Las Canteras Beach & the Best Beaches in Gran Canaria 2026
From Las Canteras to wild Güigüí
Las Canteras Beach: zones, services and how to get there
Las Canteras changes from north to south. The northern stretch (La Puntilla–Playa Grande) is the calmest, sheltered by La Barra, a reef about 2 km long that tames the waves at low tide and creates a calm, crystal-clear lagoon, perfect for swimming. In the middle, Playa Chica is a favourite for snorkelling. Then come the rocks of Peña la Vieja and, at the southern end, La Cícer: exposed to Atlantic swells, with darker volcanic sand, it's the surf zone and a great spot for sunsets.
The whole seafront is lined by a promenade about 3 km long, from La Puntilla to the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, full of cafés, restaurants and terraces. Lifeguards cover the beach all year round, with a reinforced service in summer (in 2025, every day from 10:00 to 20:00 between 1 July and 15 September), and in November 2025 the beach got three new lifeguard towers. There are showers, toilets and accessible entry points, and access is easy and flat.
The beach sits right in the centre of Las Palmas, within walking distance of much of the city. By guagua (city bus), line 1 (Teatro–Puerto) runs via Santa Catalina and Calle Tomás Miller, close to the sand, and a single ticket costs €1.40 (Guaguas Municipales). The best time for a calm swim is the morning, before the wind picks up.
How long is Gran Canaria's coastline and which beaches are best?
Gran Canaria has about 236 km of coastline (University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), from the golden dunes of Maspalomas to wild coves on the west coast. Our favourite is Playa de Las Canteras (3.1 km, golden sand, protected by a natural reef), which ranked 16th in Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Best Beaches in the World 2024. With an average water temperature of about 21°C and around 2,800 hours of sunshine a year (AEMET 1981–2010 normals, Gran Canaria Airport station), Gran Canaria is a year-round beach destination. Casita Palmera is just 50 metres from Las Canteras, a handy base for exploring the rest of the island.
Which are the best beaches in Gran Canaria?
Five beaches, from the city beach on our doorstep to a cove you can only reach on foot or by boat.
1. Playa de Las Canteras ⭐ (Our Favourite)
One of Europe's best-known urban beaches. A 3.1 km stretch of sand partly protected by "la barra", a natural reef that creates crystal-clear waters.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Las Palmas de Gran Canaria |
| Length | 3.1 km |
| Width | 20–120 metres depending on the zone |
| Sand type | Golden, fine |
| Waves | Calm in the north (behind the reef), surf at La Cícer |
| Services | Lifeguards all year, showers, toilets, accessible entry points |
| Distance from Casita Palmera | 50 metres |
Beach Zones (north to south)
| Zone | Characteristics | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| La Puntilla | Traditional fishing quarter, calm water | Strolling, photography |
| Playa Grande | Calmest water behind La Barra, terraces | Swimming, families |
| Playa Chica | Small cove | Snorkelling |
| Peña la Vieja | Rocky area | Strolling on the promenade |
| La Cícer | Waves, surf atmosphere | Surfing, bodyboarding |
Nearby Beach Beyond La Isleta: El Confital
El Confital is not part of Las Canteras. It's a separate, wild beach just beyond La Isleta, about 25 minutes on foot from the apartment (see our local guide). Its powerful reef break draws experienced surfers, so swim there only in calm conditions.Why It's Special
- La Barra: Natural reef, about 2 km long, sheltering the northern stretch
- Promenade of about 3 km: Terraces, restaurants, shops
- Spectacular sunsets: The sun sets over the sea
- Accessible all year: Lifeguards every day of the year and a pleasant temperature always
- Urban but cared for: Q for Tourism Quality, ISO 14001 environmental certification and UNE 170001 universal accessibility certification
- Internationally recognised: 16th in Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Best Beaches in the World 2024
2. Playa de Maspalomas
Probably the most famous beach in the Canary Islands. A unique ecosystem of sand dunes, with a beach that runs for about 6 km.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | South of Gran Canaria |
| Length | About 6 km (including Playa del Inglés) |
| Width | Up to 200 metres |
| Sand type | Golden, very fine |
| Waves | Moderate |
| Distance from Las Palmas | About 55 km (45–55 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 |
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 | 488 metres |
| Sand type | White (imported) |
| Waves | Very calm |
| Distance from Las Palmas | About 70 km (about 1 h) |
Why Visit
- Crystal-clear waters like a pool
- Ideal for children (no waves)
- Quiet resort atmosphere
- Chiringuitos and sun lounger rental
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 | About 75–80 km (about 1 h) |
Why Visit
- Picturesque village with canals
- Protected family beach
- Fresh fish restaurants
- Marina with boat trips
5. Playa de Güigüí
One of the wildest, most unspoilt beaches in Gran Canaria. Only accessible on foot or by boat.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | West coast |
| Access | About 2 hours' steep hike each way, or by boat |
| Sand type | Dark, stones |
| Waves | Variable |
| Services | None |
How to Get There
- Hiking: From Tasartico (about 5 km each way, steep)
- Boat: Hire an excursion boat or a local fisherman from Mogán, Puerto Rico, Arguineguín or La Aldea (weather permitting)
- Important: Bring water, food and sun protection, as there are no services
Which beach suits your travel style?
