Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and other beaches not to be missed if you travel to Gran Canaria

Summer plans are always varied: festivals, rural houses, swimming pools... But, without a doubt, the most emblematic trip at this time of year is the one we make to the beach. To find the best destination, with the best beach, it is very useful to follow the Blue Flag guide. This prize, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, recognises the beaches - and also the harbours - with the best environmental conditions and facilities in various countries. It has become a symbol of quality.

Gran Canaria has, according to this system, a total of 14 Blue Flags in 2024, where three beaches stand out: Maspalomas, Meloneras and San Agustín.  

Other beaches on the island also have Blue Flags, such as Playa de Las Nieves, in Agaete; El Puertillo and Los Charcones, in Arucas; La Sardina, in Gáldar; El Burrero, in Ingenio; Hoya del Pozo, La Garita, Melenara and Salinetas in Telde; and Arinaga, in Agüimes. 

Blue Flags in the south of Gran Canaria 

Fourteen beaches, fourteen places to discover the true essence of the Canary Islands. At Seaside Sandy Beach, if we had to choose just one, it would be the famous beach of Playa del Inglés, because of its proximity and, of course, for its atmosphere, which is very similar to that of our hotel. A special place where you can enjoy swimming on the white sandy beach, good food in bars and restaurants, leisure and sports.    

We continue to San Bartolomé de Tirajana, where Maspalomas stands out. The symbol of the south of the island, this beach is characterised by its Special Nat of the south of the island, this beach is characterised by its Special Nature Reserve made up of the Mobile Dunes, the palm grove and the Pond; one of the most important tourist attractions in Gran Canaria. Likewise, the Maspalomas Lighthouse is part of the iconic image that we all have engraved in our minds. 

And we finish our tour of the beaches in the south of the island with a stop at Meloneras and San Agustín. These key points offer visitors to Gran Canaria promenades, surprising landscapes, incredible sunsets, as well as history and architecture, with the archaeological site of Punta Mujeres.

Blue Flags in the north of Gran Canaria  

We head straight to the north of the island. Next to the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, two beaches stand out: El Puertillo and Los Charcones, in Arucas. The natural swimming pool at Los Charcones is a lovely spot where you can spend a magical day with the whole family, as it has everything you need for young and old need to enjoy; places for sunbathing, showers and a variety of restaurants nearby. Following the promenade, very close to Los Charcos, is El Puertillo, a small sandy cove that appears when the sea goes down.   

Las Nieves, in Agaete, is a marina where you can sail along the coast and enjoy the impressive cliffs. There are several cafes and supermarkets nearby to complete the experience of a perfect day at the beach.  

The last Blue Flag in the north can be found at Sardina de Gáldar promenade, a corner of paradise with its piers and jetties, sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and a variety of marine habitats. The landscape is dominated by the imposing Sardina lighthouse, which lights up the night for all northern people. 

Blue Flags in the east of Gran Canaria 

We conclude in the eastern part of the island, which has the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in Gran Canaria, with six in total. We start with El Burreno, in Ingenio, a beach with deep fishing roots, which today, thanks to its climatic conditions, is characterised by a lively activity, especially in water sports.    

On the other hand, Arinaga, in Villa de Agüimes, is a very charming area, visited more by locals than by tourists. It is a beach of black sand and pebbles where you can go snorkelling or scuba diving.   

We are coming to the end of our journey through the different blue flags of Gran Canaria. We stop in Telde, where four beaches stand out: Hoya del Pozo, La Garita, Melenara and Salinetas.

These beaches have in common their dark colour, due to their volcanic origin, and their very fine texture. But they also have peculiarities that make them different. One of the attractions of La Garita is 'El Bufadero': a geological formation through which the tide flows, creating a geyser-like jet. On the beach of Hoya del Pozo, you can see part of its history, with a bunker from the Second World War still standing. Melenara offers a curious image, with a bronze statue of Neptune, the god of the sea, stranded on a pier.

The most different beach is Salinetas, with less dark sand and a more common attraction: sports. It is one of the best places for snorkelling and watching a multitude of marine species.   

Travel to Gran Canaria, discover its incredible 14 Blue Flag beaches and enjoy all the comfort and attention at Seaside Sandy Beach, located in Playa del Inglés.