Best beaches in Gran Canaria: a complete guide for your ideal vacation
Gran Canaria is a paradisiacal destination with beaches to suit all tastes. From the vibrant Playa de Las Canteras to the quiet Playa de Amadores, the island offers varied and spectacular options. The dunes of Maspalomas and the unspoiled Playa de Güigüí are just some of the natural wonders to be enjoyed. Explore our recommendations for the best beaches on the island.
Gran Canaria is a paradise for sun and sea lovers, with beaches to suit all tastes. From extensive golden sands to hidden volcanic coves, the island offers a diverse coastline bathed by crystal clear waters. Its privileged climate allows you to enjoy the sea all year round,
making it an ideal destination to relax, practice water sports or explore unique landscapes. Discover the best beaches in Gran Canaria and find the perfect spot to enjoy an unforgettable vacation by the ocean.
1. Most outstanding beaches in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is famous for its spectacular beaches, which offer a unique variety of landscapes and experiences. With crystal clear waters and golden sand, these beaches are the perfect destination to enjoy the sun and sea. Below are some of the island's most outstanding beaches:
Las Canteras Beach
Las Canteras Beach is one of the jewels of Gran Canaria, known for its coral reef that protects the bathing area. Here, visitors can enjoy exciting water activities such as surfing and snorkeling. In addition, the beach offers a wide range of services and amenities to ensure a pleasant experience.
Water activities in Las Canteras
At Las Canteras Beach, sea lovers can enjoy exciting water activities such as surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. The crystal clear waters and marine diversity make this place a paradise for water sports enthusiasts.
Services and amenities at Las Canteras
To ensure the comfort of visitors, Las Canteras Beach offers a wide range of services, from renting sunbeds and umbrellas to beach bars and restaurants facing the sea. In addition, it has adapted access for people with reduced mobility.
Maspalomas Beach
Maspalomas Beach is famous for its impressive dunes and the iconic Maspalomas Lighthouse. Here, tourists can enjoy long walks on the golden sand and explore the area’s unique natural environment.
Maspalomas Dunes
The dunes of Maspalomas are a unique natural phenomenon in Europe, offering breathtaking scenery and the opportunity for excursions to discover its beauty. The high dunes and the sea in the background create a spectacular scenery for visitors.
Maspalomas Lighthouse
The Maspalomas Lighthouse is a symbol of the island and a must-see for those looking to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. From the lighthouse, you can admire the dune landscape and the sea in all its beauty.
2. Best beaches in the south of Gran Canaria
The south of Gran Canaria stands out for its beaches of crystal clear waters and golden sand, ideal to enjoy the sun and the sea in a quiet and cozy environment. With a pleasant climate all year round, the southern beaches are perfect for relaxing and disconnecting from routine.
Beaches in the municipality of Mogán
Mogán Beach
Playa de Mogán is known for its calm waters and charming promenade lined with restaurants and stores. It is a perfect place to take a stroll, enjoy a meal in front of the sea or just relax in the sun.
Taurito Beach
Taurito is a smaller and quieter beach, ideal for those seeking a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. With calm waters and fine sand, it is a perfect place to rest and enjoy nature.
Playa del Inglés
Environments and public in Playa del Inglés
Playa del Inglés is one of the most popular beaches in the south, with a wide variety of services, restaurants and activities for all tastes. From families to young people looking for fun, this beach attracts a diverse and cosmopolitan public.
Activities and events in Playa del Inglés
In Playa del Inglés you can practice water sports such as windsurfing and paddle surfing, as well as enjoy lively events and parties in the coastal area. The nights in Playa del Inglés are also lively, with a wide range of nightlife.
3. Best beaches in the north of Gran Canaria
The north of Gran Canaria is home to beaches with unique charm and beauty. From the impressive Playa de Las Nieves in Agaete to the picturesque Playa de Sardina del Norte, this place offers options for all tastes and preferences.
Las Nieves Beach (Agaete)
Las Nieves Beach in Agaete is known for its crystal clear waters and its quiet and picturesque environment. Surrounded by cliffs and fishermen’s houses, this beach is ideal to relax and enjoy the serenity that the north of the island offers.
Sardina del Norte Beach
Sardina del Norte Beach is a hidden treasure in Gran Canaria. With its calm waters and dark sand, it is perfect for those looking for a secluded place to disconnect. It also offers a variety of underwater activities for sea lovers.
Underwater activities at Sardina del Norte
At Sardina del Norte Beach, visitors can enjoy exciting underwater activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Its crystal clear waters allow visitors to explore the rich marine life that inhabits the area, creating unforgettable experiences for ocean lovers.
Services at Sardina del Norte beach
For the convenience of visitors, Sardina del Norte Beach has services such as sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, as well as beach bars where you can enjoy the local gastronomy in front of the sea. In addition, its accesses are adapted for people with reduced mobility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this beautiful corner of Gran Canaria.
4. Urban beaches of Gran Canaria
Las Canteras Beach
Las Canteras Beach is one of the jewels in the crown of Gran Canaria. With its golden sand, crystal clear waters and lively atmosphere, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sea. Here you will find a wide range of services and amenities to make your day at the beach as comfortable as possible.
Water activities in Las Canteras
- Surf and bodyboard
- Snorkeling and diving
- Kayak and paddle surf
Services and amenities at Las Canteras
- Sun loungers and umbrellas for rent
- Showers and restrooms
- Beach bars and restaurants on the beachfront
Las Alcaravaneras Beach
Las Alcaravaneras Beach is another of the most popular urban beaches of Gran Canaria. With its quiet and familiar atmosphere, it is ideal to spend a relaxing day by the sea. Here you can enjoy services and facilities designed for your comfort.
