Playa Güi Güi is a pristine, virgin beach on the west coast of Gran Canaria in the municipality of La Aldea de San Nicolás. This isolated sandy beach, backed by high vertiginous cliffs, can only be reached by foot, or by boat.
There are two hiking routes that lead to Güi Güi Beach. The shorter route starts in Tasartico and the longer route starts in Albercón in La Aldea. The Tasartico route is the better option for out-and-back day hikes.
Alternatively, you can arrive at Playa Güi Güi sweat-free via a boat from Puerto Rico.
Playa Güi Güi is spelled a number of ways including Playa de Guguy, Playa de Güigüí, Playa Güigüi.
In this guide to visiting Güi Güi Beach, we’ve outlined the out-and-back hike starting at Tasartico. This is one of the most scenic day hikes in Gran Canaria.
- Trailhead: Tasartico. Exact Location: Google Maps
- Distance: 9.3 km out-and-back
- Time Needed: 4:00 – 4:30 hours out-and-back
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1100 meters
- Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
- Minimum Elevation: 0 m
- Maximum Elevation: 580 m
- When to Hike: all-year-round
- Where to Stay: budget Blue Ocean Camp in Tasartico; midrange Hotel La Aldea Suites in La Aldea; midrange Los Pinos in Mogán; luxury Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Puerto de Mogán ; luxury Hotel Faro in Maspalomas.
- Recommended Hiking Map: Freytag & Berndt WKE 5 Gran Canaria
- Get the Hiking Guidebook: Rother: Gran Canaria, or Cicerone: Walking on Gran Canaria
- Recommended Itinerary: 7-Day Gran Canaria Road Trip
Tasartico to Playa Güi Güi Trail Map
Where to Start the Playa Güi Güi Hike
Tasartico
Tasartico is a quiet hamlet in the Tasartico Ravine along GC-204 in southwest Gran Canaria. There are no stores, bars, or restaurants here.
The only place to stay nearby is the budget-friendly Blue Ocean Camp, located further down the ravine, close to Playa De Tasartico.
How to Get to Tasartico
The best way to reach Tasartico is by car. Use theDiscovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Gran Canaria.
The GC-204 road to Tasartico branches off the GC-200 road at the Mirador de Tasartico viewpoint.
Shortly before arriving at the trailhead, the paved road turns to gravel. There’s plenty of parking at the starting point.
The trailhead is marked with a number of trail signs and info boards.
Here are the driving distances to Tasartico from nearby towns and resorts:
La Aldea to Tasartico Trailhead | 30 minutes, 16.3 km, Google Maps
Mogán to Tasartico Trailhead | 40 minutes, 23.3 km, Google Maps
Puerto de Mogán to Tasartico Trailhead | 50 minutes, 31.8 km, Google Maps
Puerto Rico to Tasartico Trailhead | 1 hour, 38.7 km, Google Maps
Maspalomas to Tasartico Trailhead | 1:06 hour, 53 km, Google Maps
Trail Difficulty
This is an excellent, signed trail, with no technical difficulty or exposure. It’s very doable, with sturdy hiking boots, sufficient water, and sun protection. There’s no shade along this trail.
Getting to the beach takes 1:45 – 2:15 hours and requires tackling a 467 meter ascent followed by a 635 meter descent. You essentially go up a barranco and down another.
Though the return route follows the exact same trail, it’s more taxing because of the initial 635 meters ascent to the saddle.
Tasartico to Güi Güi Beach Hike Description
Tasartico to Degollada de Aguas Sabinas (45 min – 1 hour)
Follow the trail signs to “Ruta de Guguy” and “Playa Güigüí” (S-79, 5 km).
The trail steadily ascends rocky terrain accented by endemic Euphorbia Balsamifera, Euphorbia Canariensis, and Kleinia neriifolia.
After about 15 minutes, the trail makes a sharp left. Keep your eyes out for cairns (stacked rocks) to guide you.
A series of switchbacks steer you continuously uphill to Degollada de Aguas Sabinas saddle, the highest point of the hike.
From this lofty vantage point, you can already see the Atlantic Ocean and the imposing Güi Güi cliffs.
Degollada de Aguas Sabinas to Playa de Güi Güí Grande (1:00 – 1:15 hours)
From the saddle, the trail zigzags downhill sharp serpentines.
After about 10 minutes, the path levels out and follows an enjoyable balcony/ledge trail high above the deep ravine.
The descent resumes along big loopy switchbacks, which bring you closer and closer to the ravine bed.
Shortly after crossing the ravine bed, you’ll arrive at a trail junction. Turn left in the direction of Playa Güigüí. This is where the La Aldea and Tasartico routes converge.
The trail runs parallel to the barranco and eventually passes a few fenced-in gardens and off-grid homes. One such shack sells lemonade, coffee, and tea.
Another sign directs you to Playa Güigüí.
When you descend to another wide ravine bed, you’ll notice that the ravine bed trail is overgrown. Another footpath leads right, bypassing the thick vegetation. Continue towards the coast.
With another shack on your right and some building ruins off to the left, the trail descends through thick vegetation (2 meters at most). You’ll emerge on a sandy slope, only a few meters away from the beach.
Follow the white rope down to Playa de Güi Güí Grande.
