Blue Flag Certified

El Puertillo

Canary Islands, Spain — Excellent water quality

Atlantic Ocean
2017 12 05 13 37 40 Pentax JH   El Puertillo (Gran Canaria), Spain
Photo: Jan Helebrant, CC0

**How to get to the beach:** Take the Arucas-Bañaderos road (G.C.-330) or the northern motorway (G.C.-2) via the service road. The beach entrance is near the playground area.

Certification Blue Flag 2026 Excellent Water
Activities Family
Experience Sandy Beach Lifeguards
Practical Free Entry

Plan Your Visit to El Puertillo

The key facts before you go

Blue Flag
Certified 2026
FEE annual certification
Water Quality
Excellent
EU Bathing Water Directive
Best Season
June
Season: 01-06 – 11-10
Location
Arucas
3.81 km from Arucas
Facilities
Lifeguards
Free entry · Open beach
Family Score
N/A
Based on facilities & safety data

What is El Puertillo?

**How to get to the beach:** Take the Arucas-Bañaderos road (G.C.-330) or the northern motorway (G.C.-2) via the service road. The beach entrance is near the playground area.

It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Canary Islands, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Spain certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Bathing Water Quality: Excellent — verified under EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Blue Flag certification requires annual water quality monitoring.

Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction

El Puertillo faces W toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.

When to Go — Month by Month

Month Air Temp Water Temp Crowds
Jan 17°C 14°C Low
Feb 17°C 14°C Low
Mar 17°C 14°C Low
Apr 18°C 15°C Low
May 19°C 16°C Low
Jun 21°C 18°C Med
Jul 22°C 19°C High
Aug 24°C 21°C High
Sep 23°C 20°C High
Oct 22°C 19°C Med
Nov 20°C 17°C Low
Dec 18°C 15°C Low
When is the best time to visit El Puertillo?

The best time to visit El Puertillo is June. Air temperatures peak around 22.4°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 19.4°C in July.

How crowded does El Puertillo get?

Like most Blue Flag beaches in Spain, El Puertillo sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.

Is El Puertillo open year-round?

The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-06 – 11-10). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.

Swimming and Beach Life at El Puertillo

Is El Puertillo safe to swim?

El Puertillo is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season.

What is the water temperature at El Puertillo?

Peak water temperature at El Puertillo reaches around <span class="inline-stat">19.4°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 17.2°C.

What is the beach like at El Puertillo?

El Puertillo is a sandy beach on the Canary Islands coast of Spain. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.

Does El Puertillo have good facilities?

As a Blue Flag certified beach, El Puertillo meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Trained lifeguards are on duty during the season.

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Getting to El Puertillo

How do I get to El Puertillo by car?

El Puertillo is approximately 3.81 km from Arucas. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.

What is the nearest airport to El Puertillo?

The nearest airport is Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) (LPA), approximately 28.4 km away.

Can I get to El Puertillo by public transport?

Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Arucas.

Practical Information

At the Beach
Entry Free — no charge to access the beach
Lifeguards On duty during official season
Disabled Access Contact local authority for details
Showers
Toilets
Official Season 01-06 – 11-10
Beach Type Sandy beach
Visiting Information
GPS Coordinates 28.1513°N, 15.5344°W
Water Quality Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive)
Blue Flag Operator Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Spain

El Puertillo FAQ

Is El Puertillo suitable for children?

El Puertillo is a Blue Flag certified beach in Canary Islands, Spain. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season, providing an important safety layer for families. The EU Excellent water quality rating means the water is safe and clean for all swimmers, including children. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.

Is El Puertillo free to access?

Yes, access to El Puertillo is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Facilities including beach amenities are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.

When is the best time to visit El Puertillo?

The best time to visit El Puertillo is June. Water temperature peaks at around 19.4°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 22.4°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.

What is the water quality at El Puertillo?

El Puertillo is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is currently rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.

How do I get to El Puertillo?

El Puertillo is located in Canary Islands, Spain. It is approximately 3.81 km from Arucas. The nearest airport is Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) (LPA), 28.4 km away. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.

More Blue Flag Beaches in Spain

A Barbeira
Spain
View Beach Guide
A Concheira
Galicia, Spain
View Beach Guide
A Ladeira
Galicia, Spain
View Beach Guide

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Sofía Reyes covers Blue Flag beaches in Canary Islands for Zeach.net.

Edited by Arjun Nair, Coastal Research Editor | Updated June 2026