Playa de Las Arenas, Tenerife: Your Complete Coastal Escape

Tucked beneath the dramatic Teno Massif on Tenerife’s north-west tip, Playa de Las Arenas rewards adventurous travellers with a rugged Atlantic bay, shimmering black sand and a peaceful stone promenade framed by tamarisk trees and cactus gardens. Far from the resort crowds, this volcanic shoreline near Buenavista del Norte is ideal for slow coastal walks, photography, shore fishing and sunset dining to the sound of the waves.

The clifftop lookout above the cove offers a sweeping panoramic view of the horseshoe-shaped bay, revealing how lava flows created pockets of ebony sand bordered by polished basalt boulders. From here you can trace the entire coastal path that ribbons along the shoreline, making it easy to plan photo stops and sheltered swimming spots before you descend.

Strolling the Lava-Stone Promenade

A gently sloping lava-stone promenade guides you from the parking area to several tiny coves. Shaded stretches beneath windswept tamarisk trees offer respite from the midday sun, while frequent benches invite you to pause and admire the contrast between turquoise breakers and pitch-black rocks. Early morning walkers often share the trail with local runners and the occasional osprey gliding along the thermals.

One photogenic landmark along the route is a quaint volcanic-stone bridge spanning a seasonal ravine. Fringed by palmetto and towering cardón cacti, it showcases the traditional masonry techniques once used by island farmers to channel water from the cliffs down to banana terraces.

The Main Cove: Swimming & Snorkelling

Sheltered by jagged lava headlands, the primary bathing area features gentle entry at mid-tide and surprisingly clear water for snorkelling. Look for colourful vieja (parrotfish) and octopus hiding among moss-covered rocks. Because the beach lacks lifeguards, always check swell forecasts and enter only when conditions are calm.

Black-Sand Pockets & Basalt Pebbles

Tiny inlets reveal the island’s geological palette: ultra-fine volcanic sand ideal for barefoot sunbathing sits metres away from a shoreline of wave-tumbled basalt pebbles, each stone burnished to a metallic sheen. Collect a handful (then leave them behind!) to appreciate the mineral diversity created by successive eruptions over millennia.

Rock Fishing Tradition

At low tide you may spot local anglers perched on lava spurs, practising the age-old craft of shoreline fishing. Patience is rewarded with sargo (white seabream) and occasionally a prized vieja colorada. If you plan to join them, bring sturdy footwear and respect safety barriers—the rocks become slick when Atlantic swells return.

Seaside Dining Under the Tamarisks

Round off the visit at the small beachfront restaurant hidden behind rustling tamarisk trees. Its terrace serves freshly grilled cherne (grouper) and artisan goat cheese alongside local vino tinto, all while Atlantic rollers crash just metres away—arguably one of the island’s most atmospheric lunch spots.

Planning Your Trip

Playa de Las Arenas remains blissfully quiet compared with Tenerife’s southern resort beaches—so pack water, reef-safe sunscreen and sturdy shoes. Combine a dip with a hike along the nearby Sendero del Mar or sunset at Punta de Teno lighthouse for an unforgettable day on the island’s wild west coast. Whether you come to photograph lava landscapes, hunt for seashells or simply listen to the surf, this black-sand sanctuary delivers an authentic slice of Atlantic paradise.