Important: Maspalomas can refer to 2 things. The area covering Playa del Ingles, San Agustin, Maspalomas and Meloneras or the Maspalomas strip located between Playa del Ingles and Meloneras. On this page, I cover the whole area, as this is how most people and travel agencies use the term.
Beaches
The Playa de Maspalomas beach is one of the most picturesque on the island, lined by massive golden dunes. As this beach is so big, it is good to know that it has different parts. To the west, you find the part of the beach closest to Meloneras, with many bars and restaurants nearby. Furthest to the east, you will find the nudist beach, where you do not have to be nude, but most people are. Right before that, you have the dunes area, which is quieter and rarely gets busy. It is also ideal on windy days to be out of the wind, depending on its direction, as the high dunes surround it.
Playa de las Meloneras is a beach located in the most luxurious part of Maspalomas, with a mix of rocks and yellow, brown and red sand. Next to it is a multiple-floor shopping centre, from where it is very nice to watch the sunset in one of the top-floor eateries. Just beyond this beach, you also have the Paso de las Rocas, a great place to do some snorkelling, as it is mostly rocks and no sand.
Playa del Ingles is another large golden-sand beach, with the most popular area next to a wide variety of bars and restaurants. From here, you can also try many different watersports, like parasailing, kayaking, pedal boating, and jet skiing.
Playa el Veril is a set of 3 quieter, smaller, greyer, yellowish sand beaches. It is excellent for families with younger kids, as the beaches are smaller and easier to keep an eye on your kids.
Further down, you will find the Playa de San Agustin and Playa de las Burras, but unless you are staying in this area, it is not really worth a visit, as the other beaches are generally nicer.
Where to stay in Maspalomas
- San Agustin is great for relaxing beach holidays.
- Playa del Ingles is the most lively area for nightlife, restaurants, bars and beaches.
- Meloneras is the most luxurious area for shopping and restaurants.
- Maspalomas and Campo International are great for lots of space, bungalow complexes, parking, and Maspalomas beach and dunes.
- Other areas in Maspalomas are generally not very attractive to tourists unless you are looking for a cheap holiday and mostly stay in the hotel, or don’t mind taking a car or taxi to get around.
Things to do in Maspalomas
Maspalomas has loads of things to do, more than any other place on the island. For a complete overview, it is best to look at what to do in Meloneras, Playa del Ingles, and San Agustin, as listing everything here would be too much.
Restaurants
Maspalomas has one of the largest selection of restaurants on the island..
- Meloneras has the more upscale dining experience.
- Maspalomas and Campo International have very few restaurants, except near the beach.
- Playa del Ingles has the most extensive variety, all grouped in the different shopping centres.
- San Agustin is the least interesting for dining out among all of these.
Nightlife
The different areas of Maspalomas are very different at night.
- Playa del Ingles: The most lively nightlife area on the islands with lots of clubs, bars, shows, live bands, and much more.
- San Augustin: A more relaxed and quieter nightlife.
- Meloneras: Luxurious and relaxing nightlife.
- Maspalomas and Campo International: Very quiet at night with mostly empty streets.
Gran Canaria airport to Maspalomas
- Public transport (3.50 €/pp): Maspalomas is huge, so while this is a cheap option, make sure you get off at the right stop. And even then, it can still be a 1 km walk to your hotel.
- Shuttle bus online (9.75 €/pp): Better option with more service and a direct drop-off at your hotel.
- Taxi (66.98 €) or minibus (97.42 €) online: Best option for a taxi when you need child safety seats or have a lot of luggage with you. If you are more than 4 people, you need to book a minibus.
- Taxi at the airport (49.00 €): Often the cheapest option, especially during daytime and weekdays. Sundays and nights are more expensive. Maximum 4 people.
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
Maspalomas is one of the largest and most popular holiday destinations on the island. In off-season months, this place can therefore be very cheap but also feel somewhat empty. While there will still be plenty open, you might notice that some things have closed down, and there are fewer crowds about.
On the other hand, it also means that months like July and August, as well as during the school holidays, can feel extremely busy here. The best months to go are June and the end of September, for a combination of low prices and great weather. May is also cheap, but it can feel really quiet, and some places might close down for holidays or renovations.
If you are coming here for the nightlife, as many do, make sure to go during school and university holidays. For the older generation who want good nightlife, the winter months from the end of October to the end of February are very interesting.
Is Maspalomas the best holiday destination for you?
Maspalomas is an excellent place for those who want it all and a lot of it. Especially if you don’t mind walking, taxis, or buses to get around, as it is a very big, very popular, and bustling holiday destination with everything you could want.
If you prefer a small, cosy holiday destination that is peaceful and relaxing, Maspalomas is not for you. Especially during school holidays, this area will feel way too crowded for you.
If you’re not sure if Maspalomas is the best holiday destination for you in Gran Canaria, have a look at where to stay in Gran Canaria.
