Playa de Taurito is a sheltered dark-sand bay on Gran Canaria's south-west coast, wrapped around a huge seawater lido complex that makes it one of the island's most family-friendly resort beaches. Set in a dramatic valley mouth just west of Playa del Cura, Taurito pairs a calm, safe beach with rows of palm-fringed pools, so children can splash all day whether the sea is flat or lively. It's a purpose-built holiday spot that does exactly what it sets out to do on this sunny corner of Gran Canaria.
How to get there
Taurito lies on the GC-500 coast road between Playa del Cura and Puerto de Mogán, at the bottom of a steep valley that opens onto the sea. It's an easy drive from the southern resorts, and the local coastal buses stop here too, though the resort is a little more tucked-away than its neighbours. There's parking near the front, and the beach and lido sit right at the heart of the small cluster of hotels and apartments, so everything is within a short walk once you arrive. Many guests stay in the resort itself and simply wander down to the sand.
Photo: Bgabel · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · converted
What it's like
The beach is a compact scoop of dark volcanic sand, hemmed in by tall, rugged cliffs that give the bay a real sense of drama. Behind it stretches the resort's signature feature: a large seawater lido and pool complex, with terraces, palm trees, sunbathing lawns and water features. The overall feel is that of a self-contained holiday village — quieter and less commercial than the big resorts, built around families making the most of both the sea and the pools. It's relaxed, a touch retro, and geared entirely to easy days in the sun.
The lido complex usually charges for entry (often included or discounted for guests of the resort's hotels). The beach itself is free and public, so you can enjoy the bay whether or not you use the pools.
Swimming and safety
The bay is well sheltered by its cliffs and the water is generally calm, making sea swimming here relaxed and family-friendly. The dark sand shelves gently into clear water, and on most days conditions are gentle. The real draw for nervous swimmers and young children, though, is the seawater lido: calm, contained and warm, it's ideal for splashing about with no waves or current at all. As always, follow any beach flags, watch children closely and take care if the sea gets choppy.
Facilities
Taurito is well set up for a full day out. The beach usually offers sunbeds and parasols for hire, showers and toilets, with lifeguard cover in season, while the lido complex adds pools, terraces and refreshment kiosks. Around the bay you'll find hotel bars, cafés and a few shops for essentials, ice creams and drinks. It's not a place for extensive shopping or nightlife — it's a comfortable, contained resort beach where the emphasis is firmly on relaxing in and beside the water.
The dark sand absorbs heat and can be very hot underfoot at midday, and the enclosing cliffs mean shade comes early to parts of the bay. Bring flip-flops and plan your sun accordingly.
Best for whom
This is a beach for families above all — the combination of a calm bay and a big, safe lido is hard to beat for children and less confident swimmers. It also suits couples and older visitors who want a quiet, low-key base with everything to hand. It's less suited to those after buzzy beach bars, watersports and a lively scene; nearby resorts serve that better. But for a peaceful, pool-and-beach holiday in a striking cliff-backed setting, Taurito is an easy choice.
Nearby
The pretty fishing-port resort of Puerto de Mogán — "Little Venice" — is just along the coast to the west, with its canals, seafood restaurants and boat trips. The lively bay and marina of Puerto Rico lie a short way east, while the quiet cove of Playa del Cura sits right next door. Boat excursions along this coast are a highlight, and the dunes of Maspalomas are within easy reach. For where to stay and what to see, browse our full guide to Gran Canaria.