The 20 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
From the 5 guides that rank for "best beaches in canary islands"
Named by 4 of 51. MaspalomasFamous for its large sand dunes, which give it a desert feel.Windsurfing and kitesurfing happen along parts of the beach, and nudism is tolerated in some areas.
Named by 3 of 52. Playa de AmadoresA man-made beach with golden sand and a calm bay, next to Puerto Rico.It has a relaxed rule set, no jet skis or party boats, but still gets busy.
Named by 3 of 53. Playa de PapagayoA white-sand cove in the south of Lanzarote, set between two headlands that block wind and heavy surf.The water is shallow with a gradual slope, good for children.
Named by 2 of 54. Playa de TauroA natural, quiet beach with one small restaurant, away from the busy resort beaches.A good place to watch the sunset; park at Amadores and walk 5 to 10 minutes.
Named by 2 of 55. AnfiAn artificial beach with imported sand and a sheltered bay, so the water is very clear.One of the busiest beaches on the island, with jet ski rental and parasailing.
Named by 2 of 56. Playa de Las TeresitasA white-sand beach near Santa Cruz with shallow water protected from currents.Free parking, nearly a mile of beach and more locals than at resort beaches.
7. Playa de las CanterasA city beach in Las Palmas over 3 km long, calmed by a natural reef, good for swimming and snorkelling.
8. Playa de FamaraA wide sandy beach on the northwest coast of Lanzarote with constant waves that attract surfers.
9. Playa BlancaA southern Lanzarote beach with calm water for families and water sports.
10. SotaventoStretches several kilometres on the southeast of Fuerteventura, with shallow lagoons, popular for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
11. CofeteA remote beach on the Jandía peninsula with wild waves and expansive sands.
12. El CotilloCalm lagoons on the northwest coast of Fuerteventura, family-friendly and good for snorkelling.
13. Morro JableA huge white-sand beach in south Fuerteventura with tranquil water and a promenade with shops.
14. El MédanoA local favourite in south Tenerife with golden sand and shallow water; steady winds make it popular for wind and kitesurfing.
15. Playa del DuqueAn upscale beach in Costa Adeje with clear water, golden sand and nearby restaurants.
16. Playa JardínA black volcanic sand beach in Puerto de la Cruz designed by artist César Manrique with gardens around it.
17. El GolfoA black lava pebble beach beside a bright green lagoon, a protected natural area.
18. GüigüíA remote beach at the end of a 5 km hike; boat trips run from Puerto Rico in high season.
19. Puerto NaosThe largest beach on La Palma, with black sand, a wide promenade and clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
20. Playa del CuraA natural beach with darker sand, less built up than Anfi, with restaurants and shops along the shore.Pick a place for live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
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Travel guides don't agree on one best time to visit Canary Islands; its page has the weather and what's on, month by month.