Playa de la Arena
Longest-running Blue Flag in the Canary Islands -continuously since 1989. 140m black volcanic sand, calm water in Puerto Santiago cove. Top snorkeling spot (right side, by the rocks). Diving schools nearby. Sunsets with La Gomera and Los Gigantes cliffs. Full services, wheelchair accessible. FREE.
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Playa de la Arena holds a record: Blue Flag continuously for over 30 years -the longest of any beach in the Canary Islands. This is no accident -this beach is simply exceptionally well maintained year after year.
140 meters of black volcanic sand in the calm cove of Puerto Santiago. Black sand has one unique property: it absorbs the sun's heat, which means the beach is warm all year round, even in winter when the water temperature drops. In summer, watch out -without flip-flops it burns.
The volcanic rocks flanking the beach on both sides are a snorkeling paradise: plenty of hiding spots for fish, sea urchins, octopuses. The right side of the beach has particularly large schools of fish. Diving schools from Puerto Santiago run regular dives here -the seabed at 30m has black coral and sponges.
The beach is urban, which means full infrastructure: lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, toilets, sunbeds and parasols for rent, wheelchair accessibility (ramp). Behind the beach is a promenade with restaurants and bars. The water is usually calm -but without breakwaters, waves appear in strong wind. Always check the lifeguard's flag.
At sunset the beach transforms into something extraordinary: the sun sets directly over La Gomera, and the Los Gigantes cliffs (10 minutes by car) create a dark silhouette from the side. One of the most beautiful and most underrated sunsets in Tenerife.
TF-1 -> exit TF-82 toward Santiago del Teide -> TF-454 Puerto Santiago. Street parking nearby (coordinates in app: 28.2314, -16.8414) -no dedicated beach parking. Arrive early in season.
TITSA lines 325, 462, 473, 477, 493 -Puerto Santiago or Los Gigantes stop, a few minutes walk.
Get here by busStreet parking nearby -no dedicated beach parking. Arrive early in season.
Navigate to parkingBlack sand burns in summer -flip-flops mandatory. Sunbeds disappear early -arrive before 10:00 if you want a spot by the water. For snorkeling: head to the right side of the beach, by the rocks -that's where the biggest schools of fish are. Restaurant La Quinta behind the beach (Avenida Maritima) makes the best seafood rice in Puerto Santiago -book or arrive before 1 PM. For sunset: stay until 7-8 PM (depending on season) -La Gomera turns orange, Los Gigantes cliffs draw a silhouette from the side. Street parking nearby (coordinates in app) -no dedicated beach parking, arrive early in season.
Playa de la Arena lies in Puerto Santiago, a district of the municipality of Santiago del Teide on Tenerife's west coast. Puerto Santiago, La Arena and Los Gigantes were once three separate fishing villages -today they form one zone. Blue Flag since 1989 -for decades almost unnoticed by mass tourism on the south coast, which only helps maintain its character.
Street parking Puerto Santiago -> Playa de la Arena (morning/afternoon -beach, snorkeling by the right rocks) -> lunch at La Quinta (seafood rice) -> Puerto Santiago promenade -> sunset from the beach with La Gomera views -> optional: 10 min drive to Los Gigantes for an evening walk by the port.
Black sand with turquoise water and La Gomera on the horizon
Best in the morning with low sun hitting the wet sand -the contrast of black sand and turquoise water is spectacular.
Sunset with La Gomera and the Los Gigantes cliffs
Sun sets over La Gomera, Los Gigantes cliffs as a dark silhouette from the left side. From the north end of the beach.