Beaches in the north of Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is an island known for having the best beaches of the entire Canary Islands and part of Spain. When we think of the beaches in Gran Canaria, the most famous ones like Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas certainly come to mind. However, there are also many wild and more hidden beaches, beyond the tourist centres. Discover the best beaches in the north of Gran Canaria.

The north of the island is a wild and enchanting enclave. Here you can find beaches that are completely unknown to the public. Far from the crowded beaches in the middle of the tourist centres, in the north you can find spectacular coves, black sand beaches and lava landscapes or natural salt water pools.

In this article, we invite you to take a walk along the wild north coast of Gran Canaria. We’d like to suggest an ideal plan for the whole family: a relaxed trip away from the hustle and bustle and the crowds, and to be in full contact with nature.

The 5 best beaches in the north of Gran Canaria

The north coast of Gran Canaria (from the outskirts of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to the municipality of La Aldea de San Nicolás), has a completely wild and rugged landscape with huge cliffs that act like a wall to contain the fury of the tides and protect the best beaches in the north of Gran Canaria.

Here are what we consider to be the 5 best beaches in the north of Gran Canaria. As you'll see, you'll find all kinds of beaches: black sand beaches, beaches with rocks or pebbles, coves, cliffs and even natural pools.

1. San Felipe

In the northern municipality of Moya you’ll find one of the most famous beaches in the north of Gran Canaria on the coast: San Felipe.

This beach is a mixture of natural pools, small coves and a small sandy area of about 300 metres and 20 metres wide. This beach is ideal for those who like surfing or bodyboarding. San Felipe is a quiet place, with few visitors and ideal for spending a day on the beach and relaxing.

2. El Puertillo

A classic among the northern beaches. El Puertillo is located in the Bañaderos district and is only 10 minutes from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

The 350-metre-long and 20-metre-wide black sand beach is surrounded by two large natural pools. Thanks to the calm waters, this beach is ideal for a day at the beach with family or friends.

3. Sardina del norte

Undoubtedly a real landmark as far as beaches in the north of Gran Canaria are concerned. This beach is located on the beautiful coast of Gáldar and is easiest to reach by car, as it has a large car park.

Once there, you’ll find a small beach (one of the few in the north of the island with golden sand) that is about 100 metres long. Sardina del norte has several natural pools, rocks and is flanked by the small bay of Martorel, which is very quiet and not very busy, ideal for snorkelling.

4. El Juncal

This is perhaps one of the least visited and quietest beaches on the island. You can find this wild cove between the municipalities of Agaete and Gáldar.

This true natural wonder is a small cove with pebbles, right at the mouth of the Barranco del Juncal ravine. This area cannot be reached by car. 

However, the beach is perfect for a relaxing walk, where you can enjoy the landscape and the cliffs that surround it.

Like Sardina del Norte, it’s an ideal place for snorkelling, and to discover and explore the impressive seabed in this area.

5. Guayedra

Another hidden gem in the north of the island. Guayedra is just a few minutes from Agaete and was unknown until not so long ago.

The valley of Guayedra lies at the foot of one of the largest cliffs in Europe, Faneque. The beach is 200 metres long and alternates between sandy sections and small coves.

Enjoy the best beaches in the north of Gran Canaria with Dunas Hotels & Resorts

Spend your holiday and relax with us at Dunas Hotels & Resorts. Did you like this post about the best beaches in the north of Gran Canaria? Come and discover the wildest and most natural part of the island.