Playa de Abama is a secluded golden cove hidden beneath the cliffs — a small, sheltered beach of pale sand tucked below a luxury resort at Guía de Isora, on the sunny south-west coast of Tenerife. Reached down a wooded slope from the clifftop, it feels tucked away and exclusive: calm, clear water, an arc of golden sand rare on this dark volcanic coast, and a peaceful setting far from the bustle of the big resorts. For a quiet, scenic beach day with a touch of understated glamour, few spots in the south match it.
How to get there
Abama lies on the coast at Guía de Isora, north of the main southern resorts and around 40 minutes or so from Tenerife South airport by road. The beach sits at the foot of the cliffs below a well-known luxury hotel, and the approach is down a steep, green slope from the clifftop above — reached on foot along a path, or via the resort's transport for guests. Because access takes a little effort and it's away from the main resort strips, the beach stays notably quiet and unspoilt.
The walk down to the cove is scenic but involves a steep slope, so allow time and energy for the climb back up — or check whether shuttle transport is running from the top if the hill is a concern.
Photo: -wuppertaler · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · scaled
What it's like
The beach is an intimate curve of imported golden sand, framed by cliffs and banana plantations and looking out to a beautifully clear, sheltered sea. The golden colour is a real rarity on this stretch of dark volcanic coast, and combined with the seclusion it gives Abama an almost private, hideaway feel. The setting is lush and calm, with the luxury resort tucked into the hillside above, and the whole place has a refined, tranquil atmosphere quite unlike the busy beaches down the coast.
Abama is the south-west's quiet luxury — a golden cove that feels like a secret.
Swimming and safety
Swimming here is generally calm and inviting. The cove is fairly sheltered, the water clear and usually gentle, and the seabed shelves in a way that suits an easy swim or a relaxed paddle on most days. It's a fine spot for snorkelling near the edges when the sea is calm. As always on the Atlantic, conditions can change with wind and swell, so watch for any flag system and lifeguard guidance, and take normal care with waves and currents.
Facilities
Abama is more about seclusion and natural beauty than a full spread of public beach services, so it pays to come prepared with water, sun protection and anything else you'll need for the day. There are refreshment options connected to the resort above, and a beach club atmosphere for those who want it, but the beach doesn't have the dense promenade of cafés and shops you'd find at a big resort. That relative simplicity is part of its quiet, get-away-from-it-all appeal.
Best for whom
Abama suits couples, honeymooners and anyone seeking a calm, scenic and secluded beach with a touch of luxury, away from the crowds. It's ideal if you're staying at the resort above or want a peaceful change of scene from the busier south. It's less suited to those who want a big, fully serviced beach with sunbed rows, watersports and endless amenities on tap — for that, the groomed sands of Costa Adeje deliver in full.
Nearby
The south-west coast around Guía de Isora is quieter and more scenic than the main resort belt, and Abama makes a serene base for exploring it. The polished beaches and buzzing seafront of Costa Adeje lie a short drive south, while further up the coast the towering sea cliffs of Los Gigantes are a memorable sight. Inland, the volcanic heights of Mount Teide make an unforgettable day out. For the wider island, where to stay and how to get around, see our full guide to Tenerife.