Tenerife: 10 beaches that show the true character of the island!

Tenerife is a double-sided island: one part is all postcards and resorts, while the other is made of dark cliffs, trails leading down to quiet coves, and beaches that seem drawn by a volcano in love with chaos. If you’re only looking for white sand and calm waters, there are perfect spots for that.

But if you want to see what truly makes Tenerife unique, you need to go a little further.

Here you’ll find a selection that combines both worlds: iconic beaches, hidden coves, and corners that few people really know.

1. Playa de Benijo – The power of the north! 

Benijo isn’t a beach you visit—you take it in.

High waves, jutting rocks, a raw, primal energy that leaves no one indifferent.

It’s not a place for swimming, but for immersing yourself in an atmosphere that feels timeless.

An unmissable classic of the north.

2. Playa de Las Teresitas – The “golden” beach of Santa Cruz!  

Light sand imported from the Sahara, palm trees, calm waters, and an almost tropical atmosphere.

Yes, it’s famous and busy, but it’s still one of the most pleasant beaches on the island, especially early in the morning.

3. Playa de El Bollullo – Wild and spectacular! 

Near La Orotava, El Bollullo is one of the most beautiful black sand beaches in Tenerife.

The staircase that leads down opens onto a dramatic, powerful, and intense bay.

Perfect for those who love volcanic landscapes in all their raw strength.

4. Playa de Diego Hernández – The secret “hippie beach” of the south! 

A small bay accessible only on foot.

Those who know it love it: relaxed atmosphere, bright colors, crystal-clear water, and very few people.

One of the last true “wild” beaches of the south, far from the resort image of Tenerife.

5. Playa de Abama – Intimate and golden! 

One of the few golden beaches in the southwest.

Small, sheltered, and elegant.

Perfect on windy days and highly appreciated by those looking for a quieter spot than Adeje and Las Américas.

6. Playa Jardín – The César Manrique touch in Tenerife!  

Designed by the artist who revolutionized Lanzarote, it’s a dramatic black sand beach with tropical gardens and waves that don’t hold back.

A classic of Puerto de la Cruz, with a lively yet unobtrusive atmosphere.

7. Playa de Antequera – The conquest for few! 

Accessible only by sea or via a challenging hike, Antequera is one of the island’s best-kept secrets.

A crescent of light sand surrounded by tall cliffs.

If you’re looking for adventure and solitude, this is the place.

8. Playa de Tamadite – Wild and completely isolated! 

One of the most remote coves in the northeast, accessible only by a scenic trail.

It’s not a beach for relaxing; it’s an experience for those seeking wind, cliffs, and the ocean in its purest, most primal form.

9. Playa de La Tejita – Wide, free, and bright! 

A huge stretch of light sand at the foot of Montaña Roja.

Spacious, breezy, perfect for strolling and escaping the chaos of the south.

Relaxed atmosphere, with vast open spaces all around.

10. Playa Los Guios – At the foot of the giants of Los Gigantes! 

Small and tucked away, with a view that dominates everything: the enormous cliffs of Los Gigantes plunging into the sea. It’s not the most famous beach in the area, and precisely for that reason, it retains an intimate and surprising charm.