Places we return to
Playa de la Arena
Fine black volcanic sand beneath the cliffs at Mesa del Mar, on Tenerife's north coast. You reach it through a small tunnel. The water is calm, and there are natural rock pools: one is used all year, the other only fills in summer.
Area: North · Locality: Tacoronte · Type: Black sand beach with natural sea pools and tunnel access
Before you go
How do I get to Playa de la Arena?
On foot, along an easy path, or by car.
Where can I park at Playa de la Arena?
There is a car park.
Is there public transport to Playa de la Arena?
Inter-city bus service. Check lines and timetables at titsa.com.
What facilities does Playa de la Arena have?
Sunbathing area and toilets. No adapted access.
Is there anything to watch out for at Playa de la Arena?
The road down is very windy and quite steep: drive carefully.
Sources: Turismo de Tenerife (Playa de La Arena) · verified 2026-10-13
Spots by area
North
- Tierra del Trigo Rural midlands hamlet with waterfall and vineyards
- Playa del Ancón Wild volcanic-sand beach
- Playa de Rojas Volcanic cove with turquoise water
- Bajamar Reef break with several peaks — north Tenerife
- Playa de los Patos Wild black sand beach at the foot of the north coast cliffs
- Arenas Negras Campsite among pines on black volcanic soil
- Skatepark La Matanza Public skatepark
- Playa de la Arena Black sand beach with natural sea pools and tunnel access
- El Guincho Volcanic cove and viewpoint over Garachico harbour
- Charco del Viento Natural volcanic rock pool on the north coast
Anaga
- Playa Antequera Wild golden-sand beach, only accessible on foot or by boat
- Mirador de Aguaide Cliff viewpoint with a drop of over 500 m to the sea
- Barranco de Afur Laurel forest valley trail down to the sea
- Playa de Las Gaviotas Black volcanic sand beach on the Anaga coast
- Playa de Almáciga Dark pebble and sand beach with consistent Atlantic swells
South
- Ifonche Rural hamlet and mountain hiking area
- Playa de Las Américas Reef breaks · several peaks
- Playa Diego Hernández Wild pale-sand beach
- Playa de La Tejita Fast left-hand barrel next to Montaña Roja
- La Fitenia Right and left reef break
- Playa San Juan — Atlantis Old water station ruins reclaimed by the sea
- Playa Montaña Pelada Wild volcanic sand beach at the foot of a volcano
- Skatepark Alcalá Seafront public skatepark
- Skatepark Ten-Bel Public skatepark
- El Balito Volcanic cove with stone platform on the southwest coast
- Las Ventanas de Güímar Unofficial trail through historic carved tunnels above the Güímar valley
Teide
- Mirador La Tarta Geological viewpoint in Teide National Park
- Mirador de Sámara Viewpoint and trailhead in Teide National Park
South-east
La Orotava
Hiking
- Barranco del Infierno Out-and-back linear route
- Las Carboneras - Chinamada Linear variant · PR-TF 10.1
- El Bailadero - Taganana Linear route · PR-TF 04
- Erjos - Las Porteñas Linear route · PR-TF 52
- Paisaje Lunar Circular route · PR-TF 72
- Las Raíces - Monte de la Esperanza Circular route · PR-TF 25.1
- El Draguillo - Chamorga Linear route · PR-TF 06
- Taborno - Pico del Inglés - Valleseco Linear route · PR-TF 2