I’ve come across articles that list the ‘best beaches in Tenerife north’ by simply naming as many beaches as possible to get attention with a high number in the headline. However, they often include beaches that are hard to reach (some of which can even be dangerous), have lots of pebbles that make walking very difficult, or are prone to natural debris common in that area.

I am not going to list all Tenerife beaches making it sound like they are all worth going to.

In this post, I am mentioning beaches in northern Tenerife that in my experience are fantastic coastal areas for walks, photography trips, relaxing on the sand, or just taking in the views. However, some of these beaches are also excellent picks for swimming, but only if you follow safety tips and pay attention to the conditions of the water, such as currents and tides, as they can be strong in certain areas.

These Are All Great Beaches in Tenerife North That Are Truly Worth Visiting

Playa El Bollullo (Walking Distance From Puerto de la Cruz)

Among tourists, this is one of the most popular black sand beaches around Puerto de la Cruz, often considered the best beach of Tenerife’s north because it’s located in a picturesque spot surrounded by cliffs on both sides.

Its area is slightly outside the city and can be reached via a trail that starts here in Puerto de la Cruz and winds through banana plantations. So, in addition to the beach, you can enjoy a scenic walk that occasionally resembles light trekking.

Personally, I’m not fond of this beach and prefer others (which I’ll mention below) because it’s always very crowded with tourists. However, I do acknowledge that it’s a beautiful location.

Above the beach, there’s a charming restaurant with stunning views where you can enjoy seafood or drinks while sitting under umbrellas and savoring the breeze.

NOTE: If you continue following the trail past the Bollullo Playa, you’ll reach another beach (on google maps marked as Goyuyo Beach) but I wouldn’t recommend going there if you are short on time. Reaching it is difficult and on the beach itself are big rocks which makes it difficult to walk. With high tide and big waves, it is even dangerous to be there.

Playa Los Patos (in La Puntilla)

Whenever I’m asked to recommend just one beach out of all the beautiful beaches in Tenerife north, I always suggest Los Patos Beach, located in close proximity to Puerto de la Cruz.

It’s the first place where I like to take all my guests and it’s also where Mark and I love to return, no matter the season – both in summer and winter.

This beach is perfect for walks, for taking beautiful photos, and even a bit of swimming – though only in the summer when the sea is calmer. The sand here is incredibly fine and black, with no trace of pebbles, and the beach itself is very wide.

What we especially love is the absence of crowds here. Sure, there are some people in the summer, but from autumn through spring, it’s almost deserted. In early December, in January, and then in February, you might even have the whole place to yourself (we had many times). The lack of people is likely due to the fact that the beach is only accessible by car.

Actually, you can only drive as far as the beginning of the trail that leads to the beach, which starts near Finca Santana farm. Park there on the street (where it is possible in this area) and follow the signs to the beach.

NOTE: From this beach, you can reach another beautiful beach Playa del Ancon (via the trail above). However, the descent to that beach is dangerous. There’s a very narrow path through the vegetation on the hillside leading to it which makes it easy to slip and fall. Some people still use it, but it’s risky (there’s even a warning sign about this), so it may be better to admire the beach from above on the trail and spend time on Playa Los Patos.

Playa de la Arena (in Mesa del Mar)

This is my second favorite beach in northern Tenerife with incredibly beautiful black sand that shimmers in different shades of black under the sun. In low tide, you can come here to swim and sunbathe or just enjoy the surroundings.

In addition to the beach, there’s a small but picturesque promenade perfect for inspiring walks, and on the side near the parking area, there’s a pool built right into the sea that fills with ocean water.

Actually, Mesa del Mar was the first place we lived when we moved to Tenerife. We stayed in a house with the main road built right on its roof (I’ve never before lived in a building with a road instead of a roof, haha), so when you are in the area, take a moment to notice this house, it’s quite an interesting structure.

You’ll find this beach here which is accessible through the tunnel on foot from the parking lot.

Playa de Benijo (in Benijo Village)

This is one of the more remote beaches in Tenerife, requiring a car and a bit more travel time compared to reaching other beaches on this list. (Well, going by bus is possible too but then it will take half a day to get here even from towns in the north.)

It is a wide striking beach with dark sand perfect for people who love traveling for unspoiled landscapes not affected by mass tourism. Even though tourists do make their way here and it can be crowded in the summer, this beach is still considered one of the less visited ones, mainly due to its location.

