A Tenerife Beach Guide for Families, Water Sport Junkies & Nudists!

Those in search of a laidback coastal retreat in Spain where one can spend the day just lazing about in the sand, sun and surf, look no further than the island of Tenerife! With its wide range of beaches, Tenerife is the perfect spot for some R&R as well as water sports for visitors needing a daily adrenaline rush.
Since Tenerife is a volcanic island some of its beaches are made up of black lava sand, while one can find typically yellow sandy shorelines as well. Children are also catered for and visitors who want to make sure they get that full body tan can head to one of the island’s nudist beaches. Here are a few beaches one will find around the island.
South Tenerife is home to the well known Playa las Americas which is a family favourite. Situated near a variety of Tenerife apartments and hotels, this grey sand beach attracts sunbathers and those looking to indulge in water sports. Parents can let children enjoy the area’s shallow waters as well as plan a visit to the Octopus Aquapark which has a variety of water based rides and slides along with a dolphinarium.
Los Cristianos with its playgrounds is another family friendly beach and so too is Playa de Troya which is one of the most popular beaches on the Southern side. The El Puertito, La Caletta and Fanabe beaches are also worth a visit, while surfing enthusiasts can head to the Fitenia beach or to Conquistador beach (behind the Conquistador Hotel) which is popular amongst locals as well.
The coastline in the Northern part of the island is just as alluring and those finding accommodation at Tenerife hotels and apartments here are also spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. Made up of golden sand that has been imported from the Sahara, the man-made Las Teresitas beach is set amidst calm waters, an artificial reef and palm trees and is a great place for the entire family.
North Tenerife is also where one will find Playa Jardin. This blue flag beach which comprises of black sand is named after its picturesque landscaped gardens that add to the overall charm of the shoreline. Other beaches on the Northern side include Playa San Marcos which enjoys an idyllic location near a fishing harbour, Playa Bajamar and Playa Bollullo. Nudists are catered for at Playa de los Patos and Playa Pozo, while those wanting some challenging surf waves can head to El Socorro, Playa del Roque and Puerto de la Cruz.
Travellers planning to stay in a West Tenerife apartment or hotel can visit Playa San Juan which provides a relaxed setting where one can get in some serious sunbathing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Set amidst a scenic cove, the Playa de la Arena resort’s blue flag beach looks out across to La Gomera Island and is a perfect place in which to experience the island’s breathtaking sunsets. Playa de los Gigantes and Playa Paraiso can also be found on the Western side along with the K16 beach which attracts surfers.
Those who take time to explore East Tenerife will come across several beaches worth visiting as well. Situated near the airport, Playa de la Tejita is where the annual Granadilla Kite Festival is held (in September), while nudists can enjoy a carefree day at the seaside along the Montana Roja part of the beach. Those looking for a more secluded spot can head to the Roque Bermejo village and beach which can be reached by boat. Expert windsurfers and kite-boarders can make their way to the El Medano beach and Playa de El Cabezo which are used as venues to host windsurfing competitions as well.
A day at the beach in Tenerife can be as laidback or as exciting as one wants it to be. The best way to discover the island’s many beaches is by exploring and uncovering Tenerife’s enchanting coastline for oneself.