Last Updated: May 18, 2022
Best Black Sand Beaches in Tenerife
If beach getaways are among your favorite travel destinations, you’ve likely lounged by the sea on beaches with white sand, golden sand, and even a pink sand beach. What about a black sand beach?
You’ll find beaches with black sand in several locations around the world including Hawaii, Greece, and Indonesia, and there’s even one in California. But for the best chance to find a black sand beach, you’ll love, visit Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands.
Located off West Africa, Tenerife has 40 miles of sandy beaches scattered along its 250-mile coastline. Tenerife’s golden sand beaches feature imported sand from the Sahara, but the island’s natural beaches have black sand that is the result of the erosion of lava fragments and materials from volcanos, including Mt. Teide, Spain’s tallest peak.
Update your Instagram pages and tick off an exotic black sand beach on your travel list with a visit to one of the best black sand beaches in Tenerife.
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Playa El Bollullo
Image courtesy of Wikimedia
Situated in the northern part of the island, Playa El Bollullo is a black sand beach in Tenerife near Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava. It’s a remote beach mostly visited by the locals looking for an escape from the city and remains a hidden gem for tourists.
Getting to Bollulo Beach involves driving down a narrow road and then descending a set of stairs. Dramatic cliffs that add to the scenery make it even more worthy of a visit. Get there by parking at one of the two restaurants on the beach, or take a 45-minute walk through the banana plantations on a coastal path from Puerto de la Cruz.
As with most beaches on the island’s north end, the waves and tides are quite strong and the water isn’t really suitable for swimming. Sun loungers are available for hire.
Playa Jardin
Playa Jardin, or “Garden Beach” is another exotic black sand beach in northern Tenerife near the city of Puerto de la Cruz. It’s actually composed of three smaller beaches – Playa Chica, Playa Maria Jimenez, and Playa del Castillo.
Playa Jardin gets its name from its delightful tropical gardens with stone walls and a manmade waterfall designed by César Manrique, a famous Spanish artist, and architect who had the vision to make the island’s coastline magical. Verdant flowering plants creep close to the beach’s ebony shore.
The often snow-capped peak of the active volcano Mount Teide in the distance and a row of colorful houses behind Maria Jimenez Beach make Play Jardin incredibly photogenic. You’ll find plenty of amenities on the beach including a children’s playground and on-duty lifeguards.
Playa de los Gigantes
Playa de Los Gigantes is a small black sand beach near the town of Los Gigantes, one of the most popular spots on Tenerife and home to one of Spain’s most impressive natural wonders. Massive cliffs towering up to 800 meters high earn it the name Acantilados de Los Gigantes which means “Cliffs of the Giants.” Other than by boat, the beach offers the best view of the gigantic towering cliffs.
It’s located on the island’s sunny west coast about 45 minutes by car from Reina Sofia, Tenerife’s southern airport. The holiday areas of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas are only 30 kilometers away. Over time, the town has merged with the resorts of Puerto de Santiago and Playa de la Arena. The three areas are close enough to be walkable.
The water surrounding the ebony sand is crystal clear and the waves are light. Los Gigantes is a relatively quiet resort town with restaurants, shops, cafes, and family-friendly bars.
Playa de Las Gaviotas
Image courtesy of Wikimedia
Located close to the popular Playa de Las Teresitas, the black sand beach at Las Gaviotas Beach is reachable by car. On the way, be sure to stop by the lookout point Mirador Gaviotas for stunning views. One of the best viewpoints on the island, the iconic tower was created in 1986 as a failed attempt to build a flower clock.
From the Mirador Gaviotas, you’ll see breathtaking panoramic views that include the black sand beach of Las Gaviotas and the golden sand beach, Las Teresitas.
Before visiting Playa de Las Gaviotas, you should be aware that nudism is acceptable, and there are no facilities. However, it’s a beautiful spot to relax in the sun on the warm, black sand and connect with nature.
