Beaches of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Where to swim in Santa Cruz de Tenerife? Yes, there are a lot of options, because it is not only the administrative center of the island, but also a great place for a beach vacation. Here you can easily find ideas for every taste! Let us tell you more!

General information about beach vacations in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The town is located in the north-east of Tenerife, where the coastline is rockier and the waves are stronger than in the south. This makes the local beaches particularly attractive to surfers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Both golden and black volcanic sand can be found on the beaches in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In the first case you need the beach of Las Teresitas (Playa de Las Teresitas), in the second case you need almost all the remaining beaches in the region.

The water in the Atlantic Ocean around Tenerife is usually clear and transparent, with shades ranging from turquoise to deep blue. However, there may be temporary deterioration in quality after heavy storms, so keep an eye on the weather.

The beach season lasts all year round due to the mild climate. Average water temperature by month:

Some of the best beaches in Santa Cruz de Tenerife have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety. Please also note that smoking is prohibited in the bathing areas, except in designated areas.

The most popular beaches

In Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the surrounding area there are a lot of clean, good and beautiful beaches. It is impossible to say which is the best. But we suggest to take a closer look at the most popular options. Here are the TOP of the best beaches!

Playa de Las Teresitas (Playa de Las Teresitas)

This is unquestionably one of the best beaches in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and one of the city's attractions. Its length is 1.3 km. Since the 60's golden sand from the Sahara was brought here by barges to replace the local volcanic sand. It is also known for its calm waters thanks to protective breakwaters.

The beach is about 80 meters wide and the descent into the water is gentle - great for families. Playa de las Teresitas is located in the village of San Andres, about 7 km from the center. It is about 65 km from Tenerife South Airport. From the central bus station you can reach by bus number 910, which runs every 15 minutes.

There is a developed infrastructure: free toilets, showers, changing rooms. There are paid rent of deck chairs and umbrellas (about 6 EUR) and paid storage rooms (about 2 EUR). There are also cafes and bars on the territory. We advise you to try traditional Canarian tapas! The beach itself is open 24 hours a day and the entrance is free. But because of its popularity, it can be very crowded.

When looking for what is the cleanest beach in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Playa de las Teresitas will definitely be on the list. It has been awarded the Blue Flag for safety, cleanliness, water quality, inclusivity and service. It's a great place for snorkeling, beach soccer, volleyball and other activities. Nearby are the village of San Andres with traditional restaurants and the Anaga rainforest.

Playa de Almáciga (Playa de Almáciga)

Almáciga beach is a natural gem, mesmerizing with its scenic beauty and surrounded by majestic cliffs. Just a find for surfers because it is known for its strong waves. It's also good for photographers and photo enthusiasts - thanks to its spectacular rocky vistas and gorgeous sunsets.

Playa de Almaciga is located 25 km from the center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the village of Almaciga, in the heart of the park and close to other popular beaches on the island. It is about 300 meters long and about 35 meters wide. The beach is covered with black volcanic sand, but the bottom is a bit rocky.

Not the best option for small children, but a godsend for wildlife lovers. There are often waves and sometimes strong currents here, so caution is advised and not to go too far into the water, especially on days with active surf.

This is a wild beach, so there is virtually no infrastructure here, except for trash cans and containers. There is a small parking lot next to the beach along the road. In season there is a mobile bar for vacationers. To find cafes, restaurants and other amenities, you have to go to the nearby neighborhood of Roque de las Bodegas.

Like other wild beaches, Playa de Almaciga is best accessed by car via TF-134 from La Laguna or the San Andrés area of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. There is also a bus stop nearby where route 946 from Santa Cruz passes through. Sometimes travelers with vans and motorhomes come here.

Playa de Las Gaviotas (Playa de Las Gaviotas)

A secluded beach with black volcanic sand, popular with locals and lovers of relaxation.Located 8 km from the center of Santa Cruz, in the district of Anaga. The nearest village Las Cuevas is 6.3 km from the beach.

The beach is about 250 m long and 40 m wide and is small but very cozy. It is covered with dark volcanic sand and is known for its moderate waves and smooth descent. It was formed in a small area between steep cliffs and the blue ocean.

Because of its modest size, the infrastructure here is also quite modest. For example, there are no numerous cafes, but there is a cleaning service and the place is always clean. This is the best choice for those who want to get away from the crowd and take in the almost untouched beauty of nature. It is also suitable for surfing enthusiasts.

Playa de las Gaviotas is free and open 24 hours a day. Nearby is the Anaga Natural Park and a cool observation deck overlooking the ocean. The best way to get here is by car on the TF-121 road. Due to its amazing beauty Playa de las Gaviotas is consistently ranked among the best beaches in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Playa de Benijo (Playa de Benijo)

This beach is popular with photographers and lovers of romance because it is known for its dramatic cliffs and sunsets. It is located 26 km from the center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in the village of Benijo. Covered with dark sand and pebbles with a rocky bottom, it is notable for its strong waves. The rocks sticking out of the water behind the beach are called Crocodile Teeth.

The beach is about 300 meters long and 30 meters wide. Infrastructure is limited, but there are restaurants and stores in the nearest village. Entrance is free of charge. The beach is open around the clock. The most convenient way to get here is by car along the TF-134 road.

Playa del Roque de las Bodegas (Playa del Roque de las Bodegas)

The most accessible beach in the Taganan area, with moderate waves and proximity to restaurants. It is loved by those who are just learning to surf, because it has the "right" waves. The descent into the water is gentle, the bottom is comfortable and almost without pitfalls. But it is necessary to take into account the tides, because during high tides the beach is practically hidden under the water.

Playa del Roque de las Bodegas is located 22 km from the center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in the village of Tagana. It is about 380 meters long and 45 meters wide. Infrastructure is also limited, but everything you need is available in the village. The beach is 24-hour and free of charge. Like other local spots, you can reach here by car via the TF-134 road.

Playa de Valleseco

A relatively new urban beach and part of a major project to improve the coastal area of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is closer to the industrial area and the port, but is landscaped for swimming and recreation. The surface is dark volcanic sand. From other advantages - excellent modern infrastructure - sun beds, showers, toilets, ramps for people with limited mobility, there is a cafe nearby.

The beach is aimed at locals and tourists who want to relax and swim in walking distance from the city center. The sea here is relatively calm, although due to the proximity of the port, the views are not too picturesque, and the water is not so clean. From the center you can get there on foot - about 20 minutes. You can rent a bike or take the bus. Overall, this is the only full beach within walking distance.

Travel tips

When going to the beach in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, be sure to take sunscreen with a high SPF, especially in the summer months when the UV index reaches values of 8 and higher. You can buy it locally - local sunscreen is relatively inexpensive and very good. Don't forget your sunglasses and headgear.

If you go to the beach with a rocky bottom, take special slippers. Be sure to carry water to avoid dehydration. A little cash won't hurt - not all beaches allow you to pay by card.

The best time to relax is from early morning until 11:00. Fewer people, mild sunshine - ideal for families with children. But from 11:00 to 16:00 it is better not to show up on the beaches - very aggressive sun and besides - a lot of tourists. Closer to the evening again becomes more pleasant, so you can walk, swim and take pictures.

Illegal trade on the beaches is prohibited. Smoking is also prohibited on most of the beaches of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The use of drones for photography may also be restricted, especially in natural areas and national parks. Check in advance.

Be sure to pick up after yourself to avoid hefty fines. Jellyfish may occasionally appear off the beach, but you will be warned about this. Special signs are posted on the beaches. Jellyfish are most often stranded after a storm.