The 10 best beaches in Gran Canaria
The 60 kilometres of sandy stretches painting Gran Canaria's coastline in shades of white, gold and black are as diverse as the landscapes making up this 'miniature continent'. Whether you favour a beach buzzing with clubbers and awash with watersports, a sheltered bay with child-friendly paddling, or just the simple solitude of turquoise waters lapping at a hidden cove, there's a soft patch of oceanfront for every beach towel.
Our list of the top 10 includes a few of the lesser-known playas, which make up for their lack of facilities and challenging access with pristine beauty and splendid isolation.
Find out more below, or for more Gran Canaria inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants, things to do and beaches.
Find a beach by area:
South
Playa de Maspalomas
A broad expanse book-ended by two iconic landmarks – to the west, Maspalomas lighthouse, and to the east, the star of many a selfie, Maspalomas Dunes. Somewhat ironically, the dunes are a remnant of the ice age, when the ocean receded and wind blew sand ashore.
How to get there: By car, exit 48 off the GC-1 motorway; by public transport, the L30 bus stops at the lighthouse.
Insider tip: Find a spot on the dunes for a dramatic view of the sunset.
Playa del Inglés
The 'Beach of the English' is lined with restaurants, bars and shops, and because of its location, it's popular with the club set. One theory about its name is that during the tourist boom in the 1960s, it drew swathes of British tourists.
How to get there: Parking is scarce but several buses stop nearby. Check bus routes here.
Insider tip: For a quieter experience, place your towel at the eastern end.
Playa de Mogán
A little secluded from the other beach areas in the south, this half-moon beauty draws families with its calm waters, watersports and profusion of shops, bars and restaurants. It also helps that it's set on one of the prettiest waterfront resorts in the Canaries.
How to get there: Exit 68 from the GC-1, take a ferry boat from Puerto Rico, or hop on the L91 bus.
Insider tip: Don't leave without wandering through the bougainvillaea-framed quayside.
Playa de Taurito
Sheltered by cliffs, this popular beach ticks all the boxes for a bucket-and-spade day out, with calm waters, watersports and plenty of eateries a short plod from the imported Saharan sand. The Taurito Reef also makes it a favourite for divers.
How to get there: Buses connect the resort to Puerto de Mogán and Puerto Rico. Parking is available near the beach.
Insider tip: There's a fabulous water park behind the beach.
Playa de Amadores
This is one of two man-made beaches in the south to be layered in white sand imported from the Caribbean. With multiple Blue Flag awards, calm turquoise waters and a bucketful of beachfront eateries, it's as near to perfection as you'll find when it comes to family beaches.
How to get there: Exit 62 off the GC-1 motorway. Served well by buses.
Insider tip: Walk the cliff-side path to Puerto Rico for spectacular views.
Anfi del Mar
The other of the island's man-made beach is coated in crushed, Caribbean coral sand. Lined with palm trees, it has a slightly more tropical and sophisticated vibe, with waiters ebbing in and out of the sunbeds as regularly as the shallow surf.
How to get there: Limited parking. A glass-bottom ferry from Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán.
Insider tip: Sip a cocktail amidst the greenery at Maroa Club de Mar beach club on the adjacent island.
North
Playa de Sardina del Norte
The two main reasons to spend time in this fishing village are the colourful restaurants serving freshly grilled sardines and the island's best scuba diving. After either activity, the pocket-sized beach is the perfect place for a sandy siesta.
How to get there: Driving or arriving by taxi are your only means of access.
Insider tip: Visit on a weekday if you want some elbow room on the compact beach.
Playa las Canteras
A beach of two halves decorating the island's capital: Playa Grande to the north is the calmer sister of La Cícer to the south. The former attracts families, the latter, snorkellers and surfers. Needless to say, there are plenty of facilities nearby.
How to get there: Easily accessible via public transport, and there are lots of car parks nearby.
Insider tip: When the tide is low you can explore the natural sandstone reef.
West
Playa de Güigüí
Your best bet for the ultimate beach in sandy isolation, though consequently, it's not an easy find. A mountain trek from the village of Tasartico takes 2 to 3 hours each way, or you can arrive by boat. Your reward is your own pristine stretch of black sand and translucent water.
How to get there: By excursion boat, or a mountain trek from Tasartico.
Insider tip: There are no facilities or services, so pack well.
East
Playa del Cabron
If you like your beaches natural and unspoilt, head to this rough diamond. There are no services or facilities, just calm, sheltered waters, a few waterfront apartments and a 300-metre stretch of pale sand.
How to get there: Take exit 25 off the GC-1. A parking area lies within a short walk of the sand.
Insider tip: Bring snorkelling gear, this is one of the island's best locations for spotting fish.
How we choose
Every beach in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We consider a range of needs and styles, from lively bar-lined beachfronts to quiet coves – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest developments and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Author and travel writer Joe Cawley lives in the Canarian hills with his family and other wildlife. He moved there from Bolton in 1991, when, for want of anything else to do, he bought a bar and restaurant before becoming a full-time author and travel writer. He loses no sleep over this.
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