Gran Canaria best places

Maspalomas

Discover Maspalomas: Sun, Sand, and Soulful Serenity Await!

Planning your next holiday escape to Maspalomas? Buckle up for a sun-drenched journey through a paradise that's much more than a destination—it's a vibrant, welcoming experience that begs to be lived!

Nestled on the southern tip of Gran Canaria, Maspalomas beckons with its radiant shores and captivating dunes, a haven for anyone seeking the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. This vast expanse of golden sands, kissed by the friendly Atlantic waves, has been enchanting visitors from across the globe, inviting them to indulge in the casual elegance and the warmth of a resort that feels like a second home.

Maspalomas: A Mosaic of Memorable Experiences

Neighboring the vibrant Playa del Inglés and the sophisticated Meloneras, Maspalomas offers a seamless blend of festive nights and serene days. Each end of the dunes unveils a new chapter in the island's story, inviting you to become part of its warm, fun-loving family, even if just for a while.

Whether you're a couple seeking a romantic getaway, a family in pursuit of joyful experiences, or a solo explorer hunting for tranquility, Maspalomas is your canvas. With each day offering a burst of color, each activity an opportunity to bond, and each night a chance to immerse in island life, your holiday is guaranteed to be etched in your heart forever.

This resort holds a promise—you don't visit Maspalomas; you live it, breathe it, and let its spirit infuse you with a zest for the leisurely splendor of island life. It's a place where the beach is your backyard, relaxation is delivered on a sunbeam, and heartwarming moments are the currency of choice.

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Average Temperature in Maspalomas de Gran Canaria

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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 nestled between Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés 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.

Accommodations in Maspalomas

The accommodations in Maspalomas sidestep the usual high-rise aesthetic, opting instead for a spread of sunny bungalows nestled amid the verdant candy of thousands of palm trees. With the famous dunes just a stroll away, and low-rise lodgings designed to imbue every moment with peace, Maspalomas offers the privacy and ease you crave, all within walking distance to the lull of the sea.

Leisure Moments in Maspalomas

Hey there, fellow sun-seekers and thrill-lovers! I've been hopping around the enchanting Maspalomas, and you wouldn't believe the fun-packed theme parks waiting for you here! Each one is a little slice of paradise with its unique vibe. Let's dive into a few of my favorites:

Aqualand

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

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

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!

Shopping in Maspalomas

Maspalomas is peppered with a variety of shopping centers catering to all your retail cravings, from souvenirs and beachwear to high-end fashion. Here's a list of some shopping paradises you can explore:

Yumbo Centrum: Notable for its lively atmosphere, the Yumbo Centrum is located in Playa del Inglés, near Maspalomas. It's especially famous for its nightlife and array of shops, bars, and restaurants.

Cita Shopping Center: Also in Playa del Inglés, Cita Shopping Center is known for a mix of international and local shops offering everything from apparel to electronic gadgets.

Faro 2 Shopping Center: Located closer to the Maspalomas Lighthouse, this shopping center has a range of shops, though be aware it's not as bustling as it used to be, with some commercial spaces there less active nowadays.

El Tablero Shopping Center: A modern and more local shopping experience can be had at El Tablero, which is situated a bit further from the coast.

Varadero Shopping Center: Near the Meloneras area and the lighthouse, Varadero offers a more upscale shopping experience, with a variety of high-end and designer brands.

Maspalomas Market: For those who love market shopping, the Maspalomas Market (Mercado de Maspalomas) is available twice a week in the San Fernando area, offering everything from local produce to handicrafts.

Playa de Ingles & Maspalomas nightlife

Playa del Inglés is located 3 km to the east of Maspalomas, is a lively resort known for its nightlife options. The area developed as a tourist destination in the 1960s and has grown into one of the largest and most well-known holiday spots in the Canary Islands.

From Daytime Delights to Nighttime Thrills : For partygoers, Playa del Inglés is the liveliest and most popular late-night resort in Gran Canaria. Though this isn't a Magaluf or Ayia Napa, there's still plenty of action, especially in and around the Yumbo Centre.

The resort is also popular with the LGBTQ+ community, and during Maspalomas Pride, the nightlife is particularly jubilant.

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Maspalomas location

Maspalomas enjoys a prime spot on the southern coast of Gran Canaria, one of the Spanish Canary Islands located off the northwest coast of Africa. This sun-kissed oasis is favored for its stunning beaches, gentle climate, and impressive dunes - a picture-perfect retreat all year round.

When it comes to distance from the key points on the island:

Airport: The Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), located on the east coast near the town of Telde, is about 35 kilometers (approximately 21 miles) northeast of Maspalomas. By car, you're likely to cover this distance in about 25 to 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. If you're choosing public transport, namely the bus, expect a ride of around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your chosen route and any stops along the way.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: The island's capital, Las Palmas, sits northeast of Maspalomas, approximately 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) away. Driving from Maspalomas to Las Palmas can take up to 45 minutes to an hour, hugging the GC-1 motorway along the island's eastern shoreline, connecting the north and south of Gran Canaria.

Maspalomas is well linked to both the airport and Las Palmas by the island's main motorway, the GC-1, making travel relatively convenient whether you've rented a car or prefer the convenience of buses. Its location down south, close to other tourist hubs like Playa del Inglés and Puerto Rico, make it a central base for holidaymakers and explorers aiming to experience the best of Gran Canaria's coastal charm.

Heading to Maspalomas from the airport by bus?

That's a pretty smooth ride! Let me guide you through it so you can start soaking up the sun as soon as possible.

First off, you'll be looking for the bus known as the "guagua" in local Canarian speak – it's the common word for bus around here. The Global Bus Company operates the public transport on the island of Gran Canaria, and they run the routes from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport (also known as Gando Airport) to Maspalomas.

The lines you're going to want to check out are:

Line 66: This is your direct route to Maspalomas and it operates throughout the day at regular intervals. It'll take you straight from the airport to the main bus station in Maspalomas, which is conveniently located near popular spots like the lighthouse and the dunes. The journey usually takes about 45 minutes, which isn't too shabby considering you're cruising across a slice of paradise!

Line 90: This one also links the airport with Maspalomas but takes a more scenic route with a couple more stops along the way, including the tourist areas of Puerto Rico and Playa del Inglés. If you're not in a rush and fancy a glimpse of the coastline on your way to the resort, this could be a good pick. The journey time will be a little longer, though, typically around 65 minutes or so.

Maspalomas 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!