Stunning beaches, affordable options, delicious food and more, here are 7 reasons the beautiful Canary Islands Beaches need to be on your bucket list!

If you’ve never been to the Canary Islands, this Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, is the place to go! It’s one of most underrated tourist spots with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

Packing bags for a much-awaited vacation to a distant country or popular tourist spot is something we all love to do when given the opportunity. With all the scenic and beautiful destinations around the globe, it can be confusing to know where to go. 

The Canary Islands are so beautiful and mesmerizing that once you go there, you’ll never want to leave!

If you’re looking for delicious cuisine, great weather, a place that won’t empty your wallet, you will love the white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters of the Canary Islands.

The Beauty of the Canary Islands

​Beautiful scenery is something we crave when planning our next vacation spot. We have not usually been tempted by beaches when we think of the best places to take our family, but after spending a week on the Big Island of Hawaii, we are looking for the next island paradise with rugged volcanic landscapes.

The Canary Islands deliver! Both the scenery and the architecture look like they are straight out of a movie in the Canary Islands! With colorful streets and Canarian-style architecture, villages of the Canary Islands are also hidden gems that you must visit

What and Where are the Canary Islands? 

The Canary Islands are located off the northwest coast of Africa and are known for their volcanic rock landscapes, calm waters, beautiful beaches, unique flora and fauna, and amazing year-round climate. They are part of Spain and you’ll find them in the Atlantic Ocean close to Morocco. There are seven main islands of the Canary archipelago:

1. Tenerife – The largest of the Canary Islands home to Teide National Park to the famous beach Playa de las Américas.
2. Gran Canaria – home to diverse ecosystems, historic sites, and stunning natural landscapes
3. Lanzarote – home to the famous beaches of Playa Blanca and Timanfaya National Park
4. Fuerteventura – laid-back paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
5. La Palma – known as the “Beautiful Island”
6. La Gomera – home to Garajonay National Park
7. El Hierro – the smallest and least developed of the Canary Islands, famous for being a World Biosphere Reserve

The Beauty of the Canary Islands

Beautiful scenery is something we consider when planning our next vacation spot. We are not usually tempted by beaches when we think of the best places to take our family, but after spending a week on the Big Island of Hawaii, we are looking for the next island paradise with rugged volcanic landscapes. We have not historically been beach lovers, but the Canary Islands could be the place to change our minds! Full of natural beauty, both the scenery and the architecture look like they are straight out of a movie in the Canary Islands!

The villages of the Canary Islands are also hidden gems that you must visit. With colorful streets and Canarian-style architecture, you’ll be surprised at just how lively these tiny villages are! You’ll want to explore centuries-old architecture and cobblestone streets of Garachico in Tenerife. You’ll also enjoy the maze-like alleys, colorful houses, and charming central square of Teror in Gran Canaria.

And make sure you visit the “Valley of a Thousand Palms” in Haría, Lanzarote. Each village in the Canary Islands offers a glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture, inviting you to immerse yourself in its unique charm.

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The Best Beaches in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have long been a popular vacation destination for Northern Europeans because their beaches are some of the best in Europe. When you visit, you’ll find a wide variety of beaches from golden sands, white sand beaches, and black sand beaches too.

Your whole family will love the crystal-clear waters with dramatic volcanic backdrops. ! If you’re looking for sun or watersports, here are six of the top Canary Islands beaches.

Playa de las Teresitas, Tenerife 

This picturesque beach with golden sand imported from the Sahara Desert offers a fun escape from the bustling city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The gentle waters are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria

Known for calm waters and a long stretch of golden sand, Playa del Inglés is one of the most famous beaches on Gran Canaria. It’s popular with beach lovers looking to soak up the sun, try water sports, or enjoy the a busy promenade with shops and restaurants. This beach does have a nudist area, so keep that in mind.

Playa de Papagayo, Lanzarote

Tucked away in the southern tip of Lanzarote, you’ll find this lovely cove beach surrounded by rugged cliffs. Accessible by foot or boat, it’s a hidden gem for those seeking a more secluded beach experience. It’s also a calm spot, great for kids.

Playa de Sotavento, Fuerteventura

If you’re interested in windsurfing or kiteboarding, this beach is for you. It’s famous for being windy and having wide-open spaces. This area is about 9 km long and made up of five different beach areas.

Playa de Maspalomas, Gran Canaria 

Famous for its iconic sand dunes and famous lightou, this beach offers a unique landscape that feels like stepping into another world. You will enjoy leisurely walks along the dunes, swimming in the clear waters, and relaxing in the breathtaking views. This is beach was ranking the #2 best thing to do in the Canary Islands by US News & World Report. 

