Guide To The Best Beaches Of Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is part of the Canary Island Chain in the Atlantic and lies just over 200km from the northwest African Coast. The island owes its formation to violent volcanic activity but there are no such worries today – the only trouble you will have at this terrific destination is what beach to rejuvenate yourself on!
Please read on for further details about the very best beaches of Gran Canaria…
Gran Canaria is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Spain. There is a wide variety of beaches to choose from all over the island. One of the added values of the beaches of Gran Canaria is that the water is warm enough to swim in all year round! Water temperatures are 22ºC in summer and rarely falls below 18ºC in winter. You will find that the further south you go on Gran Canaria, the weather becomes much warmer.
Maspalomas Beaches
Maspalomas is located to the south of Gran Canaria.
Playa de Maspalomas – The beach here has extensive dunes with fine golden sand. The beach is 2,700 metres long and close to the town. This beach is ideal for watersports such as windsurfing, surfing and bodyboarding!
Playa Pasito Blanco – This beach is located close to the port. It is 250 metres long, and fine golden sand with calm waters, perfect for swimming and diving.
Playa del Ingles – This beach has fine sand dunes with golden sand, and is 2,700 metres long in an urban location. The beach at Playa del Ingles has very good facilties, and excellent for watersports such as surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing and banana boat/pedalo rental. Find out more about Tourism in Playa del Ingles.
Playa del Faro -This beach is a total of 560 metres in length. The beach is sandy with pebbles and it can be windy at times, leading to its attractiveness for surfers!
Playa del Faro de Maspalomas – This beach is has plenty of sand dunes and one of the landmarks here is the old lighthouse. This beach is ideal for boat hire and watersports ranging from surfing to bodyboarding.
Playa de San Agustín - This is a quiet beach with dark sands, and excellent facilities and it is ideal for surfing, windsurfing and bodyboarding.
Puerto Mogán Beaches
Puerto Mogán is located on the south west coast of Gran Canaria and is widely regarded as being the most picturesque resort on the island. It is known as the “Venice of the Canaries” due to the impressive architecture including the arches which blend in beautifully with the waters.
Playa de Puerto Rico - This artificial beach has excellent facilities and perfect for watersports. The golden sand beach covers around 250 metres and offers calm waters. From Jetskis to Banana and Pedalo boats, you are assured some quality watersports here!
Playa Patalavaca-Anfi del Mar – This 300 metre long man made beach is located in Araguineguín. It is close to a marina with excellent facilities and the beach itself offers boat hire and plenty of watersports.
Playa Mogán – 200 metre long beach which is located in Puerto Mogán, and is known for its pebble and grey sand beach. Offering calm waters and great facilities, this beach is ideal for surfing, boat hire and windsurfing.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Beaches
The following are the beaches of the Capital City of Gran Canaria, and is the most populous city of the Canary Islands.
Playa de Las Canteras – Widely regarded as the best beach on the island, it has a length of 3,000 metres with golden sand and affording calm waters. The beach offers excellent facilities, with many bars and restaurants along the busy promenade. The beach is perfect for boat hire and watersports such as surfing, diving and windsurfing.
Playa de Alcararavenas - This beach is situated in Puerto de La Luz. Almost 1,000 metres long and offers calm waters and a golden beach. Perfect for sailing, bodyboarding, and most watersports.
Playa El Confital – This open beach is under 200 metres long and perfect for waterspors such as windsurfing, kite flying, bodyboarding, sailing and other watersports. There are huge waves here and strong currents which can be dangerous so be careful to choose your correct level. The beach is not as developed as other areas but has decent facilities.
Playa de San Cristóbal - 950 metres in length and close to Las Palmas. Idea for watersports such as surfing, windsurfing, boat hire and bodyboarding.
Playa de La Laja – This charming beach is 1,200 metres long and has fine, grey sand and is very popular with surfers.
Arinaga-Aguimes Beaches
This area is located to the east on Gran Canaria.
Playa Cabrón - This beach is located around 35km from Arinaga Airport, and offers 290 metres of relaxation. It can be windy at times and hence is very popular with surfers and for other watersports.
Tirajana Beaches
Located to the south east of Gran Canaria, in the Las Palmas province lies San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
Playa Meloneras – This 460 metres long beach is located in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. It is an unspoilt area with fine golden sand and pebbles. Ideal for boat hire and watersports,and offering excellent facilities.
Playa Mujeres - This beach is also located in San Bartolomé de Tirajana and is 500 metres long. With good opportunities for boating, watersports and sailing, this beach is very popular.
Find out more about Gran Canaria Tourism.
Hope you enjoyed our brief guide to the best beaches of Gran Canaria. Remember that the best way to explore the island and visit the beautiful beaches is to avail of a top quality car rental and enjoy the freedom and flexibility a hired vehicle offers. Check out our Car Hire Gran Canaria page.
Have you been to Gran Canaria and visited its fabulous beaches? What did you think of the attractions and tourist activities there? If you have any travel advice and other suggested beaches to visit on the island of Gran Canaria please let your fellow readers know – we welcome your thoughts!