Playa Jardín (Playa del Castillo)

Playa Jardin is a city beach on the western flanks of Puerto de la Cruz on the northern coast of Tenerife. Comprising almost black sand, it was created from scratch in the 1990s so that residents and visitors to the city didn’t have to travel too far to soak up the island sun or splash about in the shallows while absorbing the panoramic views of Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak.

Lined by flowering plants, it consists of a broad sweep of sand roughly 40 metres wide curving gently around the coast. It is often known by a confusing array of other names, including Playa Castillo, Charcon and Punta Brava. Don’t be surprised if you hear locals speak of these beaches instead.

A breakwater stretches across the mouth of much of the small bay to limit the size of the waves reaching the beach, ensuring even the youngest visitors are able to enjoy its warm waters. Those in need of larger waves, such as surfers, are also catered for with the breakwater ending before it reaches the cove’s far west. The eastern end is reserved for swimmers, while the middle section is often the least crowded and has become a romantic spot for couples to spend the day together.

Accessible for those with limited and reduced mobility, there is a children’s playground shaded by the vegetation, changing rooms and showers. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented, alongside pedalos and snorkel gear. The surrounding area has several spots with terraces overlooking the beach serving up a bite to eat. If there’s a downside, it’s Playa Jardin’s popularity over the summer months.