Welcome to the beaches of Gran Canaria, a destination of unmatched beauty and diversity. This captivating island awaits you with over 236 kilometers of stunning coastline, offering a mix of golden sandy shores, volcanic dark sands, rocky coves, and secluded natural beaches. Known as a “miniature continent” for its rich variety of landscapes, Gran Canaria’s beaches cater to every kind of traveler, from families and sunbathers to adventure seekers and nature lovers. Whether you’re visiting to relax by the calm waters, dive into thrilling water sports, or explore untouched natural settings, the beaches of Gran Canaria promise an unforgettable holiday experience.
The Perfect Beach Climate
Gran Canaria’s climate is one of its greatest attractions, offering warm, sunny weather throughout the year. Known for its “eternal spring,” the island maintains mild temperatures even in winter, with averages between 20-26°C (68-79°F) in the warmer months and 16-22°C (61-72°F) during the cooler season. This reliable climate makes it an ideal year-round beach destination, attracting visitors from across Europe and beyond, especially during winter months when travelers seek an escape from the cold.
Gran Canaria’s microclimates provide distinct beach experiences depending on location. The sunny, dry southern and eastern beaches, close to the hotel zones, are known for their calm waters and golden or dark sands, ideal for families, relaxation, and water sports. In contrast, the western coast features rocky, more secluded beaches, offering a quieter, natural environment perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and connect with nature.
Golden Sands, Rocky Coves, and Diverse Beachscapes
Gran Canaria is home to a captivating range of beach landscapes. Unlike some neighboring islands with predominantly volcanic sands, Gran Canaria boasts numerous golden sandy beaches along its southern coast, including popular tourist spots with excellent amenities. Maspalomas, for example, is famous for its expansive sand dunes and turquoise waters, providing an iconic setting that feels like a desert meeting the ocean. Meanwhile, beaches on the western coast, such as Güi-Güi, are hidden gems featuring rocky and rugged landscapes that offer a sense of seclusion and natural beauty.
This contrast between golden sands and rocky coves allows visitors to enjoy various beach settings, from bustling, urban beaches close to amenities to wild, unspoiled shores. For beachgoers, this means an abundance of choices—whether you’re seeking lively, social beaches with nearby hotels and restaurants or peaceful coves where you can lose yourself in nature.
Beaches with Blue Flag Status
Many beaches in Gran Canaria have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, an indication of high environmental and quality standards. This certification means that visitors can enjoy clean waters suitable for swimming, excellent services, and a safe, welcoming atmosphere. Playa de Las Canteras, located in the capital Las Palmas, is one of the island’s most notable Blue Flag beaches, offering a beautiful reef-protected bay perfect for families, as well as vibrant promenades with restaurants, shops, and local culture.
Family-Friendly Beaches and Urban Conveniences
Gran Canaria is a top choice for family beach vacations, offering calm waters and urban beaches with full amenities, ideal for families with children. Playa del Inglés and Playa de Amadores are among the popular family-friendly options, providing safe swimming conditions, soft sands, and easy access to nearby cafes, restaurants, and shops. These beaches are part of bustling resort areas, so families can enjoy a full day at the beach along with entertainment options close by.
Adventure and Water Sports
For water sports enthusiasts, Gran Canaria is a paradise. The island’s climate and ocean conditions make it a prime destination for surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, and diving. The beach at Pozo Izquierdo, for example, is known worldwide for its strong winds, making it a top location for windsurfing and kite surfing competitions. Playa del Inglés and Playa de las Burras are popular surfing spots, with waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Diving enthusiasts will find clear waters teeming with marine life, from vibrant fish and coral to volcanic rock formations. Numerous diving schools on the island offer guided excursions to explore underwater sites and learn about the island’s unique marine ecosystem.
