Playa de la Arena at a glance
Playa de la Arena sits in Puerto de Santiago, in the municipality of Santiago del Teide on Tenerife's west coast. The official tourism description calls it an urban beach of black volcanic sand, roughly 140 by 40 meters. That is a compact beach, not a long stretch of coast, so it fills up on sunny days.
The beach has a promenade behind it and sits a short way along the coast from Los Gigantes. It is one of three separate beaches in the area, together with the small beach at the fishing harbor of Puerto de Santiago and Playa de los Guíos under the cliffs. Each has its own description, so do not treat the names as one place.
What is on the beach
The official tourism listing names these services. Opening hours and rental prices are not fixed in that listing, so ask on site.
Toilets and showers
Toilets, showers and foot showers are listed, and the beach is cleaned. Bring a towel and a small bag for rubbish as well.
Lifeguard post
A lifeguard post is listed. Look at the flag at the post before you swim, and follow it. Sea conditions on this coast change with swell and wind.
Sunbeds and umbrellas
Sunbed and umbrella rental is listed. Prices and hours vary, so check the rate before you sit down.
Accessible access
The listing includes access for people with disabilities. If you need a specific route to the water, ask at the beach or your hotel first.
Tours from the Los Gigantes coast
Boat trips, whale and dolphin cruises and day trips to Masca and Teide from the harbor nearby, with live prices and availability.
Black sand, quality marks and the Blue Flag
The sand is dark because the coast is volcanic. It holds heat in the afternoon, so wear sandals on a hot day.
The municipality confirmed the Q de Calidad Turística for La Arena and Los Guíos on 3 July 2025. This is a tourism quality mark. It is a different thing from the Blue Flag, and a Blue Flag for 2026 is not something this guide claims. If the flag matters to you, look for it on the beach itself.
One naming trap: a beach called La Arena (Mesa del Mar) exists in Tacoronte in the north of the island. Health and weather data for that beach do not describe this one.
Getting to Playa de la Arena
Two TITSA bus lines are the simple way in without a car. Line 477 runs along the coast through Puerto de Santiago to Los Gigantes. Line 473 connects Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Callao Salvaje and Los Gigantes and is the slower coastal option. A La Arena stop is listed for the area. Timetables differ on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays, so check the current timetable before you go.
From Tenerife South Airport, the bus route uses line 040 to Costa Adeje and then line 477. TITSA lists about 40 and 50 minutes for the two rides, around 90 minutes of riding plus the wait for the change. The getting there guide compares the options. For a fare, use the TITSA fare calculator, because no fixed bus price for this trip is quoted here.
If you drive, the official listing for the neighboring harbor beach mentions parking, but a free space is never guaranteed. Come early on a sunny day.
How the three beaches compare
Figures come from the official tourism descriptions. A dash means the listing gives no figure.
| Beach | Where | Size | Sand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playa de la Arena | Puerto de Santiago, with promenade and hotels | About 140 × 40 m | Black |
| Playa de Puerto Santiago | At the fishing harbor | 50 × 20 m | Black |
| Playa de los Guíos | Under the cliffs, by the Los Gigantes marina | – | Black |
The harbor beach has showers, rubbish bins, cleaning and cafés nearby. Los Guíos is covered on our beaches around Los Gigantes page, and the fishing village itself on the Puerto de Santiago page.
Playa de la Arena: frequently asked questions
Is Playa de la Arena a black sand beach?
Yes. The official tourism description calls it an urban beach of black sand, around 140 by 40 meters.
Does Playa de la Arena have a Blue Flag?
Do not rely on one. The municipality confirmed the Q de Calidad Turística for La Arena and Los Guíos on 3 July 2025, which is a different mark. If the Blue Flag matters, check the signs on the beach.
What facilities are there?
Toilets, showers and foot showers, cleaning, a lifeguard post, sunbed and umbrella rental and access for people with disabilities are listed. Hours and rental prices vary.
Is it the same beach as Playa de los Guíos?
No. La Arena, Playa de Puerto Santiago and Playa de los Guíos have separate descriptions. Los Guíos lies under the cliffs next to the Los Gigantes marina.
Can I get there by bus?
Yes. TITSA lines 473 and 477 serve this coast. Check the current timetable, which differs by day of the week.
Is the water always calm?
No. Do not assume calm water. Check the lifeguard flag and the swell on the day.