Beaches, Canary Islands

Cofete

A trip to Cofete is the perfect day out for any holidaymaker with an adventurous side. You’ll have to journey off-the-beaten-track to reach this village, which boasts an incredible landscape. 

Head over to the two naturally unspoiled stretches of sand, Playa de Cofete and Playa de Barlovento. Then, admire the coastline and rugged wilderness as you explore the area on a 4×4 tour! 

Next, take in the brilliant view of the ocean and the mountains from El Islote, a large rocky outcrop that separates the beaches. If you want to get away from it all, this secluded spot should do the trick!

These beaches used to be the site of a turtle reintroduction programme. Eggs collected in Cape Verde were buried in the sand here so that the turtles could be released into the sea. If you were hoping to catch a glimpse of these creatures, don’t worry; tourists can visit the turtle nursery in Morro Jable harbour.

Corralejo Grandes Playas

Corralejo’s aptly-named Grandes Playas (meaning “big beaches”), will not disappoint holidaymakers who visit this shore.

When you arrive, you’ll be met with nine-kilometres of fine, white sand. Plus, reaching out alongside the beach are massive sand dunes that will make it feel as though you’ve stumbled into a desert in Fuerteventura! 

Parasols are dotted along the sand offering shade from the sun, so settle down for the day and peek at neighbouring islands Lanzarote and Los Lobos from your sunbed – what a view! Then, join the kids in a game of beach volleyball or hit the waves and snorkel. If you’re into water sports, this spot is also popular for kiteboarding and windsurfing.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, pop into a nearby restaurant for a quick bite to eat. The beach is easily accessible by car, so bring all the bats, balls and towels that you want!

Grandes Playas is great for families, but everyone will enjoy themselves here.

Cotillo Lagoons

The Cotillo Lagoons offer a quaint paradise that’s ideal for a tranquil day out, which is why families love taking their children swimming and snorkelling here. For the thrill-seekers among us, the larger waves at the southern beaches attract surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers.

Away from busy resorts, El Cotillo provides a peaceful atmosphere and idyllic surroundings – perfect for a relaxing break. The shallow water and brilliant, white sand are separated by volcanic rock, creating beautiful natural lagoons.

Most of the amenities are a short walk away from the lagoons, so pop a parasol in your bag if you plan to stay all day. El Cotillo may be relatively quiet, but this former fishing village still has plenty of bars, restaurants and shops to explore!

On your way to the lagoons, seek out Torre del Tostón, a small tower with brilliant views and lots of information on the history of Fuerteventura. Or, make your way to El Tostón Lighthouse, where you’ll find a small museum and café.

Maspalomas Beach

Holidaymakers who visit Maspalomas will find plenty of places to relax and unwind on their break, and the beach is no exception! This 12-kilometre sandy stretch lies on the south coast of Gran Canaria and provides oodles of spots to kick back while soaking up the sun.

Seek out the lighthouse standing tall at the end of the shore, which is said to be where Christopher Columbus started his journey to America. You can wander past on your way to grab a drink or a snack at a nearby restaurant. This resort is busy day and night but has ample room for everyone, offering shops, bars, golf courses and water sports activities.

Walk the short distance from the beach to the Maspalomas Dunes – a protected area and huge sand dune system. There’s a designated trail which takes you right through the reserve, that way, you can enjoy the flora and fauna away from the hustle and bustle of the town. Look out for palm trees and a lagoon – a welcome oasis and great place to snap a selfie!

Playa de Amadores

Visit Playa de Amadores, a man-made sandy beach in the southwest of Gran Canaria. Sheltered by the surrounding hillside, the water here is calm and perfect for a peaceful swim or paddle.

The beach holds Blue Flag status and is also well-equipped for disabled visitors, ensuring everyone can enjoy a relaxing day by the sea.

You won’t have to worry about finding a spot on the sand either, as there are plenty of sun loungers dotted all around. So, all you have to do is lie back, admire the view and see if you can make out the shape of Tenerife on the horizon.

When you want a break from sunbathing, the promenade is only a short walk away. Browse the shops or call in at one of the restaurants or bars.

Even better, hop in a taxi to Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, located just five minutes away. Here, you can grab dinner, before soaking up the lively nightlife scene.

