Join me in discovering Gran Canaria (page 5 of 10)

LAS BURRAS BEACH

27.76731, -15.54842 Parking 27.76659, -15.55142 Beach

Las Burras Beach is located in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, in the south of the island.

This 300-meter-long beach is protected by a breakwater, providing a safe environment for families. Lifeguards monitor the beach.

It has plenty of facilities, including restrooms and showers. You can also rent sun loungers and parasols, as well as water sports equipment.

A seaside promenade with restaurants and bars connects this beach to the neighboring beaches of San Agustín and Playa del Inglés.

https://youtu.be/UX8lv464qK0

SAN AGUSTÍN BEACH

27.76927, -15.54202 Parking 27.76885, -15.54135 Beach

San Agustín Beach, which is 600 meters long, is located in the south of the island.

Its waters are calm and the currents are weak, allowing even the little ones to have fun in the small waves at the water’s edge.

Sun loungers and parasols are available for rent. There are also toilets, showers, and free parking spaces. Buses also serve this spot.

There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops along the seaside promenade.

When we visited, there was a strong wind blowing on this beach.

https://youtu.be/OtKBQqd-8KE

PLAYA DE LAS ALCARAVANERAS

28.13074, -15.42931 Beach 28.12253, -15.42456 Paid parking 28.12749, -15.42840 Paid parking

Playa de las Alcaravaneras is an urban beach located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

This beach offers amenities such as sun loungers and parasols, showers, restrooms, and lifeguards during peak season.

Several sports activities are available: swimming, beach volleyball, and water sports like sailing or canoeing.

The Avenida Marítima, located nearby, lets you stroll or cycle along this beach.

There’s also an excellent selection of cafés, bars, and restaurants in the area.

Buses frequently serve this spot from most major resorts.

There are also several parking spaces near the beach, but they are paid.

https://youtu.be/Y-J5j4g56R4

LAS CANTERAS BEACH (LA CICER)

Location: 28.13078, -15.44703

Playa de Las Canteras is a 3-kilometer urban beach located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the northeast of the island.

This beach is divided into three sections. La Cicer is one of them. It ends at the foot of the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus concert hall. It’s a well-known surf spot for both beginners and experts.

There’s a wide range of services in this area, including cafés, bars, and restaurants.

https://youtu.be/dIHAAvkduF0

LAS CANTERAS BEACH (LA PUNTILLA)

Location: 28.14831, -15.43089

Playa de Las Canteras is a 3-kilometer urban beach located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the northeast of the island.

This beach is divided into three sections. The La Puntilla section is at the northern end of the beach, where you’ll find small fishing boats on the sand.

The water here is almost always calm and warm. Many sun loungers and parasols are available for rent.

There are several bars, restaurants, and shops along the promenade that runs beside this stunning beach.

https://youtu.be/MPDVhNet7h4

LAS CANTERAS BEACH (SANTA CATALINA)

Location: 28.13957, -15.43672

Playa de Las Canteras is a 3-kilometer urban beach located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the northeast of the island.

This beach is divided into three sections. The Santa Catalina section is located in the center of the beach, in the Santa Catalina neighborhood.

Its waters are calm and offer safe conditions for swimmers and water sports. It’s also lifeguard-monitored.

This area is very lively and features restaurants, shops, and terraces.

https://youtu.be/nnC2NZp8tcg

AQUAMARINA BEACH

Location: 27.77184, -15.69223

Aquamarina Beach is a small beach located between Anfi and Patalavaca beaches in the south of the island. It’s easily accessible via the promenade that connects these two beaches.

The sand is fine, and its green-tinted waters are very calm. It’s not very crowded.

The upper part of the beach is equipped with sun loungers and parasols.

We didn’t swim there, but some say the water is shallow and the seabed is muddy at the entrance to the beach.

That’s why it’s better to access the water from the platforms along the channel.

This beach isn’t lifeguarded, and there are no public restrooms.

https://youtu.be/zAjp8Ppe3dQ

EL AGUJERO - BOCABARRANCO BEACH (BOCA BARRANCO)

Location: 28.03143, -15.39635

Bocabarranco Beach, also known as El Agujero Beach, is a stunning golden sand beach located on the coast of Gáldar on the island.

