10 Best Beaches In Gran Canaria

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

As the sun sets over the azure waters of the Atlantic, casting a golden glow upon the powdery sands, it becomes clear why Gran Canaria has earned its reputation as a paradise for beach lovers.

Having explored this enchanting Canary island extensively, I can confidently present to you my hand-picked selection of the 10 best beaches in Gran Canaria  that will leave you captivated by their natural beauty and endless possibilities for relaxation. So grab your sunscreen and join me on this unforgettable journey through some of the finest coastal gems this Canary island has to offer.

1. Playa Las Canteras

I have to say that Playa Las Canteras is one of the best urban beaches I have ever seen. Located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, this 3.5km long beach is a must-visit for anyone who loves the ocean. The beach is protected by a strip of volcanic rock, which makes the water calm and perfect for swimming.

If you are into surfing, you will love Las Canteras beach. The beach has a reef, La Barra, which runs along roughly three-quarters of the beach, creating perfect waves for surfing. The beach is also a great spot for other water sports like windsurfing and paddleboarding.

One of the things I love about Playa Las Canteras is its natural beauty. The beach is surrounded by stunning flora and fauna, and the Atlantic Ocean provides a beautiful backdrop. The beach is also home to a lighthouse, which adds to the charm of the place.

If you are looking for a place to stay during the day and party at night, Playa Las Canteras is the perfect spot. The beach is located near the city center, which means you can easily find great restaurants, bars, and clubs. The nightlife in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is amazing, and the Playa Las Canteras promenade is right in the middle of it all.

2. Playa del Inglés

I have visited many beaches in Gran Canaria, but Playa Del Inglés beach is probably is one of the best beaches and my personal favorite. This top Gran Canaria beach is located in the south of the island and is known for its golden sand and crystal clear water. Playa Del Inglés is also one of the most popular beaches in the Canary Islands, attracting millions of tourists year round.

One of the things I love about Playa Del Ingles is the fine white sand that covers the beach. It's perfect for sunbathing and building sandcastles with children. This Canarian beach is also surrounded by the stunning dunes of Maspalomas, which provide a unique backdrop for a day at the beach.

Playa Del Inglés is also well equipped with facilities, including showers, toilets, and changing rooms. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, making it easy to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink while enjoying the beach.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try windsurfing or kiteboarding at Playa De la Ingles. The beach is known for its strong winds, making it a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts.

3. Anfi del Mar

Anfi Del Mar beach on Gran Canaria is a man-made beach cove located in the south of Gran Canaria and is one of the most popular beaches on the island. The beach is well-known for its stunning white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. If you have ever been to Las Teresitas in Tenerife, Anfi beach looks much like it.

The beach is surrounded by palm trees and boasts a wide range of amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports equipment rental. Visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, and jet skiing, making it an ideal beach holiday destination for those looking for a bit of adventure during their time on the beach.

The Anfi beach is also home to several high-end resorts and hotels behind the beach, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a luxurious holiday experience. The beach is conveniently located near the marina, where visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities, including boat trips and fishing.

Playa de Amadores, another stunning white sand beach, is located just a short distance from Anfi Del Mar . The two beaches are often compared, with many visitors finding Anfi Del Mar to be the more picturesque of the two.

4. Amadores beach

I recently visited Amadores Beach, one of the best Gran Canaria to visit, as it did not disappoint. Located in the south of the island, in the town of Puerto Rico, this cove the perfect beach for families and couples.

The nice beach is well sheltered by two dykes, which make the calm water perfect for swimming. The white sand is soft and clean, and there are plenty of sunbeds available for rent. The palm trees along the coastline provide some shade for those who want to take a break from the sun.

One of the things I enjoyed the most about Amadores Beach was the variety of water sports available. From jet skis to snorkeling and diving, there is something for everyone. The water is crystal clear and perfect for exploring the underwater world.

If you are looking for a more relaxing holiday, there are plenty of resorts and hotels in the area. The beach is surrounded by restaurants and beach bars, so you can enjoy a nice meal or a cold drink while taking in the beautiful views.

