Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz combines black volcanic sand, cascading waterfalls and lush subtropical gardens in one of Tenerife’s most distinctive coastal spaces.
Few beaches in Tenerife blend art, architecture and nature quite like Playa Jardín. Located in Puerto de la Cruz, this striking stretch of black volcanic sand was designed by renowned Canarian artist César Manrique, transforming what was once a rugged, wave-battered coastline into one of the island’s most recognisable public spaces.
Opened in 1993, Playa Jardín was created as part of an ambitious regeneration project that reshaped the northern seafront. The original shoreline was rebuilt using volcanic sand and protected by a breakwater, while Manrique designed the surrounding landscape with winding pathways, cascading waterfalls, terraces and gardens filled with palm trees and endemic Canary Islands plant species.
The result is far more than just a beach. Visitors can stroll along landscaped promenades, relax in shaded gardens, enjoy cafés overlooking the Atlantic or spend time in the nearby children’s play areas. A small open-air performance pavilion also adds to the atmosphere, making Playa Jardín one of Puerto de la Cruz’s most popular meeting places.
Alongside the famous Lago Martiánez complex and the town’s historic centre, Playa Jardín remains one of the municipality’s biggest attractions for both tourists and residents.
A Challenging Period
Between July 2024 and June 2025, Playa Jardín remained closed following water quality issues caused by sewage system failures that led to E. coli contamination. The prolonged closure affected nearby businesses and prompted extensive work to upgrade wastewater infrastructure and improve treatment facilities.
The beach officially reopened in June 2025 after the completion of the improvement works and the introduction of additional measures aimed at preventing future pollution.
Importantly, the contamination was linked to wastewater infrastructure problems rather than the fact that Playa Jardín is an artificial beach. Experts note that sheltered beaches can experience slower water circulation, meaning any pollution source can remain in the water for longer if sewage systems fail.
One of Tenerife’s Most Unique Beaches
Today, Playa Jardín continues to showcase César Manrique’s vision of combining public spaces with the natural landscape. Its black sand, tropical gardens, waterfalls and spectacular Atlantic views make it one of Tenerife’s most distinctive beaches and an important part of Puerto de la Cruz’s identity.