If you’re planning your next escape to the Canary Islands, Southern Tenerife awaits with a perfect blend of stunning beaches, impressive natural routes and local gastronomy that wins over every palate. This privileged corner of the island enjoys the finest climate in Europe year-round, making it an ideal destination for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking to unwind by the sea.
In this comprehensive Southern Tenerife guide, you’ll find everything needed to organise your trip: from the finest beaches to unique trails, through to the most authentic restaurants and guachinches where you can sample genuine Canarian cuisine.
Complete Guide to Beaches in Southern Tenerife
The southern coastline of Tenerife harbours some of the most spectacular beaches in the Canary archipelago. Each has its own character, from unspoilt beaches to coves perfect for water sports.
Playa de la Enramada: The Perfect Meeting Point
Playa de la Enramada has become one of the most charismatic spots in Southern Tenerife. Set in a privileged location, this volcanic sand beach offers far more than sun and sea. It’s the regular landing zone for paraglider pilots who soar along the coast from the heights of Taucho, creating a unique visual spectacle.
What makes this beach special is Bar Coqueluche, where you can enjoy live music whilst relaxing in an unrivalled chill-out atmosphere. The sunsets here are legendary, with direct views across to La Gomera island on the horizon. The beach has all necessary facilities: lifeguard, toilets, surrounding restaurants and parking in the upper area which makes access straightforward.
Playa del Duque: Elegance by the Sea
For those seeking a more refined experience, Playa del Duque is undoubtedly the ideal choice. This beautiful beach is characterised by its white, fine sand (uncommon in Tenerife) and crystal-clear waters in a turquoise blue that invites you in for a swim.
Surrounded by first-rate dining establishments, Playa del Duque is connected by a thoroughly pleasant promenade, perfect for an evening stroll. It has a lifeguard, beach bar and very nearby paid parking. Ideal for families and those who appreciate comfort without sacrificing natural beauty.
Alcalá Beaches: Natural Pools with Charm
The Alcalá Beaches offer a completely different experience thanks to their rockpools and natural swimming pools formed by volcanic lava. From here you’ll enjoy breathtaking views towards the majestic Los Gigantes Cliffs, one of the most spectacular geological formations in the Canaries.
The Alcalá promenade has sports facilities, children’s play areas, making it a perfect spot for a family day out. There’s a lifeguard, free parking and several nearby restaurants where you can savour fresh fish.
Playa Diego Hernández: The Unspoilt Gem of the South
If you’re looking to escape the tourist bustle, Playa Diego Hernández is your sanctuary. This white sand beach sits away from the busier zones, maintaining an almost virgin environment that’ll make you feel as though you’ve discovered a secret.
Access is via footpaths, which adds adventure to the visit. It’s one of the coves we fly over during tandem paragliding flights, offering a spectacular aerial perspective of this hidden jewel of the Tenerife coastline.
Playa del Médano: Surfers’ Paradise
Playa del Médano is the epicentre of windsurfing and kitesurfing in Southern Tenerife. Its youthful, sporty atmosphere attracts water sports enthusiasts from across Europe. The beach has a long promenade filled with restaurants, bars and specialist shops.
With several car parks in the area and a broad range of accommodation, El Médano is perfect for those looking to combine beach, sport and social life in a relaxed, authentic setting.
Costa Palm Mar: Native Nature by the Ocean
The Palm Mar coastline stands out for its landscape with native Canarian vegetation surrounding small coves with calm waters. It’s an ideal area for coastal walks, enjoying a beach bar with a chill-out atmosphere, or simply relaxing away from large crowds.
It has parking and several restaurants in the area serving local and international cuisine with sea views.
Montaña Amarilla: Crystal-Clear Water Coves
The coves at Montaña Amarilla offer a unique experience thanks to their completely transparent waters, perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving. This rocky coastline of volcanic origin creates natural pools where you can observe the rich Canarian marine fauna.
The spot has a popular beach bar with a chill-out atmosphere, adjacent footpaths for walking and nearby parking. It’s one of those special corners where nature and leisure combine perfectly.
Walking Routes and Hiking in Southern Tenerife
Beyond its beaches, Southern Tenerife conceals hiking routes that’ll allow you to discover volcanic landscapes, deep ravines and laurel forests unique in the world.
