Gran Canaria best places

Playa del Ingles

Playa del Inglés: Gran Canaria's All-in-One Resort

Ahoy there, traveler! If you've got your sights set on Playa del Inglés, you're in for a treat. Picture this: a sun-blessed stretch of silken sand that runs for miles, crystal-clear Atlantic waters nipping at the shore, and a bustling resort town teeming with life—this is the jewel of Gran Canaria's southern coast.

Playa del Inglés is like a canvas painted with broad strokes of leisure and fun. The beach is the main draw—golden, wide, and watched over by lifeguards, it's a slice of paradise for sun-worshippers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts alike. The rolling dunes of Maspalomas are just a stone's throw away, offering a desert-like experience where you can roam, explore, or even hop on a camel ride!

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Average Temperature in Playa del Inglés in Gran Canaria

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The beach at Playa del Ingles

Are you ready to hear about one of Gran Canaria's famed sandy stretches? Let's chat about the glorious Playa del Inglés beach, an iconic slice of coastline that beckons with its golden sands and azure waves.

Location and Setting Nestled on the southern tip of Gran Canaria, Playa del Inglés is blissfully sandwiched between the Maspalomas Dunes to the west and the rocky headland leading to San Agustín to the east. This prime location doesn't just offer postcard-worthy views but also a vibrant beach atmosphere that's second to none.

Length and Sands Boasting a length of about 3 kilometers (almost 2 miles) of expansive shoreline, there's no shortage of space to find your sunny sweet spot. Its vastness means you can often find quieter spots if you stroll far enough, despite its popularity. The beach is backed by a lively promenade, brimming with shops, bars, and eateries, ensuring you're always just a few steps away from comfort and refreshments.

Blue Flag Status The pride of Playa del Inglés is its Blue Flag status, a prestigious eco-label awarded for clean and well-managed beaches. Rest assured, you're stepping onto a beach that's not just beautiful but also environmentally conscious and safe.

Facilities for Everyone As for facilities, you're spoilt for choice:

Loungers and Umbrellas: Available for rent, so you can lounge in total comfort.

Lifeguards and Safety: With lifeguards on duty, swim and surf with an added sense of security.

Showers and Restrooms: Freshen up and rinse off the saltwater at the conveniently located facilities.

Accessibility: The beach is accessible for those with limited mobility, with designated areas equipped with amphibious wheelchairs and assistance if needed.

Watersports: Satiate your adventurous side with a variety of watersports on offer, from jet-skiing to windsurfing.

Beach Bars (Chiringuitos): Quench your thirst or grab a bite at one of the many beachside bars and cafes.

Away from the Hustle: Quieter Pursuits

Playa del Inglés caters to all types of holidays. If you're looking for quieter pursuits, wander east to the more tranquil beaches like El Cochino, where you can escape the crowds and enjoy serenity by the sea.

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 , 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.

Playa del Ingles: Accommodation for Every Traveler

And when it's time to rest your head, you'll find no shortage of cozy spots to choose from—be it luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, or quaint rental apartments—all warmly waiting to become your home away from home.

Close to Playa de Ingles - the theme parks in Maspalomas

Adventurers and families aren't left wanting either—with activities like mini-golf, amusement arcades, and theme parks close by, there's endless fun in the sun.

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 Playa del Ingles

But there's more to Playa del Inglés than just sun and sand. The town pulses with a vibrant atmosphere, from its sprawling shopping centers like Yumbo, Cita, and Kasbah, teeming with shops, bars, and restaurants, to its lively nightlife, which promises a diverse range of venues for every taste—cocktail bars, lively pubs, nightclubs, and even laid-back terraces for those who love a bit of stargazing with their evening drink.

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 nightlife

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.

Playa del Ingles location

Playa del Inglés is a lively resort situated on the southern coast of Gran Canaria, which is part of the Canary Islands in Spain. It's nestled adjacent to Maspalomas, known for its expansive dunes, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island.

Geographically, Playa del Inglés is located just a bit to the northeast of the famous Maspalomas Dunes (Dunas de Maspalomas), and the two areas are often considered somewhat continuous, with the dunes serving as a natural divider. Playa del Inglés extends north toward the area of San Fernando and the east towards the area known as San Agustín.

In terms of distance from key locations:

From Maspalomas: Playa del Inglés is virtually connected to Maspalomas; you can easily walk from one to the other along the coast or the dunes. The distance between the centers of the two areas is only about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), making it a short drive or bus ride.

From Gran Canaria Airport: The resort is approximately 30 kilometers (about 18 miles) from Gran Canaria Airport, also known as Las Palmas Airport (LPA). By car or bus, the journey takes around 20 to 30 minutes along the GC-1 motorway.

From Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: The capital city, situated in the northeast, is around 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Playa del Inglés. By car, it typically takes around 40 to 50 minutes to reach Las Palmas from Playa del Inglés via the GC-1 motorway.

Heading to Playa del Ingles from the airport by bus?

Playa del Inglés is situated quite conveniently from the Gran Canaria Airport (also known as Las Palmas Airport or Gando Airport), located on the east coast of the island. The distance between the airport and Playa del Inglés is approximately 30 kilometers (around 18 miles). The journey by car can typically take about 20 to 30 minutes, assuming traffic conditions are good and you're taking the direct GC-1 motorway.

If you're planning to take a bus, which is locally referred to as "guagua," there are a couple of bus lines operated by the Global Bus Company that can take you from the airport to Playa del Inglés:

Line 66: This is a direct route to the main bus station in Maspalomas, passing through Playa del Inglés along the way. Buses run regularly throughout the day and the trip takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes.

Line 90: Also known as the "Maspalomas Express," this bus runs between the airport and Playa del Inglés and on to Puerto de Mogán. The trip may take a little longer than Line 66 because it makes a few more stops, with the journey lasting about 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

Tickets for the bus can be purchased directly from the driver or at the automated machines located at the bus stops at the airport. Currency in euros is needed, as other forms of payment are usually not accepted. It's worth noting that bus schedules can change, particularly on weekends and holidays, so it's a good idea to check the current timetable closer to your travel date for the most accurate information.

Playa del Ingles 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!