The Best Beaches in Tenerife for a Romantic Picnic
Picnic created by the Picnic Paradise team at the beach in Tenerife for a birthday celebration.
Tenerife has more than 70 kilometres of coastline, but only a handful of beaches feel right for a real romantic picnic. We mean a moment that's quiet, beautiful, and genuinely memorable — not a towel squeezed between two umbrellas at the busiest stretch on the island.
Below are seven beaches we keep coming back to, sorted by the mood you're after.
1. Playa de Benijo — for raw, dramatic sunsets
In the wild north-east of the island, Playa de Benijo faces directly into the sunset. Black sand, the silhouettes of the Anaga rock formations, hardly a soul after 7 p.m. It feels less like a beach and more like a film set. Bring layers — even in summer the wind can be brisk.
Best for: anniversaries, proposals, anyone who likes dramatic landscapes more than warm water.
2. Playa de las Teresitas — for golden-sand glamour
Imported Saharan sand, palm trees, calm water, and a much shorter drive from Santa Cruz. Teresitas is the easy-luxury option — it photographs beautifully and feels like a holiday postcard. Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.
Best for: birthdays, photoshoot moments, friends celebrating together.
3. Playa de la Tejita — for space and quiet
A long, undeveloped stretch in the south, with the Montaña Roja volcano rising at one end. La Tejita stays calm even in high season because the beach is so wide. The water is warmer than in the north — a real plus for swimmers.
Best for: a slow afternoon, a long lunch, a small group.
4. Playa Diego Hernández — for a hidden, off-grid feel
You have to walk down a path from the cliffs above to reach Diego Hernández, which keeps the casual crowds away. Soft sand, clear water, and a feeling of having found somewhere secret.
Best for: proposals, intimate dinners, anyone who values privacy.
5. Playa de Almáciga — for surfers and storytellers
Right next door to Benijo, Almáciga has the same wild beauty but a slightly less famous reputation. The waves bring surfers in the morning; by sunset the beach empties and you have it almost to yourselves.
Best for: couples who like a bit of action with their romance.
6. Playa del Bollullo — for tropical jungle vibes
Reached through a banana plantation, Bollullo feels worlds away from the resort towns. Palms, black sand, and a small chiringuito at one end if you forget anything.
Best for: a long lazy afternoon, anniversaries, photographers.
7. Playa Jardín — for the easy choice
Designed by the artist César Manrique, Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz is the most accessible of the lot — flat black sand, gardens, and easy parking. It's a kind option for friends or family who can't manage a hike.
Best for: mixed-ability groups, parents-with-children moments, last-minute plans.
Which one is right for you?
It depends on what you're celebrating, the weather forecast for the day, and how far you're willing to drive. If you'd rather not figure it out alone, we'll do it for you — we know the tide times, the access points, the parking, and the spots that feel different at sunset versus sunrise.
We've set up picnics on all seven of these beaches. If you tell us the date, the occasion and the vibe you're after, we'll pick the right one — and you just turn up.