As it remains in its natural, untouched state, it doesn’t offer any amenities and doesn’t have any infrastructure like changing rooms or bathrooms. This is why when visiting, be sure to bring everything you need, including water, snacks, and a sun umbrella.

There are a few rustic restaurants above the beach offering authentic local cuisine but they are pricey and based on the reviews, the quality is low. We personally love to come here as part of a day when we visit Anaga Park or when we go hiking or camping in the area.

NOTE: It’s best to visit Playa de Benijo when the tide is low or during the hours around low tide. You can check the tide times here.

Playa de las Arenas (Near Buenavista del Norte)

This is the best beach for sunbathing and splashing in the water (or swimming if the tide is low) when you’re staying in the Buenavista del Norte area (and if you have a car).

It’s a sandy beach (with fine black sand) but along the coast, there are many fascinating rocks jutting out of the water like mini mountains with sharp peaks (like the ones below in my photo).

The infrastructure here is quite good, though not overly developed (there are a couple of toilets, changing rooms, and big parking lot available). Thanks to the shrubs and trees that grow along the beach, you can find some shaded spots to relax in.

Right on the beach, there’s a snack bar where you can enjoy cocktails (though it’s not always open) and nearby, a full-service restaurant where it is possible to have a decent seafood meal.

Playa de Las Teresitas (in Santa Cruz)

This is definitely a top beach in Tenerife with yellow sand (depending on the sun, on some days it even looks like a beach with pink sand).

It’s quite large and wide, with excellent infrastructure – there’s a good-sized parking lot with many slots (free of charge, so if anyone in yellow vests tries to collect money, it’s a scam). You’ll also find toilets, changing rooms, and beachfront restaurants where it is possible to grab a bite or simply enjoy the views.

On weekends (and daily in summer), you can rent surfboards and kayaks to explore the waters along the beach. There’s even a cartoonish ice cream truck that occasionally drives by, playing catchy tunes while selling ice cream.

Overall, Playa de las Teresitas is undeniably the best beach to go to in Tenerife north for swimming, atmosphere, and just a long beach day. It is also surrounded by mountains, like something straight out of a postcard from an unreal place.

Playa Grande (Main Beach of Puerto de la Cruz)

Although I’m not particularly fond of this beach (mainly because it’s always crowded with people, especially tourists from all over, which is not surprising since it’s located right in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz where these tourists are based), I do acknowledge that it’s a great and beautiful beach in Tenerife which is also worth a visit.

Being a central city beach, the infrastructure here is very good – there are toilets, changing rooms, and even rental loungers and umbrellas available in the summer, though most people bring their own or simply lay out on towels.

This beach features rich black sand and connects to Chico Beach and Castila Beach with areas of larger pebbles and a park area with cement platforms where you can sunbathe or find shade among the bushes on the grass.

From here, you can also contemplate gorgeous sunsets!

Playa de Punta Larga (in Candelaria)

This is a mixed pebble and sandy beach (not a blend of pebbles and sand together, but rather different sections of the beach – one with pebbles and the adjacent one with sand), so you can choose the type you prefer.

I include it on the list of best beaches in Tenerife North because it’s genuinely convenient, with good beach amenities and even specially built wooden platforms where you can lay out your towel without getting sand everywhere (just as the one in this photo).

There are also several coves where the water is always calm, making it a safe spot for swimming, even for children or adults who are not comfortable with waves.

Although this beach is a bit distant from major attractions, it’s worth a visit if you’re heading to El Radazul or nearby Guimar for pyramids and aloe farm, or if staying overnight in the area. By the way, Candelaria is also a nice town worth visiting, so don’t miss a chance to see it as well.

Where Else to Go in Tenerife North?

• Stargazing in the Mountains – and here are things you need to know first
• El Sazual – beautiful town that most people don’t know about
• Guimar – land of pyramids, volcanic paths for hiking & aloe
• Tips for a Loro Park Trip – best day to visit, how much time to spend, and more
• All Tenerife Scenic Drives – the proper way to explore the island by car
• Best Tenerife All Inclusive Hotels on a Budget – in the north and south of the island

Where Else to Go in the Canary Islands

• Gran Canaria, How Much Time to Spend