Playa del Duque

The basics

If you take a sightseeing tour of Tenerife’s south coast or a boat cruise from Costa Adeje, you’re likely to stop at Playa del Duque. You can also pack a beach bag and make a day of it yourself. Rent a sunlounger and bamboo parasol, admire ocean views, then take a walk along a seafront promenade home to shops, bars, and restaurants. If you follow the beach north, you’ll find the black-sand beach of El Beril.

Things to know before you go

• Thanks to shallow waters suitable for younger children, Playa del Duque is a great choice for families.

• Access to the beach is free, but there is a daily charge for sun loungers and parasols.

• There are public restrooms, beach bars, food and drinks kiosks, and a wide choice of restaurants at Playa del Duque.

• The wide, flat promenades provide easy access to the beach for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

Playa del Duque is between La Caleta and Costa Adeje on Tenerife’s southwest coast. Public buses ply the coast, stopping in Arecas, from where it’s about a 10-minute walk downhill to Playa del Duque. Though be warned: if you want to leave by bus, you’ll have to walk back up the hill. By car or taxi, it’s a 10-minute drive from Arecas.

When to get there

Whenever the sun is shining it is a good time to visit Playa del Duque. This is one of Tenerife’s most popular small beaches, so get there early to snag a sought-after parasol and parking spot. You might also get lucky over lunchtime as morning beachgoers head off to eat.

The best beaches of Tenerife’s south coast

Blessed with year-round sunshine, Tenerife’s south coast has some of the island’s best beaches. Between the resort towns of Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos, Playa del Camison has imported Saharan sands and a lively beach bar, while further north, Costa Adeje’s main beach Playa Fanabé is known for its water sports. To escape the crowds, hike down to the idyllic Playa Diego Hernandez, which has white sands and views of La Gomera island.