Playa de la Arena — Attraction in Santiago del Teide

Nice little beach not far from Los Gigantes and within easy walking distance for the more able. It is also on the main bus route between Los Gigantes and Los Cristianos (nos. 477, 473, 493, 325).

This is a beach of fine black sand, which doesn't tend to stick to dry skin. However, this sand is VERY hot on hot sunny days, so you may need beach shoes or flip-flops. The best bit - there are no rocks on this beach.

This is a well managed beach, with lifeguards and friendly sunbed attendants. Due to the hot sand, it is worth paying for a sunbed or two and an umbrella. They are pricey though - €4 for each sunbed and each umbrella. When you think of it like that it's not so bad. But, for a family of 4 with two umbrellas you could argue it is a lot to pay.

The sea is nice but (and this may depend on the tide and time of day) it isn't as gentle as some other beaches, such as Playa de San Juan, where you can comfortably ease yourself in.

The sea comes onto the beach quite quickly. As you venture further in, maybe only to knee height, the current is strong as the water recedes. You may find yourself 'persuaded' to enter sooner than you wanted. There is a slight drop which doesn't help.

Getting out can be a slight challenge, as wave height varies and can feel like a wave pool. As your feet sink into the moving sand and the waves come from behind, try to keep your balance and not look silly!

Having said that though, it is not dangerous or treacherous, just supervise your younger family members to make sure you and they are happy.

There are toilets here too, which is a bonus and there are wooden walkways to get across the hot sandy sections of the beach. There are also numerous shower stations at...

A beach with extremely fine black sand that sparkles beautifully in the sun and looks absolutely fantastic in contrast with the blue water. The sand is beautiful but gets extremely hot way faster than brighter sand.

The beach had the red flag so people were not allowed to enter the water. You could sit on the shore though but careful! strong waves can still hit you and fill your suit with hundreds of small black stones that arw quite difficult to take out.

Luckily the beach is equipped with showers, toilets, everything you need. The possibility to rent sunbeds / umbrellas for 4eur (very decent price). Lifeguard on duty during the day (and very strict and attentive, always vigilent for the people who were getting too close to the water)

Is not too easy to find parking but there is street parking on the main street and then you need to walk a few minutes to...

Warning to people who venture into the water in this area.

We visited in March this year and seen a poor unfortunate person pulled from the water having only been meters from the beach area. We witnessed as the bystanders rescued him from the water, but ultimately he passed that day on the beach.

Having tried to help, it was a traumatic scene.

The beach is well sign posted and managed by the life guards, however this event was after they finished for the day.

The area is beautiful, but the waves are powerful, even for the strongest swimmer.

I would note that we frantically tried to find a defibrillator and would suggest that one be placed on the beach.

To the two men who risked their lives to go into the sea and get the man from the water to the beach, brave is not the...