Where to watch the sun go down

Sunsets

The sun does not set in the same place all year: its setting point swings some 54° over the seasons. Which is why a beach can be perfect in January and half-lit in July. These are the island’s best spots, ordered by how they work TODAY.

Puerto de Mogán

South coast of Gran Canaria

In high summer the sun slips behind the cliff before it reaches the water; from October to March it drops cleanly into the sea.

Horizon facing South-west

Las Canteras

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

It is the La Puntilla end that faces the sun. On clear days the Teide stands cut out on the horizon.

Horizon facing North-west

Dunas de Maspalomas

South of Gran Canaria

Watch it from the Mirador de las Dunas: it is the only balcony over the sand field. The last half hour is the one that counts, when the crests fill with long shadows.

Horizon facing South and south-west

Mirador del Balcón

West coast of Gran Canaria

The GC-200 narrows at the end: drive it in daylight and park before walking down to the viewpoint.

Horizon facing West

Playa de Amadores

Southwest coast of Gran Canaria

The bay is enclosed and the water stays still: the sky’s reflection on the pale sand lingers well into the evening.

Horizon facing South-west

Faro de Maspalomas

Southern Gran Canaria

The lighthouse cuts a silhouette: stand east of the tower to get it backlit.

Horizon facing South and west

Playa de Maspalomas

South · Maspalomas

From October to March the sun drops into the water; in summer it sets inland and what catches fire is the sky, not the sea.

Horizon facing South and west

La Charca de Maspalomas

South · Maspalomas

What you come for here is not the sun but its reflection: stand on the east bank and keep the lighthouse to your right.

Horizon facing West and south-west

Paseo de Meloneras

South · Meloneras

The most open stretch runs west from the lighthouse, where the coast is straight and nothing is built in front.

Horizon facing South-west

El Confital

North · Las Palmas

Head back while it is still light: the dirt track to the city is unlit and feels long in the dark.

Horizon facing West and north-west

Sardina del Norte lighthouse

North-west · Gáldar

Here the sun drops into the water all year, with no mountain in the way. It is windy even in summer: bring a long sleeve.

Horizon facing West and north-west

Puerto de las Nieves

North-west · Agaete

On clear days the sun goes down right beside the Teide, cut out 60 km away. The calima erases it: check the horizon before setting off.

Horizon facing West