Playa de Las Canteras is a 3-kilometre beach right in the heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — and it regularly appears in rankings of the world’s best urban beaches. What makes it special? A natural underwater reef called “La Barra” that runs parallel to the beach, creating a huge natural pool of calm water. Plus: five distinct sections, from the surfing haven of La Cícer to the fishing village feel of La Puntilla, each with its own character.
Where is Las Canteras and how to get there?
The beach stretches along the north-western coast of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — from the bay of La Puntilla in the north to the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium in the south. It’s 100% an urban beach — surrounded by restaurants, shops, and apartments.
By car: Street parking along the promenade (paid, blue zones). Underground car park beneath the Las Arenas shopping centre nearby.
By bus: City bus network Guaguas Municipales — lines 1, 2, 12, 17. From the airport — Global line 60 to San Telmo bus station, then a 10-minute walk.
Five sections of the beach
- La Cícer (south) — surfer’s paradise. Surf schools, waves from the open Atlantic.
- Peña La Vieja — rocks and natural pools. A snorkelling paradise.
- Playa Chica and Muro Marrero — family-friendly, calm water sheltered by La Barra.
- Playa Grande — the main tourist section. Sun loungers, kiosks, promenade.
- La Puntilla — the northern end, quiet, with a fishing village atmosphere.
Beach characteristics
The sand is golden and fine. The main section is protected by the natural reef La Barra — an underwater barrier creating a calm lagoon. The La Cícer section has no protection — Atlantic waves roll in, making it the best surf spot in town.
Facilities
- Sun loungers and parasols (Playa Grande)
- Showers, toilets, lockers
- Playground with wheelchair-accessible swings
- Full accessibility — ramps into the water, amphibious chairs
- Lifeguards throughout the season
- Surf schools at La Cícer
The promenade: 3 km of restaurants, bars, and ice cream parlours. An all-day programme without ever leaving the beach.
Who is it for?
- Surfers — La Cícer, schools for every level
- Families — Playa Grande/Chica, sheltered by the reef
- Divers — La Barra reef teeming with marine life
- City lovers — a beach in the centre of a metropolis
- Digital nomads — Las Palmas is a nomad hub, Las Canteras is their “office”
Nearby beaches
Closest: Playa de las Alcaravaneras (5 min by car). To the south of the island — Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés (35–40 min via the GC-1 motorway).
Weather at Las Canteras
Las Canteras is the famous city beach of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, regarded as one of the best urban beaches in Europe. The natural reef La Barra protects it from waves. The climate in Las Palmas is mild year-round, averaging 20-26°C. Check the current weather in Las Palmas.