You’re planning a trip to Gran Canaria and want to find an urban beach in Las Palmas where you can cool off and enjoy theAtlantic Ocean. Playa Peña de la Vieja beach is a slightly quieter and more popular section of the famous Playa de Las Canteras.
Here are our useful tips for planning your visit to Playa Peña de la Vieja beach in the city of Las Palmas.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Is Playa Peña de la Vieja beach worth it?
Yes, it’s a beautiful beach and well worth a visit for several reasons:
- The reef off the beach protects it from the waves, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- It’s a popular beach with locals. The atmosphere is very friendly.
- The ice cream shop, Heladeria Peña de La Vieja, just above the beach, is one of the best addresses for ice cream in Las Palmas.
Playa Peña de la Vieja is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches in Las Palmas.
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The beach floor is made of fine golden sand.
We loved stretching out here, and also walking. Especially as the beach stretches far to the south. It’s also perfect for sandcastles.
Swimming conditions and supervision
The slope is gentle and it’s easy to get into the water. However, at low tide, the reef is flush and not easy to swim in.
As part of the Playa de Las Canteras beach, there are first-aid posts, but you must remain vigilant.
Installations
We found showers and toilets right on the beach.
Playa Peña de la Vieja in Las Palmas: how to get there
Where to find Playa Peña de la Vieja
- In the northern city of Las Palmas
- In the southern part of Playa de Las Canteras
- 13-minute drive from the old town (Vegueta district)
Access by car and parking
The promenade above the beach, Paseo de Las Canteras, is pedestrianized. There’s a parking lot just a 5-minute walk away: Parking de la Plaza de España.
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.
Public transport access
The beach is right in the middle of town, and there are plenty of bus stops nearby.
You can also get there by bike. The city of Las Palmas offers a public bicycle rental service. Find out more here.
Special features
Dog
Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Reduced mobility access
While the northern part of Playa de Las Canteras (Playa Grande) is accessible to people with reduced mobility, we didn’t see any inclined planes along Playa Peña de la Vieja. Only stairs lead down to the beach.
With children
If the slope is gentle, the beach is covered at high tide and the reefs outcrop at low tide. So it’s best to be vigilant, and flexible with schedules.
However, older children love to snorkel in the water and push on to the Peña de la Vieja rock (the beach is named after it) to dive.
Eating out
The beach is right in the middle of town, and there are plenty of restaurants all around. We really liked the Llevame al Huerto restaurant, an 8-minute walk from the beach.
Be sure to check out our article on the best restaurants in Las Palmas.
Hotels
You’re in the heart of Las Palmas. Hotel LIVVO Lumm is a 12-minute walk from Playa Peña de la Vieja. Our article on our favorite hotels in Las Palmas will give you a wide choice of great places to stay.
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.
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
