Best beaches in Gran Canaria

South

The south of Gran Canaria is the main touristic destination on the island, where the majority of apartments, all-inclusive hotels, and numerous tourist attractions are located. But it is also known for having some of the top beaches in Gran Canaria. Most people are familiar with those well-equipped and urbanized beaches, but in this list, we will show you some of the hidden beaches that are in a natural state.

Maspalomas

Surely, you have heard about both Playa del Inglés and Playa de Maspalomas. You should know that they are actually names given to different areas, but the beach is the same, and it is the largest beach in Gran Canaria. It is renowned for its dunes, the Maspalomas oasis located next to the lighthouse, and above all, for being a very open-minded area. There is a section of the beach that is the most well-known nudist destination in Gran Canaria, next to a beach bar called chiringuito 7. Maspalomas is for sure a must see.

Montaña Arena

Montaña Arena Beach is one of the best options if you want to relax on a beach away from urbanization and tourism. You can reach it by both car and bus, but it is recommended to wear sports shoes as you have to walk about 10 minutes on land and descend a slope to reach it. It is a well-known spot because many people practice nudism and camp on the beach, although I must emphasize that camping on the beach is a prohibited activity. It is among the top beaches in the south of Gran Canaria, with 200 meters of sand, and as its name suggests, it is surrounded by a large sand mountain.

Playa de las Mujeres

La Playa de las Mujeres is located next to Montaña Arena; if you take the descent to the left, you will reach the place. It is a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by small cliffs that provide protection from the wind.

Tiritaña

For those who love secluded coves, Tiritaña Beach is a true marvel. Despite having enough sand, due to its small size, it is advisable to go when the tide is low and wear sports shoes as it takes about 10 minutes to descend from the bus stop. If you go by car, there are usually enough spaces to park along the road. Its underwater depths may not be well-known, but snorkeling along the rocks on the right is a delight, with a large variety of fish.

East

El Cabrón

Playa del Cabron is located next to the fishing village of Arinaga. It is accessible by car, but driving with caution is recommended through the dirt road. It is a beach with light-colored sand that is often whipped by the wind, typical of the east coast. The beach is close to one of the best diving destinations, so snorkeling can be done by following the rocks to the left of the beach.

Tufia

With its black sand and characteristic crystal-clear water, Tufia is one of the most beautiful coves in the Canary Islands. It is located near the airport, so it’s normal to see planes flying over the beach occasionally, but it’s a wonderful place to relax. The beach is small, so it is advisable to go during low tide. For snorkeling enthusiasts, on the left side of the beach, you can observe a great variety of fish.

Ojos de Garza

Ojos de Garza is a beautiful beach surrounded by white houses. It is not very large and has limited sand, so it’s only worth visiting during low tide. At times, it can be affected by wind and waves. Similar to Tufia, the proximity to the airport allows you to see planes flying over the beach.

Playa de Arinaga

Possibly not the most beautiful beach, but if it’s included in this list, it’s for a reason, it is one of the best places for snorkeling on the island. There is a wide variety of species, and the water is usually calm. The beach is mostly rocky, but there are several areas with sand. In its surroundings, there is a fishing village with a variety of restaurants offering local delicacies.

North

Las Canteras

Considered one of the best urban beaches in the world, Las Canteras Beach is the heart of the city of Las Palmas. It is a unique beach with a natural reef known as La Barra that protects a large part of the beach from the waves. It is a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts, as you can see many fish, and there is also an area of the beach known as La Cicer where surfing can be practiced.

El Confital

In the coastal area of the La Isleta neighborhood, we find the Confital Beach, quite well-known among locals. It is a wonderful place to spend a day with family or friends, have a picnic, relax, and take a swim if the tide allows, as waves are common. In fact, it’s a known spot for surfing. It is accessible on foot from Las Canteras Beach, as the car access is currently under construction.

Playa de los Dos Roques

Located in the municipality of Galdar, this beach has something quite peculiar – it has an area open to the sea, while the other part of the beach is connected to a natural pool. Therefore, it is a very pleasant place for swimming on days when currents make it difficult to swim in the open sea.

Sardina del Norte

Sardina de Galdar Beach is particularly famous for being one of the best diving spots in the Canary Islands, with the bay being well-known for night dives. Consequently, as you can imagine, snorkeling at this beach is a delight, especially when swimming near the pier on the right. The beach has sand, is sheltered from the waves, and offers convenient parking nearby.

West

Playa de las Nieves

In the port of Las Nieves, in Agaete, there is a wide variety of activities to enjoy. From indulging in fresh seafood at its numerous terrace restaurants to swimming in the natural pools of the salt flats or taking a dip at Las Nieves Beach. Despite being a pebble beach, which might be uncomfortable for some, this place has a notable feature: the breathtaking views of the highest cliff in Europe, the Risco de Faneque.

Guayedra

Guayedra Beach is situated in a privileged setting, surrounded by the huge cliffs that characterize the west coast of Gran Canaria. It takes about a 15 minute walk from where you park your car, and as is typical with the beaches on the west side, the sand disappears with high tide, so avoid this moment of the day to visit the beach.

Güi-Güi

Known for its wild state, Güi Güi Beach is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire archipelago. It is not easily accessible, with only two ways to reach the beach: a several-hour hike or by a taxi boat that provides easier access. Although many people camp on this beach, it is strictly prohibited.

Playa de la Aldea

Along the route through the west of the island, there is a place where you can take a break from driving and enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea. It’s the Beach of La Aldea, which, despite being mostly rocky, is known for its calm waters that make swimming easy. It is highly recommended to indulge in fresh seafood at some of the terraces surrounding the area.