The third-largest of the Canary Islands has a big-hitting beach scene to go with its natural beauty.
With an average temperature that remains in the 20s all year round, this Spanish island, which is closer to Morocco than Spain, is a tourist hotspot from January through to December. And with 120+ miles of coastline, it's no wonder they keep on flocking here.
When it comes to beaches, Maspalomas is the biggest by some way. The golden sands here stretch for nearly four miles, but it's not the length of the beach that makes this place so famous. The rolling sand dunes that take up a huge area of the coastline are well worth a look, with some of them reaching 10 metres in height. Along with Playa del Ingles this is also one of the Gran Canaria's liveliest resorts. It's at these two where you'll find the busiest bars and noisiest nightlife.
For a more laidback beach scene, head to the quieter spots of Puerto Mogan, Mahia Feliz and Puerto Rico. They're still full of cracker-coloured, soft sands, but there's a more peaceful, family-friendly vibe to them.
This cosy little bay is nestled snugly along Gran Canaria's south coast.
The beach is an ice white sandy strip that draws families in, partly due to the calm and clear water, which is ideal for young children taking a paddle, and partly due to the family-friendly atmosphere here.
Sunbeds and parasols can be rented on the sands, and there's a watersports centre on the beach too, where you can hire jet-skis,… read more »
Tucked away in Gran Canaria's southwestern corner, just a short way up the coast from Maspalomas' sand dunes, you'll find the soft golden sands at Playa de Meloneras.
This 500-metre stretch of family-friendly beach rarely gets too crowded, with most tourists opting for the larger, busier spots along the coast, so it's ideal if you like plenty of wriggle room while you're catching the rays.
Set on the southern tip of the island of Gran Canaria is a little slice of the Sahara Desert. Over the centuries the fine golden sand here has been sculpted into an extensive network of dunes extending several hundred metres back from the beach. With a landscape like this you won't be surprised to know it hardly ever rains and the temperature rarely dips below a balmy 20°C (68°F). And… read more »
Less than five minutes' drive away from Playa de las Canteras is the slightly lesser-trodden sands of Playa de las Alcaraveneras.
Whereas surfers and snorkellers head to the waves and reefs at its near-neighbour, this particular spot is more popular for sailing and canoeing.
The sands are what you'd expect from a Gran Canaria beach, with a soft texture and a custard cream colour to them, while there are enough ice-cream… read more »
This golden sandy beach on Gran Canaria's northeastern tip is just a few miles from the island's capital, Las Palmas.
This place is a real hotspot for snorkellers, who flock from far and wide to check out the natural reef and the sea creatures that swim in the calm waters here. And if you fancy giving snorkelling a go but don't have your own gear, there are plenty of shops and… read more »
This 800-metre stretch of golden sand sits on Gran Canaria's south west coastline, between Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan.
Its English translation is ‘Lovers' Beach', so it's no surprise to know that this place is particularly popular with couples.
While the beach does get busy in the summer months, there's a blanket ban on ball sports, watersports and loud music, so if you're after some peace and quiet then… read more »
This laid-back spot is Gran Canaria's most northerly beach and is fairly off the beaten track. The vast majority of beachgoers who come here are locals, and it's a popular spot for sunset picnics and family barbecues.
In terms of facilities, there aren't any, and that's how the locals like to keep it. There's a tiny town with a supermarket and a handful of restaurants that's just over five minutes' drive… read more »
All but hidden by the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean at high tide, at low tide Güi Güi Beach reveals a narrow stretch of dramatic sand. A rich brown-black in colour and backed by towering mountain slopes dotted with tall cacti, it lies in a remote area of the Reserva Especial Natural de Güi-Güi.
Pronounced ‘wee wee', Güi Güi Beach can be subdivided into two sections. The first reached is… read more »
There's a best-of-both-worlds vibe to this golden crescent of sand, which is the westernmost beach on Gran Canaria's south coast.
The picturesque town that sits just behind the sand is a hub of whitewashed houses and narrow, cobbled streets, which are far removed from the tourist-filled spots on the island like Playa del Ingles, and far more in keeping with a traditional Spanish fishing town.
This family-friendly beach on Gran Canaria's southwest coast is probably best known for being the island's sunniest spot, with more hours of sunshine than anywhere else.
Combine this with a sheltered sandy beach and it's no surprise to know that it's an extremely popular spot with tourists, but it can get busy quite quickly.
Adrenaline-filled watersports are big business here, with usual suspects like jet-skiing and windsurfing on the cards. If you… read more »
You'll find this picturesque beach in the far north of Gran Canaria, away from the hordes of tourists that flock to the busier seaside spots of Playa del Ingles and Playa de las Canteras.
With its rugged cliffs, whitewashed buildings and soft gold sands, this place is perfect for some Insta-worthy snaps, and it has a far more traditional Spanish feel to it than some of its more popular… read more »
Nestled along Gran Canaria's northwest coast, this secluded beach is as far away from the tourist trail as it gets.
The closest town, Agaete, is around 15 minutes' drive away, or just over an hour if you fancy the scenic walk, which takes you along the roads and down the hillside.
Alternatively, if you are driving straight to the beach, you'll still need to park up and take a five-minute downhill stroll,… read more »
This cosy black sand beach is tucked along Gran Canaria's eastern coastline, just a 10-minute drive from the airport, and around double that to the island's capital, Las Palmas.
It's more locals than tourists here, so you're more likely to get an authentic Canarian beach experience than you would at some of the island's busier beaches.
In terms of facilities, they've kept things simple, which perhaps explains the lack of tourists in… read more »
This sprawling strip of biscuit-coloured sand is on Gran Canaria's southernmost tip, and it's undoubtedly one of Europe's best-known beaches.
The golden sand stretches for a little under three kilometres, and the rolling dunes dotted along the beach make it one of the more unique stretches of shoreline you're likely to come across.
On the facilities front, there's a good mix of big name chain restaurants and independent beach bars dotted along… read more »
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