Eight idylls of black sand where to celebrate unconfinement

Since last Monday, May 11, the eight Canary Islands have been in phase 1 of the de-escalation (although three of them have already been since last week - La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa -). This means that commercial flights allowing travel between island territories have been resumed, always with the appropriate security measures (including limiting the capacity of the aircraft to 50%). Of all the surprises that the Canary coast hides, none is as unexpected and rewarding as its beaches darkened by the erosion of volcanic lava. We take the opportunity to point out eight black sand paradises in the Canary Islands to keep in mind for those who are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy them now. If this is not the case, travelers can always be included in the wish list for when we enter the so-called new normal and flights resume between the islands and the Peninsula.

The dean

We are, geologically, on the oldest coast of the Canary Islands, in a natural monument formed by marine sediments dating from the time when dinosaurs sloshed. After the walking tour of the caves, one can relax on the wide beach, half callao (pebbles) and half non-sticky sand. In 1402, the Normans Jean de Béthencourt and Gadifer de La Salle undertook the conquest of the island of Fuerteventura for the Crown of Castile. Better to dive alone in the calm sea, since it lacks a lifeguard. In Ajuy its fish restaurants are celebrated, especially La Jaula de Oro (lajauladeoro.es).

The Wheat Caves, in Granadilla de Abona (Tenerife). GUILLERMO POZUELO

Pure energy

This virgin beach of fine sand is hidden at the end of the Montaña Pelada natural monument. Its wide strip has nooks and crannies that isolate it from the permanent trade wind, which spins the neighboring wind farm of the Technological Institute and Renewable Energies (iter.es). They offer a Renewable Energy Walk (free) and rent 24 bioclimatic houses, although at the moment both options, according to what they say, are paralyzed waiting for the evolution of the de-escalation.

Little exploited

Surrounded by banana trees, the beauty and depth of this blue flag beach are measured in its sparsely urbanized beauty, in its sector of sand (separated by a rocky rocky stretch), in the Cumbre Vieja where the Volcanoes Route passes. Germans and Scandinavians usually enjoy it. Here you feel the steep step shortly after entering the water, which will have to be avoided as soon as the swells are unleashed; does not usually register currents. The Charco Verde toponymy is linked to the reeds that bordered the medicinal water wells located at its rear.

Ally of the hiker

On the island of Tenerife, to find the wild you have to walk. And since access to the Los Patos beach has been taking more than five years, we opted for his sister, leaning on the tip of the Ancón, under cliffs that impose their drama and open to a sea that gives respect (she has lifeguards in summer ). Better to avoid the high tides, and return from the sand without a trace, with our garbage bag. The car is left just before reaching the San Diego restaurant (restaurantsandiego.es), with great Canarian cuisine. Right now this place prepares some of its takeaway dishes - which can be ordered online - and is planning to reopen its doors on May 25. To get to the beach, then follow the directions for 1.5 kilometers.

enlarge photo La Cueva beach, in San Sebastián de La Gomera. JORGE TUTOR ALAMY

Waiting dip

Before leaving the island of La Gomera, after negotiating galore curves, you should relax in this urban beach, located just 250 meters from the ferry pier. Its north orientation, with Mount Teide in sight, asks to be wary of storm surges despite the protection of the jetty. It bears a blue flag, and whoever walks to the tip of La Hila will discover the monument to the Olympic Torch (1968) on top.

A volcanic grill

One stands in Las Malvas with the reverent air of someone who is almost touching the fingers of the Timanfaya National Park, where some twenty volcanoes erupted in 1730. About 600 meters before reaching the beach of La Madera —where it ends the runway — there is the access road to Las Malvas. The wide, best beach at low tide, and pristine, has to its credit some little caves that protect from the sun. It is not uncommon to share these noisy solitudes with fishermen, some on board sea kayaks. Bathing is recommended only when the sea is calm.

enlarge photo Playa Jardín, in Puerto de la Cruz (Tenerife). getty images

The beaches according to César Manrique

Playa Jardín was the last project designed and executed by the Canarian artist César Manrique, in which he fuses black sand with palm groves, native flora, gardens and a children's playground, as well as a submerged jetty 120 meters from the shore that cushions the strength of the surf. The complex consists of three sandbanks, in which the blue flag flies, and it is next to Punta Brava where the most sand is concentrated and where the bodies sponge watching the sun fall over the marine horizon. It is the favorite of visitors to the Loro Parque (loroparque.com).

Cove or pool

On the noisy northern coast of Gran Canaria, it is not surprising that El Puertillo attracts with its blue flag and its quiet features (wide and safe at low tide), protected from the prevailing wind and oriented to the Atalaya peak. The Miramar promenade is a good place to park. Along the promenade that starts from El Puertillo you can reach (15 minutes on foot) Los Charcones, intertidal pools that allow bathing in rough seas: the conquerors are understood to call this neighborhood Bañaderos. Entering El Dorado del Norte (928 17 11 79) is surrendering to their mushrooms stuffed with lobster sauce, although you will have to wait until they reopen on May 25 to savor them.

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