5. Puerto Rico beach

Puerto Rico Beach is a popular destination for tourists visiting Gran Canaria. Located in the Mogán area of south Gran Canaria, this 280-meter-long city beach has golden sand imported from the Sahara. The beach is well-protected by piers, which almost surround the beach, making the water shallow and calm, ideal for swimming throughout the year.

Puerto Rico Beach is an ideal family beach, with its golden sand and crystal-clear water, making it perfect for children to play safely in the water while parents relax on the sand. The beach has good facilities, including sun lounges, sunshades, and showers. It also has better toilets than most other beaches in the area.

The coastline of Puerto Rico Beach is dotted with palm trees, making it a picturesque location for a holiday. This Gran Canaria beach is surrounded by hotels and resorts, offering a wide range of accommodation options for tourists. The beach is also well-known for its water sports activities, including jet skis, snorkeling, and diving.

6. Maspalomas beach

Maspalomas Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Gran Canaria, located in the southern part of the Canary island. This beach is known for its golden sand and crystal clear water, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

One of the unique features of Maspalomas Beach is the dunes of Maspalomas, which are a natural reserve and a protected area. The dunes are a stunning sight to see, and visitors can take a walk or a camel ride through the dunes to explore the area.

Maspalomas Beach is also known for its facilities, including showers, toilets, and sun loungers. Visitors can also find various restaurants, bars, and shops near the beach.

7. Playa de Las Nieves

A few months back I visited Playa De Las Nieves Beach in Puerto De Las Nieves, located on the north coast of Gran Canaria. This remote beach is a hidden gem, with a unique charm that sets it apart from other beaches on the island.

Unlike the sandy beaches found in the south of Gran Canaria, Playa De Las Nieves Beach in Las Salinas is covered in smooth, grey stones. While this may not be as comfortable to walk on, it adds to the natural beauty of the beach and makes it stand out. The lack of amenities, such as sun loungers, also adds to the peaceful and secluded atmosphere of the beach.

One of the highlights of Playa De Las Nieves is the crystal-clear water. The visibility is excellent, making it a great spot for diving and snorkeling. The beach also boasts an impressive array of fauna, including a variety of fish and sea creatures.

While there are no facilities on the beach, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the nearby village of Puerto De Las Nieves. This makes it easy to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink after a day spent lounging on the beach.

8. Playa de Sardina del Norte

Playa De Sardina Del Norte is situated in the north of Gran Canaria in the town of Galdar, a small but charming beach definitely worth a visit.

One of the unique features of this beach is its black sand, which creates a striking contrast against the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This black sand beach is also known for its fishing tradition, and you can see local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day.

In addition to fishing, Playa De Sardina Del Norte offers a variety of water sports activities, including diving and snorkeling. The clear waters provide an opportunity to observe the diverse fauna that inhabits the area.

The beach is equipped with all the necessary facilities, including toilets, showers, and changing rooms. It is also accessible for people with reduced mobility, making it a great option for families with children.

9. Playa de Mogán

As I was exploring the best beaches in Gran Canaria, Playa De Mogán in Puerto De Mogan caught my attention. This lovely beach is located in the heart of the town, making it easily accessible to holiday-goers.

The beach is approximately 250 meters long and features fine-grained sand, which has been imported from the Sahara. The water is relatively shallow, and thanks to the piers, it is usually calm, making it an ideal location for swimming and sunbathing.

Playa De Mogán is perfect for those who want to relax and unwind. The beach is surrounded by palm trees, which provide ample shade for sunbathers. The beach also offers sunbeds for rent, allowing visitors to soak up the sun in comfort.

For those interested in water sports, Playa De Mogán Beach has plenty of amenities to offer. Visitors can rent boats, go snorkeling or diving, or even take a fishing excursion on one of the many fishing boats available at the marina.

Apart from the beach itself, Puerto De Mogan is a charming town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and resorts. The town has a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal holiday destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

10. San Agustín beach

San Agustín beach is located on the southern coast of the island and is one of the best Gran Canaria beaches in the region.

San Agustín Beach is a great place for families with children, as the water is calm and shallow. The beach is also equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, making it easy to relax and enjoy the sun.

The coastline of San Agustín is dotted with palm trees, providing natural shade to visitors. The beach also offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, and shops.

For those interested in water sports, San Agustín beach offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and other activities. There are also several resorts and hotels in the area, making it a great place for a holiday.