Key facts
| Country | Spain (San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands) |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Gran Canaria (LPA), about 30 minutes by road |
| Best time | October to May for warm winter sun; summer is hot and busy |
| Type | Public beach with nudist sections, backed by a 404-hectare nature reserve |
| Adults only | No — a public beach used by families |
| Clothing | Nude bathing customary in designated beach sections; stay on marked paths in the dunes |
| Best months | January–May, October–December |
The beach that runs from Playa del Inglés to the Maspalomas lighthouse, on the south coast of Gran Canaria, is one of Europe's most famous winter-sun beaches. Behind it rises a desert-like field of sand dunes, protected as a nature reserve since 1987 and covering about 404 hectares. Parts of this long beach have been used for nude bathing for decades, and Gran Canaria's official tourism site lists the nudist sections by the numbered beach kiosks. The area is also one of Europe's best-known LGBTQ+ holiday destinations.
Who it suits
- Naturists who want reliable sunshine in winter and a large, easy-going nude beach.
- Couples and singles of every orientation looking for a relaxed resort area with plenty of bars, restaurants and nightlife in Playa del Inglés.
- Walkers who enjoy long beach walks and the dune scenery, on the marked paths.
Where the nudist areas are
According to the official Gran Canaria tourism site, walking from the Maspalomas lighthouse towards Playa del Inglés you find the nudist area around beach bars (kiosks) 3 and 4; the site also mentions kiosks 5 and 6 in the other direction. In practice nude and clothed bathers mix along much of the central beach, and the kiosks are the easiest landmarks. Loungers and parasols can be hired near the kiosks.
Protect the dunes: the rules matter
The dunes are a Special Natural Reserve with fragile ecosystems. Visitors must stay on the marked, authorised paths; wandering off them damages the dunes and can lead to fines. Local news reports describe intensified surveillance by the Guardia Civil's nature protection service and the island council's environmental agents, and serious violations can bring heavy penalties. Sexual activity in the dunes is illegal and damages the reserve. Keep intimacy for your hotel.
Best time to go
Gran Canaria is a year-round destination. October to May is the most popular period for winter sun, with daytime temperatures that are usually warm enough for the beach. Summer is hotter and busy with Spanish families. The Maspalomas Pride festival in spring draws very large crowds, so book early if your trip overlaps.
Getting there
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) has flights from across Europe and is about 30 minutes by road from Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. Buses and taxis connect the airport with the resorts. From Playa del Inglés, you can walk onto the beach and head south-west towards the lighthouse; from the lighthouse end, walk north-east along the shore.
Legal notes
Spain has no national ban on public nudity, and nude bathing is customary on the designated sections of this beach. Leaving authorised paths in the protected dunes is prohibited, and public sexual behaviour is an offence. Follow signs and any instructions from rangers or police.
Etiquette
- Stay on the paths and never walk over vegetation or climb protected dunes.
- No photos of people without permission, especially of nude bathers.
- Take all rubbish with you.
- Respect mixed use. Families and textile bathers walk the same shoreline.
Safety
The sun is strong year-round, and there is no shade in the dunes; carry water and a hat. Sand gets extremely hot in summer. The Atlantic can produce strong waves on some days, so swim near the lifeguard posts and heed flags. Do not leave bags unattended while you swim.
Nearby
Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas have a wide choice of adults-only and naturist-friendly hotels; check each hotel's own clothing policy. Elsewhere in the Canaries, the naturist village of Charco del Palo on Lanzarote offers a quieter experience. Browse naturist places in Spain and members in Spain.