The nicest beaches of the island are found at the south, in Playa Blanca, they are called the beaches of Papagayo. There are 15 in total, 7 of which are the most visited, they are beaches of fine white sand, the bottom of the sea is clear and the water is turquoise. The sea is always very calm and the area sheltered from the wind. It is the ideal spot to spend a relaxing day. There are large beaches but in between you can find very little sandy ones where only 4 or 6 people fit in. For the lovers of nudism there is one nudist beach. And for the lovers of stony beaches there are several of them. The ones at the end of the way are less accessible, that means that you have to climb big rocks on your way back.
Papagayo is situated just in the natural area of the monument "Los Ajaches", and that is why the municipality taxes the access to the beaches, each vehicle must pay 3 euro, regardless of the number of people in it. On the other hand they service these beaches by cleaning, rubbish pick up service and parking guarding.

Playa Quemada: it is a large beach made of black sand and little rocks, not very busy, easy access, stony bottom, by what swimming becomes a bit tough.
Puerto del Carmen: there are several beaches of white fine sand, quite visited during the whole year round by tourists, the sea is clean, sandy bottom, and possibilities of renting a sun bed for the day.
Arrecife: "El Reducto" is the largest beach that you find at the entrance of the village, it has white fine sand and it is visited everyday by the inhabitants of the place.
"El Puente de Las Bolas" is the one situated in front of the castle San José, it is a white sand beach, the sea is clear but on the other hand there's no parking nearby, so you'll have to walk to get there.
Costa Teguise: there are several beaches along the coast; the one called "Las Cucharas" is a Windsurfing high area, lots of fun!!
Arrieta has a large sand beach, quite exposed to the north east winds, and therefore the sea is rarely calm, surfers love the waves of this area.
In the area located in between "Jameos del Agua" and the village of Orzola , there are 3 little beautiful beaches of white sand, very white, nearly immaculate. Access to these beaches is not very easy, cars can be parked nearby, this is a great snorkelling area, and the sea will start the show, lots of fish.

Famara: large white sand bay, the sea there forms special wave shape, what makes this beach to be very appreciated by surfers. Swimming can be dangerous, there are flags flapping to warn swimmers, red flag means danger, yellow flag means be aware because it can turn dangerous, green flag means there's no danger.
Playa del Risco de Famara: is a beach of very difficult access, you have to descend the cliff through a pathway. You can see this beach from the "Mirador del Río" on top of the cliff, because it is situated just underneath.
El Golfo: black sand beach, most of the times the sea is rough and sometimes the waves are enormous, swimming is authorised, be very careful because there's a strong current.
Playa de Janubio: black sand and little black rocks beach, it is situated below the "Salinas del Janubio" area, next to "Los Hervideros", the beach is very nice, but swimming can be dangerous, there are big waves and strong current. Be careful!!