Las Canteras beach is the main city beach of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It is about 3 km long, but it is not one single beach. The colour of the sand, the waves, the crowd and even the water quality change from one end to the other. If you know which zone suits you, your beach day will be easier and more relaxed.

The Three Zones of Las Canteras

The north, the middle and the south each have their own character. Use the table to choose.

Water Quality at Las Canteras Beach

Las Canteras has held the "Q de Calidad Turística" quality mark (UNE-ISO 13009) for the city of Las Palmas since 2013. It was confirmed again in July 2026 after an audit by OCA Global. The mark covers cleanliness, lifeguard service and accessibility.

The beach does not currently have a Blue Flag. Las Palmas lost it in 2023 and has not applied again.

Water quality is not the same everywhere. After heavy rain, the southern part towards Puerto de la Luz has shown higher E. coli values several times. Port activity and rainwater drains are given as the reasons. The north and the middle are usually without problems. Before your trip, and especially after rainy days, check the current bathing water report from the Spanish health authorities.

Sand Quality and Beach Conditions

The sand changes from north to south. It is pale and fine at La Puntilla. Towards Playa Chica and Peña la Vieja it becomes darker and coarser. At La Cicer it is black and volcanic. This is not pollution. It is a natural change along the coast. Families with small children usually prefer the pale sand in the north. It is softer for bare feet and better for building sandcastles.

La Barra Reef: A Natural Swimming Pool at Low Tide

About 200 metres from the shore, a natural rock reef runs parallel to the beach for around 2 km. It formed many thousands of years ago. At low tide, La Barra lets almost no waves through. The water behind it, mainly in front of La Puntilla and Playa Chica, becomes a large, calm pool. This is a good place for children to play, for snorkelling and for relaxed swimming.

At high tide, and south of the reef where it becomes thinner, the waves come in with much more force.

Facilities for Beach Visitors

The whole beach has showers, public toilets and lifeguard towers. You can hire sunbeds and parasols, mainly in the north and the middle. The further south you go towards La Cicer, the fewer tourist services you find. In the south you see surfboards instead of sunbeds.

Snorkelling and Swimming: Quick Guide

For snorkelling, choose the La Barra area in front of La Puntilla. The water is clear and calm, and you can see shoals of fish near the reef. You can reach it from the beach without a boat. The same area is also the safest choice for families with small children. If you want waves, go to the south near La Cicer.

Getting There / Transport Connections

The city buses of Guaguas Municipales run along the Paseo de Las Canteras. Several lines stop near La Puntilla, Playa Chica and the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus. From the city centre (Triana and Vegueta), you can walk to the beach in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Nearby Attractions

*Distances are approximate.