Your Ideal Beach Awaits
In this guide, we present the best beaches in Gran Canaria to help you choose your ideal spot on this beautiful island. With options ranging from family-friendly urban beaches with full services to wild, natural coves, Gran Canaria’s coastline offers a beach for everyone. Take advantage of the island’s great weather to relax, sunbathe, swim, or enjoy water sports in the warm Atlantic waters. So, pack your beach gear and get ready to discover the diverse beaches of Gran Canaria, each offering its own unique charm and unforgettable experiences.
Beaches in Gran Canaria
Playa del Inglés Beach
Playa del Inglés is one of the best beaches in Europe and one of the most beautiful and busiest in Gran Canaria. Nowadays it is a sunny haven for millions of tourists looking for warmth and fun.
The climate in Playa del Inglés is magnificent. During most of the year the temperature stays between 18ºC and 22ºC. Find out in this post all that Playa del Inglés has to offer.
Origin of the name Playa del Inglés
In the 1960s, hotels and residences began to be built around it, with the intention of being holiday homes for the English. Today, foreign tourists keep coming back again and again. Many buy properties to return whenever they want. Thus the mission of being the second home of the English, Irish and other Europeans was fulfilled.
Location
It is located in the south of Gran Canaria, specifically in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. It is an urban beach of golden sands and calm waters that stretches for 3 kilometres.
It is located between Maspalomas beach and San Agustín beach. It is also next to the famous Maspalomas Dunes, a nature reserve of great tourist value.
Services
Playa del Inglés has been awarded the Blue Flag, which means that it offers excellent conditions for bathing and quality services such as:
Lifeguards
Showers
Changing rooms
Sunbeds
Car park
Bus stop
In addition to its beauty and excellent services, it is an ideal beach for holidays with children. It is wide and has safe areas for everyone to enjoy.
Water activities
Youngsters and adrenaline junkies gather at Playa del Inglés to enjoy magnificent outdoor activities. Thanks to the bright sunshine that illuminates the beach for most of the year, you will be able to practice the water sports of your interest.
Here you can surf the waves, snorkel, run on the beach and practice Capoeira. Rent e-scooters, jet skis, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and bodyboarding boards. Parasailing, beach volleyball and beach football are also available.
Nudist beach
Naturists will find a safe haven to enjoy the sun and the sea without covering an inch of their skin. The nudist area is secluded. In this area you can sunbathe in a more solitary and relaxed atmosphere. Due to the possibility of nudism, Playa del Inglés is a favourite beach for the LGTB population.
Seafront promenade
Nearby you will find a multitude of shops with everything you need to enjoy the beach. You can also visit the various Irish pubs, discos and bars that await visitors.
Enjoy delicious meals in the region’s restaurants. Visit the shopping centres and don’t forget to buy souvenirs to take home tangible memories of your visit to the island.
The hotel offer around Playa del Inglés is very complete. You will find all-inclusive hotels, flats and residences with excellent services.
Between Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas is the amusement park Holiday World Maspalomas. A great park to enjoy with family and friends. Nearby you will also find Sioux City and Aqualand Maspalomas, two sensational theme parks for all ages.
Enjoy Playa del Inglés during your holidays in Gran Canaria. Check out the dunes, the nudist area and the water activities on offer. Taste the delicious food of the region and enjoy an unforgettable holiday. We remind you to take your precautions if you wish to holiday in this part of the island as it is a very busy area. You should make your reservations in advance in order to find places on the desired date.
Las Burras Beach in Gran Canaria
The beautiful beach of Las Burras awaits you in the south of Gran Canaria with crystal clear waters and a family atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing day at the sea. In the following text, we will tell you about this haven of peace, ideal for a family day out.
Characteristics of Las Burras Beach
Location: Municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
Las Burras Beach is an urban beach located in one of the most important tourist centres of the island, standing out for its serene waters thanks to the breakwater that protects it. For this reason, it is a favourite beach for families looking for peace and quiet and safe waters for children.
It is 300 metres long and 110 metres wide. It has fine, dark-coloured sand, perfect for playing with the children and forming sandcastles. You will always find a place to relax, sunbathe lying on the sand or on the comfortable deckchairs on the beach. On certain occasions, the beach can be affected by winds. To make sure it will be a calm day, we suggest you check the weather forecast.
