Beaches in the South Area
La Arena
Despite its small size (120 meters long), La Arena is a highly popular and family-oriented beach in the municipality of Santiago del Teide. The fine volcanic sand of which the beach consists is but one excellent feature. In addition, La Arena enjoys the reputation of being one of the cleanest beaches in the entire Spain, since it was awarded the blue flag several times in the last few years. La Arena also benefits from its proximity to Puerto de Santiago, a notable resort in the mentioned municipality.
Playa de San Juan and Alcala
These two pebbly stretches pertain to the municipality of Guia de Isora. Fishing has always been a traditional activity in this part of Tenerife, and it still is. Thus, visitors have the opportunity of seeing the fishermen coming here and carrying out their traditional array of activities, which adds to the full Canarian character of the place. Besides bathing in the sea, tourists have an additional opportunity: to swim in the natural pools formed in the area.
Troya
Troya is one of the numerous beaches in the municipality of Adeje. Indeed, Adeje, just as Arona, features the largest density of beaches in Tenerife, mainly do to its generously large coastline. Certain water sports can be practiced here, though the sea is rather calm as compared to other beaches in Tenerife. Troya also takes pride in being, as some say, the first beach in Adeje. This fact is substantiated both by the popularity of the beach and by its virtually full range of facilities (restaurants, bars, parking, showers, etc.).
Torviscas and Fanabe
Though distinct, Torviscas and Fanabe can be approached synthetically, since they share the same profile and there is practically no geographical separation between them. On the contrary, they are welded, as it were, on one side, by a long promenade which borders them. Thus, both of them are highly popular with locals and tourists alike, and are fitted with plenty of facilities. At the same time, Fanabe and Torviscas are some of the liveliest stretches of fine golden sand in Tenerife, with plenty of leisure and entertainment opportunities generated both by their inner amenities and by their proximity to the most popular resorts in south Tenerife.
El Duque
This is a 700 meters long stretch, and one of the newest beaches in Adeje, since it was laid out in an area which saw the tourism boom only later than the rest of Adeje. El Duque is bordered on one side by a long promenade. It stands out as one of the most developed beaches in Tenerife, with a plethora of facilities providing high quality services to all tourists who choose El Duque as pastime opportunity.
Las Vistas
Las Vistas pertains to the municipality of Arona, and it is one of the longest stretches of sand in Tenerife. It neighbors upon Las Americas and Los Cristianos, two major tourist hotspots in the south of the island. The sea is pretty calm here, since a barrier of breakwaters shelters both the beach and the surrounding waters.
Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos is located in the namesake resort which, besides being one of the major tourist destinations in Tenerife, is an important infrastructural hub of the island, standing out as one of the few significant ports in Tenerife (next to Santa Cruz). Los Cristianos neighbors upon the Las Vistas beach and, given its proximity to Los Cristianos (the resort), its surroundings are replete with leisure opportunities.
Las Galletas
Las Galletas is accessible both from Los Cristianos (the resort) and from Tenerife South Airport. It marks the coastline of the homonymous small fishing village. Fishing has always been practiced here, which is why plenty of fishery-related facilities can be spotted on and nearby the beach. This specificity of the place is the reason why numerous fish restaurants are located here, and tourists can resort to them if in the mood for sampling local traditional delights. It pertains to the municipality of Arona.
Montana Amarilla
Montana Amarilla, located in Arona, is, perhaps, the most atypical beach, at least as in the view is opens both to the land and to the sea. This pebbly beach stretches nearby Costa del Silencio, at the foot of the so-called Montana Amarilla (the Yellow Mountain), a mountain-like volcanic formation. Nudism is highly encouraged in this part of Tenerife.
El Medano
Located in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona, El Medano is, with its 2-kilometer length, the largest beach in Tenerife. This is a family-oriented beach, though El Medano has also built a solid reputation as top destination for windsurfers. Indeed, El Medano accommodates with both these types of pastimes. Furthermore, it is bordered at one end by the so-called Montana Roja, a volcanic formation which yields great views. On top of all, El Medano is part of a large nature reserve.
La Tejita
La Tejita, just as El Medano, is overtopped by Montana Roja. However, unlike El Medano, it is less developed as to anthropogenic facilities. In fact, La Tejita has been left in its nature state, but this is precisely what yields its picturesque dash. By tradition, La Tejita is a hub of nudism in south Tenerife.
La Candelaria
La Candelaria pertains to the namesake municipality and it is also referred to as La Arena. The beach is overlooked by a cathedral, and its severe dash is yielded by the fine volcanic sand. La Candelaria is a challenging spot, with dangerous waters and strong undertows. This is why tourists are highly advised against venturing in the waves washing La Candelaria.
Other notable beaches in the South Area
Los Guios, Barrera, La Caleta, La Enramada, Callao Salvaje, Las Cuevitas, Bobo, La Pinta, El Camison, Las Caletillas, El Confital, El Cabezo, Las Palmeras, Las Lajas, La Viuda, Las Arenitas