Gran Canaria

Playa del Inglés is one of the longest beaches on Gran Canaria. Its sand is the colour of vanilla ice cream. No matter how busy it is, there's always room for another towel.

Lying between two harbours is where you'll find Puerto Rico beach. The local restaurants offer familiar cuisine plus the freshest fish. Look out for trips to see dolphins and other boat excursions.

This treasure of a beach is a favourite with locals from nearby Gáldar and beyond. Sardina del Norte is one of the best places to dive on the island. Its restaurants also specialize in recently-caught sardines, served with a wedge of lemon. This beach can get windy in summer, but it's also one of the sunniest spots in the north of the island.

Walking in the sand dunes will trick you into thinking you're lost in the Sahara desert. Together with Playa del Inglés and all the way to Playa San Agustín, Maspalomas forms a super-beach in the longest, unbroken stretch of sand on the island.

San Agustín is quieter than Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. It's more of a hit with Gran Canaria natives than tourists. Even so, there is a good selection of international restaurants along its promenade.

On the southwest coast of Gran Canaria lies this 800-metre stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, hidden within a protective embrace of a roomy cove. Playa de Amadores means "Beach of Lovers", and the site is indeed perfect for couples in love. Ball games and loud music are prohibited, which helps to create a peaceful and serene setting.

One of the world's great urban beaches, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's Playa de las Canteras features a promenade to match the hype. If you don't want to get sand between your toes, the Paseo de Las Canteras provides the ideal setting for a stroll.