The best beaches of Tenerife north have been carefully selected in this blog for you. As a long-time resident of the island, I want to share my knowledge and advice on the beaches you must visit during your holiday to Tenerife.
The northern area of Tenerife has many wild and beautiful beaches, with most characterized by volcanic black sand and green landscapes. This may not be the Tenerife you are familiar if you are used to a beach resort. However, if you want to learn more about the culture and the people of the island, visiting the north is a must. The north offers a unique synergy, where traditional culture is preserved, but tourists will still feel comfortable and welcome.
I highly recommend that you rent a car for at least one day so you can discover something different from the purely touristic areas. You will be amazed by the landscapes and natural beauty of the north and hiring a car in Tenerife is very easy. You can book a car effortlessly through the CICAR website, which has pickup and drop-off locations all over the island. This company does not require any kind of deposit or credit card. All of these cars are new, come with full insurance, and their prices are fair. Keep in mind that the minimum driver age with CICAR is 23-years old.
If you only have one day spend in the north, I recommend you spend it visiting the village of Taganana and nearby Benijo Beach. Locals and tourists alike recognize this as one of the most beautiful areas of Tenerife.
To make the most of the island’s incredible ocean experiences, I recommend visiting our water sports excursions page. From kayaking and snorkelling, to jet skiing and scuba diving, we provide you with the best water activities on Tenerife, tailored to your individual preferences.
#1) Playa Benijo
Location: Anaga Rural Park (Taganana for the GPS)
Composition: Black sand and gravel
Accessibility: On foot via trail (10-minutes walking from the carpark)
Service: Not equipped
Parking: There is small parking area above the beach, but in the summertime, it is often quite busy. An alternative option is to park on the road that leads you to the beach and continue walking down.
Description:
This is one of the best volcanic beaches on the island – if not the world – and the completely undeveloped surroundings only add to its beauty. This is the perfect beach for travellers who love wild nature and want to avoid crowded spots on the island.
You simply can’t beat the scenery of Playa Benijo. Giant volcanic rocks emerge from azure waves, welcoming visitors who gasp with amazement at their immense beauty. For those who enjoy photography, Benijo Beach provides truly spectacular visuals which will allow you to immortalize the beauty of your visit to Tenerife. The light on this beach is especially incredible at sunset, when the sun’s lowering rays add to the beach’s majestic allure.
Playa Benijo is also enjoyed for its waves which are fun to play in and be pushed by to the edge of the beach. Remember to always be careful and not venture too far into the sea, especially when the current is strong.
I recommend anyone who doesn’t mind driving to spend a day visiting this area, as you will not regret it. You will also be able to visit Almaciga Beach and Roque de las Bodegas Beach thanks to their proximity to each other. This part of the island is a paradise with the largest number of endemic species in Europe; a characteristic which has earned it the declaration of a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
The nearest town is the village of Taganana just a 5-minute drive from Playa Benijo. Founded in 1501, it is one of the oldest towns on Tenerife. Boasting both natural beauty and historic charm, a visit to this valley is an absolute must.
#2) Playa de la Teresitas
Location: Town of San Andres, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Composition: Golden sand
Accessibility: Easily by foot or car
Services: Toilets, showers, telephones, bars and restaurants, sun loungers, children’s area, stand-up paddling area
Parking: Parking here is easy before noon. In the afternoon, you may have to search for a few minutes before finding a spot. The parking lot next to the beach is very large, and thanks to everyone’s coming and going, you will always find a spot for yourself.
Description:
Las Teresitas is the emblematic beach of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Located just outside of the city next to San Andres Town, this golden sand beach stands out for the presence of countless palm trees and is very popular amongst families and group of friends. The sea here is very quiet, thanks to the presence of barriers that weaken the ocean current. This beach is highly recommended for those who love swimming, walking along the beach, and to all groups of friends and families. This beach stretches for almost 1.5 km with beautiful views of the Anaga Mountains.
Along the waterfront there are also various beach bars where you can eat lunch, enjoy a cocktail, and cool off in the shade, whilst admiring the sea and listening to music. In the summertime, some of these venues remain open until late in the night and turn into a disco on the beach.
#3) Playa de Castro
Location: Los Realejos (Playa de Castro for the GPS)
Composition: Black volcanic sand
Accessibility: Accessed via trail (5 to 10-minute walk from the carpark)
Services: Not equipped
Parking: There is no carpark at this beach, so you must park your car on the road nearby. In summertime, it is better to arrive in the morning otherwise it can be difficult to find a spot.
Description:
Los Realejos is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and wild beaches on Tenerife. However, you must bear in mind there are no facilities here such beach bars or umbrellas. This beach is all about natural untouched beauty. This 200-meter beach is located amongst abundant vegetation in a virgin and isolated environment. The beach is very wild, but the seawaters are usually quite calm.
The beach and its vicinity are considered an area of ecological sensitivity. You will also see the distinctive Blue Flag here, which is a guarantee of quality and clean waters. Next to the beach to the left, you will find a spectacular waterfall that should not be missed. Here you can take amazing photos, but believe me, no camera can capture how beautiful is. It is a thousand times better than a photograph could ever portray.
I highly recommend this place to anyone who loves nature. This location is also popular with trekkers, as there are numerous paths leading from the mountains to the sea, with views that will leave you speechless.
Before visiting Los Realejos, it’s important to have a look at the tides. At high tide, the ocean covers most of the beach, leaving space for towels only on the rocks.
Just next to this beach you can also see structures of special relevance in the history of Tenerife, including the Hermitage of San Pedro, the Fort of San Fernando, and the old Water Elevator of Gordejuela.
#4) Playa del Bolullo and Los Patos
Location: El Rincon, La Orotava (Playa Bolullo for the GPS)
Composition: Fine black sand
Accessibility: Easily by foot (2-minute trail) or car
Services: Sunbed and umbrella rentals, shower, lifeguard, restaurant, bar
Parking: Small parking area with 50 spots, which can be busy in the summertime after 11am. You can also park your car on the road and then walk to the nearby path which leads to the beach.
Description:
Playa del Bolullo is a shiny black sand beach, the result of lava and other volcanic materials being broken down over the centuries by the ocean. This is the perfect place to disconnect from the chaos of the city and get closer to nature. The beach is also ideal for sunbathers, as there is a sunbed and umbrella rental service here. It is also a good spot for those who love adventure and adrenaline, due to its strong currents and sizable waves. There are also calmer waves near the shore, where little ones can splash in the water and play in the sand. With something for everyone, I recommend this beach to all visitors to Tenerife.
In the middle of the beach, there is also a bar with an amazing view where you will be treated as a friend by the owner and staff. The food is simple but delicious, and all kinds of drinks are served here as well. These refreshments come with an affordable price and an oceanfront view on this superb natural beach. At the top of the road, before it descends to the beach, there is another good restaurant with stunning views of the sea below.
Playa del Bolullo is next to another beautiful beach, named Los Patos, which you can visit the same day. Los Patos is also characterized by its striking black sand and green mountain backdrop. If you are in the north looking for a wild beach that also has some basic services, this is the place.
