Naturism in the Canary Islands: Freedom and Privacy
Gran Canaria: A Paradise for Naturists
Nude recreation is well established in the Canary Islands. Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura in particular are known as child and naturism friendly destinations. On Gran Canaria you will find beaches everywhere where nude sunbathing is allowed. This makes the island ideal for naturists who want to move freely. The Canary Islands top the list of Nudism-friendly Beaches in Spain. The beaches in the south of Gran Canaria in particular have the most locations where naturism is permitted.
Gran Canaria is known for its freedom and relaxed atmosphere. No one on the beaches is surprised by a naked body anymore. For the respect of other beach visitors, there are demarcated zones on most beaches, called “Zona Nudista“. In Gran Canaria there are about 30 beaches where you can sunbathe and swim naked.
What is Nudism?
Nudism is walking around unclothed, but it is important to know that nudism is not associated with sex. As a nudist you often visit nudist beaches, saunas and special naturist campsites. In Germany there is even a special nudist route where you can walk in nature.
Nude recreation offers a feeling of freedom and connection with nature. It is a healthy way to enjoy the sun and the sea without clothing. In addition, it promotes a positive body image and helps reduce stress.
The Most Beautiful and Popular Nudist Beaches on Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria offers several beaches for naturists, especially on the west coast. Most remote beaches can be reached by car, taxi, bicycle, mountain bike, or on foot. The beaches in the east and north are more accessible, but often have pebbles or rocks instead of sand.
The remote nudist beaches offer a lot of privacy, especially outside the weekends. On weekends, locals visit these beaches with their families, so they can be busier. To respect the locals, it is better to enjoy these beaches during working days. Below is a list of some of the best beaches in the south of Gran Canaria where nudism is allowed, compiled by the Spanish Naturism Federation.
- Playa del Inglés: One of the most famous nude beaches on the island, with a long tradition of naturism.
- Maspalomas: Located next to Playa del Inglés, known for its dunes and wide nudist zone.
- Playa de Montaña Arena: A quieter option for naturists, ideal for those looking for more privacy.
- El Confital: Locals call it “El Cabezón Negro“. It is the first nude beach in a capital city like Las Palmas.
- More Beaches: Playa de Vargas, Montaña de Arena, Playa Tiritaña, Playa Veneguera in Playa de Las Mujeres.
Tips for a Pleasant Nudist Experience
- Respect Others: Be considerate of the feelings of other beachgoers and respect the demarcated nudist zones.
- Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun with plenty of sunscreen.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during your beach day.
By following these tips you can make the most of your nudist experience in Gran Canaria. For more information on the best nude beaches and accommodations, visit our comprehensive guide to nude recreation.
El Confital
The beach of El Confital or as the locals call it “El Cabezón Negro” is located in the northeast of the island. It is the first nudist beach in a capital like Las Palmas. The beach is located on a peninsula called La Isleta. It is an extension of the well-known Playa de las Canteras. There is a demarcated zone for nudism ( Zona Recomendada Naturista ). The beach is approximately 180 meters long. It consists of golden sand and rocks with large stone slabs placed here and there.
Photo LPA Visit
Moreover, the beach is easily accessible via wooden boardwalks. In 2012, Europe’s El Confital received the Blue Flag for being an eco-friendly and very clean beach. It can sometimes be very crowded as the sea current makes it suitable for surfers here too.
Yet El Confital exudes true tranquility. El Confital is easily accessible by car or on foot. By bus (guagua) you can reach El Confital beach from Las Palmas (San Telmo) with numbers 12 or L1. This bus runs every 10 minutes. The time bus and foot to the beach is about 40 minutes.
Playa Tiritaña
The secluded Beach of Tiritaña is located between Tauro (literally translated Taurus) and Puerto de Mogán. The beach located in a narrow ravine is still in its natural state. With its length of 80 meters, the beach is not that big.
There is therefore a lot of room for nudism or naturism. Please note that families with children may be present. So it is not only intended as a nudist beach. If you want to regularly walk naked on this volcanic beach, it is best to rent a hotel or apartment in Mogán, Taurito or Puerto Rico.
