Pozo Izquierdo Beaches

Overview

Welcome to Pozo Izquierdo, a unique coastal destination on Gran Canaria's southeastern shore. This is not your typical Canary Islands resort town; instead of sprawling hotels and calm swimming waters, you'll find an authentic village with a rugged, sporty soul. It is globally recognized as a mecca for windsurfing, thanks to powerful and consistent winds that create world-class conditions. The main beach here is a mix of dark sand and pebbles, attracting watersports enthusiasts from around the globe rather than sunbathers seeking a quiet day on golden sands.

While the town of Pozo Izquierdo is the heart of the action for advanced windsurfers, the surrounding area offers a diverse range of coastal experiences. For a classic beach day, the immense golden dunes of Playa de Maspalomas are just a short drive away, offering a completely different and iconic landscape. If you prefer a more local atmosphere, the charming town of Arinaga is where residents go to enjoy the sea from a lovely promenade. For those seeking underwater adventure, the secluded beach at Cabrón is celebrated as one of the island's top diving spots, hidden away from the main tourist trails.

This guide is designed to help you explore the full spectrum of beaches in and around this special corner of Gran Canaria. Whether you're an adrenaline seeker drawn to the famous waves of Pozo Izquierdo, curious about the local life at Arinaga, or dreaming of the vast sands at Playa de Maspalomas, there is something to discover. For even more options, from hidden coves to other well-known shores, be sure to check out our complete list of area beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Pozo Izquierdo good for a typical sunbathing and swimming beach holiday?

Pozo Izquierdo is not a typical beach holiday destination. It is world-renowned as a mecca for windsurfing due to its very strong and consistent winds, especially in the summer. The main beach, El Arenal, is primarily pebbles and dark sand with rocks, and it lacks amenities like sun loungers or umbrellas. While it has an authentic, relaxed vibe, those looking for calm waters and golden sand for sunbathing and casual swimming would be better suited to the resort beaches in the south of Gran Canaria, like Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés.

Pozo Izquierdo

Playa de Maspalomas

Playa del Inglés

Can you actually swim at the beach in Pozo Izquierdo?

Swimming at the main windsurfing beach (El Arenal) is generally not recommended due to the strong winds, waves, and high traffic of fast-moving windsurfers and kitesurfers. However, there is a smaller, separate area known as El Ribanzo, which is a sheltered black sand cove protected by stone jetties. This spot is designated for swimming and is where locals and families go to bathe safely, away from the water sports action.

Pozo Izquierdo

How windy is it in Pozo Izquierdo and when is the best time to go for windsurfing?

Pozo Izquierdo is one of the windiest places on Earth, which is why it's a top professional windsurfing location. The strong, consistent trade winds are present year-round. The peak season for the strongest and most reliable winds is from May to September, which is when the PWA World Cup event is typically held. During these months, winds can be very powerful, often requiring small sails of 3.0 to 4.2 meters.

Pozo Izquierdo

Is Pozo Izquierdo only for professional windsurfers or can beginners learn there?

While Pozo Izquierdo itself is famous for its challenging conditions suited to advanced and expert windsurfers, it is also a place where you can learn. There are several windsurfing schools in the town. For beginners and intermediates, the nearby Bahía de Formas in Arinaga (just 3km north) offers much flatter, more protected waters that are perfect for learning and practicing maneuvers without the large waves and strong shore break of Pozo's main spot.

Pozo Izquierdo

Arinaga

What kind of accommodation is available in Pozo Izquierdo?

Accommodation in Pozo Izquierdo consists almost exclusively of self-catering apartments and holiday homes, many with sea views. There are no large hotels or resorts directly in the village. These rentals are very popular with the windsurfing community and often cater to them. For larger hotels, you would need to look in the nearby city of Vecindario or further south in the main tourist resorts.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Pozo Izquierdo

What is the beach actually like? Is it a sandy beach?

The main beach in Pozo Izquierdo, El Arenal, is not a typical sandy beach. It is a mix of dark sand, gravel, and large, smooth pebbles (callaos). The shoreline is quite rocky, and many people wear water shoes to enter the sea. While some sand can be exposed at low tide, visitors should expect a rugged, natural, and stony environment rather than a soft, golden sand beach.

Pozo Izquierdo

How does Pozo Izquierdo compare to Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés?

Pozo Izquierdo and the southern resorts like Maspalomas are worlds apart. Pozo is a small, quiet, authentic seaside village focused entirely on windsurfing, with a rugged pebble beach and a handful of local restaurants. Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés are large, bustling tourist resorts with vast golden sand dunes, calm waters, hundreds of hotels, extensive nightlife, and every imaginable tourist amenity. Choose Pozo for a dedicated sports trip and a quiet, local vibe; choose the south for a classic resort-style beach holiday.

Pozo Izquierdo

Playa de Maspalomas

Playa del Inglés

Is Pozo Izquierdo a good place for a family holiday?

It depends on the family. If your family is passionate about windsurfing, it's an excellent destination. For families looking for a quiet base away from major tourist crowds, it can also be pleasant. However, if you're seeking calm, sandy beaches for young children to play on, resort-style pools, and varied entertainment, Pozo Izquierdo is not the ideal choice. The main beach is windy and rocky, though there is a small, sheltered swimming area.

Pozo Izquierdo

People Also Ask

What is there to do in Pozo Izquierdo besides windsurfing?

Besides watching the impressive windsurfers, life in Pozo Izquierdo is about relaxation and enjoying the local, low-key atmosphere. You can swim in the sheltered natural pool, sunbathe on the wooden deck or sheltered solarium, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the well-regarded beachfront restaurants like Terraza El Viento. The town is also home to the Salinas de Tenefé, historic salt pans you can visit. For more variety, the larger town of Vecindario is a short drive away for shopping and more dining options.

Pozo Izquierdo

Salinas de Tenefé

Do I need to rent a car if I'm staying in Pozo Izquierdo?

Renting a car is highly recommended. While Pozo Izquierdo is small and walkable, having a car gives you the freedom to explore other parts of Gran Canaria, visit calmer beaches, and easily get to larger supermarkets in Vecindario for groceries. Public transport exists but is not as convenient for accessing different spots along the coast or in the mountains.

Pozo Izquierdo

What is the vibe of the town? Is it very touristy?

Pozo Izquierdo has an authentic, laid-back, and sporty vibe. It is not a touristy town in the traditional sense. The atmosphere is shaped by the international windsurfing community and the local Canarian residents. It feels more like a functional fishing village that has become a global sports hub, rather than a resort built for tourism. You won't find souvenir shops or tourist traps here.

Pozo Izquierdo

Are there any good places to eat right by the beach?

Yes, despite its small size, Pozo Izquierdo is known for a few highly-regarded places to eat with direct sea views. Restaurante Terraza El Viento is particularly popular, offering a range of dishes from pizza and burgers to fresh seafood, with an elevated terrace overlooking the windsurfing action. There are also other local bars and cafes serving traditional Canarian food.

Pozo Izquierdo