14 Beaches in Gran Canaria That You’ve Likely Never Heard of Before
Gran Canaria, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, is known for its many beaches, stunning landscapes, and vibrant nightlife. While many visitors go to the well-known beaches of Playa del Inglès and Playa de Las Canteras, there are plenty of other hidden gems waiting to be discovered. In this article, we’ll introduce you to 14 lesser-known beaches in Gran Canaria that are worth a visit!
Playa de Guayedra
Playa de Guaydra is a secluded and relatively undiscovered beach, requiring a drive over a muddy road and a 10-minute walk to access. This tranquil spot is a haven for those seeking a quieter, more natural beach experience, with few visitors in sight, especially in the evening when you can enjoy a mesmerizing sunset. The journey may demand proper walking shoes, and while the waves and rocky terrain make swimming a challenge, the wild, untouched beauty and striking panoramic views from both sides of the beach make it a recommended destination for those seeking a peaceful escape.
Playa del Hombre
Playa del Hombre is a beautiful beach with dark, incredibly soft sand. While it may not be ideal for swimming due to its strong currents, it’s a perfect spot for surfing and a tranquil setting for relaxation, yoga, and photography. The water temperature is pleasantly inviting, making it an appealing destination. During our visit in mid-February, it was relatively empty with few tourists, offering a serene atmosphere to watch surfers enjoy the waves. This unique beach, characterized by its volcano sand, is a special gem in Europe, and while it may not be recommended for inexperienced swimmers, it provides excellent conditions for surfers and a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Playa de Veneguera
Playa del Veneguera is a beautiful and secluded beach (clothing optional), accessible via a challenging drive that includes a 10-kilometer stretch of unpaved road with rocky terrain. This route is not suitable for low-suspension vehicles. Despite the demanding journey, the reward is a tranquil and natural beach with soft black sand, often enjoyed by naturists. The road may be narrow in places, but the seclusion and unique beauty of the beach make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a quiet, untouched coastal experience. Remember to bring your supplies, as there are no nearby markets, and be mindful of the environment, disposing of trash responsibly.
Playa de la Aldea
Playa de la Aldea is a beautiful beach surrounded by cliffs, offering a unique and stunning natural setting. While the beach primarily consists of rocks, it has been thoughtfully designed with large wooden sunbathing areas, providing a comfortable spot to relax. Additionally, there is a small sandy cove accessible through a tunnel, perfect for those seeking a more tranquil swimming experience. The beach also boasts several charming beachfront restaurants where you can savor a meal with a view. The beach is amazing for sunsets and spotting the neighbouring island Tenerife.
Playa de Arena de San Felipe
Playa de Arena de San Felipe is a great beach known for its high waves, making it a fantastic spot for surfers. This secluded beach offers solitude, as there are no facilities or services nearby, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful and unspoiled environment. While the lack of amenities may be a drawback for some, it adds to the charm of this tranquil haven, ensuring that it doesn’t get crowded. The beauty and serenity of this place make it well worth the visit, particularly for those who appreciate the allure of untouched coastal landscapes. However, it’s important to note that due to the high waves and strong currents, it is not recommended for swimming.
Playa de Aguadulce
Playa de Aguadulce is a small and charming beach, located just north of the airport. This beach’s size ensures that it is not overly crowded, providing a relaxed atmosphere for visitors. With a beautiful setting, it also offers morning shade, allowing you to enjoy the shoreline comfortably. The beach offers calm waters, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving and freediving. From here, you can easily walk to Playa Tufia.
Playa de Güigüí
Located on the west coast of Gran Canaria, Playa de Güigüíis a secluded beach that can only be reached by boat or a challenging hike. The beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs and offers stunning views of the ocean. Read more about Playa de Güigüí in this post.
Playa de Montaña Arena
Located on the south coast of Gran Canaria, Playa de Montaña Arena is a secluded beach which is popular with the locals. You can get there by bus and by car, though the parking lot is not suitable for all cars (lots of bumps and holes in the dirt road). The beach offers stunning views of the ocean and it’s a popular beach for (all night) parties. Read more about Playa de Montaña Arena in this post.
Playa del Risco
Playa del Risco is a hidden gem where solitude meets rugged beauty. While you won’t find soft sand here, the feeling of having the beach almost entirely to yourself makes the journey worthwhile. Accessible by skilled drivers with a standard car and a slower pace, this secluded spot offers a unique and tranquil experience. When the tide is low, the rocky shoreline transforms into sandy patches and picturesque tide pools, adding to its allure. It’s important to note that during high tide, the sand may not be visible, so timing your visit with low tide is recommended. For nature enthusiasts and photographers, Playa del Risco is a must-visit, offering a striking contrast to the island’s more popular beaches.
Playa del Juncal
Playa del Juncal is a hidden gem with a stunning view from above. Accessing the beach is a bit challenging and requires a vehicle with considerable ground clearance and off-road capabilities. The descent to the beach is relatively easier than the uphill journey. Once you reach the beach, it’s a picturesque and secluded spot. Alternatively, the beach can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes, though the trail is rugged and steep. The effort is worth it as you’ll be rewarded with clear waters and a serene atmosphere.
Playa de Medio Almud
Playa de Medio Almud, situated on the island’s south-west coast, is a small and secluded nude beach. Access to the beach is relatively straightforward, although it can get quite windy. Some natural wind barriers provide privacy for sunbathers. However, it’s important to note that this beach is not dog-friendly, as the local authorities are known for fining dog owners on the beach. While it may no longer be a hidden gem during peak tourist season, Playa de Medio Almud remains a recommended destination for those seeking an intimate and natural beach experience away from the tourist crowds.
Playa de Sardina del Norte
Playa de Sardina del Norte is a gem in the north of Gran Canaria, with its crystal-clear waters and an extensive sandy area that emerges during low tide. The beach offers great opportunities for snorkeling and diving, with plenty of marine life. Its beautiful renovated promenade invites for relaxing walks along the coast, while nearby establishments offer the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious meal. It’s a favorite beach for many families, despite the occasional breeze that carries some sand. With parking areas and services nearby, this beach is ideal for families and is accessible for people with reduced mobility. With its Blue Flag status in 2023, Playa de Sardina del Norte continues to be a gem with crystal-clear waters in the Atlantic.
Pictured below is the beach before the promenade was renovated.
Playa de Taurito/Playa del Diabolito
Located on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria, Playa de Taurito is a small beach that is popular among families. The beach offers calm waters and plenty of amenities, including restaurants and bars. The beach has fine sand and clear waters, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Playa del Cabron
Playa del Cabron is a tranquil and highly recommended spot for snorkeling, known for its abundant marine life. Despite the lack of facilities and the challenging access road, this beach offers a remarkable underwater experience. Snorkelers can explore the clear and shallow waters teeming with diverse fish species, making it an ideal destination for those looking to discover the vibrant marine ecosystem, even on cloudy or rainy days. While it might not be a luxurious beach, it offers a raw and less crowded natural setting, making it perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts and those seeking a quiet escape from the tourist areas.
