Gran Canaria now has 15 Blue Flag beaches after three new ones gained the prestigious status for the first time in 2017.

Some people like to sit on Gran Canaria's beaches and look at the sea, but if you'd rather carve up its waves or dive under them, read this guide to Gran Canaria's top water sports beaches. 

Thought west Gran Canaria didn't have any golden-sand beaches? Well, it's got one. Trouble is, it's 25 metres above the sea.

El Risco beach is 400 metres long and is a mixture of pebbles and large stones although you do get some black sand at low tide during the summer and autumn.

Playa Triana is one of south Gran Canaria's quietest beaches even though it has calm water and beautiful sunsets.

There's more to Gran Canaria than getting a golden tan by the pool; Here're 14 things that glisten in Gran Canaria and really are golden. 

Lomo Galeón beach is a short but wide pebble beach just east of El Pajar village in south Gran Canaria.

World-class diving, great seafood and one of Gran Canaria's prettiest sandy beaches; Sardina de Gáldar is a Gran Canaria Info top spot.