Meloneras in Gran Canaria is the most modern holiday destination on the island, with many newer luxury hotels. The coastline is mostly rocks and cliffs, but you have two excellent beaches on either side of the resort. Also, this resort has plenty of upscale dining, luxury shops, and nearby golf courses. Evenings and nightlife are relaxed, but you have Playa del Ingles just a few kilometres away if you want a livelier night out.
Beaches
While most of the Meloneras coastline is made up of cliffs right next to the water and not really ideal for beach holiday lovers, on both sides of this area, there are some ideal beaches.
On one side, you will find the Playa de las Meloneras beach with a mix of golden, brown sands and rocks. Next to it is a multi-storey shopping centre that is ideal for grabbing something to eat or drink, and also an excellent place to watch the sunsets in the evening. Especially from one of the small eateries at the top. For snorkelling or a more natural feel, just beyond this beach, you find the Paso de las Rocas beach. This beach is mostly rocks, but it is also a great escape if Playa de las Meloneras gets too busy.
On the other side of Meloneras, you will find the Playa de Maspalomas, one of the most popular beaches on the island, with massive golden dunes next to it. This beach is also enormous, and with the dunes behind it, even bigger. It is also good to know that it has 3 different parts. The first part is close to most of the bars and restaurants. The second part is the more natural, with giant dunes and vast stretches of sand. If you go even further, there is a nudist beach.
Where to stay in Meloneras
As the hotels in Meloneras are mostly huge, luxurious, and modern, and there is not much need to leave the hotel, most people staying there don’t really care much about their location. Also, Meloneras is not that big, so walking around is definitely possible. All of the following excellent hotels have a good location, so the beach, shopping, or restaurants are never far.
- Lopesan Villa del Conde: One of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels I have been to in Gran Canaria. It feels like a little authentic Gran Canaria village, with its own little beach and plenty of smaller pools, so it never feels crowded. There is also a big spa.
- Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia: A 5+ star luxury hotel. One of the highest rated for luxurious holidays on the island.
- Hotel Faro: Best for an adults-only holiday right next to the beach.
- Lopesan Baobab Resort: One of the most unique hotels in this area with an African jungle type vibe, multiple family-friendly pools and ideal for family holidays with lots to do for the kids.
- Riu Gran Canaria: All-inclusive family holiday with lots of different pools, bars, restaurants and entertainment.
- Riu Palace Meloneras: A more upscale, relaxing and classy non-all-inclusive holiday compared to Riu Gran Canaria.
Things to do in Meloneras
- Golf: On each side of Meloneras, there is a large golf course with 18 holes.
- Faro de Maspalomas: Visit the lighthouse for the museum or for excellent sunset photo spots.
- Sunsets: Meloneras is excellent for sunsets, but they are even better from the shopping centre next to Meloneras beach. Especially one of the bars or eateries on the top with a drink or snack.
- Maspalomas dunes: Explore the Maspalomas dunes over the wooden walking paths, but make sure to bring something to drink.
- Shopping: Meloneras is one of the best places on the island to go shopping, with lots of (luxury) stores.
- Promenade: There is a long promenade from Maspalomas to Meloneras beach, with lots of bars, shops, and restaurants. Especially lovely in the evening.
- Tony Gallardo: A free nature park to explore. Sadly, there is now only one entry and exit, so walking through it is not an option.
- Holiday World Maspalomas: A short taxi ride away, this family-friendly amusement park features bowling, rides and other attractions. Especially lovely in the evenings.
- Safari: Join a camel safari in the dunes or a jeep or buggy safari in the mountains.
- Go-karting: There is a go-karting track a few kilometres away.
This list is of things to do in or near Meloneras. But there is much more to see and do on the island. You can find a full list of the top things to do and not do in Gran Canaria here.
Restaurants
Meloneras has a wide selection of restaurants. Most are upscale and fine-dining establishments with a matching price tag along the promenade and beach. But you can also find some more budget-friendly and casual dining options in the streets and shopping centers away from the sea. Near the Meloneras beach itself, you will find a mix of both. At the top of the shopping centre next to the Meloneras beach, there are some lovely snack places to eat and watch the sunset at very fair prices, and afterwards you can chill there with a few drinks.
Do know that at many popular restaurants in this area, you will need to make a reservation or stand in line to get a table.
Nightlife
Meloneras has 3 distinct nightlife areas, but overall it has a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
- The beachside at Maspalomas beach is often the most lively, with many beach bars featuring lively music and atmosphere. Sometimes also DJ’s and dancing.
- The promenade directly next to the sea has many restaurants where people like to linger with beers and cocktails after dinner. These often have some live music in the late evening. Also, this area has many shops that stay open late for people wanting to buy luxury items.
- The shopping centre next to Meloneras beach is a great place to have a drink and watch the sunset in the evenings—a great place to relax and enjoy the view.
There is also a large casino and the Cafe Del Mar, very popular for cocktails and drinks with live entertainment. The Blue Marlin Ibiza Sky Lounge is a unique bar and restaurant on top of a hotel with views over the surrounding area.
For a night of clubbing and partying, a 10-minute taxi will take you into the heart of Playa del Ingles.
Gran Canaria airport to Meloneras
- Public transport (4.05 €/pp): While this is the cheapest option, I would not advise it for most people going on holiday in Meloneras, as the bus stops only at the back of the resort in this area. From there you are on your own to find your hotel with all your luggage.
- Shuttle bus online (9.75 €/pp): This is for a few euros more a much better option for most. Guaranteed seat on the bus and connection if your flight gets delayed. No long waits during high season. Overall, much better service and dropped off directly at your hotel.
- Taxi (66.98 €) or minibus (97.42 €) online: This is the best option if you have a lot of luggage or have children who need child safety seats. A minibus is required if you are travelling with more than 4 people.
- Taxi at the airport (57.00 €): Good option for those travelling with a maximum of 4 people during weekdays and during the daytime. Sundays and nighttime are more expensive.
Here, you can find the timetables and prices for public transportation in Gran Canaria and easily book a minibus, shuttle, or taxi.
When to go
Meloneras can be visited year-round due to Gran Canaria’s weather. Know that, of course, in winter the weather is a bit colder, but still mild to warm. Winter is also the most popular time in Meloneras, with peaks during school holidays, but it is generally busy from the end of October to February. People really like this holiday destination as a winter escape from the colder climate in Europe.
If you are looking for an all-inclusive holiday, as most people in this area do, and don’t care much about the surrounding area, then May is generally the cheapest month. If you also want excellent weather, the end of September is an even better choice.
June and the end of September are the best-value-for-money months to visit here, with warm weather and still low prices.
Is Meloneras the best holiday destination for you?
Meloneras is an excellent place for those who like to relax in a new, modern and luxurious holiday destination and don’t mind paying for it. Also, those who want large all-inclusive hotels with no real need to leave the hotels will love this area. People who like luxury shopping and upscale diners will also love this area.
If you are travelling on a budget or prefer a loud, busy nightlife, this is not the place for you. Also, if you want the beach right next to your hotel, most accommodations in this area are not ideal.
If you’re not sure if Meloneras is the best holiday destination for you in Gran Canaria, have a look at where to stay in Gran Canaria.
