When you fancy a beach holiday it can be hard to find somewhere that isn’t completely overrun with tourists, which can make it difficult to chill out and unwind. Whilst it is true that Gran Canaria is very popular with tourists and many of the resorts are hotspots for sun-worshipping Brits, there is actually one hidden gem which is ideal for those looking for an off-the-beaten-track beach destination.
Read about a few of Gran Canaria’s other gems here!
Most will flock to the beaches of Playa del Inglés on Gran Canaria, but there is a much more peaceful spot just down the road called San Agustin which is (for some reason) overlooked by tourists. This peaceful resort boasts beautiful beaches and enough shops, cafes and restaurants to keep any visitor happy, but it remains somewhat of a secret (shh, let’s keep it this way!). Here is all you need to know about what a relaxing beach holiday could look like here.
The Beach
Playa de San Agustin is the best spot for relaxing as there is plenty of space to chill out on the lovely dark-coloured sand with beautiful views out to sea. Playa de San Agustin is well protected against the waves, so it is also an ideal spot if you want to try snorkelling and scuba diving. There are various seafood restaurants, cafes, bars and shops on the promenade and showers just off the beach, so you have everything you need for a relaxing day here.
Playa Las Burras is a nearby alternative to Playa de San Agustin, particularly if you want to try your hand at windsurfing which is really popular here. It is another secluded spot with calm waters, golden sand and has an area with inviting restaurants and cafes nearby.
Food
There are plenty of places to get a great bite to eat here, but I particularly like Balcon at the northern end of the promenade; this is a real hidden gem and somewhere that the local’s favour (always a good sign!). It is the ideal spot for enjoying fresh seafood – the whole salt-baked fish is a favourite – with a glass of wine whilst admiring the views of the sand dunes at Maspalomas. There are a handful of other places to sample the local cuisine along the promenade, but if you are seeking international cuisine then be sure to check out the mall.
Pizzissima is another relaxed and friendly eatery which serves up tantalising Italian cuisine: the seafood pasta is highly recommended. If you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth then be sure to check out Cacoa, which serves a huge range of delicious ice creams (including dairy-free options) which are a great way to beat the heat.
Fun Night Out
As somewhat of a quiet and peaceful place, San Agustin does not have much of a wild nightlife so you may want to venture down the road to Playa del Inglés if you are looking to raise the roof once the sun goes down! This is an area very popular with lively group holidays and party animals with lots of great bars and clubs pumping out music till the early hours. The key areas in the lively Playa del Inglés are Paseo Maritimo, The Plaza and Kasbah.
You can find out more about clubbing in Playa del Inglés in our handy guide here!
How to Get There
From UK airports, flights into Gran Canaria airport (LPA) take around 4.5 hours and are available through airlines including easyJet, BA and Ryanair. From here, San Agustin is around 20 minutes away by road so it is worth pre-booking a Shuttle Direct transfer so that you can avoid queuing for cabs or attempting to use public transportation.
Where to Stay
Monte Feliz: This is a good value-for-money property located just a 4-minute walk from the beach with its own outdoor pool and tennis courts. Each apartment has a small kitchen and private bathroom, whilst there is also a bar, restaurant, supermarket and gym. Many have commented on how peaceful and comfortable it is here, which is in tune with the surrounding area.
Las Barcas: This is a great place if you want to spend your time on the beach as Las Burras is just a 1-minute stroll with the resorts shops, bars and restaurants all within 5 minutes. The apartments have their own kitchen, private balcony and television and are cleaned daily. Previous guests have spoken highly of the convenient location.
Bungalows Miami Beach: Again just 1-minute from the beach and the local shops, cafes and bars, these holiday bungalows feature their own private terrace with great views along with their own kitchens, living room, television and free Wi-Fi. The great location is the key selling factor, but guests have also commented on the comfort and scenery here.
About Shuttle Direct:
Planning your next holiday? One of the most stressful aspects is arranging transportation, particularly with your luggage, but at Shuttle Direct we provide a fast, convenient and affordable transfer service to destinations throughout Europe and North Africa.
Use our simple online booking form and we will handle the logistics of your trip so that you can relax and enjoy the holiday.
