I have vacationed on all the Canary Islands, including Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and La Palma. These destinations are popular among travelers worldwide for their pleasant climate and breathtaking scenery.
Known as the “Islands of Eternal Spring,” they boast consistently mild temperatures, rarely dropping below 18°C throughout the year.
These islands were formed by ancient volcanic activity, with their volcanoes still active today. Mount Teide in Tenerife, Spain’s highest peak, is also the third-tallest volcanic structure globally.
While I have enjoyed many trips to the summit of Teide, one aspect has deterred me from revisiting recently—the presence of black sandy beaches. Tenerife is home to numerous black sand beaches, especially in its northern areas, as reported by the Express.
Though there are white sand and pebble beaches on the islands, they are not as common. The black sand is a result of volcanic lava that has been crushed into fine grains over time by the ocean’s constant movement.
Lanzarote also features black sand beaches like Playa de Janubio and Playa de El Golfo. Although these beaches are picturesque and rich in natural history, they do not appeal to me as much for beach vacations.
During the scorching summers in the Canaries, I have always found the black sand uncomfortably hot to walk on, as it absorbs more sunlight compared to white or golden sands. The beaches didn’t live up to the idealistic postcard images I had envisioned.
In contrast, my recent trip to Sardinia left me in awe with its pristine white beaches and crystal-clear waters, offering a more luxurious and tropical experience than what I experienced in the Canary Islands.
However, it is important to note that many people are attracted to black sand beaches for their unique beauty, rarity, and connection to volcanic landscapes, making it a matter of personal preference.
The islands also have golden beaches, such as Las Teresitas near Tenerife’s capital, known for its tranquil, shallow waters. This man-made beach, built in the 1960s using sand from the Sahara Desert, is popular among tourists and locals for its stunning beauty and safe swimming conditions.