Have you been wondering what the best beaches in the Canary Islands, Spain are? Keep reading!
The Canary Islands are a travel paradise, boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. I have been traveling to these islands since I was a teenager, and after speaking to some great travel bloggers, I would like to share my top beach recommendations for those looking for the best of what the Canary Islands have to offer.
From Grandes Playas in Gran Canaria to El Charco Beach in Lanzarote, the opportunities for sun-soaked adventures are endless!
The Canary Islands, consisting of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Gomera, are a haven for European holiday-goers. They are especially popular amongst Scandinavians and the Brits, which is why I have visiting them all several times.
I mean, it is the warmest place in Europe in winter, after all.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for an active holiday or simply seeking out a place to relax with your toes in the sand, the Canary Islands will not disappoint. With its clear waters and golden coastline also comes year-round sunshine, making it an ideal location to visit whatever time of year you choose.
So, keep reading for the best beaches across the Canary Islands!
🤩 This is the highest-rated whale and dolphin safari in the Canary Islands!
Table of Contents
Where are the best beaches in the Canary Islands?
First things first. Which Canary Island should you visit for the best beaches?
The Canary Islands are a great destination for beach lovers. With their crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and stunningly beautiful landscapes, it’s easy to see why so many people flock to these islands year after year.
When it comes to the best beaches in the Canary Islands, it really depends on what kind of beach experience you’re looking for. Whether you are staying in the Maspalomas/Playa del Ingles area of Gran Canaria, or Los Cristianos on Tenerife, there are always great beaches within reach.
Lanzarote is known for its dramatic volcanic coastlines with unique rock formations. Tenerife has a mix of volcanic mountainside and lush green hillsides with access to some of the best surfing spots in Europe. Fuerteventura is home to some of the longest beaches in the islands and its calm waters are perfect for swimming and other water activities, such as diving.
Gran Canaria has a wide variety of beaches ranging from family-friendly options with everything needed nearby, to secluded coves ideal for a romantic getaway.
But don’t forget about the smaller islands either! La Gomera and El Hierro offer even more idyllic beaches and unspoilt nature reserves as well as plenty of opportunities to explore local culture and history.
No matter which Canary Island you choose, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding your perfect beach vacation spot in the Canary Islands!
The 11 Best Beaches in the Canary Islands
#1 La Caleta de Adeje, Tenerife
Tenerife is one of the best Spanish holiday islands and home to some beautiful beaches, says Liza S from Always in Spain. If you’re looking for a fantastic Tenerife beach that’s a bit off-the-beaten path, then head to La Caleta de Adeje, in one of the best places to stay in Tenerife.
The best way to get there is by car (park at Aparcamiento Christian (Diego Hernández)) and then it’s about a 10-minute hike to the beach. It’s a well-worn path so you won’t get lost. However, the path is a bit rocky and there’s a section that goes downhill to the beach so it’s best to wear closed shoes.
It’s well worth the effort getting here. The beach is natural and untouched, with golden sand and clear blue waters. And as it’s still a bit of a hidden gem, there are far fewer people here so you can enjoy a peaceful, relaxing day by the water.
There are no amenities so it’s best to come prepared with a picnic and your own supplies. There’s sometimes a seller with cold drinks if you need refreshments.
Another thing to note is that it’s a naturist beach so you’re likely to see some nudity here. That said, the beach still exudes a friendly vibe that welcomes everyone to enjoy the place (no creepiness here!).
If you spend the afternoon at La Caleta de Adeje, be sure to climb back up the cliffside in time for the sunset. It’s the perfect spot to take in the stunning landscape, especially as the sun goes down.
Read next: The 11 best beaches in Tenerife
#2 Playa de Tauro, Gran Canaria
My sister Elisabeth actually recommended this one, and I’m excited to share her thoughts with you all!
Pack your bags, put on your sunscreen and get ready for this hippie beach! Playa de Tauro is a local beach with a calm and relaxed atmosphere. As such, it’s a perfect area for diving in Gran Canaria.
Playa de Tauro is known for its amazing clear turquoise water and golden brown sand. Previously this was a beach with stones, but it was filled with sand from the Sahara desert! It is used a lot by the locals of Gran Canaria, and you won’t find too many tourists here, as opposed to Playa de Amadores, which is close by.
Playa de Tauro is a 300 meter long stretch of sand, with a few simple restaurants and bars that serve delicious small dishes and great mojitos.
For a long time there has been a tradition of beach parties every Sunday afternoon/evening here. To get to the beach take bus number 91 from Las Palmas in the north and Playa de Cura (Mogan) in the south west. This is an express bus that leaves once an hour.