Playa de las Conchas, La Graciosa

Located on the tiny island of La Graciosa, this beach is often hailed as one of the most beautiful in the Canary Islands. With pristine white sand and turquoise waters, it’s a true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.

The Mouth Watering Cuisine

We think one of the best things about traveling is trying local cuisine. Lucky for you, The Canary Islands is the perfect place for food enthusiasts. Not only will you find mouth-watering dishes, but the drinks available around the islands are also absolutely fantastic!

The Canary Islands are filled with delicious restaurants to try with local produce, seafood, flavorful cheese, dry meat, olives. You’ll never run out of new things to try during your visit. We highly recommend that you try, papas arrugadas, tortilla española, rabbit in salmorejo, and roasted cheese with mojo! You should also make sure to try the Barraquito, the national drink of the Canary Islands.

Dining out in the Canary Islands can be affordable, especially if you choose local eateries and traditional Canarian cuisine. Look for “menu del día” options at restaurants, which offer set meals at reasonable prices. Also, sampling local street food and visiting food markets is one of our favorite things to do as a family!

And where else can you eat at a restaurant inside a volcano cave?

Its Affordable Price

Travel costs always go up during the summer, but the Canary Islands are still an affordable travel destination even during peak travel time. If you go in the shoulder season it will even be better, because many things available on the islands are quite affordable. From food, drinks, activities, and hotels, the island offers reasonable prices for people who are working on a tight budget. Many natural attractions, such as beaches and hiking trails, are free to access. Additionally, there are often discounted packages for activities like boat tours, diving, and guided excursions.

Of course, you can always spend a little more to make it a luxurious trip! But even then, it will cost you a lot less than other famous beach vacation spots like the French Riveria. 

The Canary Islands are home to one UNESCO World Heritage Site: Garajonay National Park (La Gomera). This lush and misty laurel forest is located in the heart of La Gomera and is known for its ancient woodland. You’ll find gnarled trees, moss-covered rocks, and a diverse range of plant and animal species. It is a rare example of the type of humid subtropical forest that once covered much of Europe. The park offers a network of hiking trails that lead through this enchanting forest, providing visitors with a glimpse into the natural history of the Canary Islands. And the best part about visiting this park is that there are no entrance fees!

Amazing History

The Canary Islands are a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Spain, Africa, and the Americas shaping the islands’ language, cuisine, music, and traditions. 

The Guanches, a group of Berber people who are believed to have arrived around 1000 BCE, were the first people to live here. The islands were famous to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who called them the “Fortunate Isles” due to their mild climate and fertile lands. 

In the early 15th century, the Spanish Crown sponsored expeditions to the Canary Islands, leading to the conquest of the indigenous Guanche people. The islands were gradually colonized by the Spanish, who established settlements, introduced Christianity, and exploited the islands’ resources. During the Age of Exploration, the islands became an important waypoint for ships traveling between Europe and the Americas. Christopher Columbus even stopped at La Gomera in 1492 on his voyage to the Americas. 

Today, the Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain with a diverse population and a thriving cultural scene. The islands’ history is preserved in archaeological sites, historic buildings, and museums, offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating tapestry of the Canary Islands’ past. The Canary Islands belong on your bucket list.

Historical places you’ll want to visit include: 

• The Cueva Pintada Museum 
• Casa de Colón
• Santa Ana Cathedral
• The historic village of Santa Cruz de La Palma

Convenient Transportation Options

With major airports in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote, it’s not too hard to get to the Canary Islands, but it does take a while. From the US the most popular airport is Tenerife. Once you’re there, transportation is convenient and easy.

You’ll find well-connected airports on the major islands, ferries, and boats making it easy to island hop. providing scenic and efficient travel options. There’s an extensive network of buses and taxis for reliable and affordable transportation once you’re on the island.

Car rental services are also readily available, perfect for families wanting to explore at their own pace. 

Little Bit of Everything for Everyone

The Canary Islands offer a little bit of everything for everyone. Whether you’re looking for year-round sunshine, spectacular views, or an ideal place to relax, you’ll find it here. Add to those reasons the best beaches and clear blue water for a relaxing getaway, rugged volcanic landscapes for adventurous hikes and exploration, plus interesting history and culture, Spain’s Canary Islands have it all. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or embarking on a solo adventure, the Canary Islands promise an unforgettable experience!