While tourists crowd the golden sands of Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, South Tenerife's southeastern coast around Abades and Arico hides some of the island's most spectacular secret beaches. These hidden gems offer something the busy resort beaches can't: authenticity, tranquility, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
This comprehensive guide reveals 5 hidden beaches near Abades in South Tenerife that most visitors never discover. From secluded coves perfect for snorkeling to wild volcanic beaches ideal for sunset watching, these are the secret spots where locals go to escape the crowds.
Why South Tenerife's Hidden Beaches Are Special
The coastline around Abades and Arico in South Tenerife differs dramatically from the developed resort areas. Here, volcanic rock formations create natural coves, black sand beaches remain pristine, and the Atlantic Ocean crashes against ancient lava flows — creating landscapes that feel more like another planet than a typical beach destination.
These hidden beaches in South Tenerife offer:
- Solitude: Even in peak season, you'll often have these beaches to yourself
- Natural Beauty: Unspoiled volcanic landscapes without beach bars or sunbed rentals
- Crystal-Clear Water: South Tenerife's minimal rainfall means exceptional water clarity
- Snorkeling: Rocky coves around Abades teem with marine life
- Authenticity: Experience South Tenerife as it was before mass tourism
🗺️ Getting to Hidden Beaches in South Tenerife
Most secret beaches near Abades require a car to access. Some involve short hikes over volcanic terrain. Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and always check tide times before visiting. The nearest base is Ocean Deck House in Abades, just minutes from these hidden South Tenerife beaches.
The 5 Best Hidden Beaches Near Abades, South Tenerife
1. Playa de la Jaquita
Playa de la Jaquita is arguably the most beautiful hidden beach in South Tenerife. This small volcanic cove near Abades features dramatic black sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and natural rock pools perfect for snorkeling.
What Makes It Special: La Jaquita remains virtually unknown to tourists despite being one of South Tenerife's most photogenic beaches. The volcanic rock formations create natural windbreaks, making it swimmable even when other South Tenerife beaches have rough conditions. The underwater visibility here rivals the best dive sites in Abades.
Best For: Snorkeling, photography, romantic escapes, and anyone seeking the "real" South Tenerife away from resort crowds.
How to Get There: From Abades, drive south on the coastal road toward Poris de Abona. Look for a small dirt track on your left (GPS: 28.1423, -16.4512). Park carefully and follow the path down to the beach. The 10-minute walk involves some scrambling over volcanic rocks — wear proper shoes.
💡 Local Tip: Visit La Jaquita in the morning for the calmest water and best snorkeling conditions. Bring your own snorkel gear — there are no facilities. The rock pools on the left side of the beach are home to octopus, parrotfish, and occasionally small rays.
2. Playa del Porís (Porís de Abona)
Playa del Porís is a tiny fishing village beach in South Tenerife that time forgot. This authentic Canarian beach near Abades features a small harbor, traditional fishing boats, and a handful of colorful houses carved into the volcanic cliffs.
What Makes It Special: Unlike other hidden beaches in South Tenerife, Porís de Abona has a small local community. The beach itself is a mix of black sand and pebbles, protected by a natural breakwater. The real magic happens at the tiny seafood restaurant overlooking the water — one of South Tenerife's best-kept culinary secrets.
Best For: Authentic Canarian culture, fresh seafood, calm swimming conditions, and experiencing traditional South Tenerife fishing village life.
How to Get There: From Abades, drive south through Arico toward Poris de Abona. Follow signs to "Porís" and descend the winding road into the village. Limited parking available near the harbor.
🍽️ Don't Miss: Casa Tagoro restaurant serves the freshest seafood in South Tenerife. Try the "pescado del día" (catch of the day) grilled simply with Canarian mojo sauce. Arrive early for lunch — locals fill this place by 1pm.
3. Playa de Abades (Main Beach)
Abades' main beach is South Tenerife's best-kept "not-so-secret" secret. While not completely hidden, this volcanic black sand beach remains blissfully quiet compared to South Tenerife's resort beaches. It's the perfect base for exploring other hidden beaches in the Arico region.
What Makes It Special: Playa de Abades offers the rare combination of easy access and authentic South Tenerife atmosphere. The beach features calm, clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The volcanic rock formations on either end create natural tide pools that kids love exploring.
Best For: Families, daily swimming, snorkeling, and as a convenient beach when you're staying at Ocean Deck House in Abades.
How to Get There: If you're staying at Ocean Deck House, simply walk 5 minutes to the beach. There's a small parking area if you're driving from elsewhere in South Tenerife.
🏊 Swimming Tip: The left side of Abades beach (facing the ocean) has the calmest water and best snorkeling. The right side can have stronger currents — check local conditions before swimming. Lifeguards are not present, so swim responsibly.
4. Playa de la Entrada
Playa de la Entrada is South Tenerife's wildest hidden beach. This remote volcanic beach north of Abades requires a moderate hike but rewards adventurers with dramatic landscapes and complete solitude. It's one of the most photogenic spots on the entire South Tenerife coast.
What Makes It Special: La Entrada feels like the edge of the world. Massive volcanic boulders create a maze-like beach, waves crash against black lava formations, and on clear days you can see Mount Teide towering in the distance. This is South Tenerife at its most raw and beautiful.
Best For: Adventurous travelers, photographers, sunset watching, and anyone who wants to experience South Tenerife's volcanic coastline at its most dramatic.
How to Get There: From Abades, drive north toward Tajao. Park near the coastal path (GPS: 28.1712, -16.4421) and follow the trail along the cliffs. The 15-minute hike involves some scrambling — not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.
