With its mild year-round climate and diverse coastline, Gran Canaria is a beach lover’s paradise. From golden dunes and volcanic black sand to hidden rocky coves, the island offers a beach for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re after a lively stretch with beach bars and water sports or a quiet spot far from the crowds, this guide explores the best Gran Canaria beaches —plus a few lesser-known gems worth discovering.
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Table of Contents - The best Gran Canaria Beaches
Which side of Gran Canaria has the best beaches?
The south generally receives more sunshine compared to the north of Gran Canaria and it tends to be a little warmer on this side of the island. Most of the best Gran Canaria beaches are also located in the south, so many people pick this side of the island for their Gran Canaria beach holiday. It’s no surprise that this is where you’ll find most of the island’s resort towns.
The north has its own charm, with scenic natural pools and a more authentic, local vibe—perfect for those who prefer a quieter escape.
Best Gran Canaria Beaches in the South
Anfi
Anfi is one of the most famous beaches in Gran Canaria. With its picture-perfect white sand and turquoise water it is indeed one of the most beautiful beaches in Gran Canaria. But it’s also one of the most touristic and busiest beaches on the island. This plus the fact that it is an artificial beach, makes it feel less authentic compared to Gran Canaria’s natural beaches. The sand here isn’t from Gran Canaria but was imported from The Bahamas and the bay has been altered with protective bay waters. As the introduced sand doesn’t mix with the water as much and the lack of waves means less movement of the bottom, the water here is super clear.
Besides those looking for a beautiful beach, Anfi is also the right place for those who are interested in water activities, like renting a jet ski or parasailing.
Playa de la Verga – If the calm and clear waters of Anfi are calling to your attention, but the crowds are not, head over to the neighboring Playa de la Verga. The beach is only small, but not crowded at all and the water is equally calm and clear.
Amadores
Amadores is another very popular artificial beach in Gran Canaria, next to the town of Puerto Rico. The sand of Amadores is more golden than Anfi’s sand, but the constructed bay is equally calm and clear. Amadores shares a similar atmosphere with Anfi, the biggest difference is that Amadores is meant as a beach to relax. So you can’t rent jet skis and such here, and loud music and party boats are not allowed at Amadores Beach. This doesn’t mean it’s a quiet beach though, as it does get very busy as well. But it is a little less noisy because of these restrictions.
Tauro
Tauro is very different from the above-mentioned beaches, but it is one of my favorites. It’s very natural, not so busy and it has a nice local vibe. Besides a small restaurant at the back of the beach, there is nothing here, so it’s perfect for those who are looking for a natural, and non-commercial setting.
Tauro is right next to Playa del Cura, which has more facilities like shops and restaurants. So while Tauro is more off-the-beaten-path, you’re not too far from amenities whenever you need them.
Playa del Cura
Playa del Cura is the place to go for those who are looking for that sweet spot in between Anfi and Amadores vs Tauro. This beach is not artificial and therefore doesn’t feel as fake as Anfi and Amadores. The sand is darker, the water is less clear, and while there are hotels along the shore, it’s not as built up as Anfi and Amadores. But there are restaurants and shops along the shore as well, for those who prefer them closer and more accessible compared to Tauro.
Playa de las Burras
Playa de las Burras in San Agustin is another one of my favorite beaches in Gran Canaria. It’s bigger than Tauro and has bars, cafés, and shops along the beach, but it doesn’t feel overly commercial. It’s a natural beach as well with mixed sand and more waves. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas here, but there is plenty of space to just put down your towel, play with a ball, or build a sandcastle. It has a very chill, mixed local and tourist vibe.
Meloneras Beach
Meloneras Beach is my favorite beach in Maspalomas to watch the sunset. While the dunes in Playa de Ingles is the go-to place to watch the sunset for most tourists, I prefer to watch it from Meloneras. Here you can actually see the sun drop behind the horizon. Meloneras is also great for tanning or relaxing on the beach, but there are lots of rocks in the water making it less attractive for swimming. Other than that Meloneras is quite similar to San Agustin in space and atmosphere. It’s just a little more touristic and less local.
Playa del Ingles
Playa del Ingles is a big stretch of beach in the center of this resort area in the South of Gran Canaria. What makes this one of the best beaches in Gran Canaria, is the location and the diversity of this beach. There is a section suitable for everyone.
The Eastern end is lively with many bars, restaurants, umbrellas, and beach chairs to rent, while its Western end near the dunes is much quieter and more natural. There is also a nude section at Playa de Ingles, around kiosk number 4. For those looking for the LGBTQ+ section of the beach, that is around kiosk number 7. While the whole area of Playa de Ingles is LGBTQ+ friendly, kiosk 7 is the center spot and the place where many gay beachgoers gather.
Playa del Ingles also offers beautiful views over the dunes, both from the beach and the boulevard and access to the trails through the dunes.
