Tag: Tenerife Beaches

Spotlight on Tenerife Beaches – Playa de la Arena

Playa de la Arena South Tenerife
Posted on by Grace Molan

Located just an 8-minute drive from the prestigious residential area of Los Gigantes, Playa de la Arena is one of the top beaches in Tenerife for families.  

BEACH: Playa de la Arena, Santiago del Teide

WHERE: Nestled amongst the volcanic rocky outcrops of Puerto de Santiago lies this dreamy shoreline on Tenerife’s west coast. It is centrally located for all the towns in the greater Santiago del Teide municipality and a far cry from the tourist resorts in the south.  

WHY: Playa de la Arena has been a blue flag beach since 1989. This means it continuously maintains exceptional levels of cleanliness for all to enjoy. The 120 meters long stretch of volcanic black sand of this popular beach isn’t just eye-catching, it also soaks up the rays of the sun. This absorbed heat makes the beach a desirable temperature whatever time of the day which is why it is a popular hotspot for families with young children.

Playa de la Arena -A Snorkelling Paradise

It is also one of the best beaches for snorkelling in Tenerife thanks to the volcanic rocks that surround the beach providing lots of hiding spots for marine life. In addition to being a relaxing bolthole for both locals and tourists, this beach offers: 

  • Seafront restaurants and bars offering fresh seafood and other local delicacies 
  • Toilets and Showers
  • A bus stop and taxi rank a the entrance to the beach
  • Parking
  • Blue Flag status 
  • A lifeguard on duty during the day
  • Sunbeds and Parasols for rent 
  • Massages on the beach
  • Very close to neighbouring towns of Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago

HOW: If heading to the beach from the TF-1, take exit 87 towards Playa San Juan. Continue on the TF-46 for approximately 6 kilometres. At the roundabout, take the third exit towards Finca la Carrera TF-47 and follow the signs towards Puerto de Santiago until your reach the beach.

SHADE OF THE SEA: Azure Blue

SHADE OF THE SAND: Tannery Brown

Spotlight on Tenerife Beaches – Los Gigantes

Beach of Los Gigantes
Posted on by Grace Molan

When visiting Tenerife don’t miss the chance to see one of its most famous geographical wonders.  A trip to the stunning cliffs of Los Gigantes is a must if you enjoy spectacular views. Located in the south-west of Tenerife, it forms an iconic part of the southern coastline. Plan a fun trip to the beach and discover one of the best family-friendly beaches in Tenerife south.

BEACH: Los Gigantes, Tenerife 

WHERE: In the town of Los Gigantes on the south-west coast of Tenerife, just a short walk from the harbour. 

WHY: If you are in search of breathtaking views, tranquil waters and a fun, family-friendly environment then Los Gigantes is your beach. Grab a towel and head to the town of Los Gigantes. Just a short walk from the harbour you will find a small stretch of sand and gentle turquoise waters, perfect for a day of relaxation. It is the only sandy beach in the town which is one of the many reasons why locals love it. However, despite this, it rarely gets overcrowded which is why it has made its way onto our Tenerife beaches hotlist. In addition to providing a relaxing escape, this beach offers: 

  • One of the best views available of the Los Gigantes cliffs
  • Sun loungers and parasols for hire
  • Toilets
  • Parking close by
  • An urban setting in the centre of the town
  • Easy access on foot from the town
  • Close to key attractions such as Siam Park and the Tenerife South Airport

HOW: Head south on the TF1 until you reach exit 87. Take the TF-46 until you reach a roundabout. At the roundabout take the third exit. At the second roundabout, take the exit onto the TF-47. Continue on the TF-47 until you reach the TF-454 which leads you into the town.


SHADE OF THE SEA: Tibetan Turquoise

SHADE OF THE SAND: Mouse Brown

Spotlight on Tenerife Beaches – Playa San Juan

playa-san-juan_tenerife-south
Posted on by Grace Molan

If you are in search of a quiet, family-friendly beach away from the crowds, then Playa San Juan should be on the top of your list. The dark sandy coastline and gentle waters lure more locals than tourists to this beach, making it a must visit for those living close by. 

BEACH: Playa San Juan in the town of Playa San Juan

WHERE: Located in the town of Playa San Juan which doesn’t have any tourist hotels so this beach is great if you want to avoid the crowds. 

WHY: If your experience of Tenerife beaches has been the overcrowded, overcommercialized beaches in the resorts of Tenerife south, then this beach offers the perfect respite from it all. Firstly, this beach is not your typical white sand paradise as seen in the holiday brochures.

The beach of Playa San Juan boasts dark volcanic sand which soaks in the heat of the day – perfect for sunbathing. However, for those who prefer to spend the day on a lounger, prices start as low as 7,50€ for two loungers and a parasol. Sea buggies are also available to assist those who do not feel confident to bathe in the ocean unassisted. This beach really does tick all the boxes and perhaps the icing on the cake is the promenade lined with laid-back cafés and bars offering the perfect vantage point to take in the views and let the world pass by.

Of course, it is also connected to the town which offers: 

  • A buzzing local market open on Wednesdays
  • Seafront bars offering live music on Friday and Saturdays
  • A wide range of sporting activities such as diving, sailing and hiking
  • Close to neighbouring towns like Los Gigantes

HOW: From the TF1 highway, take the exit towards TF47 Playa San Juan/Puerto Santiago/Los Gigantes. At the roundabout, use the 3rd exit to stay on the TF47 and follow the signs for Playa San Juan. 

SHADE OF THE SEA:  Bombay Sapphire Blue
SHADE OF THE SAND: Chia Seed

Spotlight on Tenerife Beaches – Playa Abama

playa-abama_west-tenerife-beaches
Posted on by Grace Molan

When in the south of Tenerife, a trip to the sunkissed cove of Playa Abama is a must. An exclusive enclave for those in search of paradise, this beach offers peace and relaxation in spades.

BEACH: Playa Abama, located in front of the Abama Hotel

WHERE: Guía de Isora in the west of Tenerife. This beach is managed by the Hotel Abama so head towards the hotel and you will end up at Playa Abama if you follow the long path and stairway down to the sand.

views-of-playa-abama_tenerife-beaches

WHY: Hidden between the cliffs of the Guía de Isora coastline lies the secluded cove of Playa Abama. It has long been seen as a chic and exclusive place to soak up some rays and enjoy the tranquil waters that sparkle in the sunlight. The beach was built by the Hotel Abama to use by its guests, but it can be accessed by the public via a winding track and stairway.

Luxury sun loungers are available for a fee and the vibrant 5*restaurant that is nestled inside the cove, really sets Playa Abama apart from other beaches in the area. Enjoy clear, turquoise blue waters and very few waves on this family-friendly Tenerife beach which is popular amongst expats as well as locals. As well as being a textbook-perfect beach, it also scores points for being close to: 

  • Abama Golf Course
  • The historical town of Guía de Isora, an ‘Asset of Cultural Interest’
  • The Chio Recreational Area Picnic Spot
  • Isora Confectioners Sweet Shop 
  • Local restaurants such as Plazale Pizzeria or Casa Gusto

HOW: From the TF1 highway, take the exit towards TF47 Playa San Juan/Puerto Santiago/Los Gigantes. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the TF47 and follow this road for just over 8km. The Abama Hotel will appear on your right. Parking is available via the hotel. Playa Abama is not suitable for those with mobility issues. 

SHADE OF THE SEA: Capri Blue

SHADE OF THE SAND: Ice Cream Cone