Best beaches in the Canary Islands accessible from your cruise ship

Canary Islands cruises are an amazing way to pack in a selection of the archipelago’s hotspots and one thing you won’t be short of here is a beach.

Beaches come in droves in the Canary Islands and whether you want relaxation, snorkelling or unique landscapes that look like they could be from another planet, this neck of the woods off the coast of Africa serves up the goods.

P&O Cruises – available to book via cruise agent Bolsover Cruise Club – sails to five islands in the Canaries: Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and La Palma.

With P&O Cruises ships often in port just for the day it can be easier for beach lovers eager to maximise time ashore to hit up sands near the port so we’ve rounded up the best beaches in the Canary Islands accessible from your P&O Cruises ship so you can be off the deck and onto your sun-drenched towel in a jiffy.

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Playa de las Teresitas [above] is a beach located just outside of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife and the main cruise port.

The famous Canary Islands beach stands out with its golden sand, which was imported from the Sahara Desert, and is lined with palm trees. It also boasts serene turquoise waters making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing on your P&O Cruises stop.

Also visit

Playa de Las Gaviotas: Situated in the neighbouring town of San Andrés, Playa de Las Gaviotas is a beautiful black beach. Known for its strong waves, it’s popular among surfers and bodyboarders.

Playa de Benijo: Also in San Andrés, Playa de Benijo is a picturesque Canary Islands beach surrounded by cliffs and rugged landscapes. It’s famous for its natural beauty, large waves and unique rock formations. Swimming here can be challenging due to the strong currents, but it’s a great spot for a relaxing walk or a picnic.

Playa de Antequera: Tucked away in the northeastern part of Tenerife, Playa de Antequera is a secluded, untouched beach accessible by a short hike. It offers a tranquil and natural setting, with pristine sands and limpid waters.

Playa de Almáciga: Similarly located, Playa de Almáciga is a hidden gem known for its gorgeous scenery. Surrounded by cliffs and located in a small fishing village, this beach offers a peaceful atmosphere and a chance to experience the local way of life.

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Playa de Las Canteras, located right in the heart of the cruise ship port and island capital of Las Palmas, is one of the most popular urban Canary Islands beaches.

With its golden shoreline stretching for over three kilometres, Playa de Las Canteras offers a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. The beach is protected by a natural reef, creating tranquil waters, and is surrounded by a lively promenade with shops, restaurants and cafes.

Also visit

Playa de Maspalomas: Approximately 45 minutes south of Las Palmas is Playa de Maspalomas [above], a spectacular Canary Islands beach renowned for its vast dunes. The beach is backed by a nature reserve, offering a unique and picturesque landscape. P&O Cruises offers fun excursions here so do investigate the line’s shore experiences!

Playa del Inglés: Adjacent to Playa de Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés is a long and wide sandy beach that caters to various activities, such as sunbathing, swimming and beach volleyball. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars and shops nearby.

Playa de Amadores: Playa de Amadores, on the southwestern coast of the island, features soft white sand and a sheltered bay, making it an ideal beach for families and those seeking relaxation. The beach offers sun loungers, umbrellas and several waterfront eateries.

Playa de Puerto Rico: Nearby, Playa de Puerto Rico offers ideal conditions for swimming and various water activities, including jet skiing and parasailing.

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Playa del Reducto is as convenient from your P&O Cruises ship as it gets. This inviting stretch is an urban beach in Arrecife, the capital city of Lanzarote and where your vessel will call on Canary Islands cruises.

The beach in the Canary Islands offers a tranquil escape right in the heart of the city complete with fine golden sand and calm azure waters, perfect for relaxation and leisurely swims. It’s also well-equipped with amenities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, showers and beachside cafes.

Also visit

Playa de Matagorda: A short drive south of Arrecife, Playa de Matagorda is a long and sandy beach with beautiful blue waters as well as sun loungers, umbrellas and a few beachfront bars. It’s a quieter beach compared to some of the others in Lanzarote so it’s a good option for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.

Playa de los Pocillos: Located in Puerto del Carmen [above, right], approximately 10km south of Arrecife, Playa de los Pocillos is a wide and spacious Canary Islands beach offering several eateries, cafes and shops nearby.

Playa Flamingo: Situated in the resort town of Playa Blanca, about 20km southwest of Arrecife, Playa Flamingo is a family-friendly option with a sheltered bay. The beach itself is well-maintained and there’s a picturesque promenade lined with restaurants and shops.

Papagayo Beaches: A short drive from Playa Blanca, the Papagayo Beaches [above, left] are a series of stunning coves and bays. These Canary Islands beaches are part of a natural park and offer a more secluded and pristine experience.

Don’t miss

Playa Blanca is a picturesque Canary Islands beach located just outside the capital of Puerto del Rosario, the main cruise port of Fuerteventura. This lovely beach features soft golden sand and cobalt waters and is popular among both locals and tourists, providing a peaceful escape with beautiful views of the ocean.

The beach is well-maintained and offers amenities such as beach bars and restaurants, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoying the coastal beauty of Fuerteventura during your P&O Cruises holiday.

Also visit

Playa de Los Pozos: This urban beach in Puerto del Rosario may not be as extensive as others on the island, but it offers a pleasant place to unwind and enjoy the sea breeze. There are also a few bars and cafes along the promenade where you can grab a refreshment.

Playa Chica: A short drive from Puerto del Rosario in the town of Caleta de Fuste, Playa Chica is a small but charming beach known for its placid waters, which are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Playa del Castillo: Also in Caleta de Fuste, Playa del Castillo is a family-friendly beach with a wide sandy shore suitable for swimming and paddling. There are also plenty of amenities nearby, including restaurants, shops and water sports facilities.

Playa de Sotavento: An hour’s drive south from Puerto del Rosario, Playa de Sotavento is a vast beach popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the favourable winds in the area.

Don’t miss

Playa de los Cancajos is situated just a short drive south of Santa Cruz de la Palma [above right], your P&O Cruises port of call, and is a captivating beach renowned for its striking black volcanic sand.

Dramatically showcasing the island’s volcanic origins. Playa de los Cancajos provides excellent amenities, including sun loungers, umbrellas and beachfront joints where visitors can relax and savour the coastal ambience. The beach is also ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Also visit

Playa de Nogales: Situated on the northeastern coast of the island, approximately a 40-minute drive from Santa Cruz de la Palma, Playa de Nogales is a wild and beautiful beach surrounded by cliffs and featuring dark volcanic sand.

Playa de Puerto Naos: About a 30-minute drive from Santa Cruz de la Palma, on the western coast of La Palma, is Playa de Puerto Naos, a popular beach with facilities, including restaurants, cafes and shops, along the promenade.

Playa de Charco Verde: A short distance from Puerto Naos, Playa de Charco Verde [above, left] is a secluded, black beach surrounded by lush vegetation and palm trees.