Las Canteras Beach
A stunning 3km urban beach in Las Palmas, known for its natural reef, calm waters, and vibrant promenade.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful start to the day
Las Canteras Beach
Best Time
Peaceful start to the day

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 3km urban beach in Las Palmas, known for its natural reef, calm waters, and vibrant promenade.
"One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, perfect for long walks and enjoying the ocean."
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring or rent snorkel gear to explore the marine life behind the reef.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
Walk the full 3km promenade for diverse views and vibrant atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Natural Reef
La Barra
A protective natural reef creates calm waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. See vibrant marine life!

The Promenade
A lively 3km stretch with cafes, shops, and stunning ocean views. Perfect for walks, people-watching, and sunset gazing.

Snorkeling Adventures
Behind La Barra
Discover an underwater world teeming with fish. A fantastic spot for snorkelers and freedivers.

Golden Sands
Miles of soft, golden sand perfect for sunbathing, relaxing, and enjoying the Canarian sun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Urban Oasis
Sunset Strolls & Evening Vibes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring or rent snorkel gear to explore the marine life behind the reef.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
Walk the full 3km promenade for diverse views and vibrant atmosphere.
🌅 Sunset Views
The promenade offers spectacular sunset views over the ocean.
☀️ Winter Sun
Enjoy the beach even in winter; it's a great spot for year-round sun.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring or rent snorkel gear to explore the marine life behind the reef.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
Walk the full 3km promenade for diverse views and vibrant atmosphere.
🌅 Sunset Views
The promenade offers spectacular sunset views over the ocean.
☀️ Winter Sun
Enjoy the beach even in winter; it's a great spot for year-round sun.
🌊 Calm Waters
The natural reef creates calm conditions, ideal for swimming and families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Las Canteras Beach is widely praised as a beautiful and vibrant urban beach, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and activity. Visitors love the calm waters protected by a natural reef, the lively promenade, and the stunning sunset views. Some find it can get crowded, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"Super nice beach. Quiet places. Many sport activities. Toilets and showers. Directly on boulevard, terraces, etc. In the evening nice atmosphere. Clean boulevard (dogs, step, bicycle not allowed)"
Rob
"Beautiful beach with golden sand, calm clear water, and a lively promenade full of cafes and shops. Perfect spot to swim, relax, or watch the sunset. Loved it!"
hicham abouelouafa
"Maybe one of the most iconic beaches on Gran Canaria! But definitely worth visiting! A few km long but very clean, sand is perfect, plenty of space to place your own beach towel, or you can rent a sunbed and umbrella! Amazing promenade, you could walk for hours and discover all amazing restaurants along the beach! Amazing views of the Ocean as well!"
ioan maris
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Las Canteras Beach is easily accessible in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. You can reach it by local bus services, which are frequent and connect to various parts of the city. Taxis are also readily available. If you're driving, there are parking options nearby, though they can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
The beach is about a 25-30 minute drive from Gran Canaria Airport (LPA). You can take a taxi or a bus (like the number 60) directly to Las Palmas city center and then transfer to a local bus that goes to the beach.
Depending on your starting point, walking is feasible. The promenade itself is extensive, and many areas of Las Palmas are within walking distance, especially if you enjoy a good stroll.
The best way to explore the beach area is on foot, especially along the promenade. For longer distances within the city, local buses are efficient and affordable.
The drive along the coast into Las Palmas offers scenic views. Once you arrive, the promenade itself is a beautiful route for walking and enjoying the ocean.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Las Canteras Beach is a public beach and is free to access. You can enjoy the sand and sea without any entry fee.
The beach is open 24/7, as it's a public space. However, facilities like public toilets and showers may have specific operating hours, typically from morning to early evening.
Access to the beach itself is free. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented for a fee from designated providers along the promenade.
While not always necessary, some vendors might offer pre-booking options, especially during peak season. It's best to inquire directly with the rental stands on the beach.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Las Canteras offers a wide range of activities including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, surfing (in designated areas), beach volleyball, and long walks along the promenade.
