Tag: Playa del Confital
The Perfect City Escape: a Day at Playa El Confital
Tucked away in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital of Gran Canaria island, is the stunning Playa El Confital and its beautiful bay. This special coastal area, known for its natural beauty and recreational options, is a must-visit destination. Let’s dive into what makes Playa El Confital so special.
Where is El Confital and What Does the Name Mean?
Playa El Confital is located near the neighborhoods of La Isleta and Las Coloradas, southwest of the La Isleta peninsula in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This spot offers breathtaking views of the famous Las Canteras beach bay.
The name “El Confital” comes from the small, colorful rock formations along its coastline, which look like confetti. These rocks are made by coastal algae and give the beach its unique name, setting it apart from traditional sandy or pebble beaches. The shore’s distinct look might remind you of the charming beaches in the Balearic Islands.
Getting to Playa El Confital
You can reach Playa El Confital by walking, driving, or biking. Biking is a fun option for those looking for an adventure. Although the road to the beach is unpaved, there’s a pleasant wooden walkway along the coast that offers lovely views of El Confital. This boardwalk stretches from La Puntilla to other parts of the coast.
In the past, makeshift homes were located here, but in 2004 they were removed, and the residents were moved to other parts of the city. After this, a wooden boardwalk was built, making the area more accessible and visually appealing.
What Makes El Confital Special
El Confital is popular with locals who use it for weekend barbecues and gatherings. During weekdays, the beach is peaceful and less crowded, offering a great spot for relaxation. Surfers and bodyboarders also love the beach for its waves, which have hosted various world surfing championships.
Unlike many beaches, El Confital doesn’t offer umbrella or hammock services, so you get a genuine experience of nature. The views of Las Canteras and the Gran Canaria mountains make the spot even more beautiful, especially during summer sunsets.
Naturist Area
For those who prefer naturism, El Confital has a special nudist area. This part of the beach has a calm, somewhat wavy zone about two kilometers long. It features small sandy spots and smooth stones for a unique bathing experience, though be careful as some rocks can be slippery.
Swimming Restrictions and Pet Policies
Since April 2017, the Public Health Department of the Canary Islands Government has banned swimming in El Confital’s waters due to bacterial contamination. While visitors still enjoy the beach, it’s important to follow these health and safety rules.
Pets are generally not allowed on the beach, though some pet owners still bring their animals. If you do bring a pet, be respectful of the rules and other visitors.
How to Get There and Parking
Driving to El Confital involves navigating a dirt road that fits only one vehicle at a time. Once you arrive, you can park along the wooden walkway. If you prefer not to drive on the unpaved road, you can park in the La Isleta neighborhood and walk to the beach.
Trail Running and More
Beyond the wooden walkway, the surrounding mountains are great for trail running. You can run up to the Las Coloradas viewpoint or along the coast, although access is restricted beyond the main bathing area due to the nearby Military Zone of La Isleta.
Why El Confital Is Worth a Visit
Playa El Confital, located on the La Isleta peninsula, adds to the natural charm of Las Canteras beach. With its rocky formations, coarse sand, and clear waters, it offers perfect waves and striking scenery. Recent upgrades, like pedestrian paths and the wooden boardwalk, have made this natural spot even more accessible.
The beach’s clear waters and great wave conditions make it a favorite among surfers and nature lovers. Its naturist-friendly vibe and recreational options make it a special destination for anyone looking for an authentic and memorable experience in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
While the options may be limited, there are two foot-accessible hiking routes that allow you to explore the natural beauty of the area. Although they may not boast the most breathtaking landscapes, these routes still offer opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to connect with nature on foot. Let’s discover the accessible hiking routes that Las Palmas has to offer. If you’re looking for hiking routes accessible by bus (close to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) check out this article.
I would recommend Playa El Confital; I find it unique and close by to the city; it’s natural, protected, and unspoilt. The further you go, the quieter it gets. It’s amazing for sunsets.
A nice walk is along the north end of Las Palmas out and beyond Playa El Confital; it is a rough and wild rock area and you can see big waves.
Another idea is going in the other direction; walking past the auditorium, by the Carretera del Norte, there is a path leading to Barranco de Los Giles and also to Barranco de Tenoya. There are nice views to the north coast from above.
5 Picnic Locations in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a beautiful city that offers a variety of scenic spots for picnicking. Whether you prefer a beach setting, a panoramic view, or a lush park, this city has something for everyone.
