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 are only part of the picture – our Gran Canaria island guide covers weather, transport and the interior.
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.