Pasito Blanco
Pasito Blanco is a very cute and small beach below the Meloneras golf course. It’s pretty, natural, and quiet since it’s a lot more off-the-beaten-path than other beaches in this area of Gran Canaria. This beach is perfect for those who want to stay in the area, but are looking for a smaller, calmer, and less commercial beach than Playa del Ingles for example.
Playa de Taurito & Puerto de Mogan – Taurito is another beach in this area of Gran Canaria you may have heard of. While Taurito may not stand out as a must-visit beach, it does have natural caves along the shore that can be explored at low tide which could be interesting if you’re nearby. Likewise, while the town of Puerto de Mogan is one of the most iconic places in Gran Canaria, its beach is not very distinctive. It’s a nice place to chill for a bit or to go for a dip when you’re in the area but I wouldn’t go out of my way to go to this beach.
Guïguï
Guïguï is the most virgin and remote beach in this guide. It’s also the hardest to get to, but that is the whole reason it is the gorgeous beach it is. You can reach Guïguï either by boat from Puerto Rico or by car + hike. The hike there is about 10 km return and includes about 900 m elevation gain and loss. While it is one of the most beautiful hikes in Gran Canaria, it is not for everyone so this is important to keep in mind.
Best Gran Canaria Beaches in the North
Las Canteras
Las Canteras is the most popular beach in the North of Gran Canaria since it’s located in Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria. It’s a big sandy beach with plenty of space. The boulevard just above the beach is lined with bars, restaurants, cafés and shops and everything else you may need. There are also public toilets at several points along the beach. There is a surfer’s section at the southern part of the beach (La Cícer), where no natural reefs are breaking the waves. The rest of the beach is protected by this natural reef, meaning the waves are not so big and it’s great for swimming.
Playa de Guayedra
Playa de Guayedra is my favorite beach in the north of Gran Canaria. It kind of feels like a busier mini Guïguï beach. This beach is only accessible on foot, but it’s not a very long or difficult hike. You can hike here from Agaete or the nearby parking lot. The hike from Agaete is about 2.5 km long (one way) and includes 140 m of elevation gain and 170 m of elevation loss on the way there. The trail is easy to follow, but quite rocky so make sure to bring sturdy shoes and pack your stuff in a comfortable backpack or shoulder bag. If you’re walking here from the parking lot, just follow the dirt road down.
Galdar
Galdar is better known for its natural pools than the beach, but there is quite a nice beach right next to the natural pools as well. This is the perfect spot for those who want the best of both worlds: lying down in the comfortable sand and swimming in the calmer waters of the natural pool. Galdar is also a much more local spot compared to many of the other beaches mentioned in this guide. So it’s perfect for those who want to escape the tourists crowds and immerse themselves a little more in the local culture.
Puerto de las Nieves – Puerto de las Nieves also has a beach, but it’s rocky and right at the ferry port. This is the reason why I didn’t give it a spot in this list of best Gran Canaria beaches, despite the fact that the town is very cute. Instead, walk over to the Agaete natural pools and enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the seafood restaurants along the beach of Puerto de las Nieves.
Frequently asked questions about Gran Canaria beaches
What is the nicest beach in Gran Canaria?
It depends on what you’re looking for! For calm, clear waters, Anfi or Amadores are great. If you prefer a natural, quieter spot, try Tauro. Las Canteras offers a lively city vibe, while Guïguï is perfect for adventurers.
Are there any black sand beaches in Gran Canaria?
Yes! Since Gran Canaria is a volcanic island, you’ll find several black sand beaches. Some of the most beautiful ones include Playa de Guayedra, Playa de Taurito, and El Confital.
What is the best beach in Gran Canaria for surfing?
La Cícer (part of Las Canteras Beach) is the most popular surfing spot in Gran Canaria, especially for beginners. More experienced surfers might prefer El Confital or Pozo Izquierdo, which offer more challenging waves.
Can you camp on the beaches in Gran Canaria?
Wild camping is not officially allowed, but some beaches have designated areas for campervans. Playa de Vargas is one of the best beaches for campers, offering overnight parking and basic facilities.
Which beach in Gran Canaria is best for windsurfing and kitesurfing?
Pozo Izquierdo is the top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, known for its strong winds and annual competitions. Playa de Vargas is also a great choice for both sports.
What is the best beach for snorkeling and diving in Gran Canaria?
Playa de Sardina is one of the best spots for both snorkeling and diving, with calm, clear waters and diverse marine life. For more advanced diving, El Cabrón Marine Reserve offers volcanic reefs and rich biodiversity.
This was: The best Gran Canaria Beaches
Gran Canaria’s beaches are some of the island’s biggest highlights, but there’s so much more to explore. From scenic hikes to charming villages, check out my guide with 25 amazing things to do in Gran Canaria for more travel inspiration