The Canary Islands are renowned for their dramatic scenery and volcanic Landscapes which have brought thousands of tourists to their shores. So here is a list of the best Canary Islands beaches, to help you plan your perfect Spanish holiday.
10. Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera
Located on the south-west coast of La Gomera, Valle Gran Rey (“Great King Valley”) is the island’s tourist epicenter. The deep green valley runs down to meet the island’s longest beach. The beach offers many nice restaurants with good fish.
9. Los Cancajos, La Palma
The black sand beaches in this area are nothing compared to the spectacular black rock coastline. Further along the beach are a series of narrow rocky inlets, where large, bright-red crabs emerge from the sea onto the black rocks.
8. El Golfo, Lanzarote
El Golfo is a natural cove which was formed from volcanic eruptions. The lagoon found at the back of the beach, is a result of flooding, and its green color is from the algae that inhabit its waters. A direct contrast to the black sand beach the lagoon is a bright green, creating one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world.
7. Papagayo, Lanzarote
Playa Papagayo is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lanzarote. This fantastic white stretch of sand is a must for beach lovers. Like many beaches in this area naturism is common, but it is by no means compulsory.
6. El Cotillo, Fuerteventura
The beaches south of the village of El Cotillo are a surfer and windsurfer paradise and are infamous for their big waves, although it is definitely for the more experienced surfers. Swimmers should stay out of the water unless conditions look calm as the sea can be incredibly dangerous.
5. Sotavento, Fuerteventura
The Jandia Peninsular at Sotavento features white sand beaches and turquoise green sea creating a picture perfect beach location. With several water sports on offer you can keep active in this beautiful location.
4. Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
The warm sea and the vast beach make this area a perfect place to spend the day soaking up the sun. Cheap holidays to Gran Canaria are readily available, and provide a great opportunity to defrost during the colder months.
3. El Bollullo, Tenerife
The black sand of this beach sets it apart from the usual beach holiday. The spectacular scenery is emphasized by the backdrop of volcanic rocks.
2. Famara, Lanzarote
This beach located on the north-west coast of the island is far away from the resorts, offering a peaceful secluded stretch of sand. The long, curving bay sits against the spectacular backdrop of pinkish cliffs. Several famous filmmakers have used the beach as inspiration and it is clear to see why.
1. Corralejo, Fuerteventura
The beach on the north-eastern tip of the island is one of the most stunning beaches in Fuerteventura and among the best beaches in the Canary Islands. This glorious beach of bright gold sand sits against the backdrop of desert like dunes. Stretching for about six miles down the coast, the beach stretches out in front of you as far as the eye can see.
There are some good Canary Islands beaches on this list but also some major ones missing.
Las Canteras in Gran Canaria’s capital is spectacular: One of the world’s great city beaches
El Medano in East Tenerife.
Puerto Naos in Western La Palma is the nicest beach on the island.
The El Cotillo beaches that people use for fun and sunbathing rather than surfing are north of the one pictured. They are calm and sheltered.
Lovely beaches, beautiful islands. Definitely worth paying a long long visit!
Those dark sandy beaches remind me of Madeira, but I think I’d still prefer the light-colored sand…