Gran Canaria best places
Arguineguín
Arguineguín is a small town on the south coast of Gran Canaria, one of the Spanish Canary Islands, off the northwest coast of Africa. Known for its pleasant climate and local charm, Arguineguín is a popular destination for tourists seeking a quieter retreat compared to the bustling resorts of Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, located to the east.
Highlights of Arguineguín include:
- Local Market: The town hosts a popular market every Tuesday where you can purchase a variety of goods, from local food to souvenirs.
- Fisherman's Atmosphere: As a traditional fishing village, Arguineguín has a bustling harbor and a fish market where you can experience the local way of life.
- Marina: The modern marina is a peaceful spot for a walk, lined with boats and offering dining options with sea views.
- Local Cuisine: There are many restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Canarian dishes.
- Natural Pools: To the north of the main beach, you can find natural swimming pools created by the ocean waters trapping between the rocks, which are popular with both locals and visitors.
- Proximity to Other Attractions: Despite its tranquility, Arguineguín is close to other notable attractions including the sand dunes of Maspalomas and the beaches of Puerto Rico and Anfi del Mar.
Arguineguín manages to maintain a local Canarian feel, less influenced by tourism than other areas, but still providing the amenities that visitors may desire. It's ideal for those looking to experience a more relaxed pace and gain a sense of the island's culture away from the more commercialized resorts.
Experience more with this top attractions and excursions
Arguineguín Beach
The main beach in Arguineguín, Playa de Arguineguín, is relatively small compared to other beaches on the island, with a length that varies but generally is not more than a few hundred meters long. The sand is darker and more volcanic-looking than the white sands found on other beaches, giving it a distinctive character. Despite its modest size, the beach area is well-equipped with services and offers a more authentic Canarian experience.
Accommodations in Arguineguín
As for accommodation, Puerto Rico provides a broad spectrum, with everything from luxury hotels to self-catering apartments, most of which are built into the hillside, offering fantastic views over the resort and the Atlantic Ocean.
Shopping in Arguineguín
Shopping in Arguineguín offers a mix of local and tourist-oriented options, reflecting the town's status as both a functioning fishing village and a holiday destination. Arguineguín itself has no large shopping malls, there are a few shopping centers in nearby areas such as Puerto Rico and Maspalomas, which are easily accessible by public transport or car. These centers have a wider range of international brands, electronics, and other consumer goods.
Here are some shopping options in Arguineguín:
- Weekly Market: Arguineguín is famous for its large weekly market held every Tuesday. It is one of the biggest markets on the island and attracts both locals and tourists. You can find a wide range of products here, including clothing, leather goods, jewelry, souvenirs, and local food items.
- Local Shops: Throughout the town, there are a number of small local shops and boutiques where you can purchase a variety of goods. These might range from beachwear and accessories to local crafts and artworks.
- Supermarkets and Convenience Stores: For everyday needs, there are several supermarkets and smaller grocery stores where you can buy food, drinks, and basic household items. Some of these may offer local produce and specialties.
- Fish Market: As a traditional fishing town, Arguineguín has a local fish market where fresh catch is brought in and sold. This can be a unique experience if you are looking for local seafood to cook.
Shopping Day Trip to Las Palmas :
For those who want extensive retail options, a trip to the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, might be worthwhile as it offers larger shopping areas like Triana and Avenida Mesa y López, as well as the Las Arenas and Centro Comercial El Muelle shopping centers. Las Palmas can be reached by bus or car from Arguineguín.
Arguineguín nightlife
While Arguineguín offers a quiet and pleasant night scene, it may not meet the needs of those seeking an all-night party atmosphere. For that type of experience, visitors may wish to travel to the nearby regions of Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, where they will find a wider array of nightclubs, discotheques, and lively bars that stay open until the early hours of the morning.
Here are some aspects of Arguineguín's nightlife:
- Restaurants and Tapas Bars: The town has a good selection of restaurants and bars offering delicious local Canarian cuisine, fresh seafood, and international dishes. Many have outdoor seating, which allows you to enjoy your meal in a pleasant, balmy atmosphere.
- Beachfront Bars: You can find a number of bars along the beach promenade where you can unwind with a cocktail, beer or soft drink while enjoying the sea breeze and sometimes live music performances.
- Live Music and Entertainment: Some establishments host live music events, particularly during the tourist season, providing a variety of music styles that cater to different tastes.
Arguineguín location
Arguineguín is located on the south coast of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. It is positioned within the municipality of Mogán, which is a popular tourist area known for its beaches and resorts.
