Hidden Gem Beaches in the Canary Islands
We rank the 4 hidden gem beaches in the Canary Islands. Playa de Cofete (Spain) comes first with 4.6 / 5, followed by Playa de Benijo, Tenerife, Playa de El Medano, Tenerife.
The sea reaches about 22 degrees C in season, and most of these beaches are at their best from June to September. 2 of the 4 have easy access, and 4 are hidden gems.
1Playa de Cofete
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain · 4.6 / 5 · Challenging access · about 20 °CA wide, wild beach of golden sand below the Jandia mountains, with strong waves and very few facilities.
2Playa de Benijo, Tenerife
Benijo, Anaga, Tenerife · 4.5 / 5 · Challenging access · about 22 °CPlaya de Benijo is a beach of dark sand and rocks below the Anaga mountains on the north-east coast of Tenerife, with sea stacks called the Roques de Anaga rising from the water.
3Playa de El Medano, Tenerife
El Medano, Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife, Canary Islands · 4.4 / 5 · Easy access · about 23 °CEl Medano is a seaside town on the south-east coast of Tenerife, with a long beach of golden sand beside the volcanic cone of Montana Roja.
4Playa de Mogan, Gran Canaria
Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands · 4.4 / 5 · Easy access · about 24 °CPlaya de Mogan is a small beach of golden sand beside the harbour of Puerto de Mogan, a village of white houses, flowers and canals on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria.
Quick comparison
| # | Beach | Country | Score | Water | Best season | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Playa de Cofete | Spain | 4.6 | 20 °C | April–October | Challenging |
| 2 | Playa de Benijo, Tenerife | Spain | 4.5 | 22 °C | June–September | Challenging |
| 3 | Playa de El Medano, Tenerife | Spain | 4.4 | 23 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 4 | Playa de Mogan, Gran Canaria | Spain | 4.4 | 24 °C | June–September | Easy |
How we picked these beaches
Included when we flag the beach as a hidden gem, meaning it is quieter than the headline beaches nearby, then ranked by editorial score. See how we rate beaches for the full method.
Frequently asked questions
Which are the top-rated hidden gem beaches in the Canary Islands?
Our top three are Playa de Cofete (4.6 out of 5), Playa de Benijo, Tenerife (4.5 out of 5), Playa de El Medano, Tenerife (4.4 out of 5). Scores are editorial ratings from the EuroShores team.
When is the best time to visit these beaches?
Most are at their best from June to September. Water temperatures average about 22 degrees C in season. Each beach page lists its exact season.
Which of these beaches are easiest to reach?
Playa de El Medano, Tenerife, Playa de Mogan, Gran Canaria have easy access. The others need a walk, stairs or a rougher road, so check the access note on each page.