Playa Güigüi Grande to Playa Güiguï Chico
Playa Güi Güi is technically two beaches: Playa de Güi Güí Grande (Güigüi Grande) and Playa de Güigüi (Güiguï Chico).
When you first descend to the beach, you’re on Playa de Güi Güí Grande.
To reach the second beach, Playa de Güigüi ( Güiguï Chico), continue right (north). It’s only possible to access the second beach, if the tide is low enough. You can check tide times here and plan accordingly.
When we visited, the tide was already too high to reach the second cove.
Playa Güi Güi is a wild beach. There are no facilities, garbage bins, or lifeguards on duty.
Playa Güi Güi to Tasartico
The return route follows the same trail.
Initially, a few painted white arrows guide you out of the barranco and through the off-grid shacks.
Tips for Hiking to Güi Güi Beach
Water | Bring 2 liters of water per person.
Starting Time | Start this hike in the morning to avoid the midday sun.
Footwear | It’s vital to wear sturdy hiking boots. Without stable footwear, it’s easy to slip and fall, especially on the descents. We hiked in the same boots we wear for alpine hiking.
Tide | Check the tide schedule in advance if you want to visit Playa de Güigüi (Güiguï Chico).
Know the Rules | Wild camping on the beach and anywhere in Gran Canaria is strictly forbidden.
Be Responsible | Pack up all your belongs and do not leave garbage of any kind on the beach.
Where to Stay near Güi Güi Beach
Given the beach’s remote location, most people visit Playa de Güigüí from La Aldea, Mogán, Puerto de Mogán, and Maspalomas. The budget-friendly Blue Ocean Camp is the only accommodation in Tasartico.
Here are the best places to stay near Gui Gui Beach.
La Aldea de San Nicolás
30 minute drive to Tasartico
La Aldea is a down-to-earth destination in the south west of Gran Canaria. It’s a perfect “alternative” destination for anyone who wants to steer clear of the purpose-built resorts of the south.
It’s located along the scenic GC-200 Road, which connects Agaete with Playa de Mogán. If you stay here, don’t miss the Playa de la Aldea beach and the Mirador del Balcón viewpoint. We recommend staying here 2 nights max.
Budget-Midrange | Hotel La Aldea Suites is a laid-back accommodation featuring clean and spacious rooms, a generous breakfast buffet (included in the room rate), and a terrace with a pool and hot tub.
Look for accommodation in La Aldea.
Mogán
40 minute drive to Tasartico
The town of Mogán is located along the GC-200, 9 km inland from the coast. Mogán is an ideal place to stay if you want to divide your time between hiking and beaches. In addition to Playa de Güigüí, the Ayagaures – Presa de la Angostura circuit and Tauro mountain out-and-back trails are within reach.
Midrange | Los Pinos is a top-rated holiday home in Mogán, perfect for travelers seeking peace and quiet. Guests love the hideaway location, spotless interior, functional kitchen, and the outdoor terrace and private pool.
Look for accommodation in Mogán.
Puerto de Mogán
50 minute drive to Tasartico
If Mogán sounds too sedate, consider staying in Puerto de Mogán, the beach resort of Mogán. Guests who stay here have easy access to the golden sand Playa de Mogán beach, the cute Puerto de Mogán fishing village and harbor, and a plethora of restaurants and accommodations.
Midrange-Luxury | Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogan is a sleek, family-friendly holiday resort in Puerto de Mogán, a 10-minute walk to the beach. Guests love the spacious layout of the hotel, the rooms (especially the beds), and the breakfast buffets (included). The hotel features a swimming pool with plentiful seating and sun loungers, a children’s splash pool, a gym, and several on-site restaurants and bars. A welcome extra is the free indoor parking.
Look for accommodation in Puerto de Mogán.
Maspalomas
1 hour drive to Tasartico
In Gran Canaria, all roads seem to lead to Maspalomas – arguably the island’s most famous and unabashedly touristic beach resort. With its windswept dunes, long sandy beach, and colossal resorts, Maspalomas attracts the masses.
Love it or hate it, Maspalomas is actually a great base. You can drive up the Fataga Ravine and visit Roque Nublo, Tejeda, and other attractions in the interior. You can also take a day trip to the gorgeous Barranco de Guayadeque.
Luxury | Hotel Faro, a Lopesan Collection Hotel occupies an enviable location directly on Maspalomas Beach, near the lighthouse. With its standout design concept, three swimming pools, rooftop terrace and snack bar, this modern beachfront hotel is the very best that Maspalomas has to offer. You can book breakfast-only or half board. Breakfast is included.
Look for accommodation in Maspalomas.
More Gran Canaria Travel Guides
What to See & Do in Gran Canaria: Best Things to Do in Gran Canaria
Hiking in Gran Canaria: Learn more about hiking in Best Hikes in Gran Canaria. We’ve summarized the most beautiful trails across the island including Roque Faneque.
Tejeda is one of the best places to stay if you want to explore the rugged mountains of the interior. Check out these hiking trails around Tejeda:
- Pico de las Nieves Hike
- Cruz de Tejeda – La Culata Circuit Hike
- Cruz de Tejeda to Cuevas del Caballero Hike
- Ventana del Nublo Viewpoint Hike
- Roque Nublo Hike
Agaete in Northwest Gran Canaria is a the best base for exploring Agaete Valley and Tamadaba Natural Park. Check out these trail guides: