The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches of the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are Europe's most reliable beach destination – and for good reason. Over 300 sunny days a year, water temperatures that rarely drop below 19 degrees even in January, and a diversity that few island groups in the world can match: black lava beaches, white sand dunes, turquoise bays. We have selected the ten beaches that truly stay with you.

1. Playa de las Canteras – Gran Canaria

The city beach of Las Palmas is one of the best urban beaches in the world: four kilometres of golden sand, a natural rock reef as a wave breaker, and a promenade with genuine local restaurants rather than tourist traps. Those staying in Las Palmas have the beach almost to themselves in the mornings.

2. Corralejo – Fuerteventura

The nature park in northern Fuerteventura consists of kilometres of wandering dunes of white quartz dust that look like a Sahara backdrop – only with turquoise Atlantic behind them. The beaches south of Corralejo are among the most beautiful in the entire archipelago and have remained largely undeveloped thanks to their protected status.

3. Playa de Cofete – Fuerteventura

Cofete is the most dramatic stretch of beach in the Canaries: twelve kilometres of wild, undeveloped shore backed by a mountain range that rises like a natural wall from the earth. The track access deters many – which makes Cofete one of the few truly empty large beaches in the archipelago. Swimming only with caution due to undertows.

4. El Médano – Tenerife

El Médano is a windsurfer's mecca and one of the few Tenerife beaches where the wind is a character trait rather than a nuisance. The wide sandy beach, calm promenade and absence of high-rise hotels give El Médano a relaxed quality that the rest of the south coast lacks. Evenings here are for eating, not partying.

5. Los Gigantes – Tenerife

The cliffs of Los Gigantes drop vertically 600 metres into the sea – one of the Canaries' most impressive backdrops. The small black sand beach below is a special place: volcanic rock, turquoise water, the walls like a natural amphitheatre. Boat trips from here towards Teno occasionally offer dolphin and whale sightings.

6. Playa de Papagayo – Lanzarote

The Papagayo bay in southern Lanzarote is a collection of small beaches between lava cliffs – the water here is exceptionally clear and snorkelling is excellent. Protected status prevents mass development; a small vehicle entry fee keeps visitor numbers manageable. No shade, so bring sunscreen.

7. Playa de Nogales – La Palma

La Palma is the green island – and Nogales is its wildest beach: black lava pebbles, cliffs, almost no facilities, and a descent via a winding track that deters most visitors. That is precisely what makes Nogales the antithesis of the crowded resort beach. La Palma as a whole is one of the archipelago's best-kept secrets.

8. Playa de la Aldea – Gran Canaria

In the remote west of Gran Canaria, beyond the Barranco de Guayadeque and the nature reserve, lies La Aldea – a fishing village with a beach that virtually no guidebook mentions. Black shingle, clear water, a small fish restaurant. The coastal road from Mogán is itself half the experience.

9. Playa de Sotavento – Fuerteventura

Sotavento is the official venue of the Windsurfing and Kitesurfing World Championship, and with good reason: the lagoon that forms at low tide between spit and reef is a shallow, warm, turquoise basin that works equally well for beginners and professionals. At high tide a beach; at low tide its own small inland sea.

10. Maspalomas Dunes – Gran Canaria

The Maspalomas dunes are Gran Canaria's most famous landscape – and despite their renown, undeniably spectacular. Twenty hectares of sand dunes, a nature reserve adjoining the island's largest resort area. Those who come early morning or in the evening have the dunes almost to themselves – and the golden light does the rest.