There are no lifeguards on this beach. It’s worth noting that the waves here are perfect for surfing.

Luckily, there’s a natural pool near the beach where you can swim safely.

There are several free parking spaces along the road that runs by the beach. Restaurants are also nearby.

https://youtu.be/XXQdsLGJgus

HOYA DEL POZO BEACH

Location: 27.99998, -15.37559

Hoya del Pozo Beach is located in Telde, at the heart of the island. It’s rarely crowded.

The beach has fine volcanic sand and offers a wide range of services like showers, accessible restrooms, lifeguards, and even a defibrillator.

It runs along a coastal promenade, and you’ll find restaurants nearby.

The waters are generally good for swimming, but waves and currents can form when it’s windy.

https://youtu.be/v5P0G62QgBE

HOYA DEL POZO BEACH - LIZARD WITH AMPUTATED TAIL

Location: 27.99998, -15.37559

Several lizards bask in the sun along the stone wall bordering Hoya del Pozo beach.

One of these large lizards caught my attention because its long tail was completely missing.

You can get a glimpse of it in this video.

https://youtu.be/BejPgPhCCcw

PLAYA DEL CABRÓN

27.87145, -15.38586 Beach (low tide) 27.87597, -15.38100 Arch and natural pool 27.87299, -15.38316 Arch

Playa del Cabrón, which you can access via a dirt road, is a beach located in the municipality of Agüimes.

This beach is part of a marine reserve and is an ideal spot for observing marine life thanks to its clear waters.

It’s situated in a bay and surrounded by houses, making it more sheltered.

There are no services or lifeguards on this beach.

It’s best to bring water and food if you plan to spend the day there.

Parking is on a dirt lot just a short walk from the beach.

Note that this beach isn’t accessible for people with reduced mobility.

Nearby, you’ll find a small natural pool and two natural arches. Their locations are listed at the beginning of this post.

https://youtu.be/FYbGgxBWU3A

OJOS DE GARZA BEACH

27.94927, -15.38169 Parking in a vacant lot 27.95097, -15.38106 Beach

Ojos de Garza Beach, which is 500 meters long, is located near the airport. You can watch planes taking off from this beach.

If you want to enjoy the beach, check the tide conditions because when the tide comes in, it reaches the houses along the shore.

There are showers, but no public restrooms. There’s a restaurant-bar (Zurita Bar-Restaurant) by the beach with a terrace, and all the tables have ocean views.

Next to this beach, to the right of the ravine when facing the sea, you can admire the artwork of Antonio Peña (Peñita). This man recycled various objects to create unusual art pieces. This site will be featured in another video.

Parking is also quite limited on the street. However, there are several parking spaces in a lot near the beach.

https://youtu.be/PamSwvPIC2Y

DEL BURRERO BEACH

27.91100, -15.38697 Low tide

Del Burrero Beach, located on the east coast of the island, is divided into several sections: for swimming, surfing, and windsurfing or kitesurfing.

It has been awarded the Blue Flag, certifying the quality of its waters as well as the range of services it offers, such as access for people with reduced mobility, restrooms, showers, and parking areas.

Sun lounger and parasol rentals are not available. However, there are wooden platforms on the beach.

The best area for swimming is near the small hill that juts out into the sea. However, it can get quite windy.

https://youtu.be/vlXR0EXsy88

CHARCO AZUL - EL RISCO

28.04696, -15.72822 Parking 28.04510, -15.72235 Start of the trail 28.04001, -15.72075 Charco Azul 28.03915, -15.71699 End of the trail

Charco Azul, located near the village of El Risco, is a natural freshwater pool formed at the foot of a beautiful waterfall.

The main access is via the village of El Risco, followed by a hike through a ravine with changing colors. The trail is 2.9 kilometers round trip.

The path passes by agricultural lands dotted with Canarian palm trees and then enters a pretty ravine.

There are a few water basins along the trail where we can spot some beautiful frogs.

When we visited, the waterfall was dry, but there was still water in the pool. We didn’t swim because the water seemed stagnant.

However, that didn’t stop us from enjoying the hike—the scenery around us was truly stunning.

https://youtu.be/OSQ6JqO1vLo

LAS SALINAS DE AGAETE

Location: 28.10643, -15.71098

Las Salinas de Agaete are three natural pools connected by volcanic tunnels, making them ideal for swimming as they’re protected from ocean waves by volcanic rocks.

