According to recent research carried out by the European Unions Environment Commissioner in Brussels, the Canary Islands boast some of the cleanest beaches in Europe. Tenerife in fact has very few beaches: it is the Eastern Canaries, older and more weather-worn (particularly Fuerteventura, which is like a displaced piece of the Sahara), which have the majority of the islands beaches. Having said that, Tenerife nonetheless has, along its 358 kilometers (220 miles) of coastline, many good beaches (some of which were given a helping hand, if not created entirely, by man).

There are more beaches in the south of Tenerife than in the north. The north of the island has a steeper decline from the central volcanic plateau downwards, and in most places this translates into abrupt cliffs and rocky outcrops as the land reaches the ocean, with fewer places where beaches have formed. The south has a less acute, more gradual downward approach to the water and in many places levels off quite considerably as it reaches the coast, resulting in a greater number of beaches. A novelty for the first-time visitor to Tenerife is the sight of black volcanic sand - a bit disconcerting!

Playa de Las Teresitas

Situated a few miles up the coast from Santa Cruz, this beach is very popular with the local population. It is approximately one mile long and is entirely synthetic, made with yellow sand imported from the Sahara desert. A large man-made breakwater reduces currents and protects the sand, making it safe for kids. It can be windy sometimes. There are good parking facilities.

Playa de La Arena

Near the picturesque holiday resort of Los Gigantes in the west, this is a small beach of black sand and is one of the cleanest beaches on the island. The main road runs right by the top of the beach, with ample free parking, and there is a short footpath down to the sand. This part of the island also boasts the best climate. One of the best.

Playa de Las Americas

would expect in the souths main tourist resort, Las Americas has plenty of beaches along its vast seafront, some of which are partly manmade. The beaches are generally well maintained but can get quite crowded. Strictly speaking, there are a series of separate beaches (Playa del Bobo, Playa de Torviscas, Playa de Troya etc), but in reality they more or less run in a line along the coast so its only a short walk from one to another. The sand is mainly greyish-yellow, but is more attractive than it sounds!

Los Cristianos

A former fishing village situated next door to Las Americas, Los Cristianos is the souths second largest holiday area. It boasts fewer (but larger) beaches than Las Americas, including a very nice brand new manmade beach - Playa de Las Vistas - only completed in 1997.

El Madano

Near the islands southern airport, El Madano is a small town with a large but often windy beach, and as such is a favourite haunt of windsurfers - indeed, conditions are good enough that international competitions are held here (told you it was windy didnt I?).

Playa San Marcos

On the coast by the northern wine-making town of Icod de los Vinos, Playa San Marcos is one of the most picturesque beaches on the island. Very attractive black sand beach.

Playa Jardin

In Puerto de la Cruz, this black sand beach is one of the areas few good ones. In our opinion. But we should also mention

Lago Martianez

Although a swimming pool not a beach, we feel that the Lago is worth a mention in this category as it was built in Puerto de la Cruz specifically to address the towns lack-of-decent-beaches problem. Designed by famous Canarian artist Cesar Manrique (from Lanzarote), the Lago is not a part of any of the resorts numerous hotels - it is entirely independent and open to allcomers.

It is a vast and beautiful collection of open air salt-water pools, built right on the edge of the town on reclaimed land. It may not be a beach, but its nonetheless a great place for swimming and sunbathing (and you dont get sand in your trunks!). It can however get very crowded and unlike any of the beaches there is a small entrance fee.