Curated guide · the Canaries
142 verified sandy beaches, ranked with Blue Flag certifications first.
Curated by the Beach Atlas team · Updated June 2026
Sandy beaches in the Canary Islands come in three distinct colours: pale golden sand (often Saharan, carried across on the trade winds), bright white shell sand, and the dramatic black volcanic sand the islands are famous for. All share gradual shallow entries and are comfortable underfoot, suiting families with young children, anyone with mobility considerations, and visitors who prefer to wade in from shore rather than off rocks.
Golden and white sand concentrate on Fuerteventura — home to the islands' longest beaches — and the resort coast of Gran Canaria around the Maspalomas dunes. Tenerife mixes imported golden sand at its southern resorts with striking black-sand beaches near Santa Cruz, while Lanzarote and La Graciosa hide pale, calm coves between volcanic headlands. Dramatic black volcanic sand defines the wilder northern shores of Tenerife and La Palma. Blue Flag and organised sandy beaches are surfaced first below.
Showing #1 – #10 of 142 ranked beaches
Best for: soft sand underfoot, organized setup
Las Cucharas is a sandy beach on Lanzarote's east coast, sheltered within a bay that offers consistent winds, making it a prime spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The waters are generally moderate but with sufficient wave action for board sports. Facilities include a lifeguard and small parking area.
Best for: soft sand underfoot, calm shallow water, organized setup
Playa de Los Cristianos is a sheltered sandy beach on the south coast of Tenerife, located in a busy resort area. Its position within a bay and protected by a breakwater results in calm, gentle waters ideal for swimming. The beach is organized with services including lifeguard supervision and a small parking area.
Best for: soft sand underfoot, organized setup
Playa de Nogales is a black sand beach on the west coast of La Palma, backed by steep cliffs. It is exposed to Atlantic swells, producing powerful waves that attract experienced surfers. The beach has lifeguard services and a small parking area, but strong currents make swimming hazardous.
Best for: soft sand underfoot, organized setup
Playa del Burrero is a sandy beach on the east coast of Gran Canaria. It is an organized beach with lifeguard services and a small parking area. The sea here is typically moderate, offering pleasant conditions for swimming and relaxation.
Best for: soft sand underfoot, organized setup
Playa del Hombre is a sandy beach on the east coast of Gran Canaria, near Telde. It is a known surf spot with consistent waves suitable for surfing and bodyboarding. The beach is organized with lifeguard services and limited parking. Its exposure to Atlantic swells creates surfable conditions.
Best for: soft sand underfoot, calm shallow water
Bahía de Timijiraque is a small sandy beach on the northeast coast of El Hierro, the westernmost Canary Island. Sheltered within a bay, its waters are typically calm, making it a popular spot for swimming.
Best for: soft sand underfoot
Bajo del Medio is a sandy beach on the northern coast of Fuerteventura. Exposed to the Atlantic trade winds, it typically experiences moderate wave conditions. The beach offers fine golden sand and clear waters, with roadside parking available.
Best for: soft sand underfoot
Caleta del Marrajo is a small sandy cove situated on the northern coast of Fuerteventura. Its open exposure to the Atlantic Ocean leads to moderate wave conditions, making it suitable for swimming with caution. This quiet beach has roadside parking and is less frequented than the nearby resort areas.
Best for: soft sand underfoot
Caleta del Mojon Blanco is a small sandy beach on the northern coast of Lanzarote. Its exposed location to the prevailing trade winds typically results in moderate wave activity. The beach is accessed via roadside parking and offers a quiet setting away from major resort areas.
Best for: soft sand underfoot, calm shallow water
Caletillas is a sandy beach on the east coast of Fuerteventura, sheltered from the prevailing north-east trade winds. Its calm waters make it suitable for swimming and family outings. The beach is accessible via roadside parking and offers a relaxed seaside atmosphere.
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