Playa de Las Burras receives the most visitors during the summer, so you should take your precautions if you want to find a good place to spend the day.
Services
Las Burras Beach has all the necessary services for the comfort of bathers, such as:
Showers
Lavapiés
Sun loungers and parasols
Surveillance and lifeguards
Accessibility for people with reduced mobility
Cleaning
Parking
Chiringuito
If you want to practice water sports, you should go to nearby beaches with water activities such as Playa del Inglés.
Promenade
The beach is located next to the promenade that connects it with the rest of the town. Along this promenade, you can take pleasant strolls, feel the breeze on your face and enjoy the beautiful views of the coast of Gran Canaria. You will also have easy access to San Agustín Beach, El Cochino Beach and Playa del Inglés.
There is easy access to the bus stop (line 52 global) and nearby shops and restaurants. You will find a shopping centre near the beach, with restaurants and shops with everything you need for a great day at the beach.
Accommodation near Las Burras Beach
When it comes to accommodation, you’ll find a single hotel very close to the beach and dozens of rental flats with all the amenities for holidaymakers. It is common for locals to have a second home here for holidays or weekends.
Come and enjoy a nice day at Playa de Las Burras with your family, friends and partner. Please note that this is not a nudist beach. If you are passionate about naturism, we suggest you visit the beach of Maspalomas with areas designed for enjoying the sun and water without any type of clothing in between.
Discover the stunning beach of Amadores in Gran Canaria.
Playa de Amadores is a fantastic artificial beach in Gran Canaria. For many travellers, it is the perfect beach for relaxation, where to go to find peace and renew your energy. Enjoy its beautiful golden sands and serene turquoise waters.
Location
Playa de Amadores is located in the southwest of Gran Canaria, in the municipality of Mogán and only 48 km from the airport. You can also get there from Puerto Rico beach via the 1 km long promenade. The beach is connected to the rest of the island by bus routes 01, 33, 39 and 91.
Main characteristics
It is crescent-shaped and stretches for 800 metres of lush coastline. The bay is protected by two breakwaters to guarantee the serenity of the water. As a low surf zone, it is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Previously the land was overgrown by rocks, but after dedicated work, the shore was cleared leaving a beautiful golden sandy coastline. Today it is a paradisiacal beach, perfect for swimming and relaxing. From the beach you can see various pleasure boats and fishing boats mooring off the coast of Mogán.
Family beach
At Playa de Amadores, ball games and loud music are not allowed to ensure that the beach remains serene for everyone’s enjoyment. Likewise, it is not an area with a lot of nightlife, which is why it is perfect for a family holiday in a quiet atmosphere. For those who want to go clubbing or partying, you can go to Playa Puerto Rico with a livelier nightlife.
Because of its calm and shallow waters, Playa de Amadores is suitable for children, who can swim safely. The little ones enjoy playing in the sand, making sandcastles and running around freely while their parents sunbathe and relax.
It is also a favourite beach for couples, who are often seen taking leisurely strolls along the shore. They enjoy the sunset with a colourful sky and the fresh energy of the sea. Weather permitting, you can see the Teide in the background on the neighbouring island of Tenerife, making the sunset even more romantic.
Services
It has the Blue Flag distinction, which guarantees the sanitary quality of its waters, safety and excellent beach services. At Amadores beach you will find:
Toilets
Sun loungers and parasols for hire
Lifeguards
Ramps for wheelchair access, amphibious chairs and buoys to facilitate bathing for people with reduced mobility.
The street parallel to the beach has ample parking space. You will also be able to access a paid parking area with reserved parking spaces for people with disabilities.
Also on the beach you can enjoy a children’s playground for the enjoyment of the little ones, a mini-golf course, a beach club with evening parties and massage areas. If you wish to practice some sport, in the nearby shops you can rent equipment for water sports in Playa de Amadores.
