Wind-sheltered guide · the Canaries
42 verified beaches sheltered from the prevailing trade winds across the Canaries — with the calm-water notes to plan a windy day around.
Curated by the Beach Atlas team · Updated July 2026
If you have spent a week in the Canaries, you know the pattern: a flawless forecast, then the north-east trade winds — the alisios — settle in for days, building Atlantic swell and a steady chop on the exposed north and west coasts and flipping umbrellas down the sand. The beaches below are the exception. Each one is described in our verified inventory as sheltered from the prevailing trade winds — tucked into a south- or east-facing bay, behind a headland, or inside a natural cove — so they stay more swimmable on the days the exposed beaches don't.
This is an honesty-first list: a beach only appears here if its own data says it is sheltered or protected from the prevailing trade winds. Beaches our data records as open to the Atlantic and the alisios — including the famous windsurf and kitesurf spots — are deliberately excluded, even when they are calm on a still day. Wind direction still matters: a trade-wind-sheltered bay can be exposed to a rarer southerly, so check the forecast on travel day. For the wider picture, see our best beaches.
The alisios — the north-east trade winds — blow across the Canaries for much of the year and are strongest through summer and autumn. They are what keep the islands' skies clear and the air dry, and what ruins a beach day if you pick the wrong coast: on the exposed north and west shores they build Atlantic swell and a persistent wind-chop. Because they come from the north-east, the rule is simple — on a windy day, head for a south- or east-facing bay in the island's lee. The beaches in this guide are the ones our inventory specifically records as sheltered from them.
All four main islands keep a run of trade-wind-proof options in our verified inventory. On Gran Canaria the sheltered bays gather on the south coast, where Playa de Arguineguín has calm, clear water protected from the prevailing trade winds. Tenerife hides cove after cove on its south-west flank, like Callao de la Cochina, sheltered from the wind by surrounding cliffs. On Lanzarote, Caletón Blanco sits protected from the trade winds with calm water ideal for swimming, and Fuerteventura has sheltered bays such as Playa del Matorral, where the water stays typically calm and clear. Pick your island, then pick your bay from the verified list below.
Showing #1 – #10 of 42 beaches
Sheltered: Aquamarina is a small beach on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, sheltered from the prevailing trade winds.
Aquamarina is a small beach on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, sheltered from the prevailing trade winds. Its calm waters make it suitable for swimming and relaxing. The beach is accessible via roadside parking and offers a tranquil setting.
Sheltered: The beach is protected from the prevailing trade winds, resulting in calm sea conditions ideal for swimming.
Caletón Blanco is a small cove on the north coast of Lanzarote, sheltered by cliffs and known for its white sand and clear, turquoise waters. The beach is protected from the prevailing trade winds, resulting in calm sea conditions ideal for swimming. Its natural pool-like setting makes it a popular spot for families.
Sheltered: Callao de la Cochina is a small cove on the southern coast of Tenerife, sheltered from prevailing winds by surrounding cliffs.
Callao de la Cochina is a small cove on the southern coast of Tenerife, sheltered from prevailing winds by surrounding cliffs. Its calm waters and dark volcanic sand make it a quiet spot for swimming. Access is via roadside parking, and the beach offers a peaceful setting away from busier resort areas.
Sheltered: Eagle Beach is a sandy beach on the south coast of Gran Canaria, sheltered from prevailing winds and currents.
Eagle Beach is a sandy beach on the south coast of Gran Canaria, sheltered from prevailing winds and currents. Its calm, gentle waters make it ideal for swimming and relaxation. The beach offers roadside parking and is easily accessible, providing a tranquil coastal experience.
Sheltered: It features dark volcanic sand and is generally sheltered from the prevailing trade winds, resulting in moderate sea conditions.
El Barranquillo is a small beach on the east coast of Lanzarote. It features dark volcanic sand and is generally sheltered from the prevailing trade winds, resulting in moderate sea conditions. The beach is located near residential areas and has roadside parking, making it a convenient local spot.
Sheltered: Its leeward location provides shelter from trade winds, resulting in typically calm sea conditions.
El Duque Norte is a small pebble beach on the south-western coast of Tenerife, within the Costa Adeje resort area. Its leeward location provides shelter from trade winds, resulting in typically calm sea conditions. Roadside parking is available, and the beach offers a quieter alternative to nearby sandy beaches.
Sheltered: El Puertito is a small sandy cove on Tenerife's southwest coast, sheltered from prevailing winds.
El Puertito is a small sandy cove on Tenerife's southwest coast, sheltered from prevailing winds. Its calm, clear waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is accessed via roadside parking and offers a peaceful retreat away from larger resort beaches.
Sheltered: El Varadero is a small beach on the southwest coast of Tenerife, sheltered from the prevailing trade winds.
El Varadero is a small beach on the southwest coast of Tenerife, sheltered from the prevailing trade winds. Its dark volcanic sand and calm waters make it suitable for swimming and relaxing. The beach offers roadside parking and is a quieter alternative to nearby resort beaches.
Sheltered: Sheltered from the northeast trade winds, the waters are typically calm, making it suitable for swimming and sunbathing.
La Charquita is a small sandy beach located on the eastern coast of Lanzarote. Sheltered from the northeast trade winds, the waters are typically calm, making it suitable for swimming and sunbathing. Roadside parking is available nearby, and the beach offers a peaceful setting.
Sheltered: The beach is protected from the prevailing winds, resulting in calm waters suitable for swimming.
Los Charcos is a small, sheltered beach on Lanzarote's east coast, known for its natural rock pools that form during low tide. The beach is protected from the prevailing winds, resulting in calm waters suitable for swimming.
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