Playa de la Arena

You can’t miss the striking black sand on Playa de la Arena. Its unusual shade is a result of the surrounding volcanic landscape, so you’ll only find a few other beaches like it on the Canary Islands. Unlike some other spots on this coastline, this is the sand’s natural colour.

This Blue Flag beach is a peaceful place to soak up the sun, thanks to the resort’s quiet atmosphere. However, you’ll still find plenty of shops and restaurants lining the promenade, perfect for browsing or enjoying a relaxing meal.

If you’re searching for some more exciting activities, Los Gigantes is a five-minute drive away (approximately). Here, you can hike giant rocky cliffs or trails that lead you through Teide National Park. Admire the unique landscape of wildflowers, pine forests and of course, Mount Teide. 

While you’re in the area, take the opportunity to go whale and dolphin watching. Hop on a boat and sail out to sea to try and catch a peek of these incredible creatures. Just remember to pack your camera!

Playa de las Teresitas

Stretch out below the swaying palm trees at Playa de Las Teresitas. This coastline is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Tenerife; it boasts unspoiled scenery. Plus, it’s the ideal place to chill out away from the busy city! 

You’ll find this heavenly spot in the north of Tenerife, just outside the capital of Santa Cruz. The calm waves are thanks to a breakwater which protects against currents, making it perfect for swimming and paddling, as well as super safe for kids! While you won’t see Tenerife’s famous black sand here, you can enjoy a mile-long golden shoreline.

Adventurous beachgoers should make their way towards the Anaga mountains. There are brilliant hikes through the nearby forests, which offer amazing views out to sea. When you start to feel hungry, simply stroll to the end of the beach and you’ll reach the former fishing village of San Andrés. Be sure to grab lunch in one of the popular seafood restaurants – delicious!

Playa de Papagayo

Holidaymakers will find Playa de Papagayo nestled in a collection of beaches at the southernmost tip of Lanzarote. Sheltered by cliffs, this shell-shaped stretch of sand is naturally beautiful, making it a popular location to sunbathe.

Why not cycle or take a boat trip to this stunning shore? You won’t find any shops or restaurants here, ensuring the spectacular scenery remains unspoiled. There is a small beach bar on the hillside where you can buy drinks and snacks, or you can pack a picnic. Bring a towel to secure your spot, and make sure you set up an umbrella if you’re staying for the day!

If you want to enjoy a peaceful swim, head here early in the morning. The bay boasts warm, emerald-green water that’s protected from the wind, providing the perfect place to paddle or snorkel. Relax as you soak up the sun, before cooling off with a quick dip in the sea. 

Playa Mujeres

Playa Mujeres is the largest of the Papagayo beaches, but that doesn’t mean it’s jam-packed with people. The area is almost entirely free of shops, restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place to go if you want to get away from bustling crowds!

As well as its peaceful setting, the unspoiled natural surroundings here are what draw visitors in. Situated in the south of Lanzarote, the beach is backed by the Ajaches and the volcanic landscape around them. Plus, the sand is lined with dunes, so you can always find a quiet spot away from other holidaymakers.

The water here is clean, calm and excellent for swimming. After you’ve finished soaking up the sun, you can hike one of the tracks across the nearby hills. 

If the tide is low, why not amble along the shore to reach neighbouring beaches? If you’d rather just relax, then simply sit back on the sand and take in the views of the surrounding rocky cliffs. Bliss.

Sotavento

Sotavento is made up of five smaller beaches: La Barca, Risco del Paso, Mirador, Los Canarios and Malnombre. At low tide, these stretches of sand reach out even further into the sea, creating idyllic, shallow lagoons. Some coin this beach as the best on the entire island!

If you’re in Fuerteventura at the right time, you’ll be able to watch the yearly windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions that take place here. Beginners practice in the lagoons, while more experienced surfers take on the waves further out to sea. 

If you fancy trying out your water sports skills on holiday, this is the place to do it, as diving, snorkelling and sailing are also popular.

Beachgoers who just want to watch can do so with ease from the sheltered areas found among the sand dunes. Plus, you can easily nip back and forth for lunch in one of the local restaurants or cafés.