Seashells and Surfers at La Laja Beach in Las Palmas

La Laja beach at the southeast end of Las Palmas city La Laja beach at the southeast end of Las Palmas city

Drive into Las Palmas along the coast road from the airport and you can't miss La Laja beach and its mob of seagulls. While everybody sees it, only boogie boarders and locals appreciate it.

La Laja is a 1200 metre, east-facing, black sand beach at the south-eastern fringe of Las Palmas. It's linked to the city by the main coast road, and by the beachfront promenade that runs the length of Las Palmas' east coast. 

Lex says: Nudism is allowed if not actively encouraged at La Laja after a local naturist group staged a naked sit on until the city authorities just left them to it. 

Head to the north end of La Laja for surfing and the south end for sunbathing and swimming: The calmest part is by the breakwater at the south tip. This is also where you'll find the most seashells; look out for large red clams and smaller orange cockles. 

There's parking at the south end (exit just past the huge statue of Triton if you're heading into the city) and at the north end. The viewpoint here, called the Punta del Palo, has a great view north towards Las Palmas. 

New natural swimming pools at the north end are great on rough days. 

Toilets are at the north end of the beach and La Laja has lifeguards on weekends and during local holiday periods. There are no shops or bars by the beach; the nearest restaurants are in San Cristobal village about a kilometre north. 

 

Additional Info

  • Lifeguard: No
  • Calm water: No
  • You're sitting on: Sand
  • Sand colour: Volcanic black
  • Looks best at: Sunrise
  • Nudist: Yes
  • Hippy rating: 7

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  • Tip Of The Day: Avoid Bank Card Charges By Paying In Euros
    Tip Of The Day: Avoid Bank Card Charges By Paying In Euros

    Save money and avoid rip-off bank charges while in Gran Canaria by paying in euros when using your credit or debit card.

    Many bars and restaurants in Gran Canaria, and in almost all European holiday destinations, give you the option of paying in euros or in your home currency. Opting for your own currency, while it may seem like the safer option, can add as much as 5% to the bill as it triggers dynamic currency conversion. 

    DCC basically means that the exchange rate is calculated at point of sale rather than by your bank. It allows you to see the total cost of the transaction in your own currency but adds up to 5% to the total because it uses a terrible exchange rate. 

    Since the extra money is shared between your bank and the merchant, some places will automatically bill you in your own currency and hope you don't notice. You have the legal right to refuse and void the transaction should this happen. 

    ATMs too

    The same applies when taking money out of ATM machines in Gran Canaria (and anywhere in Europe); Always choose the local currency option to avoid losing money to poor exchange rates.

    If you opt for the local currency option, using bank ATMs is often the cheapest and safest way of getting euros in Gran Canaria. It's far safer than having a big pile of euros hidden in your room or tucked into your shorts.

    More details in this Daily Telegraph article.

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