Five Cool North Gran Canaria Beaches The Locals Keep to Themselves

One of north Gran Canaria's many secret local beaches One of north Gran Canaria's many secret local beaches

There are quiet local beaches dotted all around the north coast of Gran Canaria. If you get sick of long sand beaches covered in sun loungers and parasols then head to one of these secret spots. All of them are great for snorkelling.

 

El Juncal

Juncal is a small, pebble beach about 2 km north of Puerto de las Nieves. It is about 120 metres long with calm, clear water. You can walk to if from the town by following the promenade from the harbour north and then cutting inland. There are no facilities at El Juncal, and it is completely natural. Most of the regulars don't bother with clothes.

El Puertillo

Arucas is famous for its colossal Gothic church and pretty town centre. Few people know that the town also has its own beach and natural swimming pool. El Puertillo is small with dark sand, but you are almost guaranteed to be the only tourist there among a few Canarian families. The beach is sheltered, but the north coast is rough so don't swim out too far. Opposite the beach is a huge natural swimming pool that shelters swimmers from the surf. The village also has fish restaurants, and a promenade. 

Sardina del Norte

Sardina del Norte is packed with scuba divers and local seafood lovers every weekend. It is one of the best places in Gran Canaria to see angel sharks and big rays, as well as amberjacks, and even tuna. The small sandy beach never have anyone except locals on. Combine a day on Sardina Beach with a seafood feast at the restaurants by the harbour. Sardina del Norte is an odd place as the harbour is built right at the bottom of a huge cliff. 

El Risco

El Risco is more famous for its Blue Pool or Charco Azul that for its beach. However, if you head down the valley from the village rather than up the hill, you get to a wide sand and pebble beach that is completely undeveloped. It a quiet spot that rarely has anyone on at all. Nudism is fine, even expected, on El Risco Beach.

San Cristobal

San Cristobal Beach is all pebbles and not that many people ever go swimming off it. Tucked away in town by the harbour is a tiny little sand beach with safe water. San Cristobal is very popular with the locals because it's home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Las Palmas. San Cristobal is on the way into Las Palmas from the south. The original village has been absorbed by the city but still maintains its own charm and local feel. 

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Tip of the day

  • Tip Of The Day: Avoid Bank Card Charges By Paying In Euros
    Tip Of The Day: Avoid Bank Card Charges By Paying In Euros

    Save money and avoid rip-off bank charges while in Gran Canaria by paying in euros when using your credit or debit card.

    Many bars and restaurants in Gran Canaria, and in almost all European holiday destinations, give you the option of paying in euros or in your home currency. Opting for your own currency, while it may seem like the safer option, can add as much as 5% to the bill as it triggers dynamic currency conversion. 

    DCC basically means that the exchange rate is calculated at point of sale rather than by your bank. It allows you to see the total cost of the transaction in your own currency but adds up to 5% to the total because it uses a terrible exchange rate. 

    Since the extra money is shared between your bank and the merchant, some places will automatically bill you in your own currency and hope you don't notice. You have the legal right to refuse and void the transaction should this happen. 

    ATMs too

    The same applies when taking money out of ATM machines in Gran Canaria (and anywhere in Europe); Always choose the local currency option to avoid losing money to poor exchange rates.

    If you opt for the local currency option, using bank ATMs is often the cheapest and safest way of getting euros in Gran Canaria. It's far safer than having a big pile of euros hidden in your room or tucked into your shorts.

    More details in this Daily Telegraph article.

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