Barranco de Masca: The Most Spectacular Route
The Barranco de Masca is without doubt one of the most impressive hiking routes in the Canaries. This medium-difficulty trail traverses a gorge with vertical walls that seem to touch the sky, descending from the picturesque village of Masca down to the sea.
The route is approximately 5 kilometres with considerable elevation change, so proper footwear and sufficient water are recommended. One of the most popular options is to arrange guided transport from Santiago del Teide and return by boat from the beach, avoiding having to climb back up the entire ravine.
Monte del Agua: A Laurel Forest
Monte del Agua offers a completely different experience. This protected natural area has abundant laurel forest and native Canarian vegetation that creates a fresh, humid atmosphere with very pleasant temperatures even during the summer months.
There are several both linear and circular trails that allow you to explore this highly attractive forest. It’s a perfect spot for nature photography enthusiasts and those seeking tranquillity away from the beaches.
Local Gastronomy: The Best Restaurants and Guachinches in Southern Tenerife
No visit to Southern Tenerife is complete without enjoying its local gastronomy. Canarian cuisine is a delicious blend of Spanish and Latin American influences.
Essential Restaurants
Restaurante Las Goteras (located in Tejina de Isora) stands out for its traditional Canarian cuisine with a modern touch. Set in a welcoming environment, it primarily offers meats, prepared in different ways using top-quality local produce.
El Varadero (located in La Caleta-Costa Adeje) is the perfect place for lovers of fresh fish and seafood. Its seaside location guarantees ingredients of the day and spectacular views whilst you enjoy your meal.
Casa Edu (located in the Los Gigantes area) is a classic amongst locals. Here you’ll find the finest papas arrugadas with mojo picón in the area, alongside traditional stews that have been passed down through generations.
Restaurante El Balo (located in Tejina de Isora) offers charcoal-grilled meats of exceptional quality in a family atmosphere where you’ll feel right at home.
Restaurante Otelo (located in Adeje) offers its speciality of pollo al salmorejo, whilst you enjoy panoramic views of the Barranco de Infierno.
Mesón Castellano and Mesón Márquez complete this selection with traditional Spanish cuisine adapted to Canarian taste, perfect for those seeking more robust flavours.
The Guachinche Experience
Guachinches are typical family-run establishments in Tenerife where homemade wine is served alongside traditional dishes at very economical prices. Whilst there’s a greater concentration in the north of the island, in the southern area you’ll also find some hidden treasures where you can enjoy this authentic Canarian experience.
Adventure Activities in Southern Tenerife
If you’re seeking thrills during your visit, Southern Tenerife offers multiple active tourism options. One of the most memorable experiences is flying by paraglider over Costa Adeje.
Brisa Paragliding Tenerife has over 25 years of experience and offers different flight options: from the tranquil flight perfect for families through to the aerobatic flight for adrenaline lovers. With complimentary pick-up from the main tourist areas and multilingual certified pilots, it’s a unique way to contemplate the beauty of Southern Tenerife from above.
Organise Your Visit to Southern Tenerife
Southern Tenerife has excellent connections thanks to Tenerife South Reina Sofía Airport, situated just minutes from the main tourist areas. The climate is warm and sunny practically year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20 degrees Celsius.
For getting around the area, the most advisable option is to hire a car, though there’s also a good public bus network (Titsa) connecting the main towns and beaches. The most popular areas for accommodation are Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Callao Salvaje, all with a wide range of hotels and apartments.
Southern Tenerife is a destination that has everything: appealing beaches for all tastes, from virgin shores to coves with all services; spectacular hiking routes that allow you to discover the wildest side of the island; and authentic local gastronomy that wins you over as much with its flavours as with its warmth.
Whether you’re looking to relax beneath the Canarian sun, explore unique volcanic landscapes, practise water sports or simply enjoy excellent food with ocean views, this part of the island offers unforgettable experiences throughout the year.
Ready to experience the adventure of Southern Tenerife? If you want to add a unique experience to your trip, don’t hesitate to contact the Brisa Paragliding Tenerife team or send a WhatsApp. Check availability and book your paragliding flight over the spectacular landscapes of the southern coast.
Southern Tenerife awaits with open arms and clear skies!