Black Sand Beaches in Tenerife

In This Guide

• Black Sand Beaches: Tenerife's Volcanic Signature
• Playa Jardin, Puerto de la Cruz
• Playa de la Arena, Santiago del Teide
• Playa del Socorro, Los Realejos
• Playa del Bollullo, La Orotava
• Playa de Benijo, Anaga
• Playa de Almaciga, Anaga
• Other Notable Black Sand Beaches
• Practical Tips
• FAQ

Black Sand Beaches: Tenerife's Volcanic Signature

Tenerife is an island forged by volcanoes, and its black sand beaches are the most visible and spectacular proof of that origin. While the south of the island concentrates the golden and white sand beaches (many of them artificial), the north and west of Tenerife harbour some of the most impressive volcanic sand beaches in the Atlantic.

Tenerife's black sand isn't simply dark — it's the result of millions of years of volcanic activity that fragmented basaltic rock into fine grains of dark mineral. Walking on it, you'll notice it heats up faster than light sand under the sun, and its tones vary from silver grey to pure jet black depending on the beach and mineral composition.

These beaches offer a completely different experience from the touristy south: less crowded, wilder, with dramatic cliff landscapes, Atlantic surf, and a raw natural beauty you won't find at any resort.

Playa Jardin — Puerto de la Cruz

Playa Jardin is probably the most famous and accessible black sand beach in Tenerife. Designed by Canarian artist Cesar Manrique, this beach combines natural volcanic sand with tropical gardens, palm trees, and sculptures that create a unique space where nature and art merge.

Divided into three sections (Playa Grande, Playa Chica, and Punta Brava), it offers around 600-700 m of black sand with full services: lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, restaurants, and beach bars. The views of Mount Teide on clear days are spectacular — imagine the snow-capped mountain in the background, palm trees in the foreground, and volcanic sand beneath your feet.

Local Tip: The Punta Brava section at the far western end is the least crowded and the favourite of locals. It has an excellent chiringuito and the best views of the whole beach. Perfect for sunset with a cold Tropical beer in hand.

Playa de la Arena — Santiago del Teide

This southwest coast beach stands out for the combination of its intensely dark black sand with crystal-clear turquoise water — a visual contrast that makes it one of the most photographed beaches in Tenerife. It held the Blue Flag for 32 consecutive years until 2020, when it lost it; it has not regained the award since, though it retains good water quality and full services.

The setting is spectacular: to the north rise the imposing Los Gigantes cliffs, creating a dramatic backdrop. The beach is relatively small but well equipped with restaurants, sun loungers, and parasols. The water is generally calmer than on the north coast, making it ideal for families.

Combine your visit with a kayak tour of Los Gigantes in the morning and relax at Playa de la Arena in the afternoon — one of the best adventure-and-beach combinations in Tenerife.

Playa del Socorro — Los Realejos

Playa del Socorro is the surfers' paradise of Tenerife. Located on the north coast between Puerto de la Cruz and Los Realejos, this black sand beach receives some of the island's best waves, attracting local and international surfers year-round. Its consistent swell and sandy bottom make it ideal for both experienced surfers and beginners.

Out of the water, the beach is equally impressive. Surrounded by green cliffs covered in banana plantations, it offers a wild, natural atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the urbanised beaches of the south. The sunsets here are memorable — the sun sets directly over the sea, painting the black sand in golden and orange tones.

Caution: The surf at Playa del Socorro can be powerful, especially in winter. Always respect the safety flags — red means swimming is prohibited. Currents can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers.

Playa del Bollullo — La Orotava

Playa del Bollullo is the favourite secret beach of northern Tinerfenos. Hidden beneath dramatic cliffs and accessible only via a steep path that winds through banana plantations, this beach rewards the effort with pure black sand, crystal-clear waters, and a feeling of total isolation from the modern world.

The walk down from the car park takes about 15-20 minutes on a dirt path with rustic stairs — not suitable for those with reduced mobility. Once at the bottom, you'll find a basic chiringuito serving fresh fish and cold beer, sun loungers, and a landscape that looks like another planet. There are several adjoining coves to explore if you want even more privacy.

Playa de Benijo — Anaga Rural Park

If you had to choose just one black sand beach in Tenerife, many locals would tell you Benijo. Situated at the far northeastern tip of the island, within the Anaga Rural Park, this beach is wild, remote, and absolutely spectacular.