The beach is quiet for nudism, but despite being secluded it can be very busy. It consists largely of black sand. Even though the beach does not have a Blue Flag, it is still clean and the water is crystal clear. It is also cleaned daily.Waste bins are available. The nudist beach is not accessible to wheelchair users. Don’t forget a parasol or lounger because you cannot rent one on site.
The beach can be reached by public transport (Guaguas Global) via number 33 Playa del Ingles – Puerto de Mogan, (Barranco de Tiritaña stop), this bus only runs on Saturdays and Sundays. During the weekdays bus no. 91 to Playa del Cura. From there you still have to walk a bit towards Taurito. If you prefer to come by car, you can do so via the GC-500. There is no parking space provided. You can then easily reach the small beach on foot via a path.
Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas
The most famous nude beach is in San Bartolomé de Tirajana between Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. This 3km stretch of coast is public, where you can enjoy mixed sunbathing with or without swimwear. The beach is 2,700 metres long and 50 metres wide, with fine, blond sand. Despite its public nature, there are plenty of opportunities to find privacy behind rocks and bushes. The nudist area starts at kiosk number 5 and extends to Playa del Inglés.
is not just for the LGBTQ+ community but for everyone
Although the nudist area is sometimes associated with the LGBTQ+ community, it is a place for everyone, young and old, to enjoy themselves without shame. Magnolias Natura, the only naturist resort on the island, is also located close to these beaches, in the Campo Internacional de Maspalomas. Please note that walking around naked on the street is not allowed.
It does have access to a bungalow park Campo International that contains about 14 bungalows. This park has the lovely name “Magnolias Natura“. It is about 3 km away from Maspalomas beach.
Playa de Las Mujeres: Peace and Nature on Gran Canaria
Playa de las Mujeres, which means “Women’s Beach“, is located in the south of Gran Canaria, below the promenade that stretches between the well-known beaches Playa de Maspalomas and Playa de Meloneras. Although there is no direct parking, you will find several free parking spaces along the streets behind the boulevard. Sturdy shoes are recommended, because the descent to Playa de las Mujeres is on a rocky, unpaved path and is not entirely safe. Follow the signs and the large graffiti on the wall of the boulevard to find the beach. Upon arrival at Playa de las Mujeres, a beach 500 meters long and about 30 meters wide, covered with gray rocks and surrounded by rocky hills, awaits you.
Executive summary
- Location: Southern Gran Canaria, between Playa de Maspalomas and Playa de Meloneras.
- Accessibility: No direct parking, free parking along streets behind the promenade.
- Access: Rocky, unpaved path, sturdy shoes recommended.
- Strand features: 500 metres long, 30 metres wide, grey rocks, surrounded by rocky hills.
- Provisions: No direct construction, hotel complex and residential area at the top of the promenade.
- Popularity: Less crowded than other beaches, formerly popular with nudists.
- Cleanliness: Dirt and broken glass in some corners, regular cleanliness lacking.
- Ambience: Quiet, ideal for relaxation and privacy.
Enjoy the natural charm and tranquility of Playa de las Mujeres in Gran Canaria!
Playa de Vargas
This deserted beach is located in the southeast of Gran Canaria in the municipality of Agüimes. The beach is popular with surfers, but nudists can also find a quiet spot. It mainly consists of boulders, but there is also a sandy beach, especially at low tide. Due to its location there is often a lot of wind.
Fortunately, Playa de Vargas is still in its natural state. At 1300 meters it is a small but quiet beach. If you come by car from the GC-1 highway, there is parking available. Unfortunately, there is no public transport.
Less than 200 meters from Playa de Vargas beach
Not far from the beach is for the camper Camping Playa de Vargas. This is a simple campsite with restaurant, showers and simple rooms. If you have a tent or caravan, pitches are provided for these.
Montaña de Arena
One of the most popular is certainly Montaña de Arena. This nudist beach is not that big, it is about 250 meters long and 38 meters wide. The sand is fine and golden. The name Montaña de Arena arose because this secluded beach is shielded by a large dune.
This nude location is quietly located and offers a lot of privacy because it is located far from residential areas. However, it can be quite busy on some days. Especially during the summer months and on weekends. Unfortunately, visitors to the beach can sometimes leave behind a lot of dirt, which this uniquely beautiful beach of Gran Canaria certainly does not deserve.