Close to the beach is the famous Amadores Fun Park, a great water park with various attractions for the whole family. The park has lifeguards for the safety of bathers and children under the age of 4 are not allowed.
Accommodation at Playa de Amadores
Behind Playa de Amadores you will find a long row of restaurants and bars with good food and refreshing drinks. Close to the beach you’ll find few hotels, but with excellent services and beautiful views of the ocean. You will also find a shopping centre overlooking the sea where you can buy what you need and enjoy good food.
Maspalomas Dunes
The Maspalomas Dunes is an area made up of several dunes, a palm grove and a salubrious lagoon located in the south of Gran Canaria. Thanks to its charm and characteristics that we will mention, it is of great tourist interest and attracts hundreds of visitors every year.
In this area you will find an excellent climate with an annual average temperature of 23°C with little rainfall. Find out where the Maspalomas Dunes are and why you should visit them during your next holiday.
Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve
The natural environment known as Las Dunas de Maspalomas is home to different ecosystems with different characteristics. On the one hand there is a brackish lagoon that gives a paradisiacal aspect to the landscape. There is also some vegetation in what was once a palm grove.
But the most striking feature of the area is the expanse of golden sand dunes. Dunes are mounds of sand modelled by the wind that reach heights of more than 15 metres and a width of more than 200 metres. In the case of Maspalomas, the trade winds that frequent the island are responsible for pushing the sand inland. The sand in the dunes is made up of the remains of mollusc shells and millions of particles from the neighbouring ravines.
Fauna and flora
In the vicinity of the pond, birds migrating from Africa find a safe environment to rest during their journey. You will be able to observe migratory birds such as the common flamingo, little egret, grey heron, hoopoe, whimbrel, black-winged curlew, sandpiper and stonechat.
Other endemic species that you will be able to see are the black-winged stilt, common moorhen, coot, little plover, kentish plover, spotted starling, Tawny pipit and collared dove. The terrestrial and endemic species that inhabit the dunes are the Boettger’s perennial and the giant lizard of Gran Canaria.
As for the flora of the area, we can mention the Ruppia marítima, date palms, Uvilla, Immortelle, Balancon and the Canary Island tamarisk.
Location
The Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve is located in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The area extends over more than 400 hectares including the dunes, the pond and the palm grove. It has been under protection since 1994 with various laws to ensure its integrity.
The south of Gran Canaria is a very important tourist area on the island. Tourists come to this part of the island in search of sun, beautiful beaches and party atmosphere. Here you will find lush landscapes illuminated by radiant sunshine.
What to do in the Maspalomas Dunes
Children love to run barefoot in the sand and twirl here and there. Many adults also get caught up in the fun and jump in to play in this magnificent sea of sand.
This area lends itself to nudism, as it provides intimate areas to enjoy the sun and nature without wearing clothes.
Also visit the viewpoint and information centre in Playa del Inglés. From there you can enjoy the views offered by the dunes. Delight your senses with an enchanting landscape and observe the dunes from a different perspective.
You can also walk along the path from Playa del Inglés to Maspalomas beach. Walk through the dunes and bathe in the sand. Here you can also get on a camel and ride through the dunes as if you were an Arab crossing the Sahara desert.
Visit the Maspalomas Dunes to add another level of adventure to your holiday. Play like a child in the sand, walk the trails and take a camel ride. Remember that Gran Canaria has a lot to offer, so plan your holiday well to make sure you don’t miss out on anything.
Puerto Rico Beach in Gran Canaria
Enjoy the great urban beach of Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria. Through this text we provide complete information about this beach, which has become one of the most important on the island.
Location
Playa Puerto Rico is located in the southwest of Gran Canaria in the municipality of Mogán. It is situated at the foot of the cliffs, right next to Playa de Amadores and Anfi del Mar. Being within the tourist complex, it is surrounded by different tourist facilities with all the services for travellers and tourists.
