{"id":4109,"date":"2017-07-24T09:00:58","date_gmt":"2017-07-24T09:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rentacar.canarias.com\/?p=4109"},"modified":"2026-09-07T13:43:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T13:43:33","slug":"tenerife-black-sand-beaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rentacar.canarias.com\/en\/blog\/tenerife-black-sand-beaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Tenerife Black-Sand Beaches: 20 Beaches, Map and Route"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated for 2026.<\/strong> Tenerife’s black-sand beaches are part of the island’s volcanic identity. They are not all alike: some have calm, urban facilities; others are exposed Atlantic coves with powerful waves; others sit below cliffs or beside natural pools. This guide collects 20 of the best options, explains how to plan a route and helps you choose safely.<\/p>\n

Dark sand gets hot in sunshine and sea conditions can change quickly. Check flags, local warnings and access before swimming, especially on the north coast and in natural pools.<\/p>\n

Twenty black-sand beaches to know<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Playa Jard\u00edn, Puerto de la Cruz:<\/strong> landscaped, urban and easy to combine with the town.<\/li>\n
  2. El Socorro, Los Realejos:<\/strong> a broad surf-oriented beach with dramatic scenery.<\/li>\n
  3. Bollullo, La Orotava:<\/strong> a beautiful cove below cliffs; access and waves require care.<\/li>\n
  4. Los Patos, La Orotava:<\/strong> wild north-coast scenery and a less serviced setting.<\/li>\n
  5. El Calet\u00f3n, Garachico:<\/strong> volcanic natural pools rather than a conventional beach.<\/li>\n
  6. Playa de la Arena, Santiago del Teide:<\/strong> a compact, serviced black-sand beach near Los Gigantes.<\/li>\n
  7. Los Gu\u00edos, Los Gigantes:<\/strong> a small beach with unforgettable cliff views.<\/li>\n
  8. Alcal\u00e1:<\/strong> village coastline with coves and natural pools.<\/li>\n
  9. Playa San Juan:<\/strong> a quieter west-coast beach for a walk, meal and simple swim.<\/li>\n
  10. La Jaquita, Gu\u00eda de Isora:<\/strong> a local coastal area with pools and volcanic textures.<\/li>\n
  11. El M\u00e9dano:<\/strong> darker sand, wind and a surf-oriented southern atmosphere.<\/li>\n
  12. La Tejita:<\/strong> broad natural sand beside Monta\u00f1a Roja; often windy.<\/li>\n
  13. Benijo, Anaga:<\/strong> iconic dark sand, rock stacks and extraordinary sunset views.<\/li>\n
  14. Alm\u00e1ciga, Anaga:<\/strong> an authentic Anaga beach where sea conditions matter greatly.<\/li>\n
  15. Roque de las Bodegas, Taganana:<\/strong> an easy Anaga coast stop with village character.<\/li>\n
  16. Jover, Tejina:<\/strong> a natural-pool area for calm-weather days.<\/li>\n
  17. Punta del Hidalgo:<\/strong> volcanic pools and a striking north-east coast walk.<\/li>\n
  18. Bajamar:<\/strong> accessible natural pools with village services.<\/li>\n
  19. Mesa del Mar:<\/strong> a compact coastal escape below the cliffs.<\/li>\n
  20. Charco del Viento, La Guancha:<\/strong> a small, scenic natural swimming spot when the sea permits.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Best route for black-sand beaches<\/h2>\n

    For a northern route, start in Puerto de la Cruz, continue through La Orotava to Bollullo or El Socorro, then head west to Icod and Garachico. Allow a separate day for Anaga: La Laguna, Cruz del Carmen, Taganana, Roque de las Bodegas, Alm\u00e1ciga and Benijo is a rewarding sequence when weather and traffic cooperate.<\/p>\n

    For the west coast, combine Playa de la Arena, Los Gigantes, Alcal\u00e1 and Playa San Juan. The south-east route of El M\u00e9dano and La Tejita is less about black volcanic cliffs and more about wind, open spaces and Monta\u00f1a Roja.<\/p>\n

    What to take and how to stay safe<\/h2>\n
      \n
    • Check sea conditions before entering water, not only when you arrive at the car park.<\/li>\n
    • Follow flags, barriers and lifeguard advice.<\/li>\n
    • Wear footwear for volcanic rock and hot sand.<\/li>\n
    • Take water, sun protection and a warm layer for exposed coasts.<\/li>\n
    • Do not jump into natural pools or rough water.<\/li>\n
    • Respect marked paths, dunes and protected areas.<\/li>\n
    • Never leave valuables visible in a rental car.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Which black-sand beach is right for you?<\/h2>\n
        \n
      • For easy access and services:<\/strong> Playa Jard\u00edn, Playa de la Arena, Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo.<\/li>\n
      • For dramatic scenery:<\/strong> Benijo, Bollullo, El Socorro, Los Gu\u00edos and Garachico.<\/li>\n
      • For natural pools:<\/strong> El Calet\u00f3n, Alcal\u00e1, Jover, Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo.<\/li>\n
      • For a quieter local atmosphere:<\/strong> Playa San Juan, La Jaquita, Mesa del Mar and Roque de las Bodegas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n

        Are Tenerife’s black-sand beaches safe for swimming?<\/h3>\n

        Some are very suitable on calm days, but safety always depends on sea conditions. Exposed north-coast beaches and natural pools need special caution.<\/p>\n

        Which is the best black-sand beach near Puerto de la Cruz?<\/h3>\n

        Playa Jard\u00edn is easiest for services; Bollullo and El Socorro are better for wild scenery and a more natural setting.<\/p>\n

        Can I visit several beaches in one day?<\/h3>\n

        Yes, if they are on the same stretch of coast. Do not combine Anaga, the north coast and Los Gigantes in one day: distances, bends and stops make that rushed.<\/p>\n