Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

El Arenal

El Arenal is a small beach known for its impressive waves, making it a popular spot for experienced surfers. However, visitors should be aware that the waves can be dangerous for those who are not strong swimmers. The beach is somewhat secluded and can be challenging to find, with some visitors hinting at a secret path through abandoned hotel grounds as a way to reach it.

Despite its natural beauty, El Arenal has been noted for its lack of parking facilities, with limited spaces available close to the beach. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly.

Discover accommodation options near El Arenal and enjoy the stunning sunsets after a day of surfing.

In addition to its surfing opportunities, El Arenal is also known for its stunning sunsets, adding to the overall appeal of the location. However, potential visitors should be aware that the local surfing community can be unwelcoming to outsiders, even those who adhere to surfing etiquette. This has led to some surfers choosing to visit other locations instead.

What to do at El Arenal?

Restaurants

Best restaurants near El Arenal include Café Melita - Palmelita, Baja Surf Café, Taberna italiana la piedra, Bar Restaurante Cofradía de Bajamar and Cofradía de La Punta.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beach's appeal for experienced surfers due to its challenging waves and the fun adventure of discovering the secret path to the beach. The stunning sunsets are also a major draw for visitors. However, complaints are made about the limited parking time and the unwelcoming attitude of local surfers towards visitors.

Where to Stay near El Arenal?

If you’re planning a trip to El Arenal near Tenerife, consider staying in the nearby town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, known for its historic charm and vibrant cultural scene. Most visitors also explore the bustling capital city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which offers a range of accommodations and is a short drive to the beach, allowing them to enjoy El Arenal's surfing and sunsets as part of a broader itinerary.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is El Arenal?

Latitude: 28.5564871 / Longitude: -16.3358937

El Arenal is located in Tenerife. The following map of El Arenal shows the exact location.

El Arenal: Weather Today

📅 Monday, June 8, 2026
Today at El Arenal is better suited for a casual seaside stroll than a dedicated day on the sand. With light drizzle and persistent cloud cover, the beach atmosphere remains quite gloomy. The wind is notably brisk and turbulent, making conditions feel rather restless, while the waves are quite elevated and choppy. The maximum air temperature reaches 22.1 °C, and the sea temperature is 21.1 °C, so while the water is technically warm enough for a quick dip, the rough surf suggests caution for any swimmers. Be mindful that even with heavy clouds, the sun is quite strong, with a peak UV Index of 8.6, so sun protection remains essential if you head out. Overall, it is an average day where comfort might be limited by the breeze and damp conditions.
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Air

Low / High18.4°C/22.1°C
Feels Like (High)22.4°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature21.1 °C
Wave Height1.9 m
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Rain

Rain Chance6%
Rainfall1 mm
Rain Duration10 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:07/21:01
Sunshine Hours12.3 hrs
UV Index8.6
Cloud Cover89%
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Wind

Speed20 km/h
Gusts54.7 km/h
DirectionN

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