home > canary islands > gran canaria> enjoy beach and sunshine

... enjoy beach and sunshine

Gran Canaria is blessed with a wealth of natural resources, the most notable of these being the numerous and exquisite beaches of the island. Most of these beaches have white sand and some are completely unique in the world. Almost 60 of the 236 kilometres of Gran Canaria´s coastline consist of beaches of various descriptions, ranging from the impressive Maspalomas beach, where you can find 250 hectares of sand dunes right next to the sea, to the concealed and unspoilt beach of Güigüi , as well as the lively beach in the capital, namely the Las Canteras beach.

Beach As a result of the temperate climate and agreeable temperatures of the bathing waters (ranging between 18ºC during winter months and 22ºC during the rest of the year) it is possible to enjoy the beaches throughout the year.

Besides, the beaches of Gran Canaria are well known for the transparency of their waters, their cleanliness and the excellent facilities which provide bathers with all they could possibly need. Some of the beaches are located in especially attractive surroundings as they form part of protected areas recognised for their natural beauty and unspoilt landscapes.

There are also many small coves and nudist beaches of outstanding beauty, most of which are situated on the south coast of the island.

The main beaches are located along the southern part of the island, between Tarajalillo and Mogán, which is the sunniest and driest part of the island. The mountains of the interior act as a barrier against the clouds that come from the North, with the result that the skies in the South remain clear practically all year round, which makes it possible to enjoy the sun and bathe in the sea in summer as well as winter.

Each beach is linked to a tourist area, where you will either find all the comforts of a urban centre or the peacefulness of a small village, including the possibility to practice sports in the most wonderful natural surroundings while enjoying the best standard of service.

... have fun in the sea

Gran Canaria is a veritable paradise for lovers of the sea and of all the activities that are linked to the sea.

This fact becomes indisputable if one takes account of the fact that the island has been the cradle of some thirty world champions in the various forms of sailing sports and of six Olympic gold medallists, namely José Luis Doreste, Luis Doreste, Roberto Molina, Patricia Guerra, Domingo Manrique de Lara and Fernando León, not to mention the thirteen-time world windsurfing champion, Bjorn Dunkenberck.

The water temperature (which varies between 18ºC in winter and 22ºC during the rest of the year), the harbour infrastructure for yachting and the optimal sea and wind conditions make this island the ideal place for practicing sailing and other water sports all year round. In fact, water sports is the most important leisure activity on offer on the island.

The 236 kilometres of coastline provide the best conditions for practicing every kind of water sports. Winds that are ideal for sailing, sea currents that attract large schools of fish to the proximity of the coast and the exquisite sea bottom are the natural conditions that have created one uninterrupted sporting season on Gran Canaria, while, in the rest of Europe , all activities related to the sea come to a complete standstill in winter.

In order to take full advantage of these natural conditions, a comprehensive infrastructure as well as general and special services have been developed to cater for the various maritime disciplines. Practically every corner of the island has a company, club, association or centre that provides mooring for yachts, making it possible for enthusiasts to satisfy their desire to dominate the ocean, slicing through the waves, going on outings, catching prized fishing trophies or immersing oneself in the crystalline immensity of the ocean.