The best black sand beaches in Tenerife

 

In the Canary Islands we are not aware of the beauty and uniqueness of our coastal area, we have differentiating elements that we do not value enough. The black sand beaches of Tenerife are a very unusual element all over the planet and in our territory they are very common. Each and every tourist who visits us is surprised by the sober beauty of our coasts.

 

Let us go back a few thousand years. The volcanic origin of the archipelago means that this colour takes over most of the island, mainly on the northern side. The cliffs that dominate these places are the result of past eruptions and the action of wind and water only perpetuates this type of coastline. The island's beaches reflect the history of our people and our traditions. Today we are going to get to know some of the main black sand beaches of Tenerife. 

 

 

 

This type of sand is known as ferriferous and is found in some places on the planet, often mixed with basaltic volcanic sands, as in Tenerife, where the grains of magnetite contain a very high amount of titanium and other impurities. The typical composition is 79.2 % iron oxide, 14.6 % titanium dioxide, 1.6 % manganese oxide, 0.8 % silica and aluminium oxide, and small amounts of chromium.

 

Due to its composition and its colour, it is a sand that heats up quickly and can reach very high temperatures. Don't forget to take your flip-flops with you to reach the shore if you don't want to burn the soles of your feet on very sunny days. 

 

 

 

The devotion of many Tenerife locals to Benijo Beach is well known. A magical place with fine black sand, it is located in the Anaga Rural Park. The Roque de Benijo and the Roque de la Rapadura are the bodyguards of a wide, totally natural beach with no services of any kind nearby. 

 

After a drive through a winding area, you will reach a large staircase that leads down to the beach. Parking is difficult in the area and you will find other beautiful dark sandy beaches such as Almáciga. It is advisable to visit this beach at low tide during the summer months and to be very careful with the currents in the area. 

 

If we move a little further to the north we can find three beautiful black sand beaches in the municipality of La Orotava. El Bollullo, Los Patos and El Ancón. This area has a recently created steep descent, but is much more accessible than it was a few years ago. El Bollullo has a small snack bar and lifeguard. The other beaches are wilder and more secluded, perfect places to unwind.

 

Playa de Los Guíos is very close to us, as it is very close to the Landmar Hotels establishments. The imposing view of the cliffs makes us focus more on them than on the colour of the sand, but we can assure you that it is jet-black. In addition, in our hotels you can find ways to book water activities that begin their journey in this area of such beauty. 

 

 

And if black or white sand beaches are not your thing, we recommend you stay at Landmar Hotels. Avoid arriving home with sand on your feet and enjoy our multiple swimming pools and hammocks. 

 

Beauty and comfort do not have to be at odds during your visit to Tenerife. You can stay in the best hotels on the islands and explore the most spectacular black sand beaches you have ever seen.