The south of Gran Canaria has three beach areas you will hear about most: Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and San Agustín. Here is what the official tourism site says about each one.
Playa del Inglés
The official site describes a beach of more than three kilometres that runs from Maspalomas to Playa del Inglés, a long stretch of sand that suits families and has protected areas for children. Kiosks are spread along the beach with public toilets, and the site gives their opening hours as 10:30 to 18:00. Towards the southern end there are areas for nude bathing and for surfing.
The beach is bordered by hotels to the north and sits next to the Maspalomas Dunes nature reserve. The Yumbo Shopping Centre is among the attractions the site lists nearby.
Maspalomas and the dunes
Maspalomas is described as an enormous expanse of dunes next to the sea. The dunes are part of a nature reserve with three ecosystems, palm grove, lagoon and dunes, and the lagoon, La Charca, is a resting place for birds migrating from Europe to Africa. The sand changes shape constantly, shaped by the wind.
The lighthouse is 55 metres high and first shone on 1 February 1890. A promenade nearby has restaurants and gift shops, and surfers gather at the bend where Maspalomas meets Playa del Inglés.
If you plan to walk among the dunes, read our guide to visiting the Maspalomas Dunes respectfully.
San Agustín
The official site presents San Agustín as the quiet and sunny alternative, in its words “The Quiet (and Sunny) Winters Club”, with a protected family beach and large thalassotherapy facilities. It is aimed at visitors who value rest and strolling over lively beach life.
A note on nudism
According to the official site, nudism is popular in designated areas on the Maspalomas beach: between beach bars 3 and 4, counting from the lighthouse towards Playa del Inglés, and between bars 5 and 6 in the opposite direction.
Want to see the beach first? Watch the Maspalomas live webcam.
Where to stay
Moon Dunes is a proud LGBTQ+ friendly apartment in Playa del Inglés, a two-minute walk from the Yumbo Centre, with a loggia that faces the garden and two pools. See the apartment.
Last checked: 6 October 2026. Services and opening hours can change.