The seashores of Tenerife ship extra drama than you may think: from midnight black shores whipped by the dangerous tempered Atlantic to cliff-clasped coves reachable solely on foot and flour-soft sands imported from the Sahara. Within the north, the place wild, forest-cloaked mountains dive abruptly to the ocean, the coast is thrillingly distant and serene, a far cry from the “occasion island” clichés of the south.
Whether or not you need to hike, kayak, dive, whale watch, surf or sip mojitos at sundown, Tenerife has a seashore together with your identify on it. Right here’s our rundown of the island’s absolute best.
Playa Las Teresitas is the most effective seashore for tender sands and salsa
Mile-long Playa Las Teresitas in Tenerife’s north is among the many island’s loveliest seashores, with the rippling Anaga Mountains within the background and a few spectacular rock formations and grottoes only a bouncy inflexible inflatable boat (RIB) experience away. If you first clap eyes on this nice arc of golden sand and palm timber, you would possibly assume you’ve been teleported elsewhere – and it’s form of true. Easing into the Atlantic, these powder-soft sands have been imported from the Sahara and needed to be rigorously cleaned due to the purple ants and scorpions that got here alongside for the experience.
Simply don’t anticipate to have this playa to your self. Proper on the doorstep of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it’s all the time common for its calm waters, relaxed vibe, seafood eating places and chiringuitos (seashore bars). El Caracol is a mellow weekend hangout for mojitos, langostinos a la plancha (grilled langoustines) and salsa beats.
Head to Los Gigantes for dramatic views and the most effective diving
West coast Playa Los Guíos has a relaxed really feel, calm water, loads of shade within the morning, attractive sunsets and views out to La Gomera, however it’s the Acantilados de los Gigantes (Cliffs of the Giants) that can actually seize you. These vertical partitions of basalt rock on the west coast shoot as much as 600m (1969ft) above the wave-ruffled ocean.
Under the water, it’s diving heaven, with caverns, grottoes and arches swirling with fish, anemones, moray eels, octopus, lobsters and stingrays. Los Gigantes Diving Centre is a terrific port of name for PADI programs. If you happen to’d quite keep above water, you will get a more in-depth take a look at these great cliffs with Teno Activo, whose journeys mix kayaking with dolphin and whale watching.
There are wonderful coastal hikes from Playa de Masca
It’s a must to earn Tenerife’s finest seashores, and Playa de Masca is proof. Precariously pinned to a knife-edge hilltop and reached by a rollercoaster of a highway, the tiny village of Masca is the place to begin for a rugged, demanding and insanely lovely trek down by way of the Barranco de Masca to the ocean. One for good climate solely due to the chance of rockfalls and landslides, the round-trip hike takes round six hours, or you possibly can stroll a method and catch the ferry again to Los Gigantes. If doubtful, enlist a information like El Cardón.
On the finish of the primary leg of the hike, the gorge spits you out by the ocean on this darkish sand bay, clasped between excessive cliffs, with glassy turquoise water you’ll be itching to leap into.
El Médano has nice circumstances for watersports
On the south coast, El Médano, a 2km (1.2-mile) ribbon of easy gold-gray sand that’s Tenerife’s longest seashore, all the time has loads of house to unfold out. This playa is a cracking all-rounder, with shallow water ramping up its household enchantment, a picket boardwalk buzzing with cafes and eating places, and arresting views of the volcanic cone of Montaña Roja.
If you happen to’re into watersports in a giant means, this seashore is a straightforward promote. Stiff winds and delicate waves make for good kite-surfing, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding circumstances. Drop your self straight into the scene by hooking onto a course with 30 Nudos Kite Faculty and staying at Casa Grande Surf Hostel.
Playa de Roque Bermejo is the right secluded seashore escape
Tucked right into a groove on Tenerife’s northeastern tip, Playa de Roque Bermejo could be reached solely on foot or by boat, however it’s well worth the effort. Black sand that glitters just like the night time sky slides into the wavy ocean, and the shoreline is rimmed by craggy rock formations and backdropped by the shaggy mountains of Anaga Rural Park, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.
Climbing is half the enjoyable. The tiny mountain village of Chamorga is the place to begin for an 8.3km (5-mile) loop path alongside a peninsula that slings its hook into the wild Atlantic. The path – a lot of it elevated – weaves by way of gnarled laurisilva (laurel) forest and previous cactuses and agaves that goats like to nibble, climbing greater to open up the views of ravines and mountains as jagged as dragon backbones.
Cool off over drinks within the tiny bar subsequent to the chapel on the backside of the path and a swim on this deliciously secluded seashore.
Playa del Duque is Tenerife’s most fashionable seashore
If you happen to like your seashores with a buzz and a shot of fashion, Playa del Duque on the Costa Adeje ticks all of the packing containers. Cabana beds, palms and parasols, yoga on the seashore, bars for cocktail sipping and sundown gazing, and golden sands that slide gently right into a sea of crystal blue make this seashore a winner with just about everybody. In the back of the seashore is a promenade and a row of five-star accommodations, every one seemingly extra palatial than the following.
La Tejita seashore has the most effective volcano views
A hop to the west from El Médano reveals one other magnificence: La Tejita, by no means lovelier than when its purple volcanic Montaña Roja blushes at dawn or within the deepening shadows of late afternoon. This cinder cone is commonly seen as you fly into the island. Its tender, kilometer-long golden sands are good and personal for sunbathing, snorkeling and browsing. If you wish to strip off, the world closest to Montaña Roja is nudist. In any other case, sit back with a copa, tapas and front-row ocean views at candy and easy Chiringuito Pirata on the western finish of the seashore.
Discover coastal wilderness at Playa de Benijo
Lush, spectacularly rugged and primevally fairly, the Anaga Mountains in Tenerife’s northeast secret away the wild Playa de Benijo, the place volcanic rocks and cliffs soar above the ocean. A mountain highway twists giddily previous peaks and thru laurel forest to get right here (nicely, virtually, the final half is on foot). However you’ll be glad you went the additional mile for such seclusion. Be a part of the nudists to sunbathe in peace or go for a swim (watch out as a result of these highly effective waves can bowl you proper over).
Go for a no-frills lunch at one of many eating places by the shore, digging into boat-fresh fish served with spicy mojo sauce and papas arrugadas (wrinkly, salted potatoes), and linger for a fiery sundown.
Playa Martiánez has the north coast’s finest surf
The choose of the seashores in north coast Puerto de la Cruz, Playa Martiánez is a beneficiant sweep of volcanic sand, with light rollers that are perfect for studying to surf. Head to La Marea to lease wetsuits and boards or be part of lessons.
If you happen to discover the ocean too tough in your liking, you possibly can all the time make for close by Lago Martiánez swimming pools, which bears the whitewashed, back-to-nature hallmark of Canarian architect César Manrique. Swim in saltwater swimming pools and underneath falls whereas listening to the crash of the ocean.
Playa Amarilla is the most effective seashore for wild swimming
A tiny notch on Costa del Silencio on the south coast, Playa Amarilla is little various handfuls of volcanic pebbles. But when wild swimming or nude sunbathing is your factor, these grooved ochre cliffs and their pure platforms are fairly particular, framed by Montaña Amarilla, a yellowish volcanic cone shaped by an underwater eruption.
Come to swim and snorkel in among the island’s clearest waters. Deliver your personal snacks and water sneakers (the rocks could be sharp underfoot). Mana Nui Chiringuito is a calming spot for post-dip drinks.
