Melenara beach is probably my favourite beach on the island and if you’re here on hols with a hire car then it’s a must day out which can be combined with a morning of shopping in the largest commercial zone in the Canary Islands, “Las Terrazas & El MIrador”. Forget public transport, too complicated and infrequent but send us a message if you’d like to try and we’ll tell you how (and wish you luck).

There are two big beaches in Melenara by the way and the smaller Las Salinetas isn’t so bad either but just around the corner is Melenara beach, a much better option.

This is another of our blue flag beaches so excellent services including a lifeguard. It’s the island’s own dark volcanic sand. If you’re here with small kids then not the best of beaches as there’s no breakwater though waves here aren’t usually a problem and there’s no steep incline getting into the water.

The beach is huge! Not just wide but in depth too, it goes back some 300 meters or so and there’s even an area of trees providing natural shade though of course there are sunbeds and parasols available.

Avoid this beach at week-ends! Melenara is a residential town so all the locals head down there plus many from the adjacent city of Telde also the heavily populated Jinamar, it gets packed despite its size. During the week however it can be almost deserted some days.

At the far side of the beach is a row of bars and restaurants serving some very nice local dishes (international too). A little further along is the harbour where the fishing boats come in so try some of the local fresh fish or seafood dishes, a seafood paella for example.

Little more than a 5 minute taxi or drive away is Las Terrazas (outlet) commercial center and opposite the huge El Mirador so our advice, make sure you have a car with a covered boot first of all (so when locked you can’t see there are bags in the boot) and spend your morning duty free shopping then head down to Playa Melenara for lunch and an afternoon on the beach. During the week there’s plenty of free parking by the beach.

Recap:-

• BLUE FLAG BEACH
• Lifeguard on duty
• Sunbeds
• Showers
• Toilets
• Public Transport
• Child friendly
• Disabled Access
• Drinks & Snacks available