How to enjoy sea and beach activities in Gran Canaria

Nice places on the coast in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is a popular vacation destination known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. With over 236 kilometers of coastline, it's no wonder that this island attracts visitors from all over the world seeking sun, sea and sand.

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• El Cabrón sandy and family beach, in Gran Canaria

However, the large sandy beaches of the tourist areas in the south of Gran Canaria are not the only ones where you can enjoy the sun and the sea. There are a multitude of beaches around the perimeter of the island that offer completely different environments and landscapes, we are talking about urban, family or very remote environments.

Maspalomas

One of the most popular beaches in Gran Canaria is Maspalomas Beach, located in the south of the island.

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• Dunes of Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

This beach is famous for its golden sand dunes, which have been declared a natural reserve. The beach itself stretches for miles, and there are plenty of facilities such as sun loungers, restaurants and shops.

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• Dunes of Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

It's a perfect spot for families with children, thanks to its gentle waves and shallow waters.

Playa de Las Canteras

Playa de las Canteras is another famous beach in Gran Canaria, located in the capital city of Las Palmas.

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• Playa de Las Canteras, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

It's known for its turquoise waters and its proximity to the city center, making it a great option for those who want to combine beach time with sightseeing.

At Christmas time, the beach of Las Canteras is full of sand castles, nativity scenes and various representations made of sand.

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• Sand castles, Las Canteras beach

There are plenty of restaurants and bars along the promenade, and the beach is wide enough that you can always find a quiet spot to relax.

Small family size beaches

Broadly speaking, the island of Gran Canaria consists of large sandy beaches in the tourist areas of the south, the beach of Las Canteras in the north, a very steep relief with beaches of difficult access in the north and west. However, the east of the island is full of small family size beaches very nice and pleasant. Avoiding crowded days and hours, it is possible to be completely alone in an enviable environment.

This is the case of Playa del Cabrón, in Arinaga. To be at ease, it is best to avoid weekends and come early in the morning.

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• El Cabrón, Gran Canaria

Ojos de Garza, near the airport, is also a quiet beach, provided, of course, that the waves are not too strong.

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• Playa de Ojos de Garza, East of Gran Canaria

Even in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, we can find the area of the confital which has been preserved from urban pressure because it was until recently, part of a military base.

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• El Confital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Güigüi

If you're looking for something more secluded, head to Playa de Güigüi. Located on the west coast of the island, this beach can only be accessed by foot (or by boat) and requires a bit of hiking through rugged terrain. But once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with a pristine and untouched beach. It's a perfect spot for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy nature.

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• Güigüi beach

North Gran Canaria

Sardina del Norte is also a place where the sea is full of charm. However, it is also a particularly dangerous area since the sea can seem very calm and a very strong swell can appear in a matter of minutes.

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• Sardina del Norte (Gran Canaria)

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• San Felipe, North Gran Canaria

Canoa

Canoa, is a traditional water sport that has been enjoyed by Gran Canaria's locals for decades, and became popular among visitors as well.

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• Canoa a quiet day, Gran Canaria

You will be able to rent a canoe in many of the resorts in the south of the island or in Las Palmas. If you are not used to this sport, it would be necessary to have a guide for the first days. In any case, it is necessary to be well informed about the currents, the wind and the waves. By law, it is necessary to wear life jackets and not to go farther than 3 km from the coast.

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• Canoa near Puerto de Mogan

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• Canoa, far away from the East coast of Gran Canaria

Sea conditions

Gran Canaria offers a variety of sea conditions that suit different water activities. Sea conditions can vary greatly from one point to another, and also vary in time, going from a very calm sea to a strong swell in a few days.

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• Quiet sea in Arinaga (East of Gran Canaria)

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• Strong wind and heavy swell in Arinaga (Gran Canaria)

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• Big waves in Arinaga (Gran Canaria)

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• San Cristobal, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

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• El Bufadero, La Garita, Gran Canaria

Windsurfing and kitesurfing

If you love water sports, head to Pozo Izquierdo Beach. This beach is located on the east coast of the island, and it's known as one of the best spots in Europe for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The strong winds and waves make it an ideal spot for adrenaline junkies, and there are plenty of schools and rental facilities available for those who want to learn.

Diving and snorkelling

In addition to its stunning beaches, Gran Canaria is also known for its crystal-clear waters. Whether you're diving, snorkeling or simply swimming, you'll be amazed by the visibility and the variety of marine life on offer. There are plenty of dive centers on the island, offering courses and excursions for all levels of experience.