The Canary Islands beaches are among the finest in Spain. The beaches and the super weather is why tourism is always so high to this country. With 82 million visitors to Spain in 2017, this is now the number one country for tourism in the world.
The beaches in the Canary Islands are without a doubt one of the leading attractions. The climate here is warm in winter and spring which means more beach action for everyone.
Which Are The Best Canary Islands Beaches?
More flock here during the winter months as the temperature plummets further north. The Canaries are well known for being among the warmest European destinations in winter thanks to the tropical climate here. There is always the promise of sunshine here whenever you decide to visit.
Below is our pick of the best beaches in the Canary Islands. There are also links to other pages so you can find out the best beaches for each island.
Quick Links
Papagayo
Playa Grande
Las Canteras
Maspalomas
Las Teresitas
Puerto Naos
Puerto Rico
Caleta de Fuste
Puerto del Carmen
Papagayo Beach, Lanzarote
Papagayo beach in Lanzarote is one of the most beautiful in the Canary Islands. This beach is also one of the most remote which adds to the appeal. Papagayo is actually a series of small beaches and coves. We refer to the main beach which has a crescent moon shape and cliffs on both sides (picture above).
Papagayo lies on the southern tip of Lanzarote to the east of Playa Blanca. There are a few options available if you want to pay this beach a visit. The Princess Yaiza water taxi from Playa Blanca which will cost you 15 Euros. There is also a road which is little more than a dirt track if you choose to drive. Driving will cost you 3 Euros but includes parking.
From this location you will have views of Isla de Lobos and Fuerteventura to the south. The tropical Isla de Lobos is a tiny islet that is no longer inhabited.
Playa Grande, Corralejo, Fuerteventura
Playa Grande (big beach) lies on the northwestern tip of Fuerteventura in Corralejo. This super beach is almost opposite Papagayo in Lanzarote. Corralejo’s Natural Park and sand dunes run alongside Playa Grande.
The water here is crystal clear on the shore which becomes darker as it gets deeper. From here there are incredible views of Isla de Lobos. Playa Grande is so vast that you are unlikely to worry about finding a spot to bathe. There is up to 10 km’s of beach to relax during your holiday. Regular boat trips leave from Corralejo if you want to visit Isla de Lobo in Lanzarote
Playa Las Canteras, Gran Canaria
Playa Las Canteras in Gran Canaria is without a doubt one of the top Canary Islands beaches. This beautiful urban beach lies in the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Las Canteras has a length of 3100 metres and an average width of 50 metres.
This super beach makes up most of the northwestern tip of Gran Canaria. A beautiful promenade runs alongside Las Canteras with many businesses. The city of Las Palmas also adds to the appeal of this beach. Most of the top beaches in the Canary Island belong to resorts far away from major cities.
Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
Maspalomas is another super beach belonging to the island of Gran Canaria. This beach is extra special because of the sand dunes that run behind. The sand for Maspalomas beach extends for 2700 metres. Playa del Inglés is a further extension of this already massive beach. To the north of this beach is Maspalomas resort which is always popular with tourist.
Maspalomas beach is one of the top naturist beaches in the Canary Islands. Many that like to shed their clothing will head to the sand dunes. When you see the camel rides you could be forgiven for thinking you are in the Sahara Desert. One area of Maspalomas is popular with gay tourists. The island generally has quite a vibrant gay scene and has done for several decades.
The location of Maspalomas is ideal if you want to visit some of the other popular areas. The resort of Playa del Inglés is right next door with Meloneras and San Agustin close also.
Las Teresitas, Tenerife
Most of the beaches in Tenerife are black volcanic sand but there are some exceptions. The super Las Teresitas is one of the top beaches with artificial sand. Like many of the Canary Islands beaches, Teresitas relies on the Sahara for it’s sand.
This does not detract from the beauty of this beach in the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This is the only beach with white sand in the whole of Tenerife. It’s also by far the most popular with more visitors than any other. Las Teresitas has a length of 1300 metres and an average width of 80 metres.
Playa de Puerto Naos, La Palma
We wanted to try and represent all the main islands in this article and this is the pick for La Palma. Playa de Puerto Naos is the top beach by miles on the pretty island of La Palma. This beach boasts some of the most incredible sunsets in the Canary Islands.
The black volcanic sand of Playa de Puerto Naos may not be as attractive but do not let that mislead you. This little fishing village is one of the most beautiful places on the island. The surrounding mountains and palm trees only add to the appeal of this super location.
More Super Canary Islands Beaches
We have put some links in to separate pages which go into more detail about each resort. These pages also provide more information about the best beaches to check out.
Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria
The main beach of Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria is another with artificial sand. This resort is one of the best for families away from the noisier areas. This is not the biggest beach so it can get busier than some. This beach has a width of 280 metres.
Calete de Fuste, Fuerteventura
The main beach of Caleta de Fuste in Fuerteventura is the centrepiece of this pretty resort. This beach lies in a horseshoe shape bay with breakers that keeps the waves calm. This is a perfect beach for families in another popular location.
Playa Grande, Puerto del Carmen
Playa Grande is the top beach in Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote. This beach is 1200 metres in length in a super location. The popular Puerto del Carmen resort is one of the top tourist locations in Lanzarote. The main beach is well worth a visit the next time you are here.