The distance from Gran Canaria Airport (also known as Las Palmas Airport or by its IATA code LPA) to Arguineguín is approximately 40-45 kilometers (about 25-28 miles). By car, this distance can typically be covered in around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, via the GC-1 motorway, which is the main road that runs along the east coast of the island and then heads southwest towards the tourist areas.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which is the capital city of Gran Canaria, is located on the northeast part of the island. The distance from Las Palmas to Arguineguín is roughly 70 kilometers (around 43 miles). The journey by car via the GC-1 motorway would typically take about 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Heading to Arguineguín from the airport by bus?
Traveling from Gran Canaria Airport (known as Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria) to Meloneras by bus is pretty straightforward. The island has a reliable and efficient public bus system, known locally as 'guaguas', operated by Global Bus Company.
The bus route you would typically take is:
- Global Bus Route 91: This bus service is operated by the company Global, which is the primary bus service provider on the island. Route 91 is an express service that connects the southwestern part of the island with the airport and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It makes various stops along the way, including in Arguineguín.
To catch the bus from Arguineguín to the airport, check the current timetable on the Global bus company website or at the bus stop, as schedules can change. As of my knowledge cutoff in early 2023, the route operates every day, with regular services throughout the day. The ride from Arguineguín to the airport typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.
Day trip: Family fun in Meloneras & Masopalmas
Hey there, fellow sun-seekers and thrill-lovers! I've been hopping around the surroundings of Meloneras and you wouldn't believe the fun-packed theme parks waiting for you close by! Each one is a little slice of paradise with its unique vibe. Let's dive into a few of my favorites:
Aqualand - Maspalomas
Are you ready to splash into fun? Aqualand is your go-to spot with an array of slides that'll make you scream with joy – from the adrenaline-pumping Boomerang to the laid-back Congo River. Located in the southern paradise of Maspalomas, it's a place where the sun always smiles, and the water sparkles, invitingly. Perfect for thrill-seekers and those needing a lazy day floating around.
Palmitos Park- Maspalomas
Tucked away in a lush valley near Maspalomas, this botanical garden and aviary is a peaceful retreat from the beach's buzz. The highlight? The dolphin show is pure joy, and the exotic birds are so colorful they'll make your camera blush! It's a day of learning, laughing, and falling in love with nature.
Holiday World- Maspalomas
Imagine a carnival that decided to settle in the Canaries – that's Holiday World in Maspalomas for ya! With an impressive Ferris wheel, thrilling rides, and an arcade, your inner child will be doing cartwheels. Don't forget to challenge yourself with a round of bowling or let loose on the dance floor at the disco!
Day trip - Worthwhile seeing: the Maspalomas Dunes Special Natural Reserve
Imagine stepping into a wonderland sculpted by the wind, a natural masterpiece where soft golden sands rise and fall like the swells of the sea. This is the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas, a unique patchwork of ecosystems locateed on the southern coast of Gran Canaria.
Spanning 400 hectares, this dynamic landscape is more than just a backdrop for sunbathing or a setting for holiday snapshots—it's a living, breathing environment protected for its ecological significance and unspoiled beauty. These shifting dunes are a spectacle of nature, constantly reshaped by the Atlantic breezes, offering a desert experience right by the ocean.
Here, you'll find yourself wandering through the sands, which seem to stretch into infinity, with the iconic Maspalomas lighthouse standing sentry in the distance. The dunes give way to oasis-like scenes, where pockets of palm trees offer shade, and temporary lagoons attract migrating birds, adding to the sense of an African safari.
This reserve isn't just for those with a deep appreciation for nature—it's also an accessible slice of wilderness that attracts beachgoers from around the world. Connecting the dunes to the lively resort of Playa del Inglés, a long stretch of beach awaits, where the golden sands are perfect for sunbathing, sandcastle-building, or simply savoring the view as the waves kiss the shore.
As a protected area, the dunes also serve as a reminder of our responsibility to preserve and respect natural wonders. They invite us to enjoy the raw beauty of our planet responsibly, leaving only footprints behind. Whether you're an adventurer ready to traverse this sandy expanse or a relaxed wanderer looking to bask in its beauty, the Dunas de Maspalomas stand as a timeless testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature, nestled right next to the vibrant energy of Playa del Inglés.
Arguineguín weather month by month
Curious about what kind of weather you'll find in Gran Canaria each month? Let's take a peek together at the sunny personality of this gorgeous island, all year round!
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