Gran Canaria Beaches: The Legendary Güi Güi

Güigüi beach in west Gran Canaria Güigüi beach in west Gran Canaria

If Güi Güi beach was next door to Maspalomas nobody would think twice about it. It's not particularly pretty and at high tide most of it is underwater. The sand is on the dark side and disappears completely during the winter. At times it is covered in driftwood. Nevertheless, Güi Güi's remote location and high cliffs make it Gran Canaria's Shangri La.

Far more people search for Güi Güi Beach (pronounced Wee Wee) on Google than ever go there. In fact, if all the people who say they have been actually had, then it would be crowded most weekends. In reality Güi Güi is so remote that it is almost always deserted. Years back there was a permanent hippy colony that grew its own weed and wittered on about "The Man". They have disappeared but there is still a resident hermit.

Two Güi Güi Beaches?

There are actually two beaches: Güi Güi Grande is the first one you get to and is only little (about 350 metres long). It's big name comes from the size of the barranco rather than the beach. Güi Güii Chico is just south of its little neighbour and is about 650 metres long. You reach it by walking along the rocks but be careful at high tide or when the sea is rough as it can inaccessible: You're a long way from a lifeguard.

Nudists, hippy types and nature lovers make the five kilometre trek from Tasartico down to the beach for a few days of naked relaxation. It's a tough hike but easy to follow: Uphill at first and then down into the steep barranco. The drop-offs are spectacular and vertigo isn't an option. The walk takes about two and a half hours one-way. Take plenty of water as hikers have died of dehydration in the area.

As for facilities, the unofficial camp site behind Güi Güi has a small shop but don't count on it being open out of peak periods. When open it sells all the important stuff, like bread, cigarettes, rum and water. The stream that is quoted in many articles is a bit slimy but is clean enough for frogs to live in. Most hard-core campers carry their supplies in.

The beaches are in the Reserva Especial Natural de Güi-Güi and are therefore protected by law. Technically you aren't allowed to camp and until recently nobody cared if you did. However, there are rumours that clip-board man now appears during local holidays and hands out fines. Avoid Easter, Christmas and August and the chances of being pestered are minimal.

Sadly, the Water Taxi service from Puerto de las Nieves didn't last. The idea was good but fuel costs were too high to make it profitable. Nowadays you either walk in or to hop on a day trip from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico resort. They moor up offshore for an hour or so and you can swim ashore and pretend that you made it under your own steam. The genuine Güi Güi crowd may well tut and mutter about "turistas" spoiling their nudist paradise. Be polite and strip off!

You can also get to Güi Güi by heading to La Aldea de San Nicolás by bus and asking around in the port for a lift. If the weather is good a friendly fisherman may offer to take you but this depends on whether the tuna are in. Be aware that if the sea picks up while you are at Güi Güi then a small boat won't be able to pick you up again and you will have to hike out. There is a path from Güi Güi to La Aldea but it takes about 5 hours and is steep. 

Güi Güi is more about the journey than the sand. It gets some of the best sunsets in Gran Canaria and the night skies are spectacular. Güi Güi and Gran Canaria's other wild beaches are the perfect place to channel your inner hippy.

Additional Info

  • Lifeguard: Yes
  • Calm water: Yes
  • You're sitting on: Sand
  • Sand colour: Volcanic black
  • Looks best at: Sunset
  • Nudist: Yes
  • Hippy rating: 11

Media

Join the Gran Canaria Info newsletter list

endanlfifrdeisitnoplptruessv

Beaches

We're loading the markers, please wait a few seconds…

Click on a beach, then click on the title for the beach's own page right on this website.

 

 

Follow us on Facebook

Tip of the day

  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

Latest articles

Who's Online

We have 3446 guests and no members online

Login / Register

Take this website to the max, login or create an account now! By clicking on any Social Media platform logo, you can login with just one click.