Best beaches in Gran Canaria

The perfect climate of the Canary Islands allows enjoy the sun and the beaches all year round. 236 kilometres of coastline means that there are a lot of beaches of all types in the island. Gran Canaria has almost 160 beaches, rocky in the northern part and sandy in the south.

There are some of the best beaches in Gran Canaria:

Maspalomas – one of the most popular, most photographed and best beaches in Gran Canaria. The endless golden sand dunes create an impression of the Sahara Desert. It’s an area of 400 ha with a protected nature reserve in the inland for the large number of migratory birds to rest.

Maspalomas beach is located between Playa del Inglés and Faro de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Lighthouse) at a length of over 6 km and at a width of 2 km. Families prefer the western part of the beach near the lighthouse because of calmer water, while the section closest to Playa del Inglés is preferred by nudists. There are the facilities like Red Cross post, rent of sun loungers, snack bars and others.

Playa del Inglés – a beach which can be considered as a part of Maspalomas beach. The beach is located in front of the resort of Playa del Inglés. There is no lack of bars or sun loungers also.

San Agustin – the broad black sand beach, together with Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Las Burras form an area known as “Costa Canaria”. San Agustin beach is not very popular with the tourists, but is liked by the Gran Canaria’s inhabitants, who often make a day trip from the capital and other cities.

Las Burras – another dark sand beach, located between the ones of Playa del Inglés and San Agustin. It’s a perfect alternative to more popular but busier neighbouring beaches. Las Burras beach is preferred by the local people and the families with children, because of calm waters.

San Agustin and Las Burras beaches are connected by a fascinating cliff top walk.

Montaña de Arena is a sandy, one of many nudist beaches in Gran Canaria, located on the southern cost. It is away from the crowds and has no facilities. To get to the beach, there is a parking off the GC-500 road and about 10 minutes walk on foot. It’s worth the time as a difficulty of access kept this beach untouched. Montaña de Arena beach got its name from the big mountain of sand.

Pasito Bea beach is located just outside Maspalomas and is the first beach west of Pasito Blanco. Pasito Bea is a dark sandy cove secluded by rocks with especially clear water. The beach is just a couple of hundred metres from the GC-500 road.

Las Canteras is more than 3 kilometres long golden sand beach in the capital city, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Though it lies just a few hundred meters west of the centre, Las Canteras is a lot cleaner than many city beaches. Together with Maspalomas, it is probably the best beach in Gran Canaria.

Many islanders like this beach because of its easy accessibility. A natural volcanic barrier, La Barra de Las Canteras, keeps the waves back, making it perfect place for families to swim. Further south, where the reef ends, surfers can enjoy the breaks.

There is also an attractive seaside promenade running from one side of the Las Canteras beach to the other. It is a good place for walkers, joggers, cyclists or roller boarders. The promenade is one of the liveliest places in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, offering a plenty of bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Alcaravaneras – it’s another beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The beach is 550 meters long and is located between the Muelle Deportivo and the Real Club Náutico de Gran Canaria. As Alcaravaneras beach is near the port, it is not the best place for swimming, but it is perfect for beach sports, such as football or volleyball. The beach is also popular with the windsurfers.

Confital beach is located in “La Isleta”, the small peninsula and old fisherman’s quarter of Las Palmas. It is probably the best beach in Gran Canaria for surfing. Confital beach is usually full of surfers (especially at weekends), who enjoy the best right-hand waves on the island.

Mogán is the beach of one of the most popular tourist resorts, Puerto de Mogán. The beach is located among high cliffs and can hardly accommodate all its guests. Though Mogán beached used to be grey and stony, recently was upgraded with the golden sand. There was also built a new traffic-free promenade, which attracts with high quality restaurants.

Veneguera – another unspoiled beach preferred by nudists and those who want to get away from everything. This might be the best beach in Gran Canaria if You want to enjoy a truly dark volcanic sand. The beach can be accessed only by hikers or 4WD vehicles. Because of its botanical and geological importance Veneguera is preserved as a nature reserve.

El Juncal – one more beach which can be accessed only on foot. It is a secluded pebble cove which rewards its rare visitors with calm water and stunning cliffs.

Agua Dulce – sheltered cove with 140 meters of golden sand and exceptionally clear water. Though this beach on the eastern side of Gran Canaria is easy to reach, it is not very popular with the tourists. Still, Agua Dulce is one of the best beaches in Gran Canaria for snorkelling and diving. Also You can enjoy watching airplanes landing and taking off at the nearby airport.

Amadores – a very popular man-made beach near Puerto Rico, constructed about 15 years ago. It is an 800 meters long crescent of excellent sand with bars, restaurants and shops at the border. On a clear day it is possible to enjoy a view of Mount Teide on Tenerife. Amadores beach is fringed by an attractive promenade and palm trees. There is also a fascinating cliff-top footpath running from Puerto Escala to the beach.

Güigüí – it is the best beach in Gran Canaria for those who want a challenge or run away from the crowds. The attractive sandy beach, which is located on the island’s rocky west coast, earned a mythical status for its beauty and difficult access. There are two ways to get to the Güigüí beach: a two hour hike from Tasartico, or by a boat trip from Playa de La Aldea. The beach is reachable only at low tide.

These are 15 of the best beaches in Gran Canaria. But explore the island and You might find Your personal favourite place.

More Vacation Ideas on Gran Canaria
http://www.100placestotravel.net/sights-in-gran-canaria.html
http://www.luxury-resort-guide.com/europe/best-resorts-in-gran-canaria/
http://www.traveldestinationguide.net/what-to-see-in-las-palmas.html