Spain · Canary Islands · Atlantic Ocean
Best Beaches in Gran Canaria
Your guide to Gran Canaria's finest beaches — the spectacular dune reserve at Maspalomas, year-round sunshine, and a diverse coastline in the middle of the Atlantic.
Exploring Gran Canaria's Coastline
Gran Canaria is often called "a continent in miniature" — within a circle of 50km diameter, it packs volcanic mountains, subtropical forests, dramatic gorges, and a coastline that ranges from the golden resort beaches of the south to the rugged cliff coasts of the north and west. The island sits in the Atlantic trade wind belt, giving it one of the most benign climates on earth — 22°C sea temperatures year-round make it Europe's premier winter sun destination. The greatest icon of the island's coast is the Dunas de Maspalomas — a 400-hectare natural reserve of rolling sand dunes at the island's southern tip, where the beach disappears into a Saharan landscape and the stars at night are extraordinary. Gran Canaria is also a famously inclusive and welcoming destination, particularly along the south coast.
