Beaches in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Beaches are all different from each other.Just under 60 kilometres of beaches along 236 kilometres of coastline, under a gentle sun which seems to have settled here for good. Gran Canaria has more than 80 beaches to choose from, though a handful of those are little more than a tiny cove of rocks, many are golden sand, dark volcanic sand, pebbles.

Holidays in Gran Canaria shine the spotlight on its to-die-for beaches, some of which rank among the best in the world. From popular tourist beaches, to cozy, secluded suntraps, the very epitome of romance, you’ll find something for every taste. Gran Canaria has pretty much all types of beaches here. The beaches in the towns and resorts are developed for the mainstream and tourism whilst those more secluded remain (for the moment) unspoilt havens to discover. These are the beaches that charm thousands of tourists to this beautiful island every year.

A few things to bear in mind that perhaps you didn’t know about beaches here: – All beaches are public. If a hotel decides to spend a small fortunate improving one of the beaches, it still has to remain accessible to the public. – Saturdays and Sundays beaches get much busier than normal as many locals use them. – All ball games should be played 100 meters back from the shoreline. – No camping or BBQ on any beach. – Puerto Rico, Amadores and Mogan beaches are mainly non-smoking each with its own smoking zone. – Also on these beaches swimming after dark is not permitted. – A sun bed is 2.50 / 3.00 euros for the day and an umbrella is another 2.50 / 3.00 euros (price depends on which beach)

Naturist Beaches

Nudism is legal on all Gran Canaria beaches, but it’s best to stick to the areas where it’s considered acceptable. Don’t worry as there are plenty, from the Maspalomas dunes to tiny, hidden bays miles from the nearest road. While topless sunbathing is the norm among both tourists and locals on all of Gran Canaria’s beaches and resort swimming pools the only resort beach that is officially nudist is the central section of Maspalomas.

Naturist Beaches

Blue Flag Beaches

The Blue Flag is awarded to beaches and marinas that conform to a strict set of standards. These are set and controlled by the independent Foundation for Environmental Education and include water quality, facilities, safety and educational resources. The Gran Canaria beaches that won a blue flag are; Las Canteras, El Confital, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Meloneras, El Inglés, Hoya del Pozo, Salinetas, Melenara, Amadores, Mogán, El Puertillo and the El Puertillo natural pools. With Puerto de Mogán and Pasito Blanco marinas also getting Blue Flags, 15 Gran Canaria spots in total got Blue Flags. The Standards of a European Blue Flag beach is based on compliance with 27 criteria covering the aspects: 1) Water Quality 2) Environmental Education and Information 3) Environmental Management 4) Safety and Services.

There are so many gorgeous beaches in Gran Canaria that we could not possibly describe them all. The following is a summary of the beaches by area, though this shouldn’t stop you from exploring the rest of the Island’s coast.

North Beaches of Gran Canaria

The North of Gran Canaria is one of the most exotic places in the island! There are less tourism compared to south, that is why the places are still undiscovered by the majority of tourists. Be unique and brave to explore this part of the island and its exotic beaches!

North Beaches of Gran Canaria
The North of Gran Canaria is one of the most exotic places in the island! There are less tourism compared to south, that is why the places are still undiscovered by the majority of tourists. Be unique and brave to explore this part of the island and its exotic beaches!

Sardina del Norte
This romantic 80m beach is located near the small fishermen port. There are some restaurants to try local fish. It is perfect for diving as it has great conditions and marvellous underwater fauna and flora.

San Felipe
This 450m long beach is a great pick for the big waves lovers and surfers and at the same time not advisable for those without experience bathing when the sea level is high and dangerous.

Charco Las Palomas beach
Near the town of Arucas, this 60 metres long beach, has natural swimming pools when the sea level is low, for those who like swimming in a crystal water! Very calm and little crowded.

 

East Beaches of Gran Canaria
If you enter to any village in this area, you may discover small beaches that only locals know and are really worth visiting. You may experience an espectacular morning going to see the sun coming up from the horizon of the sea. Here we present you some of the most beautiful beaches in the east of Gran Canaria.

Playa de Las Canteras
The jewel in the crown is Playa de las Canteras, the pearl the city, It is a long strip of sand that stretches for miles along the bay, 3 or 4 blocks along from the cruise terminal.

Playa Agua Dulce
The Agua Dulce beach is located in Telde’s municipality on the south-east of the island. It’s a small beach with no more than 250 meters wide with a precious fine golden sand and a bay area.

El Confital
Different from the typical beaches due to its wild surroundings and great view to Las Palmas. In 2012 was awarded with a prestigious premium of “Blue flag” for thee water quality, environment, security and maintenance.

 

South Beaches of Gran Canaria
The majority of tourists visiting Gran Canaria stay in the south of the island as there are located all the most popular beaches and hotels. Varying from small cosy beaches with ancient ports by the side till 5 kilometres coastline of amazing dunes, golden sand, always a sunny weather, mild ocean breeze, could you want more? Explore the richness of the tropical south beaches!

Maspalomas
Maspalomas dunes is the part of the Natural Reserve of Maspalomas, including the area of Maspalomas dunes, Playa de Inglés, Meloneras beach. he whole coastline is about 5600 metres long and is very wide.

Playa del Inglés
Aside from the magnificent Maspalomas dunes, the main attraction for the thousands of visitors is the resort’s beach, a magnificent and vast sandy beach stretching 2.7km

San Agustín
The San Agustín beach is for those, willing to escape and relax. The beach is very wide and comfortable for taking sun baths and swimming or snorkeling as it is protected from the ocean currents

Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is the spot enjoying most sunlight during the year. Next to the busy harbour of Puerto Rico, you can go for a swim or chill out day on the widely stretched, curved beach Playa de Puerto Rico.

Playa de Amadores
This extensive bay, well-protected from the ocean, 800 metre stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Peaceful and relaxing, this is a favourite choice for couples looking for a romantic setting to spend a day in the sunshine.

Puerto de Mogán
Although the gold-colored beach is not the main tourist attraction of Mogan, it definitely is worth going to! There is a great atmosphere and the calm waters of the ocean in the Mogan bay usually have a lovely temperature.

 

West Beaches of Gran Canaria
The west of the island is considered to have the most wild face of Gran Canaria, due to the virgin beaches, high mountains and very little civilization. In the main coast of 33 kilometres you may discover the incredible views, high cliffs, with its highest peak reaching 1300 metres and of course its small beaches in the mountain valleys. The west’s beaches are wild and free, particularly the remote beach of Güigüi – accessible only by foot or boat.

Güi Güi Beach
There are actually two beaches: Güi Güi Grande and is about 350 metres long; Güi Güii Chico is just south and is about 650 metres long. The sand is on the dark side and disappears completely during the winter.

Playa de La Aldea
South of the port Puerto de la Aldea, is Playa de la Aldea, 720m long. During winter it might be really cloudy and a bit cold to sunbathe, but still worth visiting, while during summer season it is a perfect beach for relaxation.

Playa Veneguera
This 370m long beach is one of the few genuinely untouched beaches remaining in Gran Canaria. The stony and sandy beach is incredibly peaceful, and is known for its spectacular sunsets, making it popular with campers.

~Things To See and Do, Places to Visit in Gran Canaria~