Yes, the natural reef creates calm, shallow waters, making it very safe and enjoyable for children to swim and play.
The area behind 'La Barra,' a natural reef, is the prime spot for snorkeling, offering clear waters and abundant marine life.
Yes, there are public toilets and showers located along the promenade, which are generally well-maintained.
You can rent surfboards and paddleboards from various surf schools and rental shops located near the beach. Sunbeds and umbrellas are also available for rent.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The promenade is lined with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of cuisines, from local Spanish dishes to international options.
Absolutely! Many restaurants along the promenade boast fantastic ocean views, perfect for enjoying a meal or a drink while watching the waves.
You'll find everything from fresh seafood and tapas to Italian, Asian, and other international flavors. Many places offer local Canarian specialties.
Yes, while some restaurants can be upscale, you can also find more casual eateries, snack bars, and bakeries offering affordable options along the promenade and in the streets behind it.
Many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff for recommendations.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Early mornings also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
The natural reef ('La Barra'), the long promenade, the colorful boats, and the panoramic ocean views are all highly photogenic. The Mirador del Candon offers a unique viewpoint.
Yes, if you have a waterproof camera or a GoPro, you can capture amazing photos and videos of the fish and underwater scenery.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of people's privacy when taking photos.
The promenade offers great opportunities for wide-angle shots of the beach, candid shots of people enjoying the day, and architectural details of the surrounding buildings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The long, clean promenade is ideal for strollers and offers plenty of space for kids to run around (away from the main pedestrian path). You'll find numerous cafes and ice cream shops for treats, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed. Public toilets and showers are also available, making day trips much easier.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Even if you're not a surfer, watching the surfers catch waves can be entertaining. The consistent conditions make it a reliable spot for practicing or learning. Remember to check local conditions and designated areas for water sports to ensure safety.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Strollers
Early mornings are particularly pleasant for a peaceful stroll before the crowds arrive. The promenade is also a great place to simply sit on a bench, people-watch, and soak in the coastal ambiance. It's an accessible and enjoyable experience for all ages.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Underwater World: Snorkeling at Las Canteras
When snorkeling behind La Barra, you can expect to see a variety of fish species, including bream, damselfish, and sometimes even rays. The visibility is generally good, especially on calmer days. Many visitors recommend bringing your own snorkel gear or renting it from local shops to make the most of this aquatic adventure. It's a unique experience to witness such vibrant underwater life so close to an urban environment.
For those interested in freediving or more advanced underwater exploration, the area offers further possibilities. The consistent conditions and the presence of marine life make Las Canteras a surprisingly accessible and rewarding destination for underwater enthusiasts. Remember to be respectful of the marine environment and avoid touching or disturbing the sea creatures.
The Vibrant Promenade: More Than Just a Walkway
As the sun begins to set, the promenade truly comes alive. The atmosphere shifts to a more social and relaxed vibe, with restaurants and bars filling up. It's an ideal spot to enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the breathtaking ocean views and the vibrant energy of the city. Many visitors rave about the atmosphere, describing it as a perfect blend of urban buzz and seaside tranquility.
The promenade is also known for its cleanliness and the clear separation of pedestrian areas, making it a pleasant and safe space for everyone. It's a place where locals and tourists mingle, creating a unique cultural tapestry. Don't miss the chance to experience the promenade at different times of the day to appreciate its full charm.
Las Canteras Beach: A Blue Flag Gem
The Blue Flag status is a testament to the ongoing efforts to maintain the beach's pristine condition. This includes regular cleaning of the sand and waters, effective waste management, and the provision of accessible facilities for all visitors. The presence of lifeguards also ensures a safe environment for swimming and water activities.
This recognition contributes to Las Canteras being considered one of the best urban beaches in Europe. It assures travelers that they will find a well-managed, clean, and safe environment for relaxation and recreation, making it a top choice for beachgoers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit