Deciding on the top beaches of Gran Canaria is no easy feat. What is undebatable is the incredible breadth and number of beaches available to holiday seekers. From the stunning urban beach of Las Canteras in Las Palmas to slices of paradise in the south, there is a beach for everyone.
The beaches of Gran Canaria are an ideal destination for both those looking for tranquillity and those looking to cut loose. Some are located in tourist resorts, equipped with all the amenities and services imaginable, while others are off-the-beaten track. The north and south coastlines contrast drastically: black vs. golden sand, calm waters vs. strong swells, sandy dunes vs. soaring crags. The differences are countless and that is exactly what makes Gran Canaria so unique and beautiful.
- Las Canteras
- Playa de Maspalomas
- Playa del Inglés
- Anfi del Mar
- Playa de Amadores
- Playa de Güigüi
- Playa de Tufia
The beaches and coves of Gran Canaria: it all starts in Las Canteras
The best place to get a taste of what Gran Canaria beaches have to offer is Playa Las Canteras. This beach is amongst the top urban beaches of Spain and for some, of the world. The people of Las Palmas are especially proud of their clean beach and waters. It has repeatedly been awarded the Blue Flag certification.
The 3-km long, golden-sand beach is protected from strong Atlantic swells by a reef breakwater. It may be a diving enthusiast’s utopia for the aquarium-like conditions but everyone can enjoy the charms this beach has to offer.
Las Cantaras is the perfect meeting point for its prime central location in the city. It offers the possibility to do a number of activities, such as going for a swim, relaxing, doing some sport or taking a walk along the promenade. The colour of the sand and even the water varies depending on where you are on the beach.
Playa de Maspalomas: a gem on the south coast
Maspalomas is – hands down – one of Gran Canaria’s top beaches. It’s no surprise it has become a renowned holiday destination. Its calm, clean and shallow waters are excellent for a relaxing swim and if it’s followed by a snooze on the fine, white sand, you’re officially on holiday! The already idyllic setting is further amplified by the incredible desert and oasis that make up the landscape, where giant, windswept dunes, palm groves and the Charca (‘lagoon’) de Maspalomas collide with the Atlantic Ocean.
The beach is a favourite of the gay community, but families, nudists and water-sport lovers also come to this the 3-km beach to enjoy a day under the sun.
Playa del Inglés: the top beach for children
The sandy, 3-km long Playa del Inglés sits at the southern end of Playa Maspalomas and is the most unspoilt and unbusy beach on the south coast. There’s a spot for everyone: surfers catch waves right where the two beaches meet, while families enjoy the calm waters further along. There is even an area for sports buffs to play a game of volleyball or beach football. It is also attracts lots of young people for its party scene – the most happening of all Gran Canaria.
Anfi del Mar: the Caribbean’s European rival
Anfi del Mar Beach is one of the many gorgeous artificial beaches gracing the southern coast of Gran Canaria. It is located in the municipality of Mogán and is also known as Playa de la Verga, after the ravine it sits at the end of.
Anfi del Mar Beach was designed to form an exclusive beachside resort but is open to the public. The palm-peppered beach and the limpid, azure water makes you forget you are in Europe rather than the Caribbean. In fact, the glittering white sand was imported from the Caribbean to recreate that exact feel.
Anfi del Mar Beach nestles in a sheltered bay, protected from the wind and its calm waters are optimal for children.
Playa de Amadores: blissfully romantic
The 800-m long, artificial beach of Playa de Amadores hugs the south-eastern edge of Gran Canaria, between Puerto Rico and Mogán – also in a sheltered bay. Holiday travellers looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway immediately fall in love with the fine golden sand and clean, crystalline waters.
Couples will especially appreciate the beach’s idyllic features and the breathtaking views of the ocean and Mount Teide on the neighbouring island of Tenerife. The beach’s shallow and calm waters will also give parents peace of mind as their children paddle around. There are several restaurants and terraces in the vicinity where you can enjoy a bite to eat.
Playa de Güigüi: an unspoilt slice of paradise
The eastern coast of Gran Canaria harbours 850 m of secluded, untouched bliss: Playa de Güigüi. Situated in the municipality of La Aldea, this gorgeous, off-the-beaten-track, virgin beach is bounded by soaring mountains and was declared a Biosphere Reserve. The only way to reach this secluded beach is by undertaking a 2-hour hike from the village of Tasartico – the quintessential destination for those looking to escape the crowds of tourists.
Since it can only be reached on foot or by boat, the beach is pure unencumbered nature. On arrival, you’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled upon the last piece of unexplored land. The crystalline waters, fine, black, volcanic sand, and the majestic Mount Teide piercing through the horizon provide an absolutely stunning setting.
Playa de Tufia: seafaring village charm
More of a cove than a beach, the Playa de Tufia is not far from Las Palmas and a favourite among locals. Located on the east coast, this diminutive beach of dark volcanic sand is nestled at the base of a picturesque, century-old fishermen’s village. The cerulean water provides amazing conditions for diving enthusiasts to explore the seabed. The neighbouring beach of Aguadulce offers a completely contrasting beach experience with its golden sands.
