Best beaches in the Canary Islands

BEACHES IN TENERIFE

LOS GIGANTES BEACH 

Los Gigantes Beach is layered with fine-grain black sand, but its most distinctive feature is the huge cliff-face that towers over it. Visit the beach at the right time and you’ll see the rock glow orange as the sun hits it. Plus, the turquoise water is shallow and calm, thanks to the protection given by the nearby marina.

PLAYA DE LAS TERESITAS BEACH

Playa de las Teresitas brings another colour to Tenerife’s beachy palette. Unlike the island’s typical black-sand beaches, here, you’ll be greeted with a carpet of golden sand instead. Why’s this place different to the rest of the island? Well, it wasn’t to start with – in the 1970s the sand you can see there today was shipped over from the Sahara Desert.

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BEACHES IN FUERTEVENTURA

SOTAVENTO BEACH

Sotavento Beach – on Fuerteventura’s aptly named Costa Calma – is pretty enough to grace the front of a postcard. It comes complete with plenty of elbow room – end to end, you’re looking at nine kilometres of soft, golden sand. This sand comes courtesy of Fuerteventura’s close proximity to Africa. Winds from the Sahara have caused it to build up on the island’s shores.

CORRALEJO BEACH

Corralejo Beach is part of the protected Parque Natural de Corralejo. The beach itself is made up of around 11 kilometres of powder-soft sand, which is almost always quiet. And, if that isn’t enough for you, inland you’ll find the Canary Island’s largest sand dunes. Turn your gaze back to the sea, and you’ll be able to spot Lanzarote in the distance, as well as little Los Lobos Island.

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BEACHES IN GRAN CANARIA

MASPALOMAS BEACH

Maspalomas is probably Gran Canaria’s most famous beach. Because it’s so popular, you’ll find a few bustling beachside resorts around here, too – sea-view restaurants and beach bars are definitely on the cards. Thanks to the beach’s next-door dunes, you won’t be short of sand on a visit to this spot. The dunes are part of a protected natural park, which you can explore via sign-posted walking routes, if you fancy stretching your legs between sunbathing sessions.

PLAYA DEL INGLES BEACH

Playa del Ingles is right at the tip of Gran Canaria, on its southern coastline. White sand blankets this beach, and the main area is backed by a huge promenade. Here, you’ll find snack bars, pubs and plenty of shops where you can stock up on your souvenirs. And, if shopping is your thing, you don’t have to leave the sand too far behind to get your fix. There’s a selection of malls within walking distance.

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BEACHES IN LANZAROTE

PAPAGAYO BEACH

Papagayo Beach’s glass-clear waters are a favourite with snorkelling and swimming fans. Back on land, you can expect golden sand, blending into Lanzarote’s classic lunar landscapes. And, you’re likely to have the conditions to enjoy the scenery, too – this beach sits on the southern tip of the island, so the weather’s usually the best here.

FAMARA BEACH

Cliff-backed Famara Beach is on Lanzarote’s northern coast, and it’s the perfect place to go to get away from the Canary Island crowds. Surfers love it here, thanks to the breezy conditions and impressive waves that result from them. Meanwhile, on the shore, you can expect a pretty combination of soft sand and volcanic rock underfoot.

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BEACHES IN LA PALMA

LOS CANCAJOS BEACH

A trio of coves perched on La Palma’s east coast make up the Blue Flag Los Cancajos Beach. They’re linked up by boardwalks, and each one is carpeted with dramatic black sand. Between them, they’ve got all types of beach lovers covered. The closest cove to town is kitted out with sunloungers, parasols, and a lively vibe. As you get further out, you can expect a little more peace and quiet.

PUERTO NAOS BEACH

The beach at Puerto Naos is often credited for this little west-coast fishing village’s rise to modest tourism fame. Measuring up at 500 metres, this volcanic stretch waves a Blue Flag. A smattering of palm trees are on hand for daytime shade, but we recommend sticking around until the evening – the sunsets here are quite something.

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Bound for the beach? 

Check out our best deals on Canary Island holidays. Then, discover the best things to do in Tenerife’s Costa Adeje and have a read of our guide to all the Canary Islands.  

 
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Author: Hannah Stratton