What makes Benijo unique are the Roques — volcanic rock formations that emerge from the sea in front of the beach, creating an almost surreal landscape. The sand is coarse and dark, the surf powerful, and the mist that sometimes envelops the cliffs gives the place a mystical air. This is a beach for contemplation and photography rather than a calm swimming day.

The El Mirador de Benijo restaurant, perched atop the cliff, offers breathtaking views over the beach and serves grilled limpets and fresh catch of the day that is simply extraordinary.

Playa de Almaciga — Anaga Rural Park

Neighbour to Benijo but less well known, Almaciga beach is the quieter alternative for those wanting to enjoy Anaga's beaches without the (relative) weekend crowds at Benijo. The sand is equally black and the landscape equally dramatic, but with fewer visitors.

The village of Almaciga has a handful of local restaurants serving fresh catch of the day at incredible prices — it's one of those corners of Tenerife where time seems to have stopped. The combination of wild beach, exceptional food, and authentic village makes Almaciga a perfect full-day excursion.

Other Notable Black Sand Beaches

Playa de Los Patos — La Orotava (El Rincón)

A nudist beach accessible only on foot, Los Patos is a wild stretch of black sand between impressive cliffs. It's the largest and least accessible beach in La Orotava — if you're looking for nature in its purest state and don't mind walking, it's a unique experience.

Playa de Las Gaviotas — Santa Cruz

Just minutes from the capital, this nudist/mixed black sand beach is the favourite beach escape for Santa Cruz residents. Sheltered from the wind with relatively calm waters, it's ideal for a quick swim after work.

Playa Mesa del Mar — Tacoronte

A small black sand cove protected by an artificial breakwater that creates a natural pool of calm water. Perfect for families with small children who want to experience volcanic sand with the safety of sheltered waters.

Practical Tips for Black Sand Beaches

Sand Temperature

Black sand absorbs much more heat than light sand. In summer, it can burn bare feet, especially between 12 PM and 4 PM. Always bring sandals or water shoes for walking on the sand, and lay down your towel early to avoid peak heat.

Waves and Currents

Northern and western Tenerife beaches tend to have more surf than those in the south. Always respect safety flags and don't underestimate the Atlantic's power. If you're not a strong swimmer, choose beaches with lifeguards like Playa Jardin or Playa de la Arena.

Best Time

Black sand beaches are enjoyable year-round thanks to Tenerife's climate. Summer months (June-September) offer the warmest water and calmest seas. In winter, the surf is more spectacular but swimming can be more challenging.

What to Bring

High-factor sun protection (black sand reflects less UV but the Canarian sun is strong), plenty of water, sandals, and a dark towel — volcanic sand stains are hard to remove from white towels.

Fun Fact: Tenerife's black sand has beneficial mineral properties for the skin. Locals traditionally use it to relieve muscle pain and skin conditions — burying your legs in warm volcanic sand is a popular Canarian remedy that is still practised today. FAQ: Black Sand Beaches in Tenerife

Is it safe to swim at black sand beaches?

Yes, as long as you respect the safety flags. Many black sand beaches like Playa Jardin have lifeguards and Blue Flag status, and Playa de la Arena has lifeguards and full services. Wilder beaches like Benijo or Bollullo require more caution due to surf conditions.

Does black sand stain clothing?

Volcanic sand can leave temporary marks on light clothing and white towels. We recommend using dark towels and shaking clothes well before packing. Residue washes out easily in the machine.

Are there black sand beaches suitable for children?

Yes. Playa Jardin in Puerto de la Cruz is the most recommended — it has relatively calm waters, lifeguards, and full services. Playa de la Arena is also a good option. Mesa del Mar in Tacoronte has very calm waters.

Which is the most beautiful black sand beach?

It's subjective, but Benijo in Anaga usually wins this title for its dramatic landscape with the Roques emerging from the sea. For more accessible beauty, Playa de la Arena with the Los Gigantes cliffs backdrop is spectacular.

Can I get there by public transport?

Playa Jardin and Playa del Socorro are accessible by bus. Playa de la Arena has bus service from Costa Adeje. The Anaga beaches (Benijo, Almaciga) have limited service — a rental car is recommended.

Discover More Tenerife Beaches

The island offers beaches for every taste — from secret coves to sweeping golden stretches.

Explore Anaga's natural pools or discover the best snorkelling spots