Water activities in Las Alcaravaneras
- Kayaking or paddle surfing
- Sailing or windsurfing lessons
- Boat trips along the coast
5. Best beaches for families
San Agustin Beach
San Agustin Beach is an ideal destination for families in Gran Canaria. With its golden sand and calm waters, it offers a relaxed and safe environment for children. It also has a wide variety of services such as sun loungers, umbrellas and beach bars where you can enjoy snacks and refreshing drinks.
Amadores Beach
Located in a sheltered bay, Amadores Beach stands out for its crystal clear waters and soft white sand, making it another excellent option for families. Here you can spend hours swimming in a natural and quiet environment, perfect for families. The services and amenities available on the beach guarantee a pleasant experience for everyone.
Anfi del Mar Beach
Anfi del Mar Beach is known for its white sand imported from the Caribbean, its turquoise water and its natural protection against currents, making it a safe place for families with children. The quality facilities and water activities available make it a family beach par excellence in Gran Canaria.
Las Canteras Beach
Las Canteras Beach
Urban beach of more than 3 kilometers long, has a natural barrier known as "La Barra", which protects from the tides.Ideal place for swimming, snorkeling and sports such as surfing.
Areas of La Playa:
1. La Cícer
Sports area, especially surfing and body boarding.
It runs approximately from the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium to the rock called “Peña La Vieja”. “Peña La Vieja”.
Points of interest:
2. Peña La Vieja
The most famous rock of Las Canteras beach. In this area is the ice cream parlor “Peña La Vieja”, founded in 1936, this mythical ice cream parlor refreshes the locals throughout the year.
4. Playa Grande
Then, after passing Playa Chica.
Tourist area where most of the hotels and apartments are concentrated.
Leisure activities:
La Puntilla
After passing Playa Grande we will come across the fishermen’s area and their boats.
Leisure activity:
Plaza de La Puntilla, enjoy a magnificent sunset.
6. El Confital
The walk along the avenue from La Puntilla to Confital is very relaxing.
Leisure activities:
Sports area: Surfing, running, yoga
Maspalomas Beach
Maspalomas Beach
The most popular beach in Gran Canaria
This beach stretches from Punta de Maspalomas, where Playa del Inglés begins, to the Faro de Maspalomas. It has some of the best hotels in the south, with somewhat higher prices.
A must-have:
Leisure activities:
- Take a sunset stroll along the the Paseo de Meloneras
- Wide gastronomic offer with restaurants, ice cream parlors, live music.
- Visit the lighthouse of Maspalomas and the Ethnographic Museum – Free Access
- Holidayworld Maspalomas Center: Park with classic attractions, a bowling alley, karaoke, escape room, restaurants.
- Aqualand Maspalomas: Water park
- Maspalomas Golf
- Meloneras Golf Academy
Playa del Inglés
Playa del Inglés
Sister beach of Maspalomas. It is located in the south of the island, almost three kilometers of golden sand and calm waters, next to the Special Natural Reserve of the Dunes of Maspalomas.
Playa del Inglés is one of the most famous tourist beaches on the island of Gran Canaria.
Includes the coastal area from Punta Maspalomas to San Agustín beach.
Beach areas:
- Central area: Seafront promenade with restaurants and stores. Lots of hotels and apartments to stay, with different prices. It is a more familiar area, with lots of sun loungers for rent.
- South zone: Towards the southern end we will find the nudist and gay area, which runs approximately from kiosk number 3 to kiosk number 7, being 7 the gay area. In this area sports activities such as surfing, with its schools, take place.
Leisure activities:
- Yumbo Centrum: Shopping center with stores and nightlife venues aimed at the gay community.
- Atelier Cocktail bar: Rooftop with wonderful views.
Puerto Rico Beach
Puerto Rico Beach
One of the first artificial beaches built in Gran Canaria in the 1960s.
Located southwest of the municipality of Mogán, Puerto Rico is an ideal beach for swimming and very safe, without any waves thanks to the protection of its marina.
Leisure activities:
- Puerto Rico Beach
- Angry Birds Activity Park: Angry Birds themed amusement park.
- Mogan Mall: Shopping mall
- Chester Beach Club
- Puerto Rico – Amadores promenade: it is worth watching the sunset while enjoying this promenade.
Amadores Beach
Amadores Beach
This artificial beach, located in the municipality of Mogán, is known for its white sand and crystalline waters.
It is an ideal beach for families, with no waves and crystal clear waters. The beach has public bathrooms, and a wide range of dining options.
Leisure activities:
- Amadores Beach
- Amadores Fun Park: Water Park
- Amadores Beach Club: Private cabanas, solarium, chill-out area.
- Bufadero de Tauro Cave
- Puerto Rico – Amadores promenade: it’s worth watching the sunset while enjoying this promenade
Anfi del Mar Beach
Anfi del Mar Beach
One of the most popular artificial beaches on the island.
Known for its fine white sand and calm, crystal clear waters, it is an ideal destination for families and those looking for a relaxing day at the beach.
Leisure activities:
Water sports Luis Molina: Water sports equipment rental.
Anfi Heart Island: Take a walk around the heart-shaped island.
Maroa Club de Mar: Beach club with restaurant, hammocks and where you can have a cocktail.
San Agustin Beach
San Agustin Beach
The beach of San Agustín is characterized for being one of the quietest urban beaches in the south of Gran Canaria.
It is the favorite beach for thousands of local families to spend long days during the summer days.
Leisure activities:
- San Agustin Beach
- Walk along the promenade until you reach Playa del Inglés.
- Thalasso Gloria San Agustin: Therapeutic Spa
- Wide gastronomic offer.