When you think of Tenerife, you might think of good weather and the beaches. While the South of the island often grabs the attention of tourists, the northern coast offers a more peaceful and authentic experience. Here are five must-see beaches in Tenerife North that you absolutely need to check out during your stay here.

Playa Benijo

Hidden in the Anaga Rural Park (another must-visit) is the hidden gem with the wild beauty of Tenerife’s northern coast. The beach is perfect for those who are looking for some peacefulness and something with more nature. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rock formations, Playa de Benijo offers a stunning backdrop, especially at sunset when the sky lights up in a beautiful color palette. Curious about more sunset spots like this one? Check out the best 5 sunset spots in Tenerife.

What to Do?

• Photography: Since Playa de Benijo has a stunning landscape and unique rock formations, it’s the perfect place to snap some pictures. Whether that is from yourself or the location, you will be guaranteed to have something spectacular to send to your friends and family or post on your socials. 

• Surfing: With the strong waves, Playa Benijo has become a popular spot for experienced surfers. If you haven’t surfed before or if you’re still a beginner, check out the surf class in our activities. 

• Relaxation: Of course, relaxing and simply enjoying the quiet environment and the sound of the waves is an absolutely perfect thing to do when you’re there.

Tips

• Accessing the beach requires a little bit of a hike, so wear comfortable shoes. 

• There are no facilities nearby, so bring your own food and water.

• To go to Playa Benijo you can take the bus, which will take you around 2 hours, or you can rent a car for more ease. If you take the bus, buy the day card as that will be cheaper. More information about how to get around the island can be found here.

Playa de las Teresitas

As you might know or have seen already, Tenerife is filled with volcanic black sand beaches. However, Playa de las Teresitas is a beautiful golden sand beach with sand imported from the Sahara Desert in the 1970s. Surrounded by the Anaga mountains and palm trees, the beach offers a stunning backdrop where the sand meets the calm and turquoise waters. This beach is located near the capital Santa Cruz, so it is the perfect place if you want to combine a visit to the city with a beach day.

What to Do?

• Swimming: Unlike other beaches on the island, the water at Las Teresitas is pretty peaceful thanks to a long breakwater that ensures calm waves, this makes this beach perfect for swimming or relaxing in the water.

• Sunbathing: For the non-water people, this beach is also perfect to stretch out on the soft golden sand soaking up the sun, and getting a bit of a tan before returning home. 

• Beachside Dining: After a day of swimming and sunbathing, Playa de las Teresitas offers various beachside restaurants where you can get fresh seafood, traditional Canarian dishes, and refreshing cocktails.

Tips

• As you most likely spend your time at the academy or your internship during the week, you probably visit this beach during the weekend. If you decide on this, make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot as weekends on this beach are very busy. 

• Unlike Playa Benijo, this beach has plenty of facilities, including showers, restrooms, and sunbed rentals. 

• To get to this beach, you can either take public transportation or rent a car.

Playa El Bollullo

Playa El Bollullo, one of Tenerife’s hidden gems, offers a more secluded and less commercialized beach experience. Located near Puerto de la Cruz, this black sand beach is accessible via a scenic walk through banana plantations. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and is a very charming spot for sunbathing and relaxing. However, be careful if you want to take a dip into the ocean as there are strong currents and big waves. The protected area, with its breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere, offers an escape for those who are looking to connect more with Tenerife’s natural beauty.

What to Do?

• Swimming: As mentioned before, the currents and waves are strong at this beach so even though it’s not great for swimming, it’s great for a refreshing dip.

• Exploring: Want to explore more? Continue to wander along the coastline to discover smaller coves, rock formations, or other beaches, like Playa de Patos.

• Photography: Hidden between the cliffs, Bollullo is a great location for pictures, whether that is of yourself or the surroundings. The contrast of the black sand and the blue ocean makes for great photos.

Tips

• You can access the beach from Puerto de la Cruz with a walk of 40 minutes if you start around the Botanical Garden area.

• The path to the beach can be steep and uneven, so wear comfortable shoes.

• The beach is accompanied by a small chiringuito (or beach bar) with some options for snacks and refreshments but we still recommend bringing your own foods and drinks.

Playa Jardín

Designed by the famous Canarian artist César Manrique who wanted to blend natural beauty with practical conveniences, Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz is not just a beach but a work of art. Just like most beaches in the North, Playa Jardín is a black sand beach. As the name indicates, the beach is surrounded by beautiful gardens with palm trees, flowers, and native plants, creating a scenic environment. It’s a beautifully designed beach that offers a mix of natural beauty, great facilities, and a range of stuff that you can do. Whether you are looking to relax, swim, surf, or have a beach picnic, this beach provides a perfect setting for Tenerife’s northern coast.

What to Do?

• Strolling: Walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens that surround the beach or have a beach picnic on the terras side that offers a bit more shade.

• Swimming and Sunbathing: As the beach is divided into three sections, each part offers a different wave condition. Some areas tend to be more calmer and perfect for swimming, while others have stronger waves that are more suitable for watersports.

• Surfing: Certain areas of Playa Jardín are popular for surfing or bodyboarding, especially when the waves are stronger. However, if you’re looking for a surf class, check out the surf schools near Playa Martíanez.

Tips

• The beach is divided into three sections, so explore each to find your perfect spot.

• The area is well-serviced with restaurants, shops, restrooms, showers, etc.

• You can access the beach by walking down, take the bus, or with the taxi.

Playa de Castro

Playa de Castro is a hidden gem near the town of Los Realejos. This secluded beach is known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for those looking for a more quiet beach experience away from the crowded tourist attractions. The beach is part of a protected natural area, which helps preserve its natural beauty. The natural scenery at Playa de Castro is breathtaking, with the greenery of the cliffs contrasting beautifully with the dark sands and blue ocean. Not to mention the waterfalls that add an extra picturesque touch, creating a truly photogenic environment.

What to Do?

• Photography: Playa de Castro is another gorgeous backdrop for taking photo. Whether it’s with the waterfalls, rock formations, or the ocean in the background. In this stunning location you are sure to take some great photos.

• Swimming and Sunbathing: The waters at Playa de Castro are generally calm, making it suitable for swimming, though it’s always important to be careful of the ocean conditions. The black sand is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.

• Exploring: The surrounding area is ideal for exploration, with the waterfall and nearby caves adding an element of adventure for those inclined to explore beyond the beach.

Tips

• You can reach this beach either by taking a bus or a car and walking down for around 20 minutes, or hiking from Playa Jardín which will take around 1,5/2 hours.

• The path to the beach can be challenging, with steep and sometimes slippery sections, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. 

• There is a little cafe a 20 min walk from the beach but we recommend bringing your own food and drinks.

Conclusion

Tenerife North offers a diverse collection of beaches, each with its unique charm and beauty. From the beautiful landscapes of Playa de Benijo to the golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas, there’s something for each taste. Whether you like to relax, cool down in the ocean, or seek adventure, the beaches in Tenerife North are totally worth exploring and are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, pack your sunscreen, grab your camera or phone, and get ready to explore these stunning coastal gems!