| Awards season is upon us. And it got us thinking, if there was an Oscar for Best Beach, who might win. The Canary Islands are home to over 500 beaches of all kinds, each offering a wide range of activities. Endless stretches of white sand and turquoise waters to wander along, beautiful unspoiled bays where you can sunbathe, surrounded by natural landscapes, beaches for the family with all kinds of amenities and with teams of lifeguards so you can enjoy yourself with complete peace of mind. Just choose the beach that best suits your plans and forget about everything else. Read below some of our picks for the Oscar for Best Beach. |
|
| El Golfo beach, Lanzarote
This striking beach is made of black lava pebbles, and the cliffs behind the lagoon are equally breath-taking, having been eroded by the wind into fantastic shapes over the course of centuries. The scenery is further enhanced by the large finger of rock which sits just off the beach, the sea crashing around it. This beach is also known for its intense green lagoon, the Lago Verde, the water of which provides stark contrast to the black sand and red, orange and yellow backdrop of the crater. This unique natural feature of Lanzarote is a protected natural area and a photographer’s delight.
|
|
|
Maspalomas beach, Gran Canaria
Maspalomas beach is located in south Gran Canaria, flanked by the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve and Maspalomas resort. With calm seas and three kilometres of golden sand, and a wide range of hotels and apartments available nearby, Maspalomas is an ideal family holiday destination and the perfect place to spend days in the sunshine. If you’re looking for a romantic experience,e head to the dunes in the evening and watch the sun set behind Maspalomas lighthouse.
|
|
| El Médano beach, Tenerife
In the south of Tenerife, you will find one of the local residents’ favourite beaches on the island: El Médano, a beach of golden sand, shallow waters and calm waves with all the necessary services an urban beach requires. Over time the centre of El Médano has become an important second home base for many islanders and is a hugely popular spot for wind and kitesurfing due to constant winds, which gives the town a real buzz in the evening after a day spent on the beach.
|
|
| Las Nieves beach, Gran Canaria
Located in front of the old Algaete pier, this spot is made up of rounded stones and crystal-clear water. It’s one of the few beaches in the municipality that can be accessed with ease. Along the local promenade there are a wide variety of bars and restaurants to enjoy something to eat between swims.
|
|
| Papagayo beach, Lanzarote
In the south of Lanzarote is one of the most popular beaches on the island, Papagayo, a small cove of white sand and great beauty. In the shape of a bay or shell (some locals prefer to call it the latter), Papagayo wins you over with its crystal clear, emerald green water which remains still all day long as if it were a swimming pool. It’s perfect for taking up snorkelling and enjoying the beauty of its depths or for letting the children splash about without having to worry.
|
|
|
Morro Jable beach, Fuerteventura
In the tourist area of Morro Jable, in the south of Fuerteventura, you will find a huge white sand beach and tranquil waters, with shimmering shades of turquoise and emerald. This is Morro Jable beach and it stretches from Las Gaviotas beach in the north to the centre of the coastal town of Morro Jable, in the south. Running alongside the kilometres-long beach is an avenue with excellent shopping facilities and a view of the iconic Morro Jable lighthouse, standing out from the sea.
|
|
Playa del Inglés, La Gomera
Since the seventies, Playa del Inglés in La Gomera has been a legendary destination for ‘hippy’ and alternative movements. Unlike other unspoilt and naturist beaches in the Canary Islands, this destination is close to restaurants, entertainment and other services. There is even a sports centre nearby. It’s also only a short walk to the volcanic sand where one can relax and take in the views of the mountains and the endless ocean.
|
|
Bajamar beach, La Palma
Located to the east of the island of La Palma, the 700 metre long Bajamar Beach is one of the most popular beaches among locals throughout the year. Next to Santa Cruz de la Palma and sandwiched between the marina and the Risco de la Concepción Natural Monument, it is also near many cafés and restaurants with parking available close by.
|
|
Timijiraque Beach, El Hierro
A few metres from Puerto de la Estaca, nature lovers will enjoy Timijiraque, a practically virgin beach. In summer, it is one of the most popular stretches of water for swimmers, while, in winter, the force of the sea makes it a draw for surfers. Beyond a small tunnel, there is also a cove with peculiar black sand. You can really feel the force of the Atlantic Ocean in this area, but there is also an air of tranquillity that presides along the shore. Timijiraque is a divine rest spot, an ideal location for promenade walks, and fun for the little ones who can enjoy the children’s play area.
|
 |
|
La Francesa Beach, La Graciosa
On the northeast of Lanzarote is the little island of La Graciosa. In a space of scarcely 30 square kilometres, it prides itself on a coastline full of coves and untouched beaches, among which La Francesa stands out above all others. With its fine white sand in sharp contrast to the turquoise blue of the sea, it forms the shape of a horseshoe facing south which means the sea is almost always calm. And since it is situated in the south of La Graciosa, it has breathtaking views of the sea strait and the gigantic wall of natural stone that make up the cliffs of Famara on the northeast coast of Lanzarote.
|
|
|
|
|
