Destinations Canary Islands Shore Experiences

Six beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands

In need of a little sun, surf and sand? These Canary Islands beaches will help keep the winter blues at bay.

7 min 15 Nov 2022

Editorial Team

Author

Like the islands themselves, the beaches in the Canaries are beautiful and diverse. No two are the same – from volcanic black sand to powder-soft white sand, and from desert-like stretches of dunes to calm blue lagoons, there’s a beach for every mood.

On a P&O Cruises holiday, you can spend seven to 27 nights exploring the Canary Islands and beyond. So whether you want to dive deep into an ocean adventure or simply sprawl on the sand, book in hand, a Canary Islands holiday will have a beach for every occasion.

Here are six of our favourites to inspire your winter wanderlust.

1. Las Teresitas Beach, Tenerife

Located in the town of San Andrés, just 8km from the capital of Santa Cruz, Las Teresitas redefines the notion of a city beach. The 1.5km-long beach has tropical vibes with turquoise waters, golden sand imported from the Sahara and a smattering of palm trees, all in a curved bay protected by the Anaga mountains. A breakwater keeps the sea calm and safe for swimming, and the reef and crystal-clear waters create ideal conditions for snorkelling.

Perfect for: a chilled day out with the family
How to get there: Las Teresitas Beach Transfer shore experience

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2. Maspalomas Beach, Gran Canaria

On the sunny south of the island, the resort area of Maspalomas boasts a beautiful 3km-long, white-sand beach backed by undulating dunes. There’s something for everybody here, from family-friendly sections to birdwatching, water sports and nudist areas. The dunes are a must-see – explore the desert scenery on foot, horseback, quad bike or even by camel. Be sure to visit the Maspalomas Lighthouse next to the dunes, which has been shining since 1890 when it was built to guide steamboats from Europe, Africa and America.

Perfect for: long walks
How to get there: Maspalomas Beach Transfer shore experience

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3. Playa Jardín, Tenerife

Artist César Manrique is typically associated with his birthplace of Lanzarote, but his influence can be seen on Tenerife, too. Manrique designed Playa Jardín, in the town of Puerto de la Cruz, with the intent of creating a beautiful coastal landscape for the island. Visitors to the black-sand beach can also enjoy lush gardens and pathways, a landscaped waterfall, shallow pools filled with marine life and breathtaking views of Mount Teide.

Perfect for: stunning scenery
How to get there: Puerto De La Cruz On Your Own shore experience

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4. Famara Beach, Lanzarote

This wild and windy beauty on the northwest coast is located within the Chinijo Archipelago Nature Reserve. It’s beloved by surfing and kitesurfing fans, drawing wave-chasers from far and wide to test their mettle (try Surf Canarias or Calima Surf if you’re looking for lessons or to rent a board). Its pale golden sands stretch for more than 5km, guarded by majestic cliffs. If you’re looking to swim, try it at low tide, when pools of calm, shallow water form along the beach.

Perfect for: surfing
How to get there: Famara beach is a 30-minute drive from Arrecife, and public transport options are also available

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5. El Cotillo Lagoons, Fuerteventura

A rare calm beach on the Atlantic, these peaceful lagoons boast perfect white sand and turquoise waters for blissful swimming and snorkelling. The experience of swimming in this natural, unspoilt landscape as you watch waves crash against the rocks in the distance is unforgettable. The picture-perfect La Concha Beach, one of the best-known in Fuerteventura, is nearby.

Perfect for: swimming
How to get there: El Cotillo Lagoons are approximately 40 minutes by car from the Puerto del Rosario cruise terminal

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6. Los Cancajos, La Palma

Embrace the island’s volcanic character at this cove-like spot, where the black of the sand contrasts beautifully with the blue of the sea. The small but perfectly formed beach is protected by breakwaters of volcanic rock, creating tranquil waters teeming with marine life. The conditions are ideal for snorkelling and swimming, while those with the right certifications can try cave diving.

Perfect for: snorkelling
How to get there: Los Cancajos is approximately 10 minutes by car from Santa Cruz de La Palma. Public transport options are also available