Playa de La Tejita
Tenerife's largest natural beach - 1 km long, dark golden sand. Next to Montaña Roja. Nudist zone (east end, by mountain). Kitesurf, windsurf. Chiringuito El Pirata. Wild, undeveloped. Always windy. FREE.
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Playa de La Tejita is the largest natural beach in Tenerife - 1 kilometer long and about 33 meters wide, dark golden sand. Located next to the Montaña Roja Nature Reserve, it is a wild, undeveloped beach: no hotels, no promenades. The east end (by Montaña Roja) is nudist - relaxed, respectful, one of the best naturist beaches in Tenerife. The rest is clothed. Always windy, which makes it perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing, but uncomfortable for sunbathing without a windbreak. Moderate waves, no lifeguard - be careful with currents. For families with small children: plenty of space to play on the sand, but the sea can be dangerous. At the end of the beach (east side): Chiringuito El Pirata, a chill beach bar. Sunbed rental only at the east end. From parking to the sand: 5 minutes walking.
TF-1 → El Médano exit → TF-643 towards Los Abrigos. La Tejita Beach Parking Lot on the right.
TITSA 408/470 to El Médano, then 20 min walk past Montaña Roja.
Get here by busLa Tejita Beach Parking Lot - large, free, next to TF-643. 5 min walk to the beach. Fills up on weekends - go early. There is also a campervan/camping area nearby.
Navigate to parkingLa Tejita is the most beautiful wild beach in the south - the contrast with Montaña Roja is spectacular. BRING: a windbreak if you can (it always blows), plenty of water and food (no shops around), sunscreen, and a layer in case it gets cool. The nudist zone (Montaña Roja side) is one of the best in the Canaries - relaxed, respectful atmosphere. Chiringuito El Pirata at the end of the beach is perfect for a beer with views. WARNING: no lifeguard and currents can be strong - don't go too far out if you're not a strong swimmer. Top plan: climb Montaña Roja early → come down to La Tejita → beach day → El Pirata at sunset. Hidden gem around the corner: on the western side of Montaña Roja lies the small cove of Sotavento - sheltered from the wind, fewer people, perfect when La Tejita is too windy.
Natural beach within Montaña Roja Special Nature Reserve (protected since 1994). Undeveloped. Nudist tradition for decades.
Montaña Roja at sunrise (1.5h) → Playa La Tejita (all day) → Chiringuito El Pirata (sunset) → El Médano (dinner, stroll).
La Tejita Beach with Montaña Roja in the background - the postcard of south Tenerife
From the beach looking towards Montaña Roja: the iconic south Tenerife shot. Golden sand, turquoise sea, red mountain behind. Best light: sunrise or sunset.
Nudist area below Montaña Roja - wild volcanic landscape
The area under Montaña Roja is pure landscape: volcanic rock, sand, sea, no buildings or infrastructure. Lunar feel.