How many beaches does Gran Canaria have and which are the best?
Gran Canaria has more than 60 km of coastline with 15+ standout beaches. The best urban beach is Playa de Las Canteras (3.1 km, golden sand, Blue Flag, protected by a natural reef) — voted best urban beach in Spain 2024. With an average water temperature of 20°C and more than 300 sunny days a year, Gran Canaria is a year-round beach destination. [Casita Palmera](/) is just 30 metres from Las Canteras — the perfect base to explore them all.
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Which are the 15 best beaches in Gran Canaria?
1. Playa de Las Canteras ⭐ (Our Favourite)
The best urban beach in Spain and one of the best in the world. A 3.1 km stretch of sand protected by "la barra", a natural reef that creates crystal-clear waters.
| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Location | Las Palmas de Gran Canaria |
| Length | 3.1 km |
| Average width | 40 metres |
| Sand type | Golden, fine |
| Waves | Calm (protected by the reef) |
| Services | Complete (showers, lifeguards, accessibility) |
| Distance from Casita Palmera | 30 metres |
#### Beach Zones
| Zone | Characteristics | Ideal For |
|------|-----------------|-----------|
| Playa Chica | Quiet, family-friendly | Families, snorkelling |
| Central Zone | Lively, terraces | Strolling, sunbathing |
| La Puntilla | Natural pools | Relaxing, photography |
| La Cícer | Waves, surf atmosphere | Surfing, bodyboarding |
| Confital | Wild, big waves | Advanced surfing |
#### Why It's Special
- La Barra: Natural reef protecting the beach
- 3 km pedestrian promenade: Terraces, restaurants, shops
- Spectacular sunsets: The sun sets over the sea
- Accessible all year: Pleasant temperature always
- Urban but clean: Blue Flag for years
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2. Playa de Maspalomas
Probably the most famous beach in the Canary Islands. A unique ecosystem of sand dunes stretching 6 km.
| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Location | South of Gran Canaria |
| Length | 6 km (including Playa del Inglés) |
| Width | Up to 200 metres |
| Sand type | Golden, very fine |
| Waves | Moderate |
| Distance from Las Palmas | 55 km (45 min drive) |
#### Zones
| Zone | Characteristics |
|------|-----------------|
| Maspalomas Lighthouse | Iconic, family-friendly, touristy |
| Dunes | Wild, optional nudist |
| Playa del Inglés | Lively, chiringuitos, water sports |
| Kiosk No. 7 | LGBTQ+ friendly |
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3. Playa de Amadores
The most beautiful artificial beach in Gran Canaria. White imported sand and protected turquoise waters.
| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Location | Mogán (southwest) |
| Length | 500 metres |
| Sand type | White (imported) |
| Waves | Very calm |
| Distance from Las Palmas | 65 km (50 min) |
#### Why Visit
- Crystal-clear waters like a pool
- Ideal for children (no waves)
- Quiet resort atmosphere
- Chiringuitos and sun lounger rental
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4. Puerto de Mogán
The "Little Venice" of Gran Canaria. A fishing village with a protected beach and canals.
| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Location | Mogán (southwest) |
| Length | 200 metres |
| Sand type | Dark golden |
| Waves | Very calm (harbour) |
| Distance from Las Palmas | 70 km (55 min) |
#### Why Visit
- Picturesque village with canals
- Protected family beach
- Fresh fish restaurants
- Marina with boat trips
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5. Playa de Güigüí
The wildest and most virgin beach in Gran Canaria. Only accessible on foot or by boat.
| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Location | West coast |
| Access | 3-4 hours hiking or by boat |
| Sand type | Dark, stones |
| Waves | Variable |
| Services | None |
#### How to Get There
- Hiking: From Tasartico (3-4 hours one way)
- Boat: From Puerto de Mogán (approx. €40)
- Important: Bring water, food, protection
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Beach Comparison
By Type of Experience
| Beach | Family | Surf | Snorkel | Quiet | Lively |
|-------|--------|------|---------|-------|--------|
| Las Canteras | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Maspalomas | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Amadores | ⭐⭐⭐ | - | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Mogán | ⭐⭐⭐ | - | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Güigüí | - | - | - | ⭐⭐⭐ | - |
| Confital | - | ⭐⭐⭐ | - | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
By Distance from Las Canteras
| Beach | Distance | Driving Time |
|-------|----------|--------------|
| Confital | 2 km | 5 min |
| La Laja | 4 km | 8 min |
| Melenara | 12 km | 15 min |
| Tufia | 15 km | 20 min |
| Sardina | 30 km | 30 min |
| Agaete | 35 km | 35 min |
| San Agustín | 50 km | 40 min |
| Maspalomas | 55 km | 45 min |
| Amadores | 65 km | 50 min |
| Mogán | 70 km | 55 min |
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Practical Information
Water Temperature
| Month | Temperature |
|-------|-------------|
| January | 19°C |
| February | 18°C |
| March | 18°C |
| April | 19°C |
| May | 20°C |
| June | 21°C |
| July | 22°C |
| August | 23°C |
| September | 24°C |
| October | 23°C |
| November | 21°C |
| December | 20°C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best beach in Gran Canaria?
Las Canteras is the best urban beach and most versatile: safe, clean, with full services and accessible all year. Maspalomas is spectacular for its dunes but is 45 minutes from Las Palmas.Is nudism allowed on the beaches?
Yes, nudism is legal on all beaches in Spain. The most common areas are the Maspalomas Dunes and the remote area of Güigüí. At Las Canteras it's not common.
Which is the quietest beach?
Puerto de Mogán and San Agustín are the quietest in the south. At Las Canteras, the Playa Chica area is the most relaxed. Güigüí is the most isolated but requires effort to reach.Which beach is best for children?
Amadores for its waveless waters, and the Playa Chica area at Las Canteras. Puerto de Mogán is also excellent for families.Where to go snorkelling?
The La Puntilla area at Las Canteras has excellent visibility and marine life. Playa de Tufia is also very good. In the south, Amadores has clear waters.
Are there dangerous beaches?
El Confital has strong currents and is only for expert surfers. Güigüí has no lifeguards. In general, respect the flags: red = swimming prohibited, yellow = caution.What is the water temperature?
Between 18°C in winter and 24°C in September. The water is always "refreshing" - not as warm as the Caribbean but pleasant all year round.
Are there jellyfish in Gran Canaria?
Rarely. Atlantic currents usually keep them away. If there are sightings, lifeguards inform with specific flags.