Tenerife, the biggest of the Canary Islands, is somewhat notorious for its black beaches.
The black sand results from the island´s volcanic origin and the emissions of the many volcanoes.
El Pico del Teide is the biggest.
With 3718 meters, it is the highest mountain in Spain.
The black sand, which is very fine, is an exciting sight surrounded by wild rock formations, for instance, Los Gigantes in the south of the island.
Tenerife also has a lovely white beach.
Tenerife, with all the black sand beaches, also has a lovely white beach. Close to the capital, Santa Cruz, you will find Las Teresitas Beach.
With miles of white sand, protected by breakwaters and very soft access to the water, the beach is a favourite weekend destination for the people of Santa Cruz.
It is easily reached by car with ample parking facilities or even 20 minutes by local bus on a scenic ride along the coast.
Las Teresitas offers changing rooms, showers, umbrellas, sun loungers, bars, and restaurants. In short, everything you need for an enjoyable day on the beach.
Santa Cruz
A bonus is the proximity of cosmopolitan Santa Cruz.
One of the main attractions is the combination of ultra-modern architecture, like the ´winged ´auditorium and historical buildings.
Castles, parks, churches and museums offer something for anybody´s taste.
The marina is full of luxury yachts and speedboats.
Black Potatoes
Bars, ice cream parlours and restaurants complete the picture. Do not miss trying a Tenerife speciality: the black potato.
It has black or deep purple skin and egg yolk yellow meat cooked in seawater.
The history behind this is that the potato was first introduced to Europe in Tenerife by the returning conquerors, and some plants were left there.
The Central Market in Santa Cruz
If you are lucky, you will find some black potatoes in the picturesque Central Market, El Mercado de Nuestra Senora de Africa.
Apart from fruit and vegetable, the market stands out because of the variety of plants and flowers.
A joy for the eye and nose.
Spending a beach holiday in Santa Cruz has the advantage of a beautiful city, the possibility to go on excursions to the Orotava Valley or the Nature Reserve of the Teide and simultaneously avoiding the tourist traps of the more popular south.
A great 5 Star hotel
There is one great 5-star hotel in Santa Cruz. Iberostar Grand Hotel Mencey
More options with B&B, guesthouses, villas and 2 – 4 star hotels are also available.
The big Tenerife Festival and Carnival
If you want real fun, party and action, visit the yearly carnival in Tenerife.
Read more about it at the Tenerife Carnival Page >>