By Type of Experience
| Beach | Family | Surf | Snorkel | Quiet | Lively |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Canteras | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Maspalomas | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Amadores | ⭐⭐⭐ | - | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Mogán | ⭐⭐⭐ | - | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Güigüí | - | - | - | ⭐⭐⭐ | - |
| El Confital | - | ⭐⭐⭐ | - | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
By Distance from Las Canteras
| Beach | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| El Confital | - | About 25 min on foot |
| Maspalomas | About 55 km | 45–55 min by car |
| Amadores | About 70 km | About 1 h by car |
| Puerto de Mogán | About 75–80 km | About 1 h by car |
| Güigüí | - | Drive to Tasartico, then about 2 h on foot each way |
Times are approximate and depend on traffic.
What is the water temperature and when should you go to the beach?
The sea off Las Palmas stays between about 19°C and 23°C all year. It's warmest from August to October (about 23°C) and coolest from January to April (about 19°C). At Las Canteras, mornings are usually the calmest time for a swim, before the wind picks up.
Water Temperature
Approximate monthly averages (weather2travel, based on Met Office/CRU data).
| Month | Temperature |
|---|---|
| January | 19°C |
| February | 19°C |
| March | 19°C |
| April | 19°C |
| May | 20°C |
| June | 21°C |
| July | 22°C |
| August | 23°C |
| September | 23°C |
| October | 23°C |
| November | 22°C |
| December | 20°C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best beach in Gran Canaria?
For us, Las Canteras is the most versatile: lifeguards all year, full services, calm water in the northern stretch and a surf zone at La Cícer. Maspalomas is spectacular for its dunes but is 45–55 minutes by car from Las Palmas.
Is nudism allowed on the beaches?
Nudism is not banned by Spanish national law, but local by-laws can restrict it. It is common in the Maspalomas Dunes and in the remote area of Güigüí. At Las Canteras it's not common.
Which is the quietest beach?
Puerto de Mogán and Amadores are among the quietest in the south. At Las Canteras, the water is calmest in the northern stretch (La Puntilla–Playa Grande), behind La Barra. Güigüí is the most isolated but requires effort to reach.Which beach is best for children?
Amadores for its waveless waters, and the northern stretch of Las Canteras (Playa Grande), sheltered by La Barra, especially at low tide. Puerto de Mogán is also excellent for families.Where to go snorkelling?
The Playa Chica area at Las Canteras, behind the reef, is the classic snorkelling spot. In the south, Amadores has clear waters.
Are there dangerous beaches?
El Confital is a powerful reef break for experienced surfers; swim there only in calm conditions. Güigüí has no lifeguards. At Las Canteras, the southern end (La Cícer) gets the most waves. On any beach, check the flag and follow the lifeguards' instructions (a red flag means no swimming).What is the water temperature?
Between about 19°C in winter and 23°C in August–October. The water is always "refreshing": not as warm as the Caribbean, but pleasant all year round.
Are there jellyfish in Gran Canaria?
Occasionally (for example Portuguese man o' war after certain winds). When there are sightings, lifeguards warn with flags.
Looking for a vacation rental apartment?
Casita Palmera is a licensed vacation rental apartment 50 metres from Las Canteras Beach.
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