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The Canary Islands have always been a favored spot for tourists due to its pleasant weather throughout the year, stunning natural scenery, and a variety of attractive hotels and resorts.
Tenerife, the biggest and most sought-after Canary Island, is filled with seaside resorts, delightful towns, and breathtaking natural wonders. While attractions such as Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain, are sure to draw in tourists, the island’s beaches remain its most alluring treasures.
The island is home to a beautiful mix of extended golden beaches and dark volcanic shores, offering a range of options from peaceful retreats to top-notch surfing spots in Spain.
Places like Teresitas and Playa de las Americas hum with activity, providing the lively, energetic beaches used for anything from partying to laid-back lunches. At the opposite end of the spectrum, hidden spots such as Bollullo and Benijo offer a complete retreat from Tenerife’s occasionally hectic pace of life, while in between are dotted dozens of beaches that cater to different types of holidaymaker.
To help find your ideal bit of coast, we’ve rounded up some of the best beaches in Tenerife.
Teresitas Beach
The Teresitas beach, spanning a mile in length, is famous among Tenerife’s beaches. It is located approximately 20 minutes away from the capital city, Santa Cruz, and offers a genuine tropical experience with its palm tree-lined shore and backdrop of the towering Anaga Mountains. The soft white sands gradually slope into the Atlantic, providing a picturesque setting. Interestingly, the sands were brought from the Western Sahara in 1971, just a couple of years before this man-made beach was officially unveiled.
The location of Teresitas near the capital results in high traffic, and a man-made barrier attracts families and individuals seeking a peaceful area for activities like paddling, swimming, and snorkeling. Fortunately, its popularity ensures that it has all the essential facilities, along with numerous beach bars and seafood restaurants known as “chiringuitos.”
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The Tejita Beach
The Tejita Beach is under the presence of Montana Roja, a volcano that stands at 171 meters and is located towards the east. The beach is adjacent to a natural reserve, therefore it remains mostly untouched and retains its wild state, surrounded by desert-like terrain and covered in fine golden sand.
This particular stretch of coastline is less popular than other beaches in the area, making it a peaceful and tranquil spot compared to the bustling Medano. While it’s perfect for private sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling during the day, be sure to catch the sunrise or sunset for a breathtaking view of the mountain.
El Bollullo
Surrounded by rocky cliffs, situated against a steep mountain incline, and touched by stunning turquoise waters, Bollullo is a remarkably picturesque stretch of coastline. The volcanic sands of this beach resemble a soft carpet rather than the typical Atlantic shoreline, adding to the natural charm of this peaceful location. While it is a popular spot for surfers, Bollullo lacks many facilities, with only a clifftop restaurant and a small beach cafe available.
Playa del Duque
The large number of luxurious accommodations with top ratings that have views of Playa del Duque contribute to the beach having a resort-like atmosphere. However, it serves as more than just a convenient spot for visitors staying at the tall hotels.
The coast of Playa del Duque is adorned with colorful beach huts, chairs, and umbrellas. This beach boasts stunning scenery, with rocky cliffs, clear blue water, and swaying palm trees. It is a serene destination, ideal for relaxing on a rented lounger, playing volleyball, sampling seafood, or taking a leisurely walk along the boardwalk at dusk for picturesque views.
Playa del Medano
El Medano is located on the southern coast and stretches for slightly more than one mile. It is divided from the neighboring Tejita by a mountain known as “Red Mountain” (Montana Roja). This beach is considered one of the top choices in Tenerife, suitable for families seeking entertainment for their children and also for those interested in engaging in a variety of water sports.
This location, named after the town it is situated in, offers a lovely setting for a peaceful evening meal with stunning views. The long boardwalk, lined with various dining options, adds to the charm of this spot. The shallow waters provide a safe area for swimming. Additionally, the strong winds make this a top destination for activities such as kite surfing, wind surfing, and paddle boarding in Tenerife.
Playa de los Gigantes
The main attraction of this part of the western coast is its stunning natural beauty. The ‘Cliffs of the Giants’, towering at 600-meters, border a small stretch of dark black sand. These cliffs create a dramatic coastal scenery on the island and, along with a sea wall, offer protection for those swimming and diving. The most breathtaking views of the cliffs can be seen from the sea or from the beach during sunset.
In addition to the stunning views, Gigantes provides opportunities for whale-watching, kayaking, and diving. The waters are home to a diverse array of marine creatures such as anemones, stingrays, lobsters, and eels.
Playa del Benijo
The dramatic wilderness of Benijo looks like something plucked from a Pacific coastline, thanks to the density of the surrounding laurel forest and the ruggedness of the Anaga mountains. On either side of Benijo these cliffs gently slope into the water, with the bay in between covered in dark sands and looking out onto the towering rock formations that rise from the Atlantic.
Benijo is a particularly secluded spot that can only be reached via a winding drive followed by a short walk. A couple of low-key restaurants provide meals by the shore, but this is primarily a place to come to wind down and escape the hustle and bustle of other parts of Tenerife.
Playa Jardin
Jardin, which translates to ‘Garden’, is a one-of-a-kind beach that received significant attention from Canarian architect Cesar Manrique. Manrique oversaw a renovation project that transformed the beach into a beautiful botanic garden adorned with palm trees, unique flowers, and a cascading waterfall. The contrast between the black sand and vibrant colors, along with the stunning backdrop of Mount Teide’s snow-capped peak, make Jardin one of Tenerife’s most scenic beaches.
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Source: independent.co.uk