First thing, how many beaches and natural pools (charcos) are there in Tenerife and Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands have over 500 beaches, ranging in their different types and colors. On the beaches, you can sunbathe, swim, or enjoy a variety of other activities and sports. There are beaches for every type of person or plan that range from family-friendly, with lively with shops and restaurants to completely wild and surrounded by nature.
For many, the Canary Islands are known as a standard package holiday destination with cheap booze and clubbing. However, there is so much more to this volcanic island chain that offers marvelous stargazing for astronomy lovers, amazing waves for surfers, spotting dolphins and whales, or discovering the most hidden beautiful beaches and natural pools.
As one of the most popular destinations for Europeans in winter season because of the warm weather, Canary Islands have of course many fantastic beaches. This makes them the ultimate destination for sun, sea, nature and sand!
Did you know?
The name Tenerife comes from Guanche teni (mountain) + ife (snow) (literally snow mountain).
The coast of Tenerife is typically rugged and steep, but there are many beaches as well, the island indeed has 67.14 kilometres (41.72 miles) of beaches, with only Fuerteventura having more among Canary Islands. On the north coast black sand beaches are more common, while on the south coast it is generally clear and fine.
But Tenerife is more than just beaches. The geology of the island has shaped volcanic landscapes in which lava ran through. These natural lands offer distinctive and authentic experiences when swimming, making it worth checking out.
The coastline is full of natural pools called charcos. Some pools have adapted for sea life and still others stay wild, creating calm waters with unique backdrops. For native Canarians, a charco is a natural phenomenon very characteristic of Tenerife and the Canary Islands (and present in places of volcanic origin). It consists of a pool dug out by lava after an explosion or formed over time by erosion.
So given all this information about the amazing island of Tenerife, let’s see our list of best beaches and natural pools or charcos.
Playa de Benijo
Benijo Beach is the best beach on Tenerife. It’s our favorite for several reasons, including that it’s mostly visited by people from north Tenerife, and is secluded. The location is stunning and the sunsets are beautiful. It’s a great place for swimming, but be careful because you can get swept away in the waves. With its scenic location, Benijo Beach is one of the favorite destinations for people who want to enjoy a characteristic Canarian meals.
How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/4am9mtnjNEJoswbx8
Abama Beach
Located in the south of Tenerife, Abama Beach is considered to be one of the nicest beaches in the island. The beach has calm waters thanks to a wave breaker and gives you space for long swims. Once you have reached the Abama Beach in Tenerife, one of the things you can enjoy is its blue waters and relaxing golden sand. The coastline is guarded by cliffs, which makes this beach a popular spot for sunsets. There is also a restaurant whose food is served by the Ritz-Carlton Abama Hotel. It takes only 10 minutes to walk down to the beach from the parking/bus station.
How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/H1SpfwcJUweAqmxm7
Fañabé Beach
Considered the party beach, Fañabé offers plenty of entertainment for all ages. The location of Fañabé on the southern coast makes it a popular spot for tourists. When looking for the most popular beaches in Tenerife south you should definitely visit Fañabé. Located at the heart of Costa Adeje, this sandy beach is exactly the kind of beach Tenerife is known for. It is also located near Troya beach, another popular beach in Costa Adeje. Fañabé has the blue flag guaranteeing a safe environment, with sun loungers, toilets, and showers. The sand at Fañabé beach is yellow and not as hot as the volcanic sand beaches. There are many shops along the promenade.
How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/M8kUTJLstLmiHrqr9
Playa de Las Teresitas
Las Teresitas Beach is on a man-made coast line and was built in the early 1900s. This beach contains a stretch of white sand and some palm trees. The facility that this beach offers is matched by few other beaches in Tenerife. You can visit Las Teresitas all year-round, but it’s best to go during summer months.
How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/scGVDoRBrD6EAjQk9
El Bollullo, Puerto de la Cruz
El Bolullo is a secluded beach that will particularly lure nature lovers. It’s set close to Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, it has black volcanic sand and can heat up during the summer. The cliffs create a sublime scenery. El Bolullo is a great escape from the city, away from the bustling crowds. However, on the beach you need to be careful and avoid the waves that are quite strong. El Bolullo can be reached either by 45 minutes walk through banana plantations or by leaving the car at the El Bolullo restaurant. There are also sun loungers for hire. If you are looking for secluded beaches in Tenerife, El Bolullo is your kind of place.
How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/ZvrGbZPPP3H3Nzt89
La Tejita
La Tejita is a cove in Tenerife. It does not have many people, and the view of the mountains makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife. Montaña Roja Nature Reserve is located next to the beach, so the view will amaze you. Spreading along the southern shores of Tenerife, as it is hidden, in this beach you will probably find nudists. If you love snorkeling you’ll find it to be one of the best beaches in Tenerife for adventure seeking water lovers.
How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/ZQtigGsouxPXS53E6
Charco del Tancón
The Tancón is one of the most famous attractions in Tenerife, its turquoise waters and fairy-tale charco hidden in Puerto Santiago’s inland. It is also one of the most dangerous since it is hidden inside a cave. The Tancón is one of those thrilling and magical corners that you should know about because of its crystal-clear water and the abundant basalt rock walls that create a light show with sunlight during sunset hours. But PLEASE BE WARNED, bathing here when low tide hasn’t occurred yet or when conditions in the water are not optimal (which means calm) can put you in extreme danger as it’s considered to be an underwater opening. Even though it may seem attractive, taking a bath in the Tancón with agitated waters is an enormous risk that is not worth taking.
How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/3bVmVZH6DbCkE8eG7
Charco de La Virgen
There is one beautiful natural pool in southern Tenerife, near Arico. There are no man-made additions to this place, with the exception of a metal staircase going down to the water level. The shape of the insides have an artistic feel and look like a small hot tub with crystal-clear water. This natural pool appears and disappear in relation to the tides. If the tide is high, the charco is entirely covered by the sea and reappears when it lowers.
How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/yNkiVucMKDNuqFWD8
Charco de Las Mujeres
What makes this charco located in Buenavista del Norte so special is the black sand on the bottom. For this reason, it’s a very comfortable spot for swimming. The sunsets here are an amazing sight. And, looking at the mountain from here is like a dream. In addition, if you are brave enough to visit it, we reveal a little secret: there is a small natural pool within the same charco where a thermal effect arises and in that point the temperature is slightly higher than the one of the rest of the natural pool.
How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/vYtaGzUAgunsu7QB6
Charco de La Laja
Located in the north of San Juan de la Rambla, Charco de La Laja is one of the favorite sites for many people from the area. The turbulent waves from the ocean in this part of the island render bathing difficult, except in spots like this natural pool where lava formed an inlet with calm water. With high tides, waves smash into rocks that protect this natural pool and water falls to its inside, making a unique spectacle.
How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/qRKhaa5ravt5mQRS6