Playa del Confital
One great location is Playa del Confital. This beach provides a relaxing atmosphere perfect for a picnic. The golden sands and clear waters make it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a meal with friends or family. The natural beauty of the area, combined with the soothing sound of the waves, creates a serene environment that is hard to beat.
Estadio Insular
Another unique picnic spot is Estadio Insular. Once a bustling football stadium, it has been transformed into a beautiful urban park. Located in the Ciudad Jardín neighborhood, it offers grassy areas and tree-lined paths. The park retains some of the original stadium’s structure, adding a historical touch to your picnic experience. It’s a wonderful place to relax, enjoy a meal, and soak in the local history.
Las Coloradas
Another fantastic option is the viewpoint Mirador Norte de Las Coloradas, behind the neighborhood of Las Coloradas. This spot offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the ocean. It’s a bit of a climb to get there, but the effort is well worth it. Once you reach the top, you can spread out your picnic blanket and take in the stunning scenery. It’s a perfect place for those who enjoy a bit of adventure along with their meal.
Behind the Auditorio
For those who prefer a more urban setting, the grassy areas behind the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus are a great choice. These spots offer a peaceful retreat within the city, where you can sit down and enjoy a picnic. The well-maintained lawns and the proximity to the ocean make it a pleasant place to relax and enjoy some outdoor picnic.
Parque Doramas
Lastly, Parque Doramas is a popular picnic spot in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This spacious park has plenty of open spaces for outdoor dining, as well as beautiful gardens and fountains. It’s a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon, surrounded by greenery and the sounds of nature. The park’s central location also makes it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
Whatever your preference, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has plenty of great options for picnicking. Each spot offers its own unique charm and beauty, ensuring that you can find the perfect place to enjoy a meal outdoors.
Hungry? Check our recommendations for paella restaurants, seafood restaurants and tapas restaurants! If you want to learn more about the local Canarian cuisine, check this article.
Gran Canaria is a beautiful island with a diverse landscape and offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking. Hiking is a great way to spend time with your family, enjoy nature and get some exercise. However, hiking with young children can be a bit challenging, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone. In this article we give you some tips for hiking with young children and at the end of the article you’ll find recommendations from community members on where to go hiking.
Preparation
Before heading out on a hike, it’s important to make sure that you and your children are properly prepared. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Dress appropriately: make sure that everyone is dressed in comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for hiking. It’s also a good idea to bring extra layers in case the weather changes.
- Pack essentials: bring enough water and snacks for everyone, as well as a first aid kit and a map or GPS device. It’s also a good idea to bring a small backpack to carry everything in.
- Plan ahead: choose a hike that is appropriate for your children’s age and ability level. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast and trail conditions before you go.
On the trail
Once you’re on the trail, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the hike as enjoyable as possible for everyone:
- Take it slow: young children may not have the same stamina as adults, so be prepared to take frequent breaks and go at a slower pace.
- Make it fun: encourage your children to explore and discover new things along the way. You can also play games or make up stories to keep them engaged.
- Be flexible: be open to changing your plans if the hike becomes too difficult or if the children are getting tired. It’s better to have a shorter, more enjoyable hike than a longer one that becomes a struggle.
Hiking with young children in Gran Canaria
Hiking with young children in Gran Canaria can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone. With the right preparation and mindset, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and spend quality time with your family. Remember to take it slow, make it fun and be flexible. Happy hiking! If you’re looking for hikes that you can easily reach by public transport from Las Palmas, check this article.
Any hiking routes in Gran Canaria for young children?
We would usually walk north from Playa del Confital, which is perfect but we’ve been there so many times that we’d like to see some other places.
You can border Caldera de Bandama in approximately 1 hour or 1.5 hours. Also going up Montaña de Gáldar (you can see it from Las Canteras) is short, not steep, and you can see views of the north coast.
Barranco de Guiniguada is great if you have a baby carrier, otherwise it could be a little bit of challenge for a two years old since the path is quite uneven. In my experience, when kids are at this age it is better to pick a spot and make it a base. Then let kids explore around it. Here is a nice one near by, Barranco De Santa Brigida La Angostura Y Las Meleguinas. Make sure you drive from the direction of GC-321, it is complicated to get down from GC-320.
Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo is also nice and then there is also Finca de Osorio.
You can hike from Barranco de Guiniguada (Triana) to Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo. Check the trail on Wikiloc.