They’re lifeguarded during peak season.

It’s best to wear water shoes since the rocks can be sharp.

The crystal-clear waters are great for spotting local marine life when the tide is high.

If you’re walking along the coastline, be careful of waves at high tide—some crash onto the rocks.

From here, you also get a stunning panoramic view of the island’s northwest coast and the Tamadaba Natural Park.

There’s free parking, public restrooms, and a restaurant-bar serving drinks and snacks near the pools.

You’ll also find restaurants and terraces in Puerto de las Nieves (a 5-minute walk away).

https://youtu.be/UZJuRgBL0cI

CHARCO DE LOS ESPEJOS - SARDINA DEL NORTE

28.16537, -15.70583 Charco de los Espejos 28.16440, -15.70910 Charco Redondo

Charco de los Espejos is a natural emerald-green pool formed in volcanic rock, near the Sardina del Norte lighthouse.

Many people just admire it from the top of the cliff because the trail is rough. As for us, we made our way down carefully.

There are several natural pools of different sizes. Charco de los Espejos is the largest. Their waters are crystal-clear and perfect for snorkeling.

The spot is very photogenic.

Check the tide schedule because it’s only safe to access at low tide.

You can park your vehicle in the lot next to the lighthouse.

https://youtu.be/koI9eT9UBGo

NATURAL POOLS OF PUNTA DE GÁLDAR

28.16933, -15.68388 Descent 28.16995, -15.68438 Natural pool 1 28.17016, -15.68355 Natural pool 2 28.16938, -15.68291 Descent 28.16695, -15.68106 Natural pool 3

The natural pools of Punta de Gáldar are a series of basins carved into the volcanic rock facing the sea. They’re accessible via long staircases.

They’re located on the north coast of the island and are renowned for their calm, crystal-clear waters.

It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful swim, away from the crowds, or to explore marine life with a mask and snorkel.

However, it’s best to wear water shoes as there are sea urchins.

There are also some really colorful crabs you can spot on the rocks.

The site is very photogenic.

Check the tide schedule, as the pools fill up at high tide and empty at low tide.

https://youtu.be/ww30GRjvHuY

FREEDIVING IN THE NATURAL POOL OF PUNTA DE GÁLDAR

28.16933, -15.68388 Descent 28.16995, -15.68438 Natural pool

The natural pools of Punta de Gáldar are a series of basins carved into the volcanic rock facing the sea. They’re accessible via long staircases.

They’re located on the north coast of the island and are renowned for their calm, crystal-clear waters.

We went freediving in one of these natural pools and were able to observe abundant marine life as well as diverse flora.

https://youtu.be/uGG9Dx7-Rw8

NATURAL POOL LA FURNIA OR EL CLAVO - GÁLDAR

Location: 28.16103, -15.67376

The natural pool La Furnia or El Clavo is located in the municipality of Gáldar on the north coast of the island, away from the most crowded tourist areas.

Situated in a small cove at the foot of high cliffs, this natural pool offers crystal-clear waters when the ocean is calm.

The water is so clear that you can easily spot plenty of fish just by glancing at the surface.

The view of Ajodar Mountain is also a highlight.

Access is via a walkway between houses and a long staircase leading down to the pool.

Bring water and food if you plan to spend several hours there, as there are no bars or restaurants. Also, there are no public toilets nearby.

https://youtu.be/Ngbw1jeVgLE

NATURAL POOL OF LOS DOS ROQUES

Location: 28.15870, -15.67002

This natural pool is located in the small village of Los Dos Roques.

You can access it via a road that runs alongside banana plantations and leads to several parking areas near Los Dos Roques beach.

This natural pool, with its crystal-clear waters, is situated at the edge of this stunning fine golden-sand beach, which also lines the bottom of this natural basin. The pool is bordered by a rocky wall that blocks the ocean waves, creating a peaceful swimming area.

There are no food or bar services nearby, and there are no lifeguards on duty.

We visited twice—once when the ocean was calm and once when it was rough. You can see the difference in this video.

That’s why it’s best to check the tide conditions before heading there.

https://youtu.be/xpSTljcFQn8