If there is one Canary Island known for its many beaches, it is Gran Canaria. Travel along the coast, and you will come across countless ones. Deciding where to go can therefore be tricky. We hope to help you out by listing the most beautiful beaches on Gran Canaria.
Dunas de Maspalomas
We are cheating a little here, because technically Dunas de Maspalomas isn't a beach; it is a magnificent dune area bordering the famous seaside resort of Maspalomas. Walk past the hotels, and you might suddenly feel as though you are in the Sahara.
Does that mean you end up in an endless sandbox? Yes and no! At first glance, the dunes (which reach heights of up to 10 meters) do indeed seem endless. And yes, there is a lot of sand to trudge through. But oh, the view on the way to the beach—which lies just beyond the dunes—makes it all worthwhile!
Playa de Las Canteras
In the north of Gran Canaria, you will find the island's capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. And even though it is a proper city rather than a typical seaside resort, it does boast a beach. Playa de Las Canteras—as the beach is called—is a long (nearly 3 km) and wide stretch of sand with a wealth of facilities.
You will find changing cabins and showers, and you can rent sunbeds and parasols or try out various water sports. Snorkeling is a favorite activity for many travelers, thanks to the calm waters. These calm waters also make it a popular spot for families to spend the day.
Another plus for Playa de Las Canteras is its lively atmosphere. It borders directly onto the promenade, which is lined with charming restaurants and cafés. And for those who want to go shopping or soak up some culture, it’s easy to combine that with a day at the beach here.
Playa de Amadores
For us, this is one of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful beaches, thanks to its location in a bay almost entirely enclosed by cliffs. This sheltered position means you are less bothered by the wind on breezier days compared to other beaches.
Not to mention that the beach itself is picture-perfect, with its white sand and clear seawater. You’ll also find nice restaurants and bars nearby, and sunbeds and parasols are available for rent to ensure a comfortable day out.
An added bonus is that the beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, a mark of safety and cleanliness. Its safety—the cliffs block the waves, making for calm swimming conditions—makes it particularly popular with families.
Playa de Mógan
The town of Puerto de Mógan is a favorite among locals and holidaymakers alike, thanks to its picturesque harbor. It’s not without reason that the town has earned the nickname "the Venice of Gran Canaria."
While you’re there strolling through narrow streets filled with colorful flowers or enjoying fresh fish at the harbor, be sure to set aside some time to relax on the beach.
The atmosphere is laid-back, and a great feature is the view of the white harbor-side cottages you can enjoy right from your sunbed. There are also several restaurants and bars along the beach, making it the perfect spot to grab a delicious ice cream or a waffle with ice cream.
More beautiful beaches on Gran Canaria
Did you know there are over 150 beaches on Gran Canaria? We couldn't limit ourselves to just the ones mentioned above, so we’ve selected a few more beautiful spots for you:
Looking for a small beach far from the crowds? In the northeast of Gran Canaria, you’ll find the cozy Sardina del Norte. Where does the beach get its name? You’ll find local seafood restaurants along the shore where sardines (and the fresh catch of the day) dominate the menu.
For those wanting a truly different kind of day out, we recommend Tufia. This volcanic beach on the east coast is a local favorite with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s also incredibly picturesque; the white cottages stand out sharply against the black sand. Good to know: don't expect many amenities here, so be sure to bring your own food and drinks.
Anfi del Mar is picture-perfect. That’s hardly surprising, considering this beach is man-made. Does that make it any less beautiful? Certainly not! We love the contrast between the snow-white sand and the blue sea. The swaying palm trees and colorful flowerbeds all around complete the picture.
It takes some effort to get there, but it’s well worth it! Playa de Güigüi—which we consider one of the most beautiful beaches thanks to its location at the foot of the Barranco de Guayadeque—is a place you likely won't have to share with many other people. That’s because it can only be reached via a long hike.
Want to escape the high-rises? Then Playa de Tauro is a great choice. This small sandy beach isn't surrounded by hotels or a busy promenade; it’s enclosed only by rocks. Perfect for a peaceful day out! Finally: Gran Canaria’s most popular beach
It isn’t necessarily the most beautiful beach, but when writing an article about Gran Canaria’s finest beaches, it would be odd to leave out the most popular one. And let’s face it: this beach is impressive in its own right.
Playa del Inglés—which shares its name with the surrounding resort town—stretches for over 7 km, making it the island’s longest beach. There is plenty of space to soak up the sun while lounging on your towel—or, for a bit more comfort, on a sunbed, which is easy to rent.
The beach owes its name—literally translating to "the beach of the English"—to the fact that its first tourists were British. While the British still love visiting, Playa del Inglés has since become a favorite among the Dutch as well. This appeal isn't limited to the beach itself; the lively adjacent promenade is also a major draw.
