A stunning private resort beach with white Bahamian sand and a protected lagoon of turquoise water. The Caribbean-like setting is a surprise in the Atlantic. Access is via boat from Puerto de Mogán or the resort's own facilities.
Playa de Anfi del Mar occupies a sheltered cove on the south-western coast of Gran Canaria, near the town of Arguineguín in the municipality of Mogán, and is routinely cited as one of the most visually striking resort beaches in the Canary Islands. The beach was purpose-built as part of the Anfi del Mar resort development in the 1990s, when white sand was imported from the Bahamas to create a Caribbean-like setting within the Atlantic environment. The result is a 400-metre curved beach of brilliant white sand framing a lagoon of exceptional turquoise-blue water that has no natural counterpart on the surrounding Canarian coastline. The beach is enclosed on three sides — by the resort's marina to one side, by volcanic headlands, and by the resort architecture — creating a calm, sheltered microenvironment largely free of wind and wave action. The water is shallow and warm near the shore, making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and watersports suited to all ability levels. Sunbeds and parasols are available to guests of the Anfi del Mar resort complex; day visitors can also access the beach either by ferry from Puerto de Mogán or by road directly to the resort. The twenty-minute boat journey from Puerto de Mogán — itself one of the most picturesque small ports in Gran Canaria, known locally as Little Venice for its painted canal-side buildings — is a pleasant outing in itself and adds to the sense of occasion. Several watersports options are available from the beach including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling equipment hire. The resort contains multiple restaurants and bars. The cove's protected orientation means it receives sunshine throughout most of the day year-round. Mogán municipality is consistently one of the sunniest areas of Gran Canaria.
Good to know
- Best for
- couples, families, snorkellers, swimmers, sunbathers
- Facilities
- sunbeds, restaurants, bar, water sports, boat access
Location
27.7601, -15.7067 View on map
Highlights
- Imported Bahamian white sand and Caribbean-turquoise lagoon — visually unique among natural Canarian beaches
- Exceptionally calm and sheltered cove, almost entirely free of wind and Atlantic wave action
- Accessible by the scenic 20-minute ferry from Puerto de Mogán, known as Little Venice
- Snorkelling in crystal-clear water over the sandy lagoon bed and surrounding volcanic rock edges
- Resort facilities including restaurants, watersports hire, and bar service directly on the sand
Tips for visiting
- The ferry from Puerto de Mogán is the most atmospheric way to arrive — tickets sold at the quayside
- Non-resort day visitors can access the beach by road via the resort car park
- Snorkel around the rocky edges of the cove where volcanic reef meets the sandy lagoon for the best marine life
- The beach faces south and receives full sun all day — particularly useful for visits in the winter months
- Visit Puerto de Mogán's Friday market before or after the beach — one of the best craft and food markets in southern Gran Canaria
When to visit
Anfi del Mar is enjoyable year-round thanks to its sheltered aspect and Mogán's exceptional sunshine record. The beach is quieter from November to February when the wider resort is at lower occupancy, but even in winter it offers warm, calm conditions ideal for families.
Accessibility
Accessible by boat from Puerto de Mogán or by road to resort
Frequently asked questions
Is Playa de Anfi del Mar accessible to non-resort guests?
Yes. The beach is accessible to day visitors as well as resort guests. Access is either by ferry from Puerto de Mogán or by road to the resort. Some facilities such as sunbeds and restaurant seating may be prioritised for guests of the resort.
How do visitors reach Anfi del Mar by boat?
A regular ferry service operates from Puerto de Mogán harbour. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. Ferry schedules vary by season and can be confirmed and booked at the Puerto de Mogán quayside.
Why is the sand white at Anfi del Mar?
The sand was imported from the Bahamas when the resort was developed in the 1990s to create a tropical beach aesthetic. Natural beach sand in this part of Gran Canaria is typically dark volcanic in character.
Is the water calm for children at Anfi del Mar?
Yes. The enclosed cove creates a very sheltered lagoon with minimal wave action, shallow warm water near the shore, and exceptional clarity. It is one of the best beaches in Gran Canaria for young children and nervous swimmers.
What watersports are available at Anfi del Mar?
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling equipment hire are available at the beach. The calm, clear water makes it an ideal location for beginner and family watersports.