The Best Beaches in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa. Since prehistoric times, they have been inhabited by humans and were visited by Portuguese sailors in the 15th century. There are seven major islands: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canary, Tenerife, or Tenerefe as it is known to locals (the largest island), La Palma, Gomera, and El Hierro.

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The Canary Islands make for a great vacation destination if you want to escape from the cold winter weather back home. It is almost impossible to pick the best beaches here as there are so many, but here are some of my favorites.

Best Beaches on Lanzarote Island

Lanzarote is one of the most popular holiday destinations for tourists visiting the Canary Islands because it is beautiful, and Lanzarote has excellent weather throughout the year. Lanzarote Island enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year and temperatures that range from 60 F to 86 F year-round. It has a great variety of beaches, making it the perfect place for holidaymakers looking for sun, sand, and sea.

The beaches on Lanzarote are some of the best beaches in Spain and feature picturesque views. Lanzarote is a volcanic island with black-sand beaches and clear blue waters. The biggest city there is Puerto Del Carmen, located along Playa Grande or Grand Beach.

Playa Blanca is Lanzarote’s most popular beach, offering a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. The water here is calm with flat-water conditions, so it makes for an ideal place to enjoy watersport activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, or kite surfing.

Other beaches worth visiting include Papagayo Beach, Puerto del Carmen Beach, and La Geria.

Best Beaches on Fuerteventura Island

Fuerteventura is a great place to visit if you’re looking for sun, sea, and sand. Fuerteventura is one of the eastern Canary Islands located just off the coast of Africa. It is the second largest Canary Island and is 60 miles in length. Fuerteventura has over 150 beaches, making it a perfect destination for those looking for some beach time during their holiday. Fuerteventura Island enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year and has a subtropical climate. Fuerteventura is known as the “Island of Eternal Spring” because it stays warm throughout all seasons, so you can enjoy holidaying here all year round!

If you want to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, then head over to the Jandía peninsula. This expansive sand beach is on the island’s southwest tip, with a lighthouse and nature reserve. Here you will find beach lovers from all over the world basking under a hot Canary sun or cooling off in the crystal-clear water.

Costa Calma Beach is located close to the town of La Lajita. It is known for its clear, turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Costa Calma Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sea. There are also many restaurants and bars nearby if you want to grab a bite or drink. Costa Calma Beach is worth visiting if you are looking for some beautiful beaches on Fuerteventura Island!

Best Beaches on Gran Canary Island

Gran Canary Island, also known as Gran Canaria, is another popular place to visit. It has beautiful beaches and incredible mountainous landscapes and cities that provide holidaymakers with lots to do. Gran Canary Island enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an excellent place for beach lovers who want to spend their days basking in the sun or exploring Gran Canary’s beautiful beaches.

Gran Canaria is a volcanic island with over 155 miles of beaches and clear blue waters. Many people choose Gran Canaria for its diverse landscapes, including mountainous areas, deserts, forests, canyons, and even waterfalls!

On Gran Canary Island, you will find the world-famous beaches of Maspalomas, located in the south of the island. These beaches offer a wide variety of activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving. The area is also known for its sand dunes that reach up to 40 meters in height—making it an exciting place to explore! There is also a nudist bathing area. Nearby you will also find restaurants, bars, and nightclubs should you need some entertainment after a long day at the beach.

Best Beaches on Tenerife Island

Tenerife Island is the largest of all the Canary Islands, and it’s no wonder that it’s a popular tourist destination. Tenerife has something for everyone—whether you’re looking for beaches, nightlife, or mountainous landscapes. Tenerife enjoys year-round sunshine with temperatures that range from 60 F to 86 F, so you can be sure to find a climate that suits you.

The most popular beaches on Tenerife are found along Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, offering everything from swimming and sunbathing to surfing and windsurfing. The beaches are well maintained and have all the necessary amenities, including showers, toilets, and changing rooms. There is also a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby should you need them.

Best Beaches on La Palma Island

La Palma has something for everyone, whether you want to go kitesurfing, diving, or soak up the sun! The beaches on La Palma Island are some of the most secluded in the Canary Islands, making them a great place to relax away from the crowds. Most of these beaches can only be reached by foot or by boat, so it’s worth hiring a car to explore this beautiful island!

Puerto de Naos y Charco Verde Beach is a small, secluded bay with stunning turquoise waters. It’s also one of La Palma’s best-kept secrets. Here you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing as well as snorkeling if you want to be more active and you’re not too keen on sunbathing all day.

Puerto Naos Beach is the most extensive beach on La Palma Island. It is a beautiful black-sand beach with a wide promenade ideal for walking, jogging, or rollerblading. Puerto Naos is an excellent place for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving. The beach is also well-known for its tranquility, making it the perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Best Beaches on Gomera Island

Gomera Island is one of the smallest Canary Islands, and its popularity is growing as a tourist destination. Gomera is known for its stunning landscapes, including forests, canyons, and waterfalls. It has a rich culture which you can explore in the towns and villages on the island.

The most popular attraction on Gomera Island is the Garajonay National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to various plants and animals, including the Gomera dragon tree, which is over 1,000 years old. The park can be explored on foot or by bike, making it the perfect way to explore this beautiful island.

Gomera Island is also known for its black-sand beaches, which provide a stark contrast against the bright blue waters surrounding it. Playa de las Vistas or Beach of the Views features a stunning beach with views over San Sebastian de La Gomera, known for having clear waters and white-sand dunes. It is perfect for swimming and snorkeling right next to it with calm waves, so bring your water shoes.

Playa Santiago is another beautiful black-sand beach on Gomera Island. Playa Santiago is known for its clear waters and good snorkeling opportunities, as well as being a great place to fish or relax with a picnic under the shade of palm trees.

Best Beaches on El Hierro Island

The beaches on El Hierro Island are some of the most secluded in the Canary Islands. Like Gomera Island, this island is a great place to relax away from the crowds. Most of these beaches can only be reached by foot or by boat, so renting a car to explore this beautiful island is recommended!

The most popular beaches on El Hierro Island can be found along both its east and west coasts. On the eastern coast, you will find beaches like Fonte D’Ouro Cove, where visitors can enjoy swimming among abundant marine life as well as exploring nearby caves. Along the western side, there are black-sand beaches such as El Golfo (the Gulf), located just north of Valverde town.

Playa de la Catedral is El Hierro’s most well-known beach. The beach is located in the town of Valverde—El Hierro’s capital city, which also happens to be known for being one of El Hierro Island’s sunniest places! Playa de la Catedral features stunning turquoise waters and golden sand dunes perfect for relaxing or admiring the views. There are also a few restaurants and cafes nearby should you need a break from the sun!

So, there you have it, some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands, Spain. From turquoise waters and white dunes on La Palma Island to Gomera’s stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site national park to El Hierro’s sunniest beaches to the famous Gran Canaria Island, there is a little bit of everything in this beautiful archipelago. The best thing about visiting these islands is that they are all accessible by ferry from Tenerife. Whether you’re looking for secluded beaches, black-sand beaches, or golden sands, you’re sure to find the perfect beach for your holiday!

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