⚠️ Safety Warning: Playa de la Entrada is NOT suitable for swimming. Strong currents and waves make it dangerous. This beach is for viewing, photography, and experiencing South Tenerife's wild nature — not water activities. Always stay back from the water's edge.
5. Charco del Pino (Natural Pools)
Charco del Pino isn't technically a beach — it's something better. These natural volcanic rock pools near Abades in South Tenerife fill with crystal-clear seawater, creating protected swimming areas that are safe even when the Atlantic is rough.
What Makes It Special: The natural pools (charcos) are carved into the volcanic coastline by centuries of wave action. They range from shallow pools perfect for children to deeper pools where you can actually swim laps. The water is refreshingly cool and incredibly clear — you can see every detail of the volcanic rock beneath you.
Best For: Families with children, safe swimming when beaches have rough conditions, snorkeling in the deeper pools, and experiencing a unique South Tenerife natural phenomenon.
How to Get There: From Abades, drive north toward Tajao and follow signs to "Charco del Pino." There's a small parking area near the pools. A short path leads down to the water.
🌊 Best Time to Visit: Visit Charco del Pino at low tide when the pools are calmest and most accessible. High tide can bring waves crashing over the rocks. Check South Tenerife tide times before visiting. The pools are most popular with local families on weekends.
Essential Tips for Visiting Hidden Beaches in South Tenerife
What to Bring
- Water: Most hidden beaches near Abades have no facilities — bring plenty of water
- Snorkel Gear: The rocky coves around South Tenerife's hidden beaches are perfect for snorkeling
- Sturdy Shoes: Volcanic rocks can be sharp — wear proper footwear for hiking to beaches
- Sun Protection: South Tenerife sun is intense — bring reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and shade
- Towel & Beach Mat: Black volcanic sand gets hot — bring something to sit on
- Snacks: No beach bars at hidden South Tenerife beaches
- Trash Bag: Leave no trace — pack out everything you bring in
Safety Considerations
- No Lifeguards: Hidden beaches in South Tenerife are unpatrolled — swim at your own risk
- Check Conditions: Atlantic waves can be powerful — assess conditions before entering water
- Tide Times: Some beaches and rock pools are only accessible at low tide
- Tell Someone: Let someone know where you're going, especially for remote beaches
- Phone Signal: Coverage can be spotty in remote South Tenerife coastal areas
Best Time to Visit Hidden Beaches in South Tenerife
Early Morning (7am-10am): Calmest water, best snorkeling visibility, and you'll have beaches to yourself. Perfect for photography in soft morning light.
Late Afternoon (4pm-7pm): Stunning sunsets over the Atlantic. The harsh midday South Tenerife sun has softened, making beach time more comfortable.
Avoid Midday (11am-3pm): South Tenerife sun is most intense during these hours. Black volcanic sand becomes scorching hot, and UV exposure is highest.
Explore South Tenerife's Hidden Beaches from Ocean Deck House
Stay in Abades and have easy access to all these secret beaches. Ocean Deck House is perfectly located for exploring South Tenerife's southeastern coast — just minutes from hidden coves, natural pools, and authentic fishing villages.
Book Your Beach AdventureBeyond Beaches: More to Explore in Abades, South Tenerife
While the hidden beaches are the main attraction, the Abades and Arico region of South Tenerife offers much more:
- Diving: Abades is one of South Tenerife's premier diving destinations
- Hiking: Coastal trails connect many hidden beaches in South Tenerife
- Local Restaurants: Authentic Canarian seafood in Porís de Abona and Abades
- Stargazing: Minimal light pollution makes South Tenerife's coast perfect for astronomy
- Day Trips: Teide National Park is 90 minutes from Abades
Where to Stay for Beach Exploration in South Tenerife
Ocean Deck House in Abades is the perfect base for exploring South Tenerife's hidden beaches. Located in the heart of Abades village, you're within minutes of Playa de Abades and a short drive from all the secret beaches in this guide.
Why Ocean Deck House is Ideal for Beach Lovers
- Central Location: 5-minute walk to Abades beach, 10 minutes drive to all hidden beaches
- Private Terrace: Perfect for drying beach gear and evening relaxation
- Fully Equipped: Kitchen for preparing beach picnics, washing machine for sandy clothes
- Fast WiFi: Upload your beach photos and research tomorrow's adventures
- Authentic Experience: Live like a local in a real South Tenerife village
- Sleeps 4: Perfect for families or groups exploring South Tenerife together
Final Thoughts: Discovering the Real South Tenerife
These hidden beaches near Abades represent the South Tenerife that existed before mass tourism transformed the island's southwest coast. Here in the Arico region, volcanic landscapes remain wild, fishing villages stay authentic, and beaches offer solitude instead of sunbed rentals.
Whether you're snorkeling in the crystal-clear coves of La Jaquita, enjoying fresh seafood at Porís de Abona, or watching sunset from the dramatic rocks of Playa de la Entrada, these hidden South Tenerife beaches offer something the busy resorts never can: a genuine connection with the island's natural beauty.
And when you base yourself at Ocean Deck House in Abades, you're not just visiting South Tenerife — you're living it. Wake up in a quiet village, walk to an uncrowded beach, and spend your days discovering secret coves that most tourists never find.
That's the real South Tenerife. And it's waiting for you in Abades. 🏖️
📌 Save This Guide: Planning a South Tenerife beach holiday? Bookmark this guide to hidden beaches near Abades. Have questions about specific beaches or need recommendations? Contact us — we're local experts happy to help plan your South Tenerife adventure.
