Located off the coast of north-west Africa, the Canary Islands are Europe‘s top destination for warm weather, even in the winter months. The eight islands all offer different attractions and have an entirely different feel to them. But they have one thing in common: amazing beaches. Gran Canaria’s beaches have it all, and at an average temperature of 18 to 26 degrees Celsius, you can enjoy these gems even in autumn and winter. Gran Canaria awaits you with lively beaches for having a great time with other holidayers and locals alike as well as quieter beaches with sweet tranquillity, turquoise waters and smooth sand. While it quite a journey to the Canary Islands, plenty of direct flights from the UK make this group of islands a breeze to visit. Read on for the top beach picks in Gran Canaria!
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Playa Maspalomas: the dunes beach
Located in the south of the island, Maspalomas beach not only has everything one of the best beaches in Gran Canaria needs but also has stunning surroundings. The dunes of the same name, Dunas de Maspalomas, make for an amazing activity as you walk on them. While you may be feeling a world away tackling the dunes, the sand can get quite hot, especially in the summer, so it’s best to put on shoes before you start your walk. Once you’ve completed this sandy adventure, Maspalomas beach is already in sight, and you can wash off all the sand in the waves. While there are some kiosks right on the beach, these might be closed in the low season. So it‘s best to bring your own snacks and drinks. Maspalomas beach offers fun for everyone: families with children, couples and also water sports enthusiasts such as kite surfers. The breeze means there are plenty of kiters around, which is always fun to watch, and the wind also means that summer temperatures are not too hot.
Playa del Inglés: for sunny days and fun nights
Playa del Inglés is located right next to Playa Maspalomas, a bit further up north. While the major attraction in Maspalomas are the dunes, Playa del Inglés attracts people of all ages who want to have a good time. The beach is located adjacent to a nice promenade that comes to life especially at night. However, during the day, there are also plenty of activities to choose from. Kite surfing, parasailing and surfing are just a few of the activities adrenaline seekers can enjoy. The area around Playa del Inglés also has a wide range of different hotels to offer for every budget, and the large choice of restaurants means that you will always find just the food you’ve been craving during your perfect day at the beach in Gran Canaria. Add some ice cream to the equation and you have the perfect formula for a fun-filled beach day!
Only about ten kilometres from Playa del Inglés is Playa Feliz. This beach is wonderful for families, which is the reason why our family hotel TUI BLUE Playa Feliz is just a few steps away. It also offers a fascinating experience. Depending on the tide, you can get a sandy beach or a pebble beach. Enjoy your time at this natural beach and relax in the sun!
Playa de las Nieves: pebble beach
With its pebbled black lava sand, Playa de las Nieves is not your typical postcard beach. But the dark colour of the sand, typical for a holiday to the volcanic Canaries, and the rocks in the ocean create amazing colours in all shades of blue. The setting of this beach in the north of Gran Canaria is stunning, with the mountain range of the Picos de la Nieve reaching high into the sky behind you. The beach itself is well-developed without being overly crowded. There are some nice restaurants with ocean and harbour view, or you can get some snacks from the nearby supermarket and have a little picknick on the beach. If just splashing around in the water is not enough, you and your little ones can even jump into the water from the muelle, the old fishing pier, or do some snorkelling. Since this beach is quite rocky and has lots of pebbles, it may be best to bring water shoes for comfort.
Playa Anfi del Mar: Caribbean flair on Gran Canaria
This fantastic beach in the south-west of the island might be the best beach in Gran Canaria. It’s quite literally a piece of the Caribbean in the Atlantic because around 10.000 tons of smooth golden sand were shipped here from the Bahamas. This place truly feels like a Caribbean dream, with calm turquoise waters lining the perfectly crescent-shaped beach. There are also some amazing hotels in the area or close by like the TUI BLUE Suite Princess if you really want to pamper yourself this holiday. The promenade is lined with coconut palm trees, and the harbour on the artificial island connected with a bridge to the mainland is the cherry on top for this exclusive area.
Playa de las Canteras
Playa de las Canteras in the north of the island is located just a stone‘s throw away near the island‘s capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. With Las Canteras being a city beach, it’s located close to all amenities, such as restaurants, boat trips, surfing, and other water activities. This is also the perfect beach location if you want to combine a city trip with some beach vibes. If you caught too much sun or it’s a rare rainy day, Poema del Mar Aquarium near the beach is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with crocodiles, fish and other sea-loving creatures.
Now you have some amazing beach suggestions for your perfect beach holiday in Gran Canaria. No matter if you prefer a convenient city beach or a more off-the-beaten-path location, Gran Canaria has a favourite beach for everyone. For your next holiday, there are still plenty of other islands like Fuerteventura with great beaches in the Canaries to choose from, and you will notice the differences between them. So, start dreaming about splashing in the waves and feeling the sand beneath your feet!