Arinaga is on the east coast of the island in the region of Aguimes. When there’s no wind it’s one of my favourite places on the island but a place to avoid on windy days. You can see the current conditions at the bottom of this page.
When I say wind I mean wind, constant and all day. The largest wind farm in the Canary Islands is there along with the largest single windmill (right opposite the beach). I was up there yesterday though and there was hardly a breeze, beautiful day. Avoid Sundays if you don’t like crowds. The beach here is the main destination for hundreds upon hundreds of locals and everywhere packs out.
So, we’ve had a look, no wind, it’s not Sunday so off we go. It’s about a 20 minute drive from Maspalomas & Playa del Ingles; once you pass the shopping center Atlantico, Vecindario on your left the exit for Arinaga is next. Drive down the main street until the end (there’s a large pedestrianized area next) then park up somewhere there.
To the very south of the town (closest to that HUGE wind turbine) you’ll find the salt farm and it’s where the beach-front promenade starts. It finishes over 3 kilometres along at the old lime factory/museum.
The problem with most of the beaches along this part of the coast including Playa de Arinaga itself is during high tide access to the water if over pebbles. During low tide the shoreline becomes is golden sand. You can get an idea of tide levels at this link
Alongside most of the promenade you’ll find a good choice of restaurants and bars. For food look for a “Menu del Dia” of around 10 euros or less where you get a starter, main course and desert, maybe a drink too. Pick a fish dish as this is a fishing town with fresh catches brought in daily.
Every Thursday evening from 8pm onwards is “De Pinchos” – A tapas evening where bars & restaurants on the seafront hand out a small cup of wine and portion of tapas for 2 euros each.
Towards the very end of August the town has its local festival day “Vará del pescao “. This is one of the largest festivals on the island and lasts pretty much all afternoon, evening and into the early hours of the following morning. People are dressed in either traditional costume of the very least a white t-shirt, ideally one with the official logo on for the event. The fishermen bring in their catch with is then ceremoniously paraded along the seafront, horns blowing, drums beating and after being cooked the fish is handed out free to everyone. Music, dancing and lots of drink!
In the immediate area; just north of the lighthouse is El Cabrón beach and reserve. A nice, sandy and wild beach to spend the day and the ocean here is one of the best areas around the island for diving. A little further north still is Playa Vargas, extremely popular for windsurfing and kite surfing.
