San Agustín Beach
San Agustín Beach: A unique Gran Canarian gem with dark sand, calm waters, and vibrant beachfront life, perfect for relaxation and watersports.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the vibrant Maspalomas Soul Festival.
San Agustín Beach
Best Time
Experience the vibrant Maspalomas Soul Festival.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
San Agustín Beach: A unique Gran Canarian gem with dark sand, calm waters, and vibrant beachfront life, perfect for relaxation and watersports.
"Nice beach with restaurants and shops. Quite windy and dark sand makes it not as great for kids but great waves makes it realy fun."
🏖️ Wind Protection
Rent loungers with windbreaks to shield yourself from the blowing sand.
🚶♀️ Easy Access Points
Look for well-maintained access points to avoid steep, damaged steps.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Maspalomas Soul Festival
San Agustín Beach
An annual free festival celebrating soul, funk, and good vibes by the Atlantic.

Playa de las Burras
San Agustín
A beautiful stretch of beach known for its calm, tepid waters and gentle waves.

Mao Mao Restaurant
Av. Playa San Agustín, 47 (Playa de las Burras)
Dine with your feet in the sand at this beachfront restaurant offering delicious seafood and tapas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wind & Waves
Access & Amenities Check
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏖️ Wind Protection
Rent loungers with windbreaks to shield yourself from the blowing sand.
🚶♀️ Easy Access Points
Look for well-maintained access points to avoid steep, damaged steps.
🍽️ Beachfront Dining
Enjoy meals with ocean views at restaurants like Mao Mao.
🌊 Watersports Fun
The wind makes it great for beginner surf lessons and other water activities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🏖️ Wind Protection
Rent loungers with windbreaks to shield yourself from the blowing sand.
🚶♀️ Easy Access Points
Look for well-maintained access points to avoid steep, damaged steps.
🍽️ Beachfront Dining
Enjoy meals with ocean views at restaurants like Mao Mao.
🌊 Watersports Fun
The wind makes it great for beginner surf lessons and other water activities.
💰 Affordable Loungers
Sunbeds and parasols are reasonably priced, around €9.50 in February.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
San Agustín Beach offers a unique experience with its dark sand and calm waters, though it can be quite windy. Visitors appreciate the affordable loungers, beachfront dining options, and the opportunity for watersports. Some find the access challenging and public toilet signage lacking, but the overall vibe and natural beauty are often praised.
"Very windy, water quality wasn't the best. Lots of steep steps to access from the North approach that are not in the best shape. A few funky swear smells along the walkway and again from time to time when on the beach. Nice outdoor shower area at the end of the wooden walkway however it is not very private feeling as the cafe just across seats people like the showers are a theatre. No visible signage indicating where to find public toilets nearby which may explain the so e of the smells."
Hello House
"Nice beach. Nice chairs to sit. We did have clouds in Las Palmas, while there was a lot of sun here. Parking is possible.
Swimming is nice and the slope slow. You can walk forever in the sea (compared to the Dutch beaches)."
Peter E
"Nice beach with restaurants and shops. Not realy for fans of white sand and quiet beach. Quite windy and dark sand makes it not as great for kids but great waves makes it realy fun 😁"
Rafal Owczarski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Agustín Beach is located in Gran Canaria, Spain. You can reach it via local buses from Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés.
Parking is available nearby.Access can vary. Some approaches involve steep steps that may be in poor condition.
It's advisable to look for clearer, well-maintained entry points.Yes, it's a well-known beach in the Maspalomas area. You'll find it along the promenade, easily identifiable by its dark sand and surrounding amenities.
Absolutely! Local buses frequently connect San Agustín Beach with popular nearby areas like Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, making it easily accessible.
From Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), you can take a bus or a taxi. Buses are a more budget-friendly option and will take you towards Maspalomas, from where you can transfer to a local bus for San Agustín.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, San Agustín Beach is a public beach and free to access.
Renting sunbeds and parasols is available, with prices around €9.50 for a set in February 2025, which is considered fair.
Yes, the Maspalomas Soul Festival is an annual event held at San Agustín Beach, typically in July, offering free entry.
As a public beach, San Agustín Beach is accessible at all hours. However, amenities like restaurants and shops will have their own operating times.
No, the Maspalomas Soul Festival at San Agustín Beach is a free-access event.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The sand at San Agustín Beach is predominantly dark and fine. While beautiful, it can be prone to blowing around when windy.
Yes, the water is generally clear with a sandy bottom, and the slope into the sea is gradual, allowing you to walk out quite far.
It's also known for having calm, tepid water with small waves.San Agustín Beach can be quite windy, which is great for watersports but can make sunbathing less comfortable without protection.
Signage for public toilets can be scarce, which has been noted as a potential issue.
It's advisable to check for facilities near cafes or other amenities.You can find loungers and parasols for rent, outdoor shower areas, and nearby restaurants and shops.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes along the promenade and directly on the beach. Mao Mao restaurant offers beachfront dining.
You can find a variety of options, from local Canarian cuisine to international dishes. Mao Mao, for example, serves fresh seafood and tapas.
During events like the Maspalomas Soul Festival, there are often food trucks and a 'Soul Gastro Festival' offering diverse culinary options.
Yes, places like Mao Mao are situated right on the beach, allowing you to dine with your feet in the sand.
While specific menus vary, many restaurants offer fresh salads and vegetable dishes. It's always best to check with the restaurant directly for their current offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself offers beautiful shots, especially during sunrise or sunset.
The promenade provides great vantage points, and the unique dark sand contrasts well with the blue ocean.Absolutely! San Agustín Beach is known for its beautiful sunsets, offering a picturesque backdrop for photography.
A versatile lens for landscapes and some telephoto for capturing details would be ideal. Consider a wide-angle lens for expansive beach shots.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. However, always be mindful of privacy if photographing other beachgoers.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons and evenings provide stunning sunset colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♀️ Watersports Enthusiasts
🎶 Music Lovers & Festival Goers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Charm of San Agustín's Dark Sand
This dark sand is a natural feature of volcanic islands like Gran Canaria. It's a reminder of the island's geological history. For photographers, the dark sand creates dramatic contrasts, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a compelling subject. Visitors often appreciate this unique aspect, finding it adds to the beach's character and makes it stand out from more conventional beach destinations.
When visiting, be prepared for the wind. While it can be a drawback for some, it also makes San Agustín Beach a popular spot for watersports, including beginner surf lessons. The wind can also be managed by renting loungers that come with windbreaks, ensuring a more comfortable experience.
Navigating Access and Amenities
Once on or near the beach, finding public amenities like toilets can be difficult, with signage being scarce. This has been noted by visitors as a potential issue that can affect the overall experience. However, there are often cafes and restaurants along the promenade that may offer facilities for patrons. The beach does feature an outdoor shower area, though its privacy might be limited due to its proximity to a cafe.
Despite these minor inconveniences, the beach offers essential services like lounger and parasol rentals, which are reasonably priced. The presence of restaurants and shops along the promenade adds to the convenience, allowing visitors to easily grab a bite or refreshments without straying far from the shore.
The Maspalomas Soul Festival Experience
The festival typically spans a weekend in July and features live music performances, food trucks, and various workshops, creating a lively festival vibe. The combination of great music, the beach setting, and the accompanying 'Soul Gastro Festival' makes it a unique experience. It's a fantastic opportunity to enjoy local and international artists in a beautiful, relaxed environment.
Given its popularity and free entry, the Maspalomas Soul Festival can attract a significant number of attendees, making it a high-crowd event during its duration. If you plan to visit during the festival, be prepared for larger crowds and consider arriving early to secure a good spot.
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