Otherwise, it is not far to travel by taxi from Puerto Rico or drive yourself if you have rented a car. There is also a golf course nearby and excellent hiking terrain.
#3 Sotavento Beach, Fuerteventura
Sotavento Beach is a well-liked hangout for fans of water sports because of the perfect winds for kitesurfing and windsurfing. In addition, Sotavento Beach’s lengthy expanse of golden sand provides the ideal environment for unwinding and tanning.
At least that’s what Paulina from UK Every Day says!
For anyone looking to take in the most breathtaking views of Spain’s coastline, Sotavento is a must-visit location in the Canary Islands. It is considered one of Fuerteventura’s best beaches.
One of the easiest ways to see the island and this amazing beach is to rent a car. Just follow the signs to Costa Calma from the airport or any other area on the island. The beach is easily accessible from the airport, and it shouldn’t take more than an hour to get there.
Having access to basic amenities can significantly improve the whole beach day experience. There are several facilities available to guests at Sotavento Beach, including public restrooms and surf schools.
Everyone may find something to enjoy in Sotavento Beach, whether they are looking for adventure or peace. All year long, the winds that blow across the island create a pleasant environment for outdoor activities by relieving the extreme heat that you can expect in other parts of Europe during summertime.
#4 Playa de los Guios, Tenerife
One of the most iconic beaches in Tenerife is Playa de los Guios on the Southern part of the island, as recommended by Lara from The Best Travel Gifts. Besides being a volcanic black-sand beach, which in itself is already a unique and must-see natural phenomenon, Los Guios actually has something else that attracts visitors.
The beach lays right next to the impressive Los Gigantes Cliffs, a 500-800 meter tall (1,640-2,625 feet) rock formation, that provides the beach with a stunning backdrop. It’s this view that draws most people to this tiny beach (it only measures around 160 by 20 meters or 394 by 66 feet).
Playa de los Guios is located in Los Gigantes town and the easiest way to get there is to drive from any place you’re staying in the Southern part of Tenerife. You can park slightly up in town for free and walk down to the beach, or park closer and pay a parking fee. Alternatively, you could take the bus from other Southern towns, but ask a local to check if you’re on the right bus and where it will drop you off.
Side note: when I last visited Tenerife, I rented a car and drove around the entire island, and a stop here was a must!
Given that it’s such a small beach, you won’t have many facilities, but there are bathrooms, changing rooms, and some sun bed rental services. Once you’re done admiring the view, sunbathing on black sand, and swimming, you can walk to the Los Gigantes harbor right next door for a drink, some food, or souvenir shopping in one of the local restaurants or Spanish gift shops there.
#5 Cofete Beach, Fuerteventura
The most astonishing landscape in Fuerteventura, the island with the best beaches in the Canary archipelago, hides a 12-kilometer beach called Cofete.
Getting there implies embracing some adventure as the 19 km of unpaved road south of Morro Jable’s town makes you go slower than 20 km/h with the rental car at most times.
Once you arrive at the viewpoint of Degollada Agua Oveja, the incredible panoramic view isn’t just an appetizer of Cofete’s beach, it’s a main course itself, and you realize the bumpy ride was worth it. The only downside of this beautiful beach is its strong currents most of the days so entering the water demands being extra careful or, depending on the days, refreshing just your feet.
Even though, watching the wild sea and the golden sand sheltered by the the highest mountains of Fuerteventura will make you want to stay quite a bit enjoying the views.
If you’re in the mood for exploring, you may get closer to the white mansion that stands out in the middle of the dark mountains as it hides a curious legend and you can enter the sort-of museum inside to find out. Fuerteventura boasts a stable climate throughout the year so it’s perfect for enjoying its beaches even during winter.
#6 Playa de las Conchas, La Graciosa (day trip from Lanzarote)
Located on the tiny Canary Island of La Graciosa, Las Conchas Beach is an unspoiled gem that stands out for its golden sands, vivid turquoise waters, and surrounding volcanic landscapes. It’s truly unique, and is further enhanced by its remote and dramatic location.
It’s a favourite of Nadine from Le Long Weekend!
La Graciosa is an easy day trip from Lanzarote, and once you arrive at the port by ferry, you can walk, cycle, or take a 4WD taxi to reach this serene stretch of sand on the west coast. Cycling is the preferred option for many, although I’d suggest you hire an electric bike to make the journey over uneven terrain easier.
Once you arrive at Las Conchas, take note of the weather conditions, as it can be unsafe to swim in very windy conditions due to strong waves and currents. You don’t have to leave this up to guesswork, as flags will tell you if it’s okay to bathe or not.
