Playa de los Clicos

Surely one of Europe’s most unusual natural spectacles, Playa de los Clicos consists of black volcanic sands backed by a lagoon of vivid green. This is in turn edged to one side by the caldera of a volcano now partially lost to the sea.

Thankfully the green of the lagoon isn’t the result of some terrible nuclear accident, but the natural algae that found the mineral-rich waters so agreeable. Part of the west coast’s Timanfaya National Park, Playa del Charco de los Clicos is also sometimes known as Playa El Golfo after its bay.

It’s not permitted to swim in the lagoon, however stronger swimmers can enjoy the waves instead.