On the northeast coast of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas boasts a wide range of urban beaches where you can enjoy the waters of theAtlantic Ocean. Whether surfing, swimming or sunbathing, these seaside spots will ensure you relax under the Canary Islands sun, just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Here’s our selection of the most beautiful beaches in and around Las Palmas, with our helpful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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The best beaches in Las Palmas – map
In this article, we present the most beautiful beaches of Las Palmas. Right on the edge of town, they’ll let you enjoy the pleasures of the seaside while taking in the city’s cultural and gastronomic riches.
We invite you to read our article on all the wonders Las Palmas has to offer. There are 1001 things to see and do in the capital of the Canary Islands. To help you find your way around, here’s a map of the beaches listed below:
1. Playa Grande (Playa de las Canteras)
Why we love it
As its name suggests, Playa Grande is the largest section of Playa de las Canteras, which we believe is one of the most beautiful beaches on Gran Canaria. It’s a long urban beach, often recognized as one of the best in Europe. We found plenty of facilities, bars and restaurants.
There’s plenty of entertainment at the end of the day. It’s quieter in the morning. Playa Grande is protected by a reef bar (la Barra) that attenuates the waves. It is very popular with water sports enthusiasts, such as diving and snorkeling.
Access
- Near the Port of Las Palmas, but on the other side
- 15min drive from the old town (Vegueta)
- Numerous pay parking lots nearby
Practical information
- Golden sand
- Gentle slope
- Lifeguarded beach, lifeguard station, police station
- Toilets and showers
- Sun loungers for hire
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility and bathing assistance service
- Beach and water sports area
- Numerous restaurants nearby
WHERE TO STAY IN Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the old town, surrounded by charming alleyways.
Hotel Cordial Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana – see photos and availability
On the Playa de las Canteras side, a long sandy beach.
Hotel Maresía Canteras Urban – view photos and availability
Near Playa de la Alcaravaneras, a less touristy area.
Hotel Santa Catalina, historic – see photos and availability
See our selection of the best hotels in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
2. Playa Chica
Why we love it
Just below Playa Grande, we really enjoyed Playa Chica. At high tide, it’s like a small cove. It is also a family-friendly section of Playa de las Canteras. The seafront promenade, Paseo de las Canteras, runs above it, with other terraces and restaurants.
Access
- At the Puntilla
- 13 minutes by car from the old town (Vegueta)
- Pay parking lots nearby
Practical information
- Golden sand
- Steady slope
- Monitoring: yes
- Shower on the beach
- Not accessible to people with reduced mobility
- Numerous restaurants nearby
3. Playa Peña de la Vieja
Why we love it
Still heading south, we really enjoyed Playa Peña de la Vieja. It’s a great beach again, but a little less crowded. This is yet another section of Playa de Las Canteras that stretches along the promenade. It is named after the rock opposite. It is famous for its excellent ice cream parlour, Helados Peña de la Vieja.
Access
- At Plaza de España
- 13 minutes by car from the old town (Vegueta)
- The Plaza de España pay parking lot is a 5-minute walk away.
Practical information
- Golden sand
- Gentle slope
- Monitoring: yes
- Showers on the beach
- Disabled access to the south of the beach from Paseo de las Canteras.
- Nearby restaurants
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
4. Playa La Cicer
Why we love it
This is the last section of the Playa de Las Canteras, which ends at the foot of the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus concert hall. We saw it at night and enjoyed the animation and illuminations above the beach. There are magnificent views of the coast. By day, it’s a renowned surf spot. At this point, the reef barrier no longer obstructs the passage of the waves.
Access
- Near the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium
- About 10min drive from the old town (Vegueta)
- Pay parking lot at the auditorium and other pay parking lots to the north of the beach.
Practical information
- Golden sand, rocks and pebbles along the beach wall
- Gentle slope
- Monitoring: yes
- Showers
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility, south of the beach in front of the auditorium.
- Nearby restaurants
5. Playa de las Alcaravaneras
Why we love it
Playa de las Alcaravaneras is a little less popular with tourists. Its view of the port impressed us. Behind the pleasure boats, sailboats and catamarans, there are the docks and cruise ships. It’s a far cry from the usual beaches, but the spectacle is fascinating.
Access
- Opposite the port of Las Palmas
- 6min drive from the old town
- Pay parking lots near the port
Practical information
- Dark golden sand
- Gentle slope
- Supervised beach in season
- Showers and toilets on the beach
- Accessibility for people with reduced mobility
- Few restaurants nearby
- Sports facilities
A LITTLE MORE patience
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6. Playa del Confital
Why we love it
Playa del Confital is the wildest beach in Las Palmas. Located in the south-west of the La Isleta peninsula, it is part of a Natura 2000 protected conservation area. It’s also a surf spot whose technicality is reserved for the more experienced. The beach is not very popular and is generally considered to be isolated.
Access
- On the La Isleta peninsula
- Access on foot via a boardwalk and by car via a dirt track. Construction work in progress at the time of our visit
- Informal parking area in front of the beach
Practical information
- Golden sand and reef
- Gentle slope, but best equipped with water shoes
- First-aid station
- Toilets
- No disabled access
- No restaurant nearby, so bring a picnic.
- Trekking possible from the beach, with superb views of Las Palmas
Other beaches around Las Palmas
- Piscinas de La Laja: a 15-minute drive south of Las Palmas, these natural pools have been man-made. Very popular with the locals, we loved the atmosphere. The view of the horizon is magnificent. Gran Canaria has many natural swimming pools. We’ve devoted an entire article to them.
- Playa San Cristóbal: a little before the Piscinias de La Laja, this is a less touristy pebble beach. We didn’t visit it.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
