Click on the beach names to see more details and a map location for each beach.
Playa del Cura
Playa del Cura beach has natural volcanic sand and sun loungers for rent, but somehow doesn't attract the crowds. It's where people who work in the resorts go to get away from the shop.
El Pajar
El Pajar has a cement factory right next to it and this puts some people off. However, you can't see the factory from the beach so it's a great local spot to sit on golden sand. The seafood restaurants here are excellent.
Patalavaca
It's like the Scandinavians took Patalavaca beach off the maps thirty years ago and nobody noticed. This natural sandy beach has all facilities and gets glorious weather but is rarely busy
Medio Almud
Medio Almud beach is where local nudists go when they don't feel like being gawped at by tourists. It's quiet and there's enough sandy patches to get comfy
Las Marañuelas
Tourists crowd into Arguineguín every Tuesday for the street market, but most miss fantastic Las Marañuelas natural beach at the west end of town. It's sunny, calm and quiet and there's great places to eat just behind the sand
Pasito Blanco
The beach where the have-yachts and the have-nots mingle: Pasito Blanco beach is within the marina of the same name. You have to walk in the marina is private but the fine, natural sand and calm water is worth the effort
El Cochino
Head east along the coast instead of west from Playa del Inglés and you get to the three beaches of El Cochino. Sunny with beach bars and calm water, they are never as busy as the big beach next door
San Agustín
San Agustín is another south Gran Canaria resort beach that minds its own business and just gets on with being sunny and sandy. It's big enough to take the few tourists that walk down from the resort and has fun waves to play in
Playa Pirata
Playa Pirata forms where a sand dune hits the sea between San Agustín and Bahia Feliz. It's a slog to walk down to, but you often get it to yourself
La Lajilla
Teeny-tiny La Lajilla beach is at the far west end of Arguineguín town. It's just a patch of sand, but the natural swimming pool makes it a great place for the kids