Playa San Juan
Playa San Juan is black sand, pebbly beach in western Tenerife in the small fishing village of Guia de Isora. Water quality, services, and amenities have earned it the coveted Blue Flag Beach status since 2012. The beach’s position next to the breakwater and fishing port shelters the water from wind and waves making it popular for families and swimming.
Tourists and locals alike enjoy Playa San Juan. There are more apartments than hotels, giving it a less-touristy feel. Restaurants and cafes serving excellent seafood cuisine line the seafront promenade. Beachgoers can hire lounge chairs and umbrellas for the day, and there is parking, showers, and toilets that are wheelchair accessible.
Playa de Fanabe
Situated in southern Tenerife, Playa de Fanabe is a black sand beach popular for incredible sunsets and an abundance of activities. Also distinguished by Blue Flag status the beach is about 600 meters long and perfect for a sunset stroll. The CLC World’s Tenerife resorts are a short eight-minute drive away.
Beachgoers come to Playa de Fanabe for a variety of watersports including jet-skiing, paddle boarding, banana boating, and parasailing. Visitors can also take a glass-bottom boat tour to observe the colorful underwater life of Tenerif.
You’ll find plenty of great restaurants, bars, and cafes nearby, and the promenade is lined with luxurious hotels and boutiques overlooking the water.
After leaving Playa de Fanabe, stop by the nearby Playa del Duque, a beach with golden sand and calm water perfect for swimming.
Playa de Benijo
Image courtesy of Wikimedia
Located in the northern part of Tenerife close to the Anaga Rural Park area, Playa de Benijo is a black sand beach that’s a favorite for locals and a hidden gem for tourists. The beach is mostly secluded and surrounded by dramatic rocks and cliffs. The sunsets are spectacular and perfect for those Instagram shots.
Playa de Benijo has no facilities, so take water and snacks with you. However, you will find a few seafood restaurants not far away. Since it’s located on Tenerife’s northern shore, this beach is more about the scenery than playing in the rough waves. It’s best to visit when the tide is low.
Playa la Arena
Playa la Arena is a stunning black sand beach in Puerto de Santiago in the southwest of Tenerife. It’s a small beach, but together with the must-see rock formations and natural pools of Charco el Diablo, it’s one of the Canary Island’s most popular destinations. Los Gigantes is not far away.
The water and services have earned Playa la Arena the prestigious status of Blue Flag Beach. The area has lots of things to do with children and some of the best hotels for families.
The promenade is lined with several shops and restaurants, and scuba diving classes are offered at the nearby diving clubs. There’s a path for taking coastal walks to take in the views of the Los Gigantes cliffs. While you’re in the area, visit nearby La Gomera at sunset for incredible views.
Playa Amarilla
One of Tenerife’s natural wonders, Playa Amarilla is a black sand pebbly beach nestled in the craggy cliffs of Coasta del Silencio on the south side of Tenerife. It’s a small beach, only about 50 meters long, and you have to look closely or you may even miss it. The unique curved rocks make natural chairs to lay your towel across.
The water is rough but crystal clear at Playa Amarilla. The rocky cove is popular for both swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Two ladders lead down into the water. The waves at high tide are powerful, so beware. Wearing water shoes is advised since the bottom is quite rocky.
There are no facilities such as restrooms, but there’s a little beach bar on the far side for drinks and snacks. You can park your car and walk to this tiny beach.
Playa del Socorro
Image courtesy of Wikimedia
Situated in Los Realejos, Playa del Socorro is one of North Tenerife’s best black sand beaches. It earned the title of Blue Flag Beach because of accessibility, enjoyment, and amenities for comfort such as showers, reserved parking, and walkways and ramps for guests with reduced mobility.
With 200 meters of parking, this beach even has Wi-Fi hotspots and an entertainment center with games and a snack bar. Beach bars for drinks and snacks are nearby.
The off-shore wave breaks are popular for surfing and swimming. Visitors also enjoy the spectacular views from this part of the island.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
