11 Best Beaches in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are sure to put a spell on you. At least, that was my story. This Spanish archipelago in Macaronesia, off the coast of West Africa, is a region of diverse ecosystems, marvelous landscapes, a myriad of outdoor adventures, and magical beaches. From volcanic black-sand stunners on Tenerife to sprawling golden-sand desert stretches on Gran Canaria, the white-sand idyll on Fuerteventura, Lanzarote's gorgeous wild bays, and La Grasiosa's intimate ocean escapes—you're in for a treat on the Canaries. My fascination with the islands began in Tenerife almost a decade ago, and I keep coming back to experience their irresistible charm and untamed energy.

Best for the scenery and naturism

One of the most enchanting beaches in all of Spain, Maspalomas is a spectacular stretch of more than 5 miles of golden sands. It's backed by nearly 1,000 acres of Sahara-like dunes. The beach is divided into several sections: Playa del Inglés is the most developed, with access to the resort town, while the Kiosco 5 is a LGBTQ-friendly and nudist part. You'd think that such a vast desert area would be a remote and desolate place, but it's the opposite in Maspalomas. The magical dunes are easily accessible from the resort town, which encircles them. In the same hour, you can enjoy windsurfing and sunbathe naked with the picturesque high dunes backdrop, and then savor the seafood at the elegant five-star Riu Hotel restaurant. My favorite part about Maspalomas is the sunset—get yourself a spot atop the ridge and marvel at the orange-hued natural show.

Best urban beach in the Canaries

One of the world's greatest urban beaches, Las Canteras is a delight. Stretching for practically the whole center of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria's capital city, it defines the local experience. There's no water activity you cannot do at Las Canteras. It's the main accompaniment to scenic walks, eating out at the borderwalk restaurants, lounging and sunbathing on the sands, kitesurfing, and even snorkeling. There is a reef in the middle of the beach, where you can dive and explore the underwater life. The southern end is the surfing hotspot, where you'll have perfect conditions for conquering the waves. Las Canteras is also a family-friendly beach. The water access is mostly shallow, the sand is soft and there are several playgrounds. 

Best resort beach with calm waters

Puerto Rico is a sheltered sandy bay surrounded by a classic resort town on Gran Canaria's south coast. It's not the most scenic of the stretches, but it's perfect for kids. Breakwaters protect the beach, ensuring that the water is calm. The soft sand is ideal for sunbathing, building castles, playing around and wading in shallow ocean. In other words, it's one of the coolest family-friendly beaches on the Canaries. Also, the restaurants, tall hotels, and bars with live music around give Puerto Rico a feel of mainland Spain—you can mistake yourself for being in Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol. Check out the open-air Shopping Center Puerto Rico for boutique stores and a big food court. 

Best for black sand and cave exploration

There are beaches for relaxed swimming, and then there are beaches for nature admiration. While you can swim at Ajuy when the ocean is calm, that's not the main reason to come. It is a stunning black-sand beach on the west coast of Fuerteventura, formed by the volcanic ash. There's a charming, windy fishing village with several family-run seafood restaurants. But Ajuy is most famous for its caves. Cuevas de Ajuy is a breathtaking complex of 30-million-year-old volcanic caves. There's a hiking trail through this coastal wonder that allows you to feel the geological power of the site.

Best for families and city life

Los Cristianos is quite a divisive Tenerife destination. If your idea of a Canary holiday is beach-hopping through deserted stretches, exploring the untamed coast, and discovering hidden natural pools, it's better to visit other places. But if you enjoy being in the center of resort action—a lively promenade with cafes, high-end hotels with spa complexes, buzzy city life—Playa de Los Cristianos and the neighboring Playa de las Vistas would work perfectly. Both stretches come with fine golden sands, sports facilities. and beach bars, while being minutes away from the center of Tenerife's most popular holiday city. Also, these stretches are among the most accessible on the island, with wheelchair and pushchair access. The shallow ocean access, calm water, and playgrounds will make families happy. Another tourist high-hitter in the vicinity is Playa de las Américas, located near a popular shopping quarter. 

