El Pajar village is literally in the shadow of Gran Canaria's cement plant but once you're on the sand you can't see the factory and the little golden beach is calm and pretty.

While Puerto Rio and Playa del Inglés hardly existed before tourism, Arguineguín has always been a local town first and destination second. It's Las Marañuelas beach is the only easily-accessible one in south Gran Canaria with a real local feel.

Arguineguín's Scandinavian winter residents hang out La Lajilla beach and natural swimming pool and are quite happy that nobody else knows where it is.

Playa del Aguila is a long way from most people's idea of a south Gran Canaria beach: quiet, pebbly and almost completely local. And that's how its fans want it to stay.

Tiritaña beach is like a mini version of Güi Güi; you get the hike through a pristine valley and the deserted beach at the end, but it's all just 15 minutes from the road.

Puerto de Mogán beach is as calm and sunny as it gets. With golden sand, a strip of bars and restaurants right by the sand and all the charm of Puerto Mogán marina right next door,  it's a favourite for locals and visitors.

Patalavaca beach must be horrible. That's why nobody has ever heard of it and nobody goes to it. Except that it isn't. It's one of south Gran Canaria's best beaches.

Las Canteras beach has many claims to fame, but most people don't get past the big one: It's the best city beach in the world. But there's more to Las Canteras than sun, sand and palm trees. Here's ten fascinating facts about Las Palmas' jewel in the crown that most people don't know. 

Some people say that Las Canteras is one of the top city beaches in Europe. We say it's number one. In fact, we'll go further and say that Las Canteras deserves to be at the top of any "best city beaches in the world" list.

Watch Canarians on the beach and you'll see that they do something odd. They coat themselves in beach sand and rub their skin vigorously: They're not crazy but know about one of the ocean's secrets. Wet beach sand, coated with sea salt and minerals, is great for your skin.