beat the brochure

Gran Canaria is well known for its beaches, some populated with tourists, some with nudists and others with just the sand and sea. As an island filled with dozens of beaches, there’s literally no way you can’t find the perfect strip of sand for you.

Maspalomas

The most popular beach in Gran Canaria, Maspalomas is famed for its inclusion of Playa del Ingles – the biggest resort in Gran Canaria and home to bars, clubs and even a Mcdonalds! Maspalomas itself caters to people from all walks of life, with its lifeguard protected areas at either end, it’s nudist area in the centre and its gay area – easily spotted with a rainbow flag. The beach has plenty of drinks and food kiosks but it’s recommended to take water with you as the price throughout the day can really add up. Although it’s the biggest tourist area in Gran Canaria, you can always find a quiet spot somewhere and where else can you say that you’ve sunbathed on top of a sand dune?!

Gui Gui Beach

The legendary Gui Gui beach is the most remote part of Gran Canaria. Your only means of getting there are by boat or by a 3 hour hike from the nearest road. It may sound like a chore but the destination is the biggest reward, a beach unspoilt by tourism, with little else other than the sand and sea. Perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle or for those that just want to sunbathe with it all hanging out.

Montana de Arena

Another unspoilt beach but much, much easier to get to, Montana de Arena is found between Maspalomas and Arguineguin – if you can find it at all! A local favourite, it’s well hidden at the bottom of a sand dune and requires a bit of a walk down a dirt path off of the GC 500 road. Montana de Arena contains limited facilities – a drink vendor here and there – so it’s definitely wise to bring provisions. It’s also another well-known nudist friendly beach.

Amadores

Many people ask if this beach was built purely for tourism and it was! A crescent of lush white sand, Amadores was built to cope with the influx of tourism at Puetro Rico beach. Amadores is great for families thanks to its lifeguards, sunbeds and partially closed off ocean. Lined with shops, restaurants and bars, it’s quick and easy to get to from Puerto Rico Beach by foot or by taxi.

Las Canteras

Right in the middle of Las Palmas, this beach is perfect for snorkelling as it sits right on top of a marine reserve. Its golden sand is fully lined with local shops, restaurants and bars, giving you a feel of the local lifestyle of Gran Canaria without skimping on your day at the beach. The beach has so much space and even has surfing to the south.

Which beach sounds like your style? What beaches in Gran Canaria would you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!