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Tenerife’s best beaches: From golden sands to volcanic shores

If your idea of a perfect vacation means long days by the sea, Tenerife makes it easy to find your kind of beach. Stretch out on golden sand beneath the Anaga Mountains, walk across a black volcanic beach up north or choose a pale, sandy stretch of shore in the south. The coastline changes quickly as you travel around the island and choosing which beach in Tenerife to stop off at is part of the fun.

There’s more to do than swim and sunbathe, though. Head to one of the island’s many established water-sports areas, where conditions are ideal for surfing or diving. Lace up your hiking boots and set out along a coastal path right by the Atlantic for an up-close look at Tenerife’s rugged shoreline. For a more dramatic change of scenery, leave the shore behind and head inland for a volcano hike. A beach vacation in Tenerife can be as relaxed or active as you like, with plenty of room for both.
Book your beach vacation in Tenerife with Discover Airlines and make the most of the island’s mix of sun, sea and sand.
What to know about Tenerife’s beaches

Tenerife’s beaches draw sun seekers and nature lovers alike. They’re known far beyond the island for their variety, from pale golden stretches of sand to striking black volcanic shores. That contrast has its roots in Tenerife’s volcanic past: the dark sand is formed from finely ground volcanic rock, creating a coastal landscape found in only a few places around the world.

There’s more to Tenerife’s coast than scenery. For centuries, the island stood at the crossroads of trade and cultural exchange, and traces of the Guanches, its Indigenous people, still remain today. The Spanish conquest shaped the island in lasting ways too. Along the shore, traditional fishing villages now sit beside resort areas, offering a glimpse of Tenerife’s past as you explore the coast.

The island’s mild subtropical climate makes a beach trip to Tenerife possible at almost any time of year. Its location off the coast of Africa brings warm summers and mild winters, with the south generally warmer and drier than the greener north. May through October is a great time to visit for warmer temperatures and long days at the beach, while spring and fall are better if you prefer milder conditions and fewer visitors.
The most beautiful beaches in Tenerife
Practical tips for a beach vacation in Tenerife
A beach vacation in Tenerife can be as relaxed or adventurous as you like. A little planning will help everything run smoothly, whether you’re heading to the golden sandy beaches of the south or exploring the island’s black volcanic shores farther north.
Tenerife’s tourist infrastructure makes most beaches easy to visit, but some don’t have parking right next to the sand. You may need to walk the final stretch, so pack light when you can. At many more developed beaches, loungers and umbrellas are available for a fee.
If you’d like to try windsurfing, kitesurfing or diving, the beaches in the south are a good place to start. Look into local schools, courses and rental providers before your trip. It’s a good idea to check the day’s weather and sea conditions before heading into the water.
Traveling with children calls for a closer look at each beach. Wave strength, currents and shore conditions vary around the island, so follow the beach flags and local guidance when you arrive. Choose a supervised beach when possible.
Book your flight to Tenerife with Discover Airlines and start exploring the island’s most beautiful beaches!



