The Canary Islands are a popular holiday destination for Brits, but one thing has stopped me from returning in recent years.
I’ve holidayed on every Canary Island you can think of – Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Palma. These islands are a hit with travellers globally for their agreeable weather and stunning landscapes.
They’re often referred to as the “Islands of Eternal Spring” due to their consistently mild temperatures throughout the year, rarely dipping below 18°C.
These islands emerged from ancient volcanic eruptions, and their volcanoes remain active to this day. Mount Teide in Tenerife is not only Spain’s tallest peak but also ranks as the third-highest volcanic structure globally.
I’ve relished numerous ascents to Teide’s summit, yet despite the archipelago’s allure, one aspect has deterred me from returning lately.
That would be the black sandy shores. Tenerife boasts an array of black sand beaches, particularly in its northern regions, reports the Express.
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Although there are white sand and pebble beaches too, they’re less prevalent.
The black sand originates from volcanic lava, which, over time and under the relentless motion of the ocean, gets pulverised into fine grains.
Lanzarote is home to several black sand beaches as well, including Playa de Janubio and Playa de El Golfo. While these beaches are undoubtedly picturesque and steeped in natural history, they just don’t cut it for me when it comes to beach holidays.
During the intense heat of Canary summers, I’ve always found the black sand to be unbearably hot underfoot, absorbing more sunlight than its white or golden counterparts.
I found the beaches to be less appealing than the idyllic images on postcards had led me to believe.
Take Sardinia, for instance, which I recently visited during my holiday. It was adorned with pristine white beaches and crystal clear water everywhere, offering a more luxurious and tropical feel compared to my time in the Canaries.
However, it’s worth noting that many people are drawn to black sand beaches for their dramatic beauty, rarity, and association with volcanic landscapes, so it really boils down to personal preference.
There are also some golden beaches on the islands. Las Teresitas, situated near Tenerife’s capital, is a golden sand beach renowned for its tranquil, shallow, and safe waters.
This man-made beach was constructed in the 1960s using over 5,000 tonnes of sand from the Sahara Desert. Despite being a stunning beach, it’s always bustling as tourists and locals alike vie for a spot.