Curated guide · La Palma
11 verified sandy beaches, ranked with Blue Flag certifications first.
Curated by the Beach Atlas team · Updated June 2026
Sandy beaches in La Palma 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.
Below are the sandy-classified beaches we've verified in La Palma. Surface type is one of the most-asked questions before booking, so we keep this filter strict — only beaches whose primary surface is sand are included. See the full beach inventory for La Palma for every surface type.
Showing #1 – #10 of 11 ranked beaches
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, calm shallow water
Charco Verde is a small sandy beach on the east coast of La Palma, sheltered by cliffs and a rocky headland. Its name refers to the greenish tint of the water, caused by algae and fine sediment. The cove offers calm sea conditions, ideal for swimming and relaxation, with roadside parking nearby.
Best for: soft sand underfoot
Playa de Azufre is a black sand beach on the west coast of La Palma, exposed to Atlantic swells. The waters are typically moderate, with occasional stronger waves. The beach is known for natural sulfur springs that mix with the sea, creating a unique environment.
Best for: soft sand underfoot
Playa de Bajamar is a sandy beach on the northeast coast of La Palma. It is exposed to Atlantic swell, resulting in often wavy conditions. Roadside parking is available nearby.
Best for: soft sand underfoot, calm shallow water, family-friendly
Playa de El Puerto is a sandy beach located on the east coast of La Palma, within the capital of Santa Cruz de La Palma. Sheltered by the bay and harbour, it typically offers calm sea conditions, making it suitable for families and relaxing seaside visits. Roadside parking is available nearby.
Best for: soft sand underfoot
Playa de la Zamora Grande is a sandy beach on the western coast of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Sheltered from the prevailing northeast trade winds, it typically experiences moderate wave conditions. The beach features dark volcanic sand and roadside parking, offering a straightforward coastal access point.
Best for: soft sand underfoot
Playa de las Cabras is a sandy beach on the west coast of La Palma, exposed to the Atlantic swell. Set in a volcanic cove, the beach features black sand and is often subject to strong waves, making it less suitable for casual swimming.
Best for: soft sand underfoot
Playa de Malpique is a sandy beach on the west coast of La Palma, facing the Atlantic. Its open exposure results in moderate to strong waves, making it more suitable for experienced swimmers than for calm bathing.
Best for: soft sand underfoot, calm shallow water, family-friendly
Playa de Tarajales is a sandy beach on the sheltered west coast of La Palma. Its location away from the prevailing trade winds results in calm waters, making it ideal for family bathing. Roadside parking is available nearby.
Best for: soft sand underfoot, calm shallow water
Playa los Cancajos is a sandy beach on the east coast of La Palma, sheltered from the prevailing trade winds. Its calm, clear waters are ideal for swimming, and the black sand is characteristic of volcanic beaches in the Canary Islands. The beach is a popular resort area with nearby amenities.
Frequently asked questions