On windier days, head a little further around the coast to Playa Lambra which isn’t as picturesque, but can be safer for swimming. For the best views of both beaches, take a climb up the volcanic red sand of Mont Bermeja.
There are no facilities at or near Las Conchas, so you may want to pick up some food & water at La Graciosa’s port town, Caleta del Sebo, before you depart.
#7 Playa de Papagayo, Lanzarote
Another one of the best beaches in the Canary Islands can be found on the island of Lanzarote: Playa de Papagayo. This beach comes highly recommended by Lina from World of Lina.
Despite its rather small size, Playa de Papagayo is among the most popular beaches on the entire island. With the crystal clear waters, golden sand and a natural charm the beach is a paradise you won’t find anywhere else on Lanzarote. No wonder also, it’s the most photographed beach on the island!
Playa de Papagayo is located in the very south of Lanzarote as part of the Los Ajaches National Park. The easiest way to get there is by car, however, parking is not free of charge. The better way to reach the beach is by boat. There are many great tours starting from areas such as Puerto del Carmen and they usually offer snorkeling, drinks, meals, and more!
Despite being located in a national park, you’ll find a small beach bar on the hillside where you can get something to drink or eat.
Of course, the best thing to do at Playa de Papagayo is to relax on the golden sand, soak up the sun and dive into the crystal clear water. However, don’t miss out on exploring the beaches surroundings as the landscape is truly mindblowing!
#8 Playa del Burro, Fuerteventura
Playa del Burro, also known as Playa Alzada and Glass Beach, is among the best beaches in Fuerteventura, says Samara from Spain Awaits. It’s located in the northeastern part of the island, in Corralejo Natural Park, a spectacular area with rolling sand dunes right on the ocean.
This fine white sand beach is about 300 meters long and is in a very beautiful area that attracts lots of tourists as well as locals. The landscape is particularly stunning, as the beach is surrounded by sand dunes and the Montaña Roja (Red Mountain) rises up in the distance.
In particular, it attracts fans of water sports that enjoy surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. It’s also a popular location for snorkeling, given its crystal clear waters, and there’s a fair share of nudists who also frequent Playa del Burro.
Even on a crowded day, the beach is long and wide enough and there is plenty of space for all beachgoers. This is not an ideal beach for families as the waves and undercurrents can be stronger than they seem.
Although it’s somewhat secluded, it’s still easy to get to and is accessible by both car, via the FV-1 Motorway, and public transport, using the 6 or 7 bus lines. It’s important to note, though, that there are no services available here. There are no restaurants serving food and no sun loungers for rent.
If you’re ready for an adventure, grab your beach gear, pack a picnic, and enjoy a day in paradise.
#9 El Golfo, Lanzarote
El Golfo in Lanzarote is a popular tourist attraction for its green oceanside lake, coloured by algae, and its black volcanic beach. It is a complete contrast to the golden sands of Lanzarote’s neighbouring beaches, Playa de Papagayo (mentioned above) and Playa Mujeres.
Angela from Where Angie Wanders highly recommends this beach!
Black volcanic beaches are not uncommon in the Canary Islands and are an interesting sight for those who haven’t seen one before. The sand has been formed into fine granules from volcanic rock, ground by the ocean following volcanic eruptions in the 1800s.
As you stand in the water at El Golfo, your feet immediately sink into the black sand, and as the tide ebbs and flows, you get a natural foot pumice. It’s pretty cool. Look out for olivine amongst the black sand, a green semi-precious stone made into jewellery by local craftspeople.
The ocean is rough due to its remote position on the island, so visitors tend to use the beach to relax and sunbathe rather than to swim. A path leads from the beach up the cliff face if you fancy a walk and at the top you will get panoramic views of the area.
After time on the beach, the nearby white-washed fishing village of El Golfo is a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner at a traditional seafront taverna; they serve the freshest fish and island-produced wine you could wish for.
El Golfo is situated at the southernmost point of Timanfaya National Park and is a drive of around 20 minutes on the LZ-2 from the main tourist resort of Playa Blanca.
#10 Playa del Matorral, Fuerteventura
Playa del Matorral, on the southern coast of Fuerteventura, is not only one of the best beaches in the Canary Islands, but truly one of the best in Spain. This statement was made by Carrie from the Daydream Drifters.
The vastness of the beach, crystal clear water, and the soft golden sand makes this beach feel more like it’s located in the Caribbean.
This beach is in the town of Morro Jable. The best way to arrive is by car via the FV-2 road. It’s also accessible on foot if you’re staying nearby. There is a large parking lot close to the beach.
