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Gran Canaria Beaches

Playa de Arinaga

Arinaga is on the east coast, roughly half way between Maspalomas and the airport. The beach has the same name as the town, roughly 3 kilometres long with salt farms to the south and an old lime factory/museum to the north. As well as the main beach (sandy during low tide but pebbles when a high tide) there are a few smaller coves and also a large, natural swimming pool.

 

You’ll notice as you approach the town a large wind farm and dozens of wind turbines with the largest by far placed right opposite Arinaga’s beach. It is therefore advisable to check the weather  before going up there and make sure there’s not too much wind. When I was up there yesterday there wasn’t even a breeze. 

There’s a promenade from the very south to the north of the town, several restaurants, bars; on the streets parallel you’ll find more including supermarkets, banks… pretty much everything you could need and more for a day at the beach without having to take everything with you.

If there’s a high tide and the main beach is all pebbles, walks north to the natural pool. Plenty of sundeck space has been created including wooden platforms amongst the rocks. No sunbeds or lifeguard but there are designated loos by the natural pool and of course in the restaurants & bars on the seafront.

If you’re going to eat in one of the restaurants order a fish dish! This is very much a fishing town with fresh catches bought in each day.

Interesting but currently useless fact about the town – they have their very own port. Originally built for industry it was also to be deepened to allow ferry services to Fuerteventura to call in here making it much easier for us southerners to use the service. Unfortunately the politicians have decided to argue about whether it can or cannot be put into full service and it’s rarely used.