The Canary Islands are known for their stunning beaches and the year-round near-perfect climate, boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Five of its eight islands have been declared a Biosphere Reserve, and the archipelago has four national parks.

The Canary Island beaches are the most popular and outstanding attractions and are perfect for relaxing in the sun with friends and family or enjoying water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and scuba diving.

Since there are 8 fantastic islands to choose from, trying to decide where to visit first can be confusing, especially if you’re on a strict budget and can’t visit all of them. So, we have listed the 6 best Canary Island beaches for you to consider.

El Médano – Tenerife

The first beach on this list is on the southeastern tip of the beautiful island of Tenerife, called El Médano. This beach is exotic and everyone knows about it for its glowing red sand. Some of the biggest summer events, such as World Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Championships, take place here. The oceanic breeze makes it the perfect place for these water sports.

The beach is ideal for water sports lovers and families alike and has ideal Blue Flag swimming conditions. This means it is safe and accessible for families with young children. Likewise, it has high-quality services and safety procedures. Blue Flag beaches also actively monitor water quality. From the beach, you can observe the majestic Montaña Roja volcanic cone which stands 171 meters high.

If you are looking for that cosmopolitan vibe, you will find it in the town. You’ll walk along the promenade past surf shops, restaurants, and cafés, under the intense blue sky and warm sun. Close to the town you will find the beach best suited to families with young children, due to the gentler waves.

As you get further away from the town, you will see the beaches that are best suited to those looking to windsurf and kitesurf. The wind is stronger there. The possibility of running into swimmers is quite low. Local and international competitions are often held there as well.

Playa de Sotavento de Jandia – Fuerteventura

Another very beautiful beach in the islands is Sotavento. You can find it on the island of Fuerteventura. This beach is one of the hotter beaches in the Canaries. Moreover, it is the one that brings the most tourists annually. The Sotavento consists of 5 beaches that accumulate together to make 9km of the finest golden sand. It is one of the more natural beaches on the list. For instance, it has not been surrounded by beach houses and resorts as of yet.

These beaches boast an incredibly clear turquoise ocean. It can get a bit windy and the ocean can be rough on the windiest days. However, the tide leaves small lagoons that sometimes catch the fish and create warm swimming pools for the children.

If snorkeling, kitesurfing, or windsurfing is your favorite thing to do, the wind here will be of most value to you. Due to the large expanse of the beaches, they are never crowded. Naturalists love these beaches too.

El Cortillo – Fuerteventura

El Cotillo on the other side of Fuerteventura is an island made for those who want to lay back and relax. Sunbathers will be glad to know that El Cotillo has a calm windy atmosphere and a spectacular lava reef.

El Cotillo is made up of several beaches, lagoons, and rock pools. It is ideal for sun lovers and explorers.  The beaches of El Cotillo are among the best beaches in the world. Consequently, they attract many visitors each year to enjoy their beauty.

Playa de La Concha is one of the most popular beaches in El Cotillo with its crystal clear waters and idyllic landscape. It is great for families with children. At low tide the water is shallow. However, you need to be careful when the tide comes as it can be a sharp drop.

La Concha beach has a natural horseshoe-shaped reef, which creates gentle waves, suitable for those with children. There are also  ‘corralitos’, which are small circular walls made from volcanic rock. At low tide, children can play in the small rock pools. Parking is available very close to the beach and there is a lifeguard service. Accommodations and restaurants are also nearby.

Playa De Las Teresitas – Tenerife

Playa De Las Teresitas, another beach that Tenerife would be proud to boast about. Located close to the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is so close you can relax after a fun day of shopping. Parking is easy and you can park right by the beach.

Travel along the coast road to the town of San Andrés, where you will find a white sandy beach with palm trees and an idyllic mountain backdrop. The waters are clear and calm, making this beach ideal for those with families.

Right on the beach, you will find amenities for your convenience (showers, lifeguards, disabled access). Likewise, you’ll find drinks and snacks from the local beach bars. If you prefer a meal, take the short trip back to the little fishing town of San Andrés, where you can sample the local cuisine.

Papagayo Beaches – Lanzarote

Papagayo beach in Lanzarote is another of the Canary Islands’ most popular beaches. A white sandy beach in the shape of a shell, with calm, crystal clear waters makes this beach perfect for families and couples to enjoy.

Perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You will need a car to get to this beach. A few minutes away you will find the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches, a small beach bar where you can get cool refreshing drinks and snacks.

Las Conchas – La Graciosa

If you are looking for a beach in paradise, look no further than Las Conchas on the Canary Island of La Graciosa.

Relax and enjoy the soft white sands, ocean breeze, and the lapping of the waves. Perfect for a private getaway due to its low tourism rate. The villages nearby offer restaurants and accommodation. La Graciosa island is only accessible by boat from Lanzarote.