If you’re looking for the best restaurants nearby, there are a few great options to consider. For a great ocean view, Leo’s is a fantastic choice with its Spanish cuisine. For those craving burgers and fries, NOMADS is the place to go for delicious and satisfying burgers.
And if you’re in need of a pick-me-up with some coffee or pastries, Confushion Lounge is your go-to pastry shop. Each of these restaurants offers something unique and tasty, ensuring a great dining experience.
If you want to stay in a hotel near the island, I recommend Hotel XQ El Palacete or Hotel Riu Palace Jandia – both great options!
Tips for visiting Playa del Matorral
- It’s a perfect place to snorkel because the visibility underwater is excellent. Don’t forget your mask and snorkel!
- There are often sting rays that come up and say hello to swimmers. You don’t need to be scared – they are super playful and just want attention.
- Don’t leave without hiking up to the viewpoint because the view cannot be beat! To get to the viewpoint, walk to Restaurante La Farola del Mar and look for the stairs. Go up the stairs until you see the church bell tower. Walk a little bit past and you’ve arrived!
- Visit the Matorral lighthouse at sunset for some stunning photos.
#11 Playa de Las Nieves, Gran Canaria
Playa de las Nieves is a beautiful beach in Agaete, a pretty town in the west of Gran Canaria. The beach is small and narrow but has an incredible back drop of the famous Dragon’s Tail geological formation. The water here is crystal clear, with beautiful shades of azure and turquoise.
The beach is covered with pebbles and black volcanic sand. There aren’t many facilities on this beach, except for toilets, so bring your own towel to lie on.
The beach is served by many restaurants and terraces that serve fish and seafood dishes and are very popular with the locals.
Nearby, you will also find the natural pools which are so famous in Agaete. These pools were created by past volcanic eruptions and are filled with water directly by the ocean. The terrain here is rough, but there are manmade stairs which are helpful for getting in and out of the water.
Sunbathing on Playa de las Nieves and then taking a cold dip in the ocean water of the natural pools are some of the best things to do in Agaete.
Getting to Agaete is easy, with local buses from Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria. The journey time is less than two hours. If you hire a car, you can drive here in around 30 minutes.
🤩 Gran Canaria is a great place to learn to scuba dive!
The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Canary Islands
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands for travellers to Spain have to be those included on our list above.
From the stunning, black sand beaches of El Golfo and Playa de los Guios, to the white sand beaches of Puerto de Mogan and Playa de Sotavento, these are just some of the incredible places you can visit when exploring Spain’s Canary Islands.
And don’t forget about all of the other great sites like Cofete Beach and Los Hervideros. With such beauty spread across the islands, there’s always something new to discover!
FAQs About Canary Island beaches
Below I have answered some frequently asked questions about the Canary Islands’ beaches. If any are missing, leave a comment below!
Fuerteventura has some beautiful beaches, and perhaps the best in the Canary islands. Tenerife also has some great beaches.
Yes, all of the Canary Islands have volcanic beaches. The beaches here are incredibly unique due to the black sand, created from lava and ash that cooled off after a volcanic eruption. Depending on the island you visit, these beaches can vary in color as well as size.
Playa de Las Teresitas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the most popular beaches in the Canary Islands. Located near the city of Santa Cruz, this picturesque beach features golden sand and crystal blue waters that make it a major tourist destination.
Yes! The Canary Islands have some great spots for surfing, with waves ranging from beginner-friendly to more challenging ones for experienced surfers. La Caleta Beach in Fuerteventura, El Confital Beach in Gran Canaria, and La Izquierda in Tenerife are all popular surfing spots.
Yes! The clear waters of the Atlantic surrounding the Canary Islands provide plenty of opportunity for snorkeling and exploring its diverse marine life. Some popular spots include El Cabrón Natural Marine Reserve on Lanzarote, Playa del Puertito de Adeje on Tenerife, Puerto Mogan on Gran Canaria, and La Concha Beach on Fuerteventura.
All of the Canary Islands has white beaches, though most are man made as the natural sand on the islands is black volcanic sand.
Fuerteventura is known for its long stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters – it’s the second largest of the Canary Islands, with more than 150 beaches!
🤩 Join this tour to watch the sunset and stargaze from Teide national park!
Final Thoughts: The Best Canary Island Beaches
The Canary Islands are one of the best places to go for a beach holiday in Spain, with crystal-clear waters, stunning mountain views and plenty of activities to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed beach break or an action-packed adventure, the Canary Islands have something for everyone.
So why not take some time out of your hectic schedules to explore the beauty that these islands offer? With our informative blog posts about the best beaches in each island, you can plan your dream beach holiday without any hassle. So don’t miss out – check out all beach articles on Fjords and Beaches now!