Although a swimming pool not a beach, we feel that the Lago is worth a mention in this category as it was built in Puerto de la Cruz specifically to address the town's 'lack-of-decent-beaches' problem.

Designed by famous Canarian artist Cesar Manrique (from Lanzarote), the Lago is not a part of any of the resort's numerous hotels - it is entirely independent and open to all comers.

It is a vast and beautiful collection of open air salt-water pools, built right on the edge of the town on reclaimed land.

It may not be a beach, but it's nonetheless a great place for swimming and sunbathing (and you don't get sand in your trunks!).

It can however get very crowded and unlike any of the beaches there is a small entrance fee.

Richard Lewis.

Article used with permission of Islas.com