Contrary to popular belief and what most guidebooks say, there are sandy beaches in north Gran Canaria and Bocabarranco is one of them.

El Risco beach is 400 metres long and is a mixture of pebbles and large stones although you do get some black sand at low tide during the summer and autumn.

Tasarte beach is old school south Gran Canaria and isn’t going anywhere. It's a long drive but when you arrive, it's like Playa del Inglés never even existed.

El Perchel beach is currently only used by surfers when the famous Arguineguín wave is firing, but plans are afoot for the area.

Lomo Galeón beach is a short but wide pebble beach just east of El Pajar village in south Gran Canaria.