Stretching more than three kilometres along the city’s northeast shore, Playa de Las Canteras is the jewel in Las Palmas’ crown and a must-visit for sun-seekers and water-lovers alike Tripadvisor. Fringed by a gently curving promenade—the Paseo de Las Canteras—this golden-sand beach is protected from the open Atlantic by a natural volcanic reef known locally as “La Barra,” which helps maintain crystal-clear, calm waters ideal for a dip or a paddle Tripadvisor.
Beachgoers can rent sun loungers and parasols from one of the several beachfront kiosks, where vendors also serve ice-cold soft drinks, cañas, and light tapas throughout the day. Behind the sand, the wide palm-lined boulevard offers an eclectic mix of cafés, churrerías (Spanish doughnut shops), tapas bars, and family-run restaurants—perfect for refuelling after a morning swim Tripadvisor.
Active visitors will find Las Canteras equally appealing. Surf schools dot the shore, offering both private and group lessons on sturdy foam boards. If you prefer to stay dry, guided snorkelling tours launch from Playa de la Cicer, where the reef’s shallow pools teem with colourful fish and marine flora. Many guests praise the professionalism of local snorkel outfits, which provide full equipment and expert guidance—even beginners enjoy spotting parrotfish and seahorses in the sheltered inlet Tripadvisor.
For a change of scenery, head north along the promenade to Playa del Confital, a wilder, more rugged stretch popular with experienced surfers and photographers. At low tide, rock pools appear along the volcanic outcrops, creating natural playgrounds for youngsters and photographers chasing dramatic seascapes sanetraveler.
British and Dutch holidaymakers often time their beach days to coincide with the early morning calm or the cooler late afternoon light—midday can get busy, especially in high season. If you’re planning to combine beach and city sightseeing, Las Canteras is just a 10-minute taxi ride from the historic Vegueta district and 15 minutes from the city’s main port—ideal for fitting in multiple attractions in a single day.
Insider tips for UK & NL travellers:
- Pack reef-style water shoes to navigate occasional pebbles on the seabed.
- Look out for seasonal sand-sculpture festivals along the promenade.
- Most buses (lines 12, 21, 45) run directly from downtown to the beach; night buses operate on Fridays and Saturdays.