Caleton Blanco Beach

The colour hits first: pale sand and turquoise water set into a coast of black lava. The rocks break the shore into small coves and lagoons, so each patch of sand feels like its own sheltered corner, and there are plenty of spots to settle away from the next group.

The lagoons are what people come for. The reefs hold back the swell, so the water inside stays still and clear even on stormy days, and in the shallows it runs warmer than the open sea. Small fish move between the rocks. For children it is an easy place to paddle, float and watch them.

• No toilets, showers or drinking water at the beach, and none nearby — bring water with you.
• The rock and the lagoon floor are volcanic and uneven; water shoes make getting in far easier.
• The car park is a decent size but fills up quickly, so arrive early for a space.
• The sand has no shade. Bring a hat and sun cream.
• Nude bathing is practised here.

Most people come by car. The free car park named after the beach sits right at the shore, so once you have parked the coves are in front of you. It fills up quickly; when it does, there is free roadside parking, and a second free car park lies about 1.1 km away.

Without a car, the nearest bus stop is El Callao, about 930 m away in a straight line, and the rest is on foot. Carry water from the start: there is none at the beach.

Best: mornings, and days when the sea is rough along the rest of the coast. Avoid: the hours around midday in high summer.

The car park fills quickly, and on stormy days the lagoons stay still and warm while the open shore does not; at midday there is no shade on the sand, and the white sand throws the sun straight back at you.