Gran Canaria is an island of beach contrasts. In the south — golden sands of Maspalomas and tourist resorts. In the north — wild, black beaches and fishing villages. And right in the heart of Las Palmas — one of the finest urban beaches in Europe. Below are our guides to the best beaches on the island.
Beaches in Southern Gran Canaria
The southern coast is the tourism hub of Gran Canaria — golden sand, warm water and full infrastructure.
- Maspalomas — the icon of Gran Canaria. 2.7 km of golden sand, protected dunes, a nudist section and 7 kiosk-bars. A comprehensive attractions guide.
- Playa del Inglés — a huge tourist beach, gateway to the Maspalomas dunes, nightlife centre (Yumbo), surfing.
- Playa de Amadores — a man-made crescent-shaped beach. Imported white sand, breakwaters mean zero waves. The best choice for families with small children.
- Playa de Mogán — the “Little Venice” of Gran Canaria. A charming harbour beach, calm water and colourful restaurants.
- Playa de Puerto Rico — a sheltered bay, water sports (jet skiing, parasailing) and dolphin-watching trips.
Beaches in Las Palmas and the North
- Las Canteras — 3 km of urban beach in Las Palmas. Five sections, La Barra reef, surfing at La Cícer. One of the best city beaches in Europe.
- Playa del Confital — a powerful reef break near La Isleta. For experienced surfers only, not for swimming.
- Playa de Sardina del Norte — a hidden cove in Gáldar. Black sand, calm water, excellent fish restaurants, zero tourists.
- Playa de Melenara — a local beach in Telde. Black sand, a Neptune statue, good conditions for bodyboarding.
Wild and Hidden Beaches
- Playa de Güigüí — the hardest beach to reach on Gran Canaria. A 3-4 hour hike. Zero infrastructure, spectacular cliffs. For experienced hikers only.
- Playa de Tufia — a tiny volcanic cove on the east coast. A snorkelling paradise, with an archaeological site nearby.
Nudist Beaches on Gran Canaria
Maspalomas is the most famous naturist beach in the Canary Islands — the nudist section stretches from kiosk 4 to kiosk 7. On a smaller scale, nudism is tolerated at Güigüí and in the more remote sections of Playa del Inglés.