Coastal Walks from Arguineguín to Patalavaca and Anfi
The south coast of Gran Canaria invites slow walks by the sea, and the stretch between Arguineguín, Patalavaca and Anfi is one of the easiest ways to settle into the island’s rhythm. Paved paths hug the shoreline, beaches appear every few minutes, and cafés sit close enough for an unplanned stop. You can stroll it as a gentle hour out and back, or turn it into a day with swims and long breaks.
Why this route feels special
It stays close to the water almost the whole way. You hear waves on the rocks, smell grilled fish near the harbour, and pass small coves where the sea lies still in the morning. Benches dot the path. The grade is kind, so you can walk and talk without thinking about hills. If you like simple plans—walk, swim, coffee—this is the route.
Route overview at a glance
Start by the harbour in Arguineguín and head southwest with the sea on your right. The first section leads to Patalavaca. From there it continues to Anfi’s sheltered lagoon. Most of the surface is promenade paving with short ramps; a few spots have steps or narrow sections where you slow down and give way. You can return the same way or hop in a taxi for the last leg home.
Setting off from Arguineguín
The harbour area is a friendly starting point. Fishing boats rock on their moorings, and there’s often a gentle breeze. Pick up water at a corner shop and fall in step with the promenade. Early walkers share the path with joggers and people heading to work. If you like to swim first, there are small beaches near town where the morning sun warms the surface quickly.
Arguineguín → Patalavaca
This section meanders past low walls, rocky outcrops and pockets of sand. Look for short staircases down to little beaches. When the wind brushes the open path, the coves sit in the lee and feel calm. Shade is patchy, so a hat helps at midday. If you need a rest, sit on a bench and let a few minutes pass before you carry on.
Patalavaca → Anfi del Mar
Patalavaca has a plain, lived‑in feel that suits unhurried days. From here the path bends toward Anfi, where the white‑sand lagoon spreads out in a soft crescent. The water is often gentle, which is why families like it. You’ll find cafés, toilets and places to rinse sand from your feet. If you plan a swim and a long pause, this is a good place to settle for an hour.
Time, distance and pace
Harbour to Anfi usually takes about 45–60 minutes at a relaxed pace without long stops. Add time for photos, swims and coffee. Going back always feels quicker. If you prefer shorter walks, do Arguineguín to Patalavaca and return; if you have extra energy, continue beyond Anfi toward the next headland and turn around where it feels right.
Best times of day
Mornings are quiet and calm. The light is soft, and the sea often lies flat. Late afternoon is lovely too, with warm colour and a cooler breeze. Midday brings stronger sun; use shade when you can and keep water handy. After sunset the path still sees steady foot traffic, but watch for darker patches and uneven tiles.
Swim and coffee stops
Simple cafés line the route in each area—harbour, Patalavaca and Anfi—so you are never far from an espresso or a cold drink. Small supermarkets sit just off the path if you need fruit or water. If you like to string a day together, walk until you feel like stopping, swim, eat something light, and move on when the mood returns.
Safety and simple gear
Wear shoes with grip; some tiles get slick where spray reaches the path. A hat, sunscreen and a light shirt make midday easier. Keep phones and cameras secure when you lean over rails for photos. Swim within flagged areas and heed any local notices. If you walk at dusk, a small clip‑on light helps others see you on narrower sections.
Walking with kids
This is an easy family route. Bring a bucket and a small towel and stop at any cove that catches your eye. Strollers handle most of the path, though you may lift over a short step now and then. Plan breaks where there are toilets—Anfi is the most convenient—so you don’t have to rush. Keep some coins for ice cream, which has a way of turning into the goal for the last few hundred metres.
Getting back without hassle
Coastal buses run through the area and taxis are simple to find near busy spots like Anfi. If you are walking late and the legs feel done, flag a taxi for the ride back to your door. Carry your accommodation address on your phone to make the hand‑off quick. If you want more ideas to mix into your day, this piece on five things to do in Arguineguín pairs well with the walk.
Small detours worth the steps
Walk the short pier by the harbour for a different view of the town and watch the water shift colour with the light. In Patalavaca, step down to the sand for ten minutes and let your feet rest in the cool. At Anfi, follow the edge of the lagoon to the furthest corner and look back across the curve—simple, quiet, and a nice place to stand before you turn for home.
Wind and shelter
Afternoons can bring a breeze from the northeast that funnels around headlands. When it does, tuck into a cove or pause behind a low wall and the air softens. A few streets inland, wind drops further, so cafés back from the water can feel warmer than those right on the edge. If the day is gusty, keep the walk short and let the sea provide the soundtrack while you sit.
Map‑free directions
You don’t need a map for this one. From the harbour, keep the ocean on your right and follow the paved route. When the path splits, stay low and aim for the next headland. Steps usually have an alternative ramp nearby; if not, take the short detour and rejoin within minutes. On the return, the town opens up in front of you and the smell of dinner pops up before you see the restaurants.
Moments worth catching
Early light on the boats. A small wave folding over lava rocks below your feet. A child’s first unsteady steps into the lagoon. The hush just before sunset when the sea flattens again. As the lamps come on along the path, the water turns inky and the air cools by a degree or two. If you slow down to notice, the walk becomes more than a line on the map—it becomes the shape of your day.