South Tenerife Beaches: Black, Golden or Imported Sand? The Guide

One of the most common surprises for first-time visitors: not all sand in Tenerife is the same, and the difference is obvious right away.

Black sand, the island's real sand

Tenerife is a volcanic island, so the natural sand on its beaches is dark, almost black, of basaltic origin. It heats up a lot under the sun but creates a striking contrast with the turquoise sea.

The golden, imported sand beaches

Some of the most photographed beaches in the south, like Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje, have fine golden sand imported from the Sahara decades ago, to create the postcard look now associated with the tourist area.

Which one to choose

If you're after the island's most authentic, volcanic atmosphere, go for black sand. If you prefer the classic resort look, the south's golden beaches are made exactly for that: both are just minutes apart.

Many of our boat experiences sail right along this coastline: from the catamaran you can see the contrast between the two very clearly, a good way to get a feel for it before deciding where to lay your towel.

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