A trip to any of the Canary Islands wouldn’t be complete without a stop at one of the many stunning beaches found nestled in this alluring corner of the globe. Whichever of the islands you land on, you will be presented with a veritable smorgasbord of glorious beaches, catering to the needs of all kinds of traveller.
Whether you’re looking for a safe, spacious beach for your children to enjoy, or want a more secluded retreat, there is something for everyone in the Spanish Canary Islands. Below, we run through three must-see beaches from three of the area’s most popular islands, to provide some inspiration for your next holiday.
Famara Beach, Lanzarote
With 250km of coastline, it’s little wonder that Lanzarote boasts an enviable collection of stunning beaches. One that will feature on any best of Lanzarote list is Famara Beach. Framed by the dramatic cliffs of Famara, this unique seaside hotspot is popular amongst water sport enthusiasts and thrill seekers alike. Due to the constant winds and nature of the waves in the area, this spot encourages daring holidaymakers to try their hand at a range of water-based activities, from surfing to paragliding.
Located in the northwest of the island, Famara beach is easily accessible, with public transport linking it to the surrounding towns or it’s easy to pick up a car rental in Lanzarote. You don’t have to be a pro surfer to enjoy the choppy waters of Famara, either – there are plenty of surf schools in the area to guide you through your experience.
Alternatively, this quieter corner of the island offers a place for the more landborne traveller to lay back and watch others struggle to master the surfboard. There is also the opportunity to go on long cliffside walks, before heading into the fishing village of La Caleta de Famara for some hard-earned dinner.
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Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
One of the most well-known and popular beaches in this part of the world, Maspalomas is the jewel in the crown of the Canary Islands’ extensive catalogue of beaches. Famed for its far-reaching sand dunes and stunning views, Maspalomas stretches for 3km, offering something to do for all types of travellers. Such is the beauty and ecological importance of the dunes, this area has been a designated nature reserve since 1987.
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However, authorities are demanding that travellers enjoy this beach slightly differently in the wake of the pandemic. With the general aesthetic of the dunes vastly improving since lockdowns reduced footfall in the area, local authorities have now installed designated trails, clearly signalled for visitors to stick to at all times.
Make no mistake, this will in no way inhibit your experience of the beach. For travelling couples, why not hang around until evening time to watch the sun set behind the Maspalomas lighthouse, before heading into the adjoining resort of Playa del Ingles to soak up the local nightlife. Meanwhile, with calm waters, lifeguards on hand, and plenty of room to roam around, this unique beach will also appeal to travelling families looking to keep the kids entertained
Playa Las Vistas, Tenerife
Any list concerning the Canary Islands’ best beaches would not be complete without a nod to Tenerife’s expansive offering. Being the biggest of all the islands in this area, Tenerife is blessed with a vast array of seaside spots, catering to all types of travelling parties. One of the best, and for good reason, is Playa Las Vistas, situated on the southern coast of the island.
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Playa Las Vistas, which translates to ‘Beach of the Views’, is one of a number of Blue Flag beaches on the island, and remains one of the most popular spots for visitors and locals alike. Whilst many of Tenerife’s beaches have been designed with accessibility in mind, Las Vistas is one of the most disability-friendly beaches anywhere on the island. The beach is accessible by wheelchair, and the placid waters are perfect for visitors with reduced mobility.
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