Playa de Las Canteras

Las Canteras is renowned as one of Europe's best urban beaches, stretching over 3 kilometers along the city's coastline. The beach features a natural rock barrier called La Barra that creates calm, protected waters ideal for swimming and marine life observation. Its vibrant promenade is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, while the golden sands provide ample space for sunbathing and relaxation. The unique combination of urban accessibility and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination in the Canary Islands.

Things to Know

Welcome to Las Canteras Beach, the stunning urban paradise that serves as the heart of Las Palmas. This golden-sand beach offers crystal-clear waters protected by a natural reef, creating perfect conditions for swimming and snorkeling right in the city center.

Opening Hours

Monday

24 hours

Tuesday

24 hours

Wednesday

24 hours

Thursday

24 hours

Friday

24 hours

Saturday

24 hours

Sunday

24 hours

Reserve Now

Discover the charm of Playa de Las Canteras in the vibrant city of Las Palmas, Spain, with the help of your AI Travel Agent. Known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, this beach is perfect for sunbathing or taking a stroll along the promenade.

With a reliable Trip Planner App, visitors can uncover activities like snorkeling in Las Palmas. Explore the nearby marine life or just relax under the sun. The AI Travel system ensures you find the best hotels to stay at, right near the beach.

Feeling adventurous? Try surfing in Las Palmas, a popular activity among locals and tourists alike. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for beginners. After a day of surfing, savor the local cuisine at nearby restaurants.

Experience it through engaging suggestions and personalized itineraries. From beachfront hotels to exhilarating watersports, the AI Travel Agent serves as your personal guide to this sun-kissed paradise. Relax, explore, and enjoy the charm of Las Canteras.

Amenities

Public restrooms and showers
Beachfront restaurants and cafes
Sunbed and umbrella rentals
Lifeguard services
Accessible pathways
Water sports equipment rentals
Promenade walking path

Reviews

Excellent

15.5k reviews

Absolutely stunning urban beach with crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling. The natural rock barrier creates calm waters ideal for swimming and the promenade offers excellent dining options with beautiful ocean views.

Location

Las Canteras Beach, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain

Annual Visitor Count

1,200,000

Las Canteras Beach is one of the most popular urban beaches in Europe, attracting over 1.2 million visitors annually. Its protected natural bay, golden sands, and vibrant marine life make it a favorite destination for both tourists and locals. The beach's accessibility and year-round pleasant weather contribute to its high visitation numbers, with peak seasons seeing thousands of daily visitors enjoying its waters and promenade.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Las Canteras Beach is from May to October when water temperatures are warmest and rainfall is minimal. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, while summer provides the warmest conditions for swimming and water activities. Early mornings are ideal for peaceful walks along the promenade, while late afternoons offer beautiful sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Accessibility Notes

Las Canteras Beach offers excellent accessibility with ramps leading to the sand and accessible pathways along the entire promenade. The city provides amphibious wheelchairs for beach access at designated points. Most beachfront establishments have wheelchair-accessible entrances and facilities. The flat, paved promenade makes it easy for visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy ocean views and access restaurants and shops.

Cultural/Religious Notes

As a public beach, Las Canteras follows typical Spanish beach culture where swimwear is appropriate on the sand but cover-ups are expected when visiting nearby restaurants and shops. Topless sunbathing is common and accepted. Visitors should respect local customs by keeping noise levels reasonable and cleaning up after themselves. The beach attracts diverse international visitors, creating a multicultural atmosphere that welcomes all backgrounds.

Famous Events and Dates

Las Canteras hosts several annual events including the International Kite Festival in November, beach volleyball tournaments throughout summer, and the San Juan night celebration on June 23rd with bonfires and midnight swims. The beach promenade comes alive during Carnival celebrations in February with parades and music. Weekly markets and cultural events often take place along the shoreline, especially during summer months.

Historical Significance

Las Canteras Beach has been the social and recreational heart of Las Palmas for centuries, originally serving as a natural harbor for fishing boats. The name 'Las Canteras' refers to the quarry stones that were historically extracted from the area. The natural reef formation has protected the beach since ancient times, creating the calm waters that made it valuable for both transportation and recreation throughout Gran Canaria's history.

Kid/Family Friendly

Las Canteras is extremely family-friendly with calm, shallow waters protected by the natural reef, making it safe for children to swim. Multiple playgrounds along the promenade, family-friendly restaurants, and easy access to facilities make it ideal for families. Lifeguards patrol during daylight hours, and the gradual slope of the ocean floor provides safe conditions for young swimmers. Elderly visitors appreciate the ample seating and shaded areas along the promenade.

Photography Allowed

Photography is permitted and encouraged throughout Las Canteras Beach. Visitors can capture stunning shots of the golden sands, colorful fishing boats, and dramatic Atlantic sunsets. Drone photography may require special permits from local authorities. Commercial photography sessions typically need prior authorization, but personal photography for social media and memories is welcome throughout the beach area.

Time Required to Explore

Most visitors spend 2-4 hours enjoying Las Canteras Beach, though many spend entire days relaxing on the sand and exploring the promenade. A full experience including swimming, snorkeling, dining, and walking the entire 3-kilometer length could take 5-6 hours. Those interested in water sports or extended relaxation may want to allocate a full day to fully appreciate this urban beach paradise.

Transportation and Accessibility

Las Canteras Beach is easily accessible by multiple bus routes stopping along the promenade, with the main city bus station just a 10-minute walk away. Taxis are readily available throughout the area, and ride-sharing services operate in Las Palmas. The beach runs parallel to the city center, making it walkable from most central hotels. Parking is available in nearby public garages, though spaces can be limited during peak seasons.

Weather Sensitivity

Las Canteras enjoys year-round mild weather due to its Canary Islands location, though winter months can bring stronger winds and occasional rainfall. The natural reef protects the waters from strong currents, making swimming conditions generally safe. Summer offers the most reliable beach weather with minimal rain and warm water temperatures. Visitors should still use sun protection as the Canary sun can be intense even on cloudy days.

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