Best Beaches in the Canary Islands
8 hand-picked beaches in the Canary Islands, ranked by our editors. Top pick: Playa de Sotavento (4.7 / 5).
Playa de Sotavento
Jandia, Fuerteventura · Turquoise lagoon and long sandbar on Fuerteventura · 4.7 / 5
Maspalomas Dunes
Maspalomas, Gran Canaria · Golden Sahara-like dunes meeting the Atlantic · 4.7 / 5
Playa de Cofete
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain · Wild Atlantic Sweep · 4.6 / 5
Playa de Papagayo
Playa Blanca, Lanzarote · Golden Cove below Volcanic Cliffs · 4.6 / 5
Playa de las Teresitas
San Andres, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain · Long Golden Beach below the Anaga Mountains · 4.5 / 5
Playa de Famara
Caleta de Famara, Teguise, Lanzarote · Huge Atlantic beach below volcanic cliffs · 4.5 / 5
Playa de las Canteras
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria · Long city beach sheltered by a natural reef · 4.5 / 5
El Cotillo Beach
El Cotillo, Fuerteventura · Windy sandy beach with turquoise water and windsurfers · 4.5 / 5About beaches in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have mild weather all year and a wide range of beaches, from golden dunes to black volcanic sand. Wind and Atlantic swell affect some beaches, so check conditions before swimming.
When to go
Beach weather is possible all year. Summer is hotter and drier, winter is mild, and the Atlantic water stays cooler than the Mediterranean even in summer.
Getting around
Flights or ferries link the islands, and a hire car is the easiest way to get around each island. Check wind and waves before you swim.
Easiest beaches to reach
Playa de las Teresitas, Playa de Famara, Playa de las Canteras, El Cotillo Beach.
Quieter hidden gems
All beaches at a glance
- Playa de Sotavento: best April–October, water about 22 degrees C, access moderate.
- Maspalomas Dunes: best Year-round, water about 22 degrees C, access moderate.
- Playa de Cofete: best April–October, water about 20 degrees C, access challenging.
- Playa de Papagayo: best April–October, water about 21 degrees C, access moderate.
- Playa de las Teresitas: best Year-round, water about 21 degrees C, access easy.
- Playa de Famara: best April–October, water about 22 degrees C, access easy.
- Playa de las Canteras: best Year-round, water about 22 degrees C, access easy.
- El Cotillo Beach: best April–October, water about 22 degrees C, access easy.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the beaches in the Canary Islands?
Beach weather is possible all year. Summer is hotter and drier, winter is mild, and the Atlantic water stays cooler than the Mediterranean even in summer.
Which beaches in the Canary Islands are easiest to reach?
The easiest access is at Playa de las Teresitas, Playa de Famara, Playa de las Canteras, El Cotillo Beach. Check each beach page for parking and facilities.
Do I need a car for the beaches in the Canary Islands?
Flights or ferries link the islands, and a hire car is the easiest way to get around each island. Check wind and waves before you swim.