As soon as the sun shows its face, it is time to start planning the ultimate summer vacation. If you are an avid extreme sports fan like me, then the ocean will be calling to you for an unforgettable surfing break – there is no better way to get your adrenaline fix whilst also catching rays than a week or two of catching the curl.
You will struggle to find a better destination for this than Gran Canaria, where there is a handful of top surfing beaches, a fantastic climate and plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. Playa del Inglés is where most of the action is, but there are also a few more secretive beaches nearby to check out during your trip. Here is all you need to know about catching the best waves in the area.
Seeking a serious party after a day carving? Read up on the best bars and clubs in the area with our handy guide here!
Playa del Inglés
First up is Playa del Inglés, which is located to the south of the island and a great spot in the summer when the winds pick up. It provides small beach break waves and is a good all-rounder, but perhaps best suited to beginners as it is a sand beach. This is a popular area (it is easy to see why); you may have to take care whilst in the water, particularly during peak season when it can be very busy, but it still manages to retain its cool atmosphere. If it is flat, you could simply chill out on the beach or check out the nearby tourist attractions as you are right in the heart of the action here.
La Punta
If you want to escape the crowds and get plenty of surf to yourself, then I highly recommend that you trek to La Punta. This hidden gem is around a 15-minute walk across the dunes from the Riu Palace Maspalomas Hotel, but it is highly worth the scenic stroll. It is similar (and close by) to Playa del Inglés in that it is an inviting sandy beach with a few beach breaks that any beginner or intermediate will enjoy, but it is a lot more secluded than its livelier neighbour.
El Faro de Maspalomas
It may be close in proximity to the above two, but the conditions at El Faro de Maspalomas are quite different – you will want to head here for intermediate or advanced surfing. You will be happy to hear that you can ride point-break waves here, so you can enjoy a long and fun ride when the waves get bigger.
Insider tip: This is also a cool area that is protected by the government with a great nearby tourist area for exploring when it is flat or you are looking for a bite to eat and/or hard-earned drink.
El Faro de Maspalomas.Gran Canaria By El Coleccionista de Instantes Fotografía & Video Under the Licence CC BY-SA 2.0
Meloneras
Meloneras is the best-kept secret in the south of the island. It is a very peaceful, picturesque and secluded beach which can be found by following the busy promenade all the way up to the last bend where it will seemingly appear out of the blue. It is tricky to define the waves, but they are almost like two small exit point-breaks. Regardless, it is an excellent spot for easy and fun surfing in a cool setting away from the crowds.
Arguineguin
This small stone beach is often crowded, but this is because it is one of the best spots on the entire island. Head here for a long right-hander point-break which has a very quick first section that turns slower on the second part. It is not particularly powerful, but it is sure to get your blood pumping and give you quite the thrill.
How to Get to Playa del Inglés
Gran Canaria is a very popular destination, so you should not struggle to find affordable flights from London as budget airlines like easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair all regularly make the 4-hour flight to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA).
You won’t want to waste any time hanging around at the airport. Fortunately, the airport is just a 20-minute drive away on the east coast. The quickest and easiest way to get to Playa del Inglés is to jump in a pre-booked Shuttle Direct transfer, which will be waiting for you at the airport.
Where to Stay
Casas Jumilla – Proximity to the beach will be the key factor for your hotel choice, and you will struggle to get closer to the action than this hotel which is set on the Playa del Inglés beachfront. Additionally, it has its own outdoor pool and rooms with a television, living area, kitchen and free Wi-Fi. You are also just a 5-minute walk from the nearby shops, bars and restaurants.
Apartamentos las Góndolas – Just a 2-minute stroll from the beach, you will not struggle to get your surfing fix each day here. The apartments all have a kitchenette so you can save loads of money on food, plus the complex also features a cool outdoor pool and terrace area which is great for socialising. Free Wi-Fi is available. This has been rated one of the best-value locations in the area, so head here if you want to save money without compromising on quality.
Luna Beach Apartments – Unsurprisingly, you are right on (Maspalomas) beach with these apartments which make them a great choice for a surfing holiday. The homely apartments all have dining and seating areas, a flat-screen, kitchen, private bathroom and some units have a terrace or balcony. The complex also has an outdoor pool and bike hire is available. Previous guests regularly comment on the fantastic location, as well as the value for money when compared to other properties in the area.
About Shuttle Direct:
There is nothing worse than spending ages waiting for a taxi from the airport and especially when you want to get your summer holiday started. Shuttle Direct are one of Europe’s leading transfer providers due to their reliable, affordable and efficient service.
Book online today and one of our local drivers will be waiting at the airport for you, allowing you to jump in and enjoy the ride.
