The north of Tenerife isn’t a classic “beach holiday” region — and that’s exactly what makes it special. Wild volcanic beaches, dramatic cliffs, natural lava pools… and when you want golden sand and guaranteed sunshine, the south is just about an hour away.Below are the places we personally visit and love — from tiny local coves to iconic views and natural pools unique to the Canary Islands.Sorted by distance from Casa Cactus, so you always know how far you’re going.
5 mins by car (Tenerife North)
Playa San Marcos
Small beach in sheltered bay protected by huge cliffs — almost always calm and swimmable.
Love it because, here you can combine beach time + fresh fish diner right by the water.
location: 📍 Google Maps
Partly sandy, but water shoes recommended.
Where to eat:
📍 Restaurante Amarca
📍 Casa Chica
10 mins by car (Tenerife North)
Charco de La Laja
A beautifully sculpted natural lava pool with clear blue water and dramatic black rock formations.
Fantastic on calm days, impressive when the ocean is rough.
The route to it starts here: 📍Google Maps
15 mins by car (Tenerife North)
Charco del Viento
One of the best natural pools in the north.
Several basins with different conditions — some calm, some wild.
Great for swimming, sunbathing on the rocks and taking photos.
Water shoes a must!
📍 Google Maps
10 mins by car (Tenerife North)
El Caletón (Garachico)
A stunning set of natural pools created by lava — partly wild, partly adapted for easy swimming.
Safe, beautiful and right next to the charming town of Garachico.
And these sunsets!
Just right next to it finish the day with favourite sundowner in El Caleton Chill Out
📍 Google Maps
20 mins by car (Tenerife North)
Playa Socorro
Our favourite nearby beach: wide, wild, natural, with great waves and long open views.
No restaurants — bring snacks and water.
📍 Google Maps
25 mins by car (Nord Tenerife)
Punta Brava / Playa Jardín
Long sun hours, lively atmosphere — a classic Puerto de la Cruz vibe.
Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
30 mins by car (Tenerife North)
Playa El Bollullo
One of the most atmospheric beaches in the north.
Narrow road → tight parking → long stairs down.
Huge cliffs, volcanic sand, natural setting, cute beach bar at the bottom.
Absolutely worth the effort!
📍 Park here: Google Maps
60 mins by car (Tenerife North)
Playa Benijo & Playa del Roque de las Bodegas
The wildest coastline on Tenerife.
The drive itself is spectacular! The beach is raw, volcanic, powerful.
📍 Playa Benijo: Google Maps
📍 Playa del Roques de las Bodegas: Google Maps
Don’t miss to eat at Casa Afrika! (closed Mon–Tue) 📍 Google Maps
60 mins by car (South Tenerife)
Las Teresitas
Golden sand (brought from the Sahara), palm trees, shallow water, beach bars — the classic postcard beach.
A complete contrast to wild Benijo.
📍 Google Maps
Bonus:
Continue toward Igueste de San Andrés for a beautiful viewpoint.
70 mins by car (South Tenerife)
El Médano
Our favourite southern town — relaxed, bohemian, full of surfers, cafés and young energy.
Great, long walk from the el Medano beach in the direction of de Montana Roja and you can even cross the hill and fin yourself at the beautiful playa de La Tejita — huge, natural, with the Red Mountain as backdrop.
Perfect full-day trip: beach, lunch, little wander.
📍 Google Maps
60 mins by car (South Tenerife)
Playa de los Guíos (Los Gigantes)
Tiny beach beneath enormous cliffs — one of the most dramatic views on the island.
Parking difficult, beach small, but the scenery is unforgettable.
Sun until the very end of the day.
Nice bar with a view:
📍 Google Maps
60 mins by car (South Tenerife)
Playa del Duque
Beautiful, clean, elegant — and absolutely mass tourism.
Perfect for guaranteed sunshine when the north is cloudy.
Parking:
Easy at the nearby shopping centre
📍 Google Maps