Tenerife Beaches
The majority of Tenerife's natural beaches are made of black, volcanic sand
which doesn't sound too appealing.
However, as one of the top tourist destinations in Europe there have been
plenty funds available to allow the tourism authorities to invest heavily in
creating some amazing man made beaches by using imported golden sand from the
Sahara and by pumping sand from the seabed.
Some of these are amongst the best you'll find in Europe with first class
facilities and an impressive selection of watersports on offer. The best
Tenerife beaches are obviously located near the main resorts of the south coast
and around Puerto de la Cruz in the north. The west coast consists mainly of
rocky coves whilst volcanic landscape of the east coast has done little for
touristic development though windsurfers might choose to disagree. Beaches on
the South Coast
It is around the major tourist resorts of Playa de las Americas, Los
Cristianos and Costa Adeje on Tenerife's south coast that you'll find some of
the island's finest beaches. Several of these have been awarded the
European Blue Flag in recognition of the cleanliness of their sand and sea.
Los Cristianos is well served by two main beaches and numerous smaller ones very
close to the main hotels. The actual Playa de los Cristianos is the most central
with grey in the protected harbour area whilst Playa de las Vistas with yellow
sand collected from the seabed is a little further east is equally well
sheltered. Both have a fine selection of bars and restaurants and a limited
selection of activities. The Los Cristianos beach is particularly safe for
children and there are plenty playgrounds available generating a strong family
atmosphere.
Playas de Troya is the main beach for the Playa de las Americas resort and is
probably Tenerife's most famous beach. It is well sheltered and central to the
town with shallow water, restaurants and a good selection of watersports. On
days when the sea is rough, large waves provide some good surfing opportunities
for novices. More experienced locals prefer to look for better surf conditions
just behind the Conquistador hotel.
A little further north on the coast of Costa Adeje is the small, stoney beach of
La Caleta which is a good place for snorkelling and there are some good fish
restaurants there. Between Las Americas and La Caleta is a little known cove
with a sandy beach called Playa de la Enramada.
Other beaches worth checking out are Fanabe and Torviscas which both have golden
sand, great facilities and plenty watersport options. Playa del Bobo is a good
choice if you fancy learning to sail or to windsurf.
Beaches on the West Coast
Heading along the west coast from Costa Adeje you'll soon see signs for Playa
Paraiso after about 10km. This is a tourist development centred on a small cove
which is near the small, stoney beach at Callao Salvaje. Far more impressive is
Playa de la Arena a little further along the coast.
Lying just south of Puerto de Santiago, Playa de la Arena is one of the most
attractive coves in Tenerife. In spite of its black sand it has long been
recognised as a Blue Flag beach and is well equipped with bars, restaurants and
general beach facilities.
The fishing village of Puerto de Santiago has no beach to speak of though its
rocky cove is a popular spot for sunbathing. This is a good area for snorkelling
and the island's best scuba diving opportunities are around here. Playa de San
Juan is popular for such activities as well as for surfing. A little further on
is the neighbouring resort of Los Gigantes which is the major resort of the west
coast though Playa de los Gigantes is only has a small, black, sandy beach.
Beaches on the East Coast
The east coast south of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has little to offer the
visitor in terms of beaches and most visitors only ever skirt this coast via the
TF-1 motorway that links the main resorts of the south with the island's
capital. Incessant winds along this coast have made the sandy beach at El
Médano, just east of Tenerife Sur airport, world famous as a top destination for
windsurfers and kitesurfers. The world windsurfing championships have been held
here. This is not for novices as conditions are extremely testing, Las Galletas
on the southern most tip of the island would is a better place for beginners.
Playa de El Cabezo is a continuation of El Médano to the north. This has golden
sand and also hosts major windsurfing championships including the Tenerfe Grand
Prix. There is little more of interest heading north along this east coast until
you reach the pleasant village of Candelaria which has a small beach just to the
north which is good for swimming.
On the north easterly tip of Tenerife, beyond Santa Cruz, is one of the island's
most popular beaches thanks to the number of people heading out of the capital
to get there. Playa de las Teresitas was artificially built with imported sand
from the Sahara which has produced a most attractive beach shaded by palm trees
with a fine selection of bars, restaurants and amenities.
Beaches on the North Coast
Around the northern headland from Playa de las Teresitas is the delightful
Playa del Roque which has superb views out to sea. Strong waves make this a
popular spot for surfers. The neighbouring Almáciga and Benijos beaches are
smaller and equally as attractive.
Continuing along this coast you'll soon come to the north's premier resort,
Puerto de la Cruz. Its main beach Playa Jardin, just west of the resort, has
been completely redeveloped with sand extracted from the seabed. The result is a
fabulous Blue Flag beach lined with beautiful gardens which is well protected
and is extremely safe for children. This further enhances the reputation of
Puerto de la Cruz as an attractive family resort.
Heading west from Puerto de la Cruz, before arriving at El Guincho, is Playa San
Marcos. With black sand this is one of the north coast's most attractive beaches
located in the vicinity of the wine producing town of Icod de los Vinos. |