Characteristics of Playa Puerto Rico
It is a fantastic artificial beach built in the 1960s to boost tourism in the region. Today it is one of the most radiant and sunny beaches in Gran Canaria. It is located in the best area of the island, with the most hours of sunshine per year and the best climate in Europe.
It offers delightful golden sands and crystal clear turquoise waters. It is perfect for sunbathing, lounging on the sand and swimming.
It is crescent-shaped and stretches 280 metres long and 100 metres wide at its widest point. It is protected by two breakwaters that guarantee calm waters for swimming. It also has shallow waters on the shore, which makes it a perfect beach to go with the children and the whole family. It is also the beach of choice for groups of friends and all those who wish to enjoy the sea of Gran Canaria.
Services
Although this beach does not have the Blue Flag distinction, it has crystal clear and serene waters that are perfect for swimming. It also offers excellent beach services such as:
Sun loungers and parasols for hire
Beach bars
Toilets
Showers
Footbaths
Adapted for disabled people
Paid parking
Paseo Maritimo
Playa de Puerto Rico is located next to a beautiful promenade lined with native trees with a pleasant atmosphere for strolling and admiring the sea. Weather permitting, you can also admire the imposing peak of Mount Teide on the island of Tenerife. Nearby there is a large shopping area with a variety of shops and restaurants offering the best of Canarian flavours.
From the marina you can embark on a catamaran trip along the coast of Gran Canaria. You can also book boat tours to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. There is a wide range of hotels in this tourist centre. You will find different hotels and flats with everything you need. We remind you to make your reservations in advance, especially during the high season when places are sold out quickly.
During your visit to Puerto Rico beach, take the opportunity to stroll along its long shopping avenue with dozens of shops and restaurants. You should also visit other nearby natural attractions such as the Maspalomas Dunes and Amadores beach. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the fishing village of Arguineguín where you can sample the seafood delicacies of the south coast of Gran Canaria.
Playa de Montaña de Arena Beach
Playa de Montaña de Arena is an unspoilt and little known beach. It is located in the south of Gran Canaria, and despite being on this side of the island, it receives few tourists. Most of its visitors are locals who come here every weekend.
It is a wild and small beach with a quiet atmosphere. It is characterised by dark sand, moderate wind and calm waters. It is perfect for those who want to spend a day at the beach away from the crowds. We invite you to visit it to relax and get in touch with nature without the hustle and bustle of the city and the uncomfortable stares.
Nudist beach
Thanks to the characteristics mentioned above, this beach offers the perfect conditions for nudism. Visit Sand Mountain Beach to sunbathe on every inch of your skin. Leave your swimming costume at home and surrender to nature with your whole being.
Bring your dogs for a swim at the beach
As well as being able to practice nudism, at this beach you can bring your dogs to enjoy the beach as happily as you do.
Camping
One of the most attractive aspects of this beach is that it offers the possibility to camp and spend the night under the bright moon of Gran Canaria. Camping is more frequent during the summer months. It is only during the summer months that this beach ceases to be quiet and relaxed and becomes a place full of tents and the hustle and bustle of the crowds. However, at other times or days of the week, the beach remains secluded and a pleasant retreat from the city.
If you choose to camp in this area, pitch your tent very close to the mountain to avoid being caught in the water when the tide comes in.
Services
The kind of services and amenities you look for at an urban beach are not present at Sand Mountain Beach. There are no urban amenities, no beach bars, and no umbrellas to protect you from the sun. Here there are only mountains, toasty sands and a lovely sea. You won’t find any toilets or restaurants either, so take your own food and drink.
If you’re not willing to sacrifice the comforts you’re used to, we recommend visiting Playa del Inglés, San Agustín or Maspalomas beach. Meanwhile, Playa de Montaña de Arena beach awaits you to offer you another type of recreation in full contact with nature.
Children
This beach is not recommended for children. The access to the beach implies to overcome some complicated obstacles. It is also a beach where there may be dogs, so it is not advisable for children to play in the area.