There is hardly anything to eat or drink in the area. You will not find a walking boulevard or promenade here either. If you are a fan of swimming in the sea then it is definitely ok here. The water is calm with few waves.
Since the beach is remote, there is no lifeguard supervision. For emergencies, there is a hospital in the immediate vicinity, located on Avenida Maritima. You can reach the hospital by telephone at 928 444000. The site is easily accessible on foot. Parking the car nearby is safe. The nearest inhabited place is Pasito Blanco with the beautiful marina.
Playa de Tasartico
Tasartico Beach is a beautiful and quite isolated beach located on the west coast of Gran Canaria. To get there, you have to travel at least 7 kilometers on a dirt road. The beach takes its name from the nearby town of Tasartico, a small community where the residents mainly live from greenhouse horticulture. It is a rustic and traditional place, but a hidden gem not to be missed.
Nestled between two large arid mountains, this rocky beach has the appearance of a small desert with dark sand. This gives the beach a unique charm and offers impressive views that you don’t want to miss. Be careful when swimming as it is a deep water beach with sometimes strong waves, which can make it somewhat dangerous. Don’t go too far from shore unless you are an experienced swimmer.
The beach has transparent turquoise water with a crystalline appearance, making the contrast of colors breathtaking. Due to its isolation, the beach is often considered a nudist beach, as there are rarely people around to see you.
How do you get there?
There are three ways to reach Tasartico Beach from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria:
- Route from the north: Via the municipalities of Arucas, Moya, Firgas, Guía, Gáldar and Agaete.
- Route from the south: Take the GC-1 to Arguineguín and the GC-500 to Mogán, then the same road, now the GC-200, towards La Aldea de San Nicolás.
- The nearest bus line is line 38: The public transport in Playa del Inglés or Mogán. However, this bus only runs as far as the Tasarte junction.
Both routes are well signposted towards Tasartico. After you have taken the right exit, you still have to travel about 11 kilometers on a narrow, partly unpaved road.
Playa de Güi-Güi
The Güi-Güi beach is one of the most exotic beaches in the Canary Islands. Located next to the municipality of Aldea de San Nicolás de Tolentino, in the west of Gran Canaria, Güi-Güi beach is one of the sandy beaches that you can enjoy during a tourist outing in Gran Canaria.
It is 360 metres long and 25 metres wide and belongs to the Güi-Güi Special Nature Reserve and Ecologically Sensitive Area . It has fine dark sand and is considered one of the most paradisiacal spots in Gran Canaria. It is recommended to visit this beach when temperatures are not too high, as the walk to it is challenging. Make sure to bring good shoes and plenty of water.
Accessibility and Preparation
Güi-Güi beach is accessible by a somewhat difficult path from the town of Tasartico, but it can also be reached by boat from Mogán or from the town’s port. The reward is great, because here you can enjoy a refreshing dip in crystal clear water with a moderate temperature. The road to this beach is not easy and requires careful preparation. The trail is rough and can be tough during the hottest hours of the day. Good shoes and enough water are essential to make the trip comfortable and safe. However, the beautiful views and serene atmosphere upon arrival make the effort more than worth it.
Tips for Visitors
- Be Prepared: This beach is difficult to access. Make sure you have sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
- Avoid the Heat: Visit the beach in milder temperatures to make the walk more pleasant.
- Respect Nature: Keep the beach clean by bringing back your rubbish.
- Swim Safe: The waves can be strong and there is no supervision, so be careful.
Conclusion
This secluded beach in Gran Canaria offers a unique experience for adventurers and nature lovers. The combination of unspoilt nature and peaceful surroundings makes it the perfect place to relax, far from the hustle and bustle. Although the walk there is challenging, it is rewarded with a heavenly landscape that you will not soon forget.
Important Tips for Naturists
Topless sunbathing is allowed almost everywhere, both on beaches and at swimming pools in hotels, bungalows and apartment complexes. Please note that walking around topless on the street or outside the pool area is not allowed. Always consult the regulations of your stay.
The Canary Islands offer an ideal destination for naturists looking for freedom and privacy, with a wide range of beaches and accommodation catering to the needs of nude recreation.
Share Your Experiences
Do you have your own tips or suggestions from your own experiences on these beaches and nude recreation ? Send us your stories, recommendations and photos via email. We would love to hear from you!