Beaches

On Gran Canary are approx. 160 smaller and larger fine sandy beaches with an overall length of approx. 236 km. In the south you find yellow-golden sand beaches, like for instance the famous beach of Playa del Inglés, in the north rather small bays originated by erosion of the dark volcanic rock of black sand.

Playa del Inglés
Together with Maspalomas, this is the main tourist beach in the south of the island. It has a large promenade full of restaurants, terraces and shops. Although the beach is not dangerous, it is recommended that you do not swim out too far and that danger for swimming flags be strictly obeyed.

Playa de Maspalomas
This is the most symbolic beach of the island famed for its beauty and uniqueness. The beach is a continuation of the Inglés beach and is bordered on the eastern side by the impressive Maspalomas lighthouse. The main attraction is the Dunes of Maspalomas special nature reserve, which is integrated into this beach. The reserve embraces 403 hectares of sand dunes in the middle of which is located the Maspalomas lagoon, locally known as "Charca", an area of great ecological value and an important nesting centre for birds. On the eastern end of the beach there is a shopping avenue with numerous restaurants, shops and terraces. There is a stretch of nudist beach between El Inglés and Maspalomas.

Playa de las Burras
There is a small promenade here which links up with other beaches. This is a family beach. Many of the apartments in the area are owned by Gran Canarian families.

Playa de San Agustin
This is one of the island's southern beaches with the largest number of holiday homes owned by people from Gran Canaria and foreigners. Restaurants and supermarkets are easy to find and there is even a shopping centre with a wide choice. Although this is a calm beach, caution must be taken when there are undercurrents as these can be strong.

Playa del Águila
There is a long promenade that takes you to a viewing point which overlooks this and other beaches of the area. There are restaurants and shops in the surrounding area. This beach is partly quite stony, but however one the best Windsurfspots of Gran Canary. Here is the Windsurfschool of the world champion Björn Dunquerbeck.

Playa de Las Canteras
This is the most important beach in the archipelago. One of the most outstanding characteristics of the beach is the existence of a natural reef that acts as a barrier to strong currents and waves. There is extensive sea life both in front of and behind the reef. A broad and bustling promenade -boasting of open-air cafés, restaurants and shops- runs along the length of the beach, as well as a part of the rocky coast of La Isleta.

Playa de Puerto Rico
This beach forms part of the most important tourist development area in Mogán, where you will find all types of services, including everything from a shopping centre, a waterpark, sports complexes, discos, restaurants and a multitude of hotels and apartments. There is a promenade that runs along the length of the beach, where you will find many restaurants and shops. The promenade ends in a large marina that lies on the right-hand side of the beach, as seen when facing the sea. Here, you will find every type of business and service that you may need for practising any kind of sea water activity, including diving, sailing, deep-sea fishing and excursions along the coast.

Playa de Taurito
The beach forms part of a small hotel complex. A promenade runs along the beach, where you will find restaurants and some shops. There is a public swimming pool on the way to the beach.

Playa de Amadores
This beach has recently been reconditioned, having been resurfaced artificially with sand. You will find restaurants and shops on the promenade that runs along the beach, as well as excellent changing room facilities. The beach is connected to Puerto Rico by a kilometre-long promenade, which runs along the coast above some exquisitely beautiful rocky areas.

Playas de Guïguï
This is one of the few truly unspoiled spots on the island. Not everyone is willing to make their way to this beach as you have to walk part of the way in conditions that can prove difficult for those who are not well prepared. You can also get there by boat, although this depends on sea conditions particularly at Punta del Descojonado point where the wind can sometimes complicate navigation. However, anyone who does go to this beach dreams of returning one day.