Beach bars on Tenerife are called chiringuitos, a Spanish term referring to an establishment located on or near the coastline, where food and drinks are served.
The word chiringuito is the diminutive form of chiringo, a term originally referring to a stream of water or chorrito. In Cuba, the trickling water in a coffee pot with a sock filter (known as café de calcetín in Spanish) is called chiringuito. Over time, makeshift and rudimentary beach kiosks where this coffee was brewed also came to be known as chiringuitos.
Origin of the Word Chiringo
There’s some debate over the origin of the word chiringo. Some sources suggest it comes from a slang term in Romani language, which can mean “to drink wine or strong liquor.” Pancho Guerra mentioned beach bars as chiringas in his 1965 study on Canarian language. Other sources link the term to Cuba, where chiringuilla is used, meaning “small food stall.”
Tenerife’s Chiringuitos
On Tenerife, numerous informal and often unauthorized chiringuitos have been removed from the island’s beaches, such as those on Playa de Las Teresitas and Playa de Las Américas. However, some beach bars have survived and continue to provide shade and refreshment to visitors, offering delicious local dishes and drinks in an incomparable, relaxed atmosphere.
Chiringuitos often serve a wide range of fresh seafood, tapas, and local specialties, like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce (a spicy sauce made from garlic, oil, vinegar, and herbs), along with other Mediterranean delights. They also serve refreshing cocktails, sangria, and other beverages to satisfy visitors under the subtropical sun.
These beach bars provide a unique experience where the sea breeze and authentic flavors create unforgettable moments in a paradise setting. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of sun, sea, and gastronomy, the following beach bars in Tenerife offer an abundance of charm and authenticity.
El Médano
At the end of Playa de La Tejita, you’ll find Chiringuito Pirata, a favorite among both locals and tourists. Located at the last untouched beach in the south of Tenerife, this beach bar offers a unique, relaxing experience inspired by the “slow life.”
Visitors are quickly immersed in a tranquil vibe with reggae blending with the ocean’s rhythm. On weekends, the bar is lively with people enjoying everything from coffee to refreshing drinks. Snack options include ceviche, tomato and cheese salads, paella, and salpicón de atún.
The diverse clientele includes expatriates living in southern Tenerife and young travelers looking for a day at the beach. With the striking Red Mountain (Montaña Roja) in the background, Chiringuito Pirata is an ideal spot to have breakfast, lunch, or watch the sunset with a mojito in hand.
La Orotava
For a getaway in the north that combines paradise landscapes with unique gastronomy, Chiringuito Bollullo Beach in La Orotava is the perfect spot. Surrounded by stunning black sand beaches, this area is a haven for sun and sea lovers.
The culinary offerings reflect the surroundings, featuring chocos asados, salpicón de atún, and lapas, which delight the most demanding gourmets. This beach bar is recognized in the Guía Repsol as one of the most affordable in the area, making it a must-stop for its culinary excellence.
Arona
In southern Tenerife, nestled along Costa del Silencio, Mana Nui Chiringuito offers a unique experience for those seeking an oasis by the sea. Situated next to Montaña Amarilla (Yellow Mountain), a striking volcanic formation, this beach bar invites guests to relax, soak in the sun, and take refreshing dips between drinks, sharing the enchantment of nature with the pleasure of a drink against a natural soundscape of ocean waves.
Highly Recommended
These three beach bars are a must-visit for every tourist and resident who loves warm weather. Whether you’re in the south or north of Tenerife, these chiringuitos provide an unforgettable zen experience and a variety of delicious flavors. Highly recommended with a strong emphasis on highly.
More FOOD can be read [HERE]
Myriam Vandenbroucke © Photography
Beach Bars on Tenerife ©
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