How to get there
To get to Montaña de Arena beach take the coastal road from Pasito Blanco towards El Pajar. Take the turn-off onto the dirt road that heads towards Las Carpinteras beach. We suggest you park in an area close to the road to avoid the potholes of the rough terrain.
After leaving the car, walk along the coast and you will reach the beach of Las Carpinteras. Turn left and walk for about 10 minutes through the cliffs to find the beach of Montaña de Arena. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes and carry light weight to make it easier to get through the difficult areas.
Another way to get to Playa de Montaña de Arena is to hire a kayak to paddle to the beach. This is one of the most fun activities you can do on the beach and is very popular with visitors. If you choose this activity, you will get to know other unspoilt coves of equal beauty and charm.
We invite you to visit Playa de montaña de arena during your holidays in Gran Canaria. Come and enjoy its crystal clear waters and wild style. Disconnect from the world and surrender yourself to the placidity of the sea. This is nature’s gift to those seeking seclusion and wilderness. Here you can do as you wish, the only thing we ask is that you don’t litter and leave the beach the same way you found it. Don’t disturb the environment by picking up rocks or moving them around. We must take care of everything the beach has to offer so that we can enjoy it whenever we wish.
Natural Swimming Pools in Agaete
The Natural Pools in Agaete are three volcanic rock pools where you can take a refreshing dip and have fun with your family. We invite you to get to know this wonder of nature that receives hundreds of tourists in love with its charm and serenity.
They are also known as Las Salinas de Agaete. They offer a different environment to the typical beaches of Gran Canaria. Here you won’t find dunes, fine sand or waves crashing on the shore.
Find out in this post what the Natural Pools in Agaete are, why they are so popular and how to get to them.
What to do in the natural pools of Agaete
In Las Salinas de Agaete you will find three formidable volcanic rock pools perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sea. They are connected to each other and to the sea through underground channels.
As they are protected from the waves, they offer serene waters to enjoy the sea in a relaxed way. Thanks to these conditions, they are ideal for families. Children can bathe peacefully without the risk posed by the waves. There are stairs to get in and out of the pools, which facilitates access for all members of the family.
In the natural pools of Agaete you can sunbathe, refresh yourself in the crystal clear waters and go scuba diving to discover the beauties hidden beneath the surface. When the tide rises, the waves and the fish enter the pools. As the tide goes out, the fish become trapped creating an interesting underwater environment for diving and exploration.
Feast your eyes on the rugged views of the coastline. Let yourself be seduced by the cliffs and cliffs that protect the beautiful and fertile valley of Agaete. Don’t forget to visit El Roque Partido, or Dedo de Dios, a volcanic rock in the shape of a finger pointing towards the sky.
Services
In the salt flats of Agaete you will find the following services:
Baths
Canteen
Lifeguard in summer
Parking area
It also has a solarium where you can sunbathe peacefully without getting full of sand.
Location
These natural pools are located in Agaete in the northwest of Gran Canaria, and are the best known on the island. Their name comes from their former function as salt pans. In ancient times it was a place where people went in search of sea salt, which was later converted into these magnificent pools that we can enjoy today.
Agaete
Agaete is a town with a fishing tradition, where fried fish, salt fish and seafaring passion abound. Here you will find different cultural and leisure options. This village is the birthplace of great poets who find their inspiration in the beauty of its valley, the aroma of the sea and the fishing atmosphere.
Along the promenade you will find shops, craft sales and dozens of restaurants serving fresh fish at all hours. Indulge your palate and get ready to savour fish in its different presentations. You won’t be able to decide between the broths, roasts or the traditional fried fish dishes.
How to get to the Agaete Pools
If you want to visit the natural pools of Agaete, you can get there by car from Las Palmas, just 30 minutes away. You can also get there on foot from the Paseo de los Poetas in Puerto de las Nieves. If you are in Tenerife and wish to cross from one island to another, the journey takes just over an hour by ferry. This is ideal for visitors who want to get to know the Canary Islands without missing any of the sights. We recommend you plan your holiday carefully so that you can get to know all the charms of the Canary archipelago.
