There are times when you just need to kick back and hit the beach. Tenerife, a Spanish island off the coast of North Africa, has wonderful beaches...and thousands of people every year make good use of them. If you are looking for a great beach holiday, here are some of the best beaches you can find on this Canary island. It is worth noting that Tenerife beachfront hotels tend to be of a high standard.

Costa Adeje
On the south-west coast of the island, Costa Adeje features three wonderful beaches and interesting places to visit and things to do. Why not visit beaches playa de las Américas, playa de Fañabé, or Playa de Troya? All the beaches offer something for all tastes. With the influx of tourists, many restaurants and shops have sprung up, especially in playa de las Américas.

Nonetheless, the vast stretches of sand on these beaches will let you find a spot for you and your party to kick back and relax.

It is not just the beaches in Costa Adeje that command your time, however, as activities such as golf and water sports are popular. The Siam Theme Park is Thai based and good fun.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife
This port city of Santa Cruz shows its Spanish influence well. It is home to a number of historic buildings, most notably the Palacio de Carta, which dates from the 1700s, and the colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception.

The Nature of Man museum is a big tourist draw and features interactive displays. A visit to Plaza de España is a must. Santa Cruz is, in essence, a cultural treat. 

It is not just history and culture that makes Santa Cruz popular. It is home to amazing beaches, one of which is Playa de Las Teresitas. Originally, this was nothing more than black sand and rock. Yellow sand was added, and an artificial beach was built. Now, it is a frequently visited beach by both tourists and locals alike.

Santa Cruz is also home to the Auditorio de Tenerife and Opera House. This is a modern building designed by world famous architect Santiago Calatrava. The building is unique, well worth a visit, and could easily fit into the set of an imaginative science fiction film.

Surfing
There may come a time when you want to start going into the water rather than staring at it from the beach. Surfing is big on the island, and there is a lot of truth to the saying that a stroll along the coast will reveal surfable waves every ten minutes.

Due to the good weather all year round, winter wetsuits are rarely needed. The island's volcanic past gives you beach, volcanic reef, or rocky coastline options to test your mettle against the waves!

Mount Teide
In the middle of Tenerife (and indeed towering above it) is Mount Teide, an active volcano. At 3,718m above sea level, it is the highest peak in Spain. The volcano and the surrounding area now forms the Teide National Park, and cable car trips over the volcano offers a great and thrilling departure from soaking up the sun on the beach.

The cable car carries 44 passengers, and the operators say it is best to come early morning for the best views. The upper base station essentially offers three tours, providing incredible views of different sides of the island. Each one has something unique and wonderful, and on clear days other Canary islands will become visible, thanks to your high vantage point. If you have the time, this is something you have to do.

Whale Watching
There is something brilliant about seeing whales do their thing in their natural habitat. If you have never seen these magnificent creatures, it is truly a fascinating and relaxing experience. Tenerife has plenty of tour operators that take you to the best spots to see predominantly pilot whales. Many can be found in both Santa Cruz and Costa Adeje.

Whale watching isn't seasonal in Tenerife, but an all year round activity. It is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.

Take a Lava Tube Tour
Cueva del Viento is the largest network of lava tunnels in Europe, and one of the most complex in the world. The tubes were formed by 27,000 years of volcanic activity. The tubes span 17 kms, and work on different levels. It is a fascinating experience to trek around the tunnels, and you will feel a connection to the land. Tour operators will take you down...and ensure you do not get lost.

Tenerife has great places to eat, drink, and dance the night away. Hiring a car is a good idea, so you can reach the different parts of the island for fantastic days out. When you get back to your beachfront hotel, you can relax and take in the sunset while sipping cocktails.