, accessible only by a steep descent.

These are not beaches you just walk up to—but that’s what makes them special.

What to Bring to Tenerife’s Beaches

Tenerife’s beaches are diverse, and what you pack depends on where you’re going.

For Family-Friendly Beaches

• Sunscreen (the Canarian sun is strong)
• Towels and beach mats
• Snorkeling gear (especially in clear-water beaches like Playa del Duque)
• Snacks and drinks (not all beaches have bars nearby)

For Hidden Beaches & Hikes

• Proper shoes (some access paths are rough)
• Plenty of water
• A hat and sunglasses
• A dry bag for valuables

For Adventure Beaches

• A wetsuit (if surfing or kitesurfing)
• Waterproof sunscreen
• A GoPro (because some moments need to be captured)

Final Thoughts: Exploring Tenerife’s Coastline

Tenerife’s beaches aren’t just places to sunbathe.

They’re experiences.

Some demand effort, like hiking down rocky paths or waking up early to beat the crowds. Others let you sit back, breathe, and soak it all in.

But the truth is—the best beaches aren’t always the ones everyone talks about.

They’re the ones you discover for yourself. The ones where you park by the shore, step outside, and think: this is exactly where I need to be.

And in Tenerife? Those moments are everywhere.