With over three kilometres of shore and endless dunes, Maspalomas is a mini desert by the sea.

 South Gran Canaria's local beach: Las Marañuelas in Arguineguín town has calm water and no crowds.   

Gran Canaria's ultimate resort beach at Puerto Rico has golden sand, restaurants right by the sand and plenty of loungers and parasols for hire.

Half moon Amadores beach: White sand and azure water with everything from fresh seafood to curry right at hand.

The world's best city beach? Las Canteras' three kilometres of golden sand right at the heart of Las Palmas city is certainly right up there with the best.

Quiet and that's exactly how it's fans want San Agustín beach to stay: Gran Canaria's most relaxed resort beach.

A billionaire's fantasy that is now Gran Canaria's most Caribbean beach with coconut palm trees and soft white.

Golden Playa de Mogán is  sheltered, sunny beach right by the famous marina.

Hippies and nudists hike into pristine and remote GüiGüi beach in rugged west Gran Canaria. Tourists get there by catamaran. 

Three little beaches just east of Playa del Inglés that have the famous golden sand but not the crowds.

It's not all about sand: The decking and pebbles at Puerto de las Nieves beach give it serious charm. 

You'll never go here but the jet black sand of remote Faneroque beach in west Gran Canaria is stunning.

Aguadulce beach on the east coast is popular with locals and nudists but you'll never see a tourist.

Tiny Sardina beach in the north west corner of Gran Canaria: Great seafood and crystal clear water.

 Named after a pirate; East coast El Cabron beach combines laid-back charm with the island's best diving. 

Tucked away along the coast between Playa del Inglés and San Agustín, the east end of Las Burras has serious sandy charm.

In the Taurito mini resort, this natural south Gran Canaria beach has restaurants under the palm trees, water sports and a real, tropical vibe.

Scandie secret: Patalavaca beach is right in the thick of the resorts but its natural sand is never crowded.

Famous amongst kitesurfers, Burrero beach has a sheltered northern end that just defines picturesque.

Big and bold: Playa del Inglés has enough sand for everyone and plenty of dunes for the nudists.

With this stunning little beach and huge natural pools next door, El Puertillo is a north coast star.

Love seafood? Then you'll love the volcanic sand and constant aroma of fried calamares at Melenara beach on the east coast.

Set in a pristine valley in the Biosphere Reserve, Guayedra in the north west is a long way from the rest of the world.