Best for shallow waters and soft white sands

With over 5.6 miles in length, Playa de Sotavento de Jandía is Fuerteventura's most striking beach. It's especially beautiful during the low tide, when the ocean forms shallow lagoons. Sotavento is great for families with kids—just imagine the wading and castle-building opportunities here. The beach is huge, so there's never an issue with finding a spot. Thanks to ever-present winds, the stretch is a go-to for windsurfers and kitesurfers, who can endlessly enjoy the turquoise riding. Playa de Sotavento de Jandía is an umbrella name for five beaches between Jandía and Costa Calma. Playa de la Barca is the most favorite kitesurfing spot.

Best for the breathtaking scenery

Bordered by the Mars-like Montaña Roja volcano, La Tejita is among Tenerife's most photogenic wild beaches. It's a wide expanse of golden sands with the remote allure and beautiful ocean views. The beach is easily accessible from the village of La Tejita. If you're looking for a place to take all your clothes off on Tenerife, La Tejita also doubles as a popular nudist spot. Go to the area next to Montaña Roja for a clothing-optional zone. You can also go to the top of the Special Nature Reserve Montaña Roja—the scenic hiking trails start from La Tejita beach. Another unique bathing site to check is Piscinas Naturales Los Abrigos: a series of natural pools in the volcanic black rocks. This sublime location is between La Mareta and Los Abrigos. 

Best for silky soft sands 

If you love sandy beaches, Corralejo is the one. Flanked by the largest dunes in the Canaries, it's a spectacular area for bathing. The beach starts at the southern end of the resort town of Corralejo and stretches for miles. It gets wilder and less crowded as you go further south. Being in such a place feels sublime—the dune setting is awe-inspiring and the milky sand sports a Caribbean look. Two things to know about Corralejo: the water might be cold, and the wind will most probably be strong. It's the open ocean, so don't expect a calm sea. Sunbathing will be amazing. As with other Fuerteventura beaches, Corralejo is the ultimate windsurfing spot. You can rent equipment in town or at the Flag Beach watersports center. There are two Riu resorts right in the middle of the beach for a scenic stay. A short ferry ride from Corralejo will take you to Isla Lobos, an idyllic islet with more divine sandy beaches.

Best for wild allure and naturism

There are many remote beaches on the Canary Islands, but Playa de las Conchas takes the crown. Located on La Graciosa, a small island off the coast of Lanzarote, this stretch is a magnificent spot, offering golden sands and blue ocean. Reaching it requires some effort—all the roads on La Graciosa are unpaved, and biking is the best option. Once you're there, it's a dreamy view of the unspoilt Atlantic. Bathing is a challenge due to strong currents, but sunbathing is a must. Playa de las Conchas is clothing-optional, so bare it all if you feel like it. The wild local landscapes are perfect for naturism. 

Best for swimming

Las Teresitas is gorgeous. A crescent-shaped strip backed by the greenish brown mountains. It's a perfect postcard view. Las Teresitas is also unlike any other beach in Tenerife. This mile-long stretch is man-made. It was constructed in the '70s to serve the port of Santa Cruz. 270,000 tons of the Sahara's white sand were brought to the island to create this bay. Today, it's among the most popular stretches on Tenerife—both for the looks and the beach itself. Thanks to a long breakwater in front, there are no waves, and the sea is almost always tranquil. A perched village of San Andrés, at the beginning of Las Teresitas, creates a picturesque backdrop.  

Best for lunar landscapes and pristine surroundings

One of the most beautiful beaches on the Canary Islands is in Lanzarote. Papayago, on the island's southernmost tip, is a striking cove between two cliffs. Come here for soft white sands, larger-than-life ocean views, and the unspoilt rocky coast. The beach is well-sheltered from strong winds, so swimming is easy. Thanks to the underwater reefs, snorkeling at Papagayo is fantastic. Try Canarian food with the ocean views at Be Papagayo chirunguito, a traditional Spanish beach bar with grilled seafood and drinks. You will find more dreamy white sand at Playa de la Cera, Playa del Pozo, and Playa Mujeres north of Papagayo.