Beach Holidays to Canary Islands

Some of the most consistently well-kept beaches in the archipelago carry Blue Flag status, which signals clean water and good facilities.

• Playa de Las Canteras: Playa de Las Canteras is a long urban beach sheltered by a natural reef, which keeps the water calm and shallow for swimmers. The promenade runs along its length with cafes, showers and easy access to the city centre, so you can spend the morning on the sand and the afternoon exploring old streets. We recommend it for guests who want a lively base with a genuinely sheltered sea. Because it is a city beach, it is busier than quieter coves, but the convenience is hard to beat. Gran Canaria holidays
• Playa de Las Américas: Playa de Las Américas on the south coast of Tenerife is a broad resort beach with plenty of sunbeds, water sports and restaurants along the front. It is a practical choice for travellers who want reliable facilities and an easy walk to shops and bars. The sand is shared with a busy resort crowd, so arriving early in the morning gives you the best choice of spots. We find it suits groups and younger travellers who value energy and convenience above solitude.
• Corralejo beaches: The beaches around Corralejo on the north tip of Fuerteventura are long and sandy, with the dunes of the nearby natural park rising behind them. Several of the sandy stretches have gentle shallow water, which makes them well suited to families and to anyone who wants a relaxed day in the sun. Wind is frequent here, which is why the village is a known base for windsurfing and kitesurfing. We suggest packing a windbreak and a towel that dries quickly if you plan a day on the open sand. Fuerteventura holidays
• Playa Blanca: Playa Blanca in the south of Lanzarote is a resort town with sandy beaches and a calm, sheltered feel along much of its shoreline. It sits close to the marina at Puerto Calero, so boat trips and waterfront dining are easy to fit into a stay. Ferry crossings to Fuerteventura also leave from the northern side of the island, so a day trip across the water is possible with a little planning. We think it works well for couples and families who want a settled resort with a clear view of the coast. Lanzarote holidays
• Puerto de la Cruz: Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast of Tenerife is a traditional resort town with volcanic black-sand beaches and a more measured pace than the south. The old town streets are lined with older buildings and gardens, and the Loro Parque zoo and marine park is a short distance away. The north coast can be cooler and breezier than the south, so bringing a light layer is sensible. We recommend it to guests who prefer culture and gardens alongside their time on the sand.