Several kilometers long the quite windy and stony beach is only a few kilometers from Gran Canaria’s airport. Wind-surfers clearly dominate the scene since excellent windsurfing conditions are to be found here. Only neighboring beach Pozo Izquierdo can compete with the Playa de Vargas.
From May until October numerous windsurfers from all over the world come to Playa del Vargas. Along the beach surfers have built many small caves out of stones in order to be protected against the sometimes quite stormy winds. Besides, the huge windmills that surround the beach are feast for every windsurfer’s eyes.
Although not many know Playa de Vargas it can be easily found. Follow the highway GC 1 southbound. Some kilometers after the airport turn onto the country road GC 500. Follow this road until a traffic circle where a monument of three windsurfers is in its middle. The monument marks the Playa del Vargas perfectly. Turn left at the traffic circle towards the coast and after a few minutes you reach the beach. When getting out of the car, be aware of the strong winds and hold on to your cap and other things.
If you have enough time left, walk along the beach until you reach a remote spot in the south, you will be rewarded with a tiny, sandy beach that is even shielded against the strong wind. In that place in the middle of a tourist island you can enjoy solitude and almost feel like Robinson Crusoe.
Ground: rocky
Best when: during high and low tides
Ideal size: 1.5 to 2 meters
Ideal wind: from east
Waves: best suited for windsurfers
Type of surfers: mainly locals and internationals
Season: October to March (for surfers)
Quality of water: excellent
Rating: 6 out of 10