Benijo is the most isolated beach in Taganana, a charming village in the Anaga area (there are also two neighbouring beaches: El Roque de las Bodegas and Almáciga). The area is linked to the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, by an undulating road with magnificent views.
When the road turns upwards, it feels like the end of a journey towards beauty. This stretch of the coast between two rocks, the Benijo and La Rapadura, is stunningly beautiful and affords the most fabulous sunsets; it is also very popular with nudists. A stepped path leads down to the unspoilt beach of black volcanic sand. Here you can put your watch away, forget time, and feel completely at one with nature.
The attractions of Benijo, an unforgettable beach
For the inhabitants of Tenerife, this is a special beach which is worth visiting again and again. It remains in the memory of the visitors who come here. We’re talking about its natural setting, and the lack of crowds. We’re talking about a sublime spot, between the cliffs, which is reached down a path from the hamlet of Benijo.
The scene deserves to be explored slowly and closely, with all the senses ready to appreciate its extraordinary loveliness. From Taganana, you first arrive at Roque de las Bodegas beach, which is of sand and gravel. It is very quiet, and a favourite haunt of families. Just over a kilometre further along the road, you come to Almáciga, a popular meeting point for surfers thanks to its powerful swell. And a kilometre further on again (and uphill all the way) stands the hamlet of Benijo.
The starting point of your route is marked by the El Mirador restaurant. Then, after enjoying some amazing views of the island, you begin the steep descent to the beach. A long series of steps, not recommended for people with mobility issues, leads to this idyllic setting that should not be missed by anyone who loves nature in its purest state. The views of the Roques de Anaga and the glorious sunsets are rewards that make you forget the effort involved in getting here. Not to mention the peace and tranquillity of the place.
Features of Benijo beach and recommendations
Benijo beach is made up of very dark gravel and volcanic sand. It is 300 metres long and 30 metres wide. It is well away from the main tourist resorts, and is averagely busy in summer and then quiet for the rest of the year. It is very popular with nudists and with people who want to relax in a place of great natural beauty.
We recommend visiting at low tide, so that you can enjoy the sand and walk along the shore. At high tide, the water almost covers the beach. There is no lifeguard, and the swell can be powerful, so great care should be taken when bathing. It is best not to venture out too far, as the currents can be dangerous.
As this is a remote and wild spot, the only services provided are cleaning and litter bins. There are no loungers, sunshades or beach bars, so visitors are advised to bring their own food and drink. However, up on the road, before you begin travelling down to the beach, there are several restaurants where you can stop and enjoy excellent fish dishes.
Benijo beach, which is part of the Anaga Rural Park protected area, is accessed via a long path with steps which affords wonderful views, so it is difficult to resist taking one photograph after another. Taking into account that you have to return by the same route, this visit is not recommended for very elderly people or for those with physical problems. Vehicles park on the sides of the road, or in the car parks of the nearby restaurants.
What to see nearby: the spectacular Anaga Rural Park
Benijo beach lies within the Anaga Rural Park, so a trip through the area, which has been declared a Biosphere Reserve, is a great idea. Just a few minutes’ car drive from the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, visitors will discover breathtaking scenery with truncated peaks, deep valleys and gorges sweeping down to the sea.
Walking along the many paths, horse riding and mountain biking are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed here. The area also has the greatest concentration of laurel in Tenerife — a bonus for lovers of botany.
Within the Anaga Rural Park, it is also worth visiting the village of Taganana. An interesting feature here is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, one of Tenerife’s oldest churches, which has a triptych of the Adoration of the Kings (Flemish school, sixteenth century). Nor should visitors miss a tour of the picturesque hamlets, up to 26 of them, scattered over a predominantly agricultural landscape.
How to get to Benijo beach
There is a bus service that will take you close to Benijo beach. The Titsa bus company operates route 946, with departures every four hours from the Estación Marítima in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The journey takes 45 minutes.
Benijo beach is a 27-kilometre drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The journey takes just over an hour and a half. Take Avenida Marítima TF-11, towards San Andrés; continue in the direction of Taganana-Almáciga along the TF-12, and then take the TF-134 coast road towards Taganana. It is well signposted. The walk down to the beach starts at the El Mirador restaurant, and is via a fairly steep, stepped pathway.
