Maspalomas, Canary Islands
Playa de El Inglés
Playa de El Inglés sits on Gran Canaria's southern coast in the sprawling resort zone of Maspalomas, a sun-drenched stretch that draws millions of European sun-seekers year-round.
About this place
Playa de El Inglés sits on Gran Canaria's southern coast in the sprawling resort zone of Maspalomas, a sun-drenched stretch that draws millions of European sun-seekers year-round. Officially recognized by the Federación Española de Naturismo, this wide sandy beach runs for several kilometers and has a loosely defined clothing-optional section that shifts with the crowd. You'll find the naturist presence strongest at the eastern end, closer to the dunes that lead toward the more committed naturist beaches further along the coast. The beach itself is broad and gently sloping, with golden sand and moderate Atlantic swell—conditions are generally mild, but winter months can bring stronger winds. Being part of a heavily touristed area means infrastructure is solid: promenades, beach bars, and sun-lounger rentals are plentiful, though the naturist stretch is less commercialized. Spain's relaxed attitude toward beach nudity means you won't encounter legal issues, but the vibe here is decidedly mixed-use. On crowded summer weekends and school holidays, textile visitors dominate; early mornings, weekdays, and shoulder seasons see a higher proportion of naturists. It's a convenient option if you're staying in the Maspalomas resort area and want the flexibility of a recognized naturist beach without the commitment of a more remote spot.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
The crowd is heavily tourist-driven, reflecting the international resort clientele of Maspalomas—predominantly Northern European visitors (German, British, Scandinavian) aged 30–65, plus a fair number of year-round expats. You'll see couples and solo sunbathers; families tend to stick to the textile sections. The naturist contingent skews older and more experienced, with casual first-timers mixing in during quieter periods.
How to find it
Playa de El Inglés runs along the coast just west of Maspalomas town center. The naturist-friendly section is toward the eastern end, nearest the dunes. Multiple access points exist along the Paseo Costa Canaria promenade, with paid parking available at several lots behind the beach. It's a short walk from most hotels in the area. Coordinates place you mid-beach; walk east to find the naturist zone.
Things to watch out for
This is a busy resort beach—expect crowds in July, August, and around holidays. Wind can pick up in the afternoons, especially in winter and spring, so mornings are more comfortable. The naturist section isn't formally marked, and the balance between clothed and unclothed sunbathers varies widely depending on the day. If you want a more committed naturist atmosphere, consider the nearby dunes or Playa de Maspalomas further east.
Last updated
Etiquette & ground rules
On clothing-optional beaches in Europe, full nudity is welcome but not expected — many visitors mix nudity, swimwear, and topless dress freely. Cameras and phone photography are off-limits without explicit consent. Pack out everything you bring. Stay aware of where the naturist section ends if signage shifts — adjacent stretches are sometimes textile-only.
Know this spot?
Report an update
Beach closed? Parking price changed? Section moved? Send a short note and we'll check it.
Also in Canary Islands
More places nearby
Canary Islands, Spain
Las Gaviotas. Playa nudista.
Las Gaviotas is a clothing-optional beach tucked along the rugged northeastern coast of Tenerife, near the village of Igueste de San Andrés. Recognized by the Federación Española de Naturismo, it sits in a dramatic landscape where volcanic cliffs meet the Atlantic—characteristic of this wild corner of the island, far from the resort zones of the south. The beach sees a mix of naturist and textile visitors, with the balance shifting by season and time of week. Calmer mornings and the shoulder months of spring and autumn tend to draw the most committed naturist crowd, while tourist-heavy summer weekends bring a broader mix. Spain's long-standing acceptance of naturism at officially recognized beaches means you won't face fines or interference, and topless and full nudity are both common and unremarkable. Access is typically on foot from the nearest parking area or via coastal trail—expect a bit of a walk, which helps keep the beach quieter than Tenerife's busier southern strands. The setting is raw and beautiful, with black volcanic sand and often robust surf. It's a good choice if you're based in or exploring Santa Cruz de Tenerife and want a naturist-friendly escape without the long drive south.
Canary Islands, Spain
Monkey Rock (nudist beach)
Monkey Rock is a small clothing-optional beach on Tenerife's southern coast, tucked below the quieter resort town of Costa del Silencio. The beach takes its name from a distinctive rock formation that marks the cove. While not as famous as Playa de las Gaviotas near Santa Cruz or the larger nudist beaches on Gran Canaria, Monkey Rock attracts a loyal following of naturists who appreciate its low-key atmosphere and relative shelter from the tourist bustle just up the coast. The beach itself is rocky with dark volcanic sand—typical of Tenerife's southern shore—and the swimming is decent when the Atlantic cooperates. Access involves a scramble down from the coastal path, which keeps crowds manageable. You'll find a mix of naked and clothed sunbathers, though naturists typically claim the more secluded end of the cove. The Canary Islands enjoy year-round sunshine, and Tenerife's south coast is particularly dry and warm even in winter, making Monkey Rock a viable option outside the peak summer months. There are no facilities here—bring water, snacks, and sun protection. The beach sits within easy reach of Tenerife South Airport and the larger resorts of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, so it's a convenient escape if you're staying nearby and want a few hours of clothing-free sun without the formality of a resort.
Canary Islands, Spain
Playa de Guasimeta
Playa de Guasimeta sits along the Playa Honda coastline of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, officially recognized by the Federación Española de Naturismo as a naturist-friendly beach. Like many Spanish beaches, it sees a blend of naturist and textile bathers, with the mix shifting throughout the year. Spain's relaxed approach to beach nudity means you won't encounter legal hassles here, though the social atmosphere varies with the season. The Canaries enjoy year-round warmth, making Lanzarote a popular winter escape for northern Europeans seeking sun when home beaches are frigid. Guasimeta tends to be quieter than Lanzarote's better-known tourist strands, drawing those who know to look beyond the resort areas. Mornings generally offer calmer conditions and a higher proportion of committed naturists, while summer weekends—especially during peak tourist months—can bring larger textile crowds. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) often strike the best balance: pleasant weather, fewer visitors, and a more consistently naturist vibe. The beach itself is typical of Lanzarote's volcanic coastline: dark sand, dramatic geology, and open Atlantic views. Access is straightforward on foot from nearby parking or coastal paths. If you're island-hopping through the Canaries or spending time on Lanzarote, Guasimeta offers a low-key naturist option without the formality of a resort or club.