Tufia is one of those places you’ll miss if you don’t know it exists. A tiny volcanic cove on the eastern coast of Gran Canaria, hidden behind a small fishing village where barely a handful of families live. But what lies beneath the surface makes divers and snorkelling enthusiasts consider Tufia one of the best spots on the entire island.
An underwater paradise
Tufia’s cove is ringed by volcanic rocks that form a natural pool where the water is usually calm and crystal clear. The depth increases gradually — from shallows at the shore to a few metres near the rocks. These are ideal conditions for snorkelling without any experience. A mask and snorkel are all you need to spot octopuses, seahorses, colourful wrasse, and sometimes even small rays hiding on the sandy bottom.
For divers, the area offers even more — beneath the water stretch volcanic formations full of caves and crevices that harbour a rich ecosystem. Several dive schools from Telde and Las Palmas run regular courses and trips here.
The village and the archaeological site
Tufia isn’t just a beach — it’s also one of the most important archaeological sites on Gran Canaria. On the cliff above the cove stand the ruins of a pre-Hispanic settlement of the island’s original inhabitants (the Guanches), dating from the 6th to the 15th century. The house foundations are visible, and ceramic artefacts found here prove that the cove has served as a natural fishing shelter for hundreds of years.
The village of Tufia itself is a handful of houses clinging to the cliff — a fishing hamlet where time has stood still. There are no shops, restaurants, or tourist facilities. The only things here are the ocean, the rocks, and the silence. And that’s precisely what gives this place its charm.
Getting there
Tufia lies on the eastern coast, in the municipality of Telde, about 15 km south of Las Palmas. By car, take the GC-1 and then local roads. The village has a small car park (free) but it fills up at weekends — locals come for the snorkelling. By Global bus to Telde, then a taxi or a walk (about 3 km from Telde centre).
Practical information
- Beach length: approx. 50 m (small cove)
- Sand: mixed — volcanic sand and pebbles
- Waves: usually calm (sheltered cove)
- Snorkelling: excellent — octopuses, seahorses, wrasse
- Facilities: minimal (no restaurants or toilets)
- Archaeological site: Guanche settlement ruins (6th-15th century)
- Parking: free, limited spaces
Nearby beaches
A few kilometres to the south lies Playa de Melenara — a larger, better-equipped beach with black sand and the distinctive Neptune statue. To the north, towards Las Palmas, is Playa de Salinetas — another quiet cove popular with divers. And if you want a contrast — the great Las Canteras in Las Palmas is just 20 minutes’ drive away.
Weather at Playa de Tufia
Tufia is a small rocky cove on the east coast, ideal for snorkelling in calm conditions. It lies in the municipality of Telde, where the weather is similar to Las Palmas. Check the current weather in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.