Cruise stops at Cadiz, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife -- need recommendations on beaches

Cádiz is not an island. It is a small city on a peninsula jutting into the Bay of Cádiz. It does have beaches and is easy to walk around. I haven’t been to any of the islands, so cannot comment on them.

Our cruise stops in Cadiz in April. I received a lot of info from this site on Cadiz. It is a favorite of some. it's about an hour and a half from Seville, while is supposed to be known for Flameno dancing. I think we will stay in Cadiz and enjoy the city due to time constraints from the cruise. We will tour the city then do tapas, wine and Flameno. I can keep you posted.

@dlblack65, thank you for the response. Would appreciate any intel after your trip.

We are almost certain that we will stay in Cadiz and enjoy the city instead of going to Seville. Still curious about the quality of the beach in Cadiz, and how it compares to the beaches at the other 3 places.

The beach in Cadiz is nice, but not spectacular. It is pretty to look at, a nice crescent with forts at each point. We found it nice to sit at, walk along, but probably would not spend the day there. There are also beaches as you head onto the mainland that are nicer.

However, I think since you have the choice, spend your time in Cadiz focusing on the town, not the beach (except for a rest or a stroll). There a some decent sights, a cathedral, a Roman amphitheater, a couple museums, a nice market. Do some research on tapas bars, lots of Youtube videos, they are one of the highlights of Cadiz, with some great local specialties.

While I have not been, the beaches in the Canaries that you will have access to are supposed to be much better, and a better chance of good weather, temps in the high 70's and little chance of Rain.

On Lanzarote, the most beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise water are at PAPAGAYO BEACH which is an undeveloped series of pristine beaches and PLAYA BLANCA which has hotels and condos. PAPAGAYO BEACH is the one to see.
There is a nice city beach on Gran Canaria right in the main city of Las Palmas called ALCARAVANERAS. At the south end of Gran Canaria is where you’ll find warmer water and warmer air temperatures as there is less wind. Here you’ll find the MASPALOMAS DUNES which is one-of-a-kind—— it looks exactly like you’re in the Sahara Desert.

There are so many fantastic sights in Lanzarote that yo could see if you hire a taxi for a few hours. But as mentioned, above, the island has some great beaches, too. We spent about ten days last May and could barely scratch the surface of what the island has to offer: Volcanoes, cactus gardens, wine country, so,, so much to see there. Agree that beaches in Cadiz are ok but not with palm tress a la Caribbean. The gorgeous beaches would mean a taxi ride to places such as Zahara de los Atunes, El Palmar de Vejer, etc etc. I'd explore Cadiz and/or take ferry to Puerto de Santa Maria. Do not miss the shrimp tortillas at el Faro in Cadiz or in el Puerto if you need a meal or snack.

On Tenerife, the beaches tend to have coarse, black sand - and I am not sure where the closest would be to where you are likely to dock at Santa Cruz.

If there is a trip up Mount Teide, it is well worth a visit if you have not done a volcanic landscape before.
Personally, from Santa Cruz, I would take either a bus or the light railway/tram up as far as the old capital of the Island - San Cristobal de La Laguna (often referred to as just La Laguna). It's a UNESCO world heritage site and parts of it date back to the 15th century.