Playa del Ingles is one of the biggest and busiest holiday destinations in Gran Canaria, famous for its long, golden-sand beaches and dunes. There is also a lot to see and do, and many of the island’s most popular holiday attractions are nearby. Nightlife is one of the most lively on the island, with everything from clubbing and live shows to arcades, couple dancing, and karaoke. With all of this, it is popular for people of all ages, couples and families.
Beaches
Playa del Ingles is the place on the island where you find the type of beaches that are typically most desired by tourists, with golden sands and dunes. The Playa del Ingles beach is one of these, with plenty of sun loungers and lots of bars and restaurants nearby. One thing to consider, however, is that the beach is located quite a bit lower than most of the hotels. There are stairs in a few places, and elevators, but it can take quite a bit of walking to reach them. Definitely something to consider with small children, strollers or wheelchairs. Also, here you can try plenty of watersports, including jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
The further you go from the Playa del Ingles beach to the Maspalomas dunes, the more you move into the nudist beach. While mixed at first, just around the corner, they are almost entirely nudist beaches, but of course, you don’t have to be a nudist to walk through it to Meloneras.
Playa del Veril is pretty similar to Playa del Ingles, but with a bit more greyish-golden sand, and is generally a bit more relaxed and less busy, as it is located a bit outside the busy part of Playa del Ingles. It is also easier for families to keep an eye on their kids, as this beach is split into 3 smaller sections.
Where to stay in Playa del Ingles
In Playa del Ingles, it is essential to find the right location for your accommodation, as the resort is huge and it can be a long walk to certain places if you choose the wrong hotel. Also know that there are many older hotels and complexes here, with a few newer hotels throughout, so it is wise to check reviews. But these next ones are my top picks, you can book without having to double-check.
- Sholeo Lodges Maspalomas: One of the best budget-friendly deals I stayed in in Gran Canaria. The gardens and pools are especially colourful and relaxing, with plenty of beanbags, sun loungers, and hammocks.
- Santa Monica Suites: Hotel in a unique location in Playa del Ingles, overlooking the beach and dunes.
- Bohemia Suites & Spa: Excellent 5-star hotel with a cosy and personal feel and excellent rooftop bar. It is also in an ideal location, close to everything, including bars, shops, restaurants, and the beach.
- Gold by Marina: Adults-only hotel with a unique vibe and feel. Very summer beach vibes.
- Parque Tropical: Unique hotel with lush gardens, waterfalls, tropical vibes and an overall relaxing feel. It’s in a quieter part of Playa del Ingles but only about 100 meters from the beach.
- Abora Buenaventura by Lopesan: Great hotel for budget family holidays with plenty of pools, arcades, activities, evening entertainment and that big and bustling club hotel feel. This hotel is especially great for all-inclusive holidays, with lots to do for the kids and little need to leave the hotel.
- HD Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria: Excellent family holiday complex with lots of bungalow-style houses. There is a lot to do at the hotel, with plenty of pools, playgrounds, and entertainment.
Things to do in Playa del Ingles
- Mini golf: No place on the island has this many mini golf places, so definitely try one.
- Hiking: Walk over the beach to the Meloneras area and Maspalomas lighthouse. Do know that the walk over the beach is lovely, but you will also pass a nudist area.
- Promenade: You can walk over the promenade all the way to San Agustin, past the beaches. Especially nice in the evenings.
- Shopping: Go shopping in one of the many shopping centres. Yumbo is the biggest shopping area, and nearby Meloneras has many luxury shops.
- Golf: There is an 18-hole golf course just behind the dunes area and another one in nearby Meloneras.
- Holiday World Maspalomas: Large family entertainment centre about 2 km away with rides, bowling, escape rooms and much more. Make sure to check opening times before going.
- Aqualand Maspalomas: This large waterpark is located just behind Playa del Ingles.
- San Fernando: Big markets take place here each Wednesday and Saturday. A big flea market on Sundays.
- Maspalomas dunes: Explore the Maspalomas dunes using the official walking paths and marked routes. Make sure to bring water.
- Watersports: Pretty much any watersport you can imagine in a tourist destination, you can do here.
- Safari: Camel, buggy or jeep safari, you can join them all from here.
- Mirador de las Dunas: A great place from which to watch the sunsets.
- Mini train: Take the mini train to explore the town on your first day, as it is the best way to get to know the area a bit, especially with small kids.
This list is of things to do in or near Playa del Ingles. 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
Playa del Ingles has a vast selection of restaurants. You can find everything here, from all-you-can-eat to oriental, pizza, Italian, steakhouses, BBQ, and much, much more. Most are casual to mid-range, but prices can be a bit higher depending on where you go. Pretty much all of these can be found in the local shopping centres and the promenade along the beach.
Most of these are very touristy, with people constantly trying to convince you to eat in their restaurant. Something I do not like, as it is just too much. But if you want to dine out almost every evening, and have lots of choice and variety, then Playa del Ingles might be the ideal place for you. Just keep in mind that it might take some walking or a taxi ride to get to the different shopping centres.
Nightlife
Playa del Ingles is the main party and nightlife hub on the island. Most of it takes place in the different shopping centres across the area. The nightlife changes a lot here depending on whether it is high or low season.
- Yumbo Centre: The biggest and most lively, with a strong focus on the LGBTQ community, which is big in this area. The area has lots of drag queen shows and live singers.
- Cita Centre: Very popular with the German, Dutch and Scandinavian crowd.
- Kasbah Centre: Very popular with older people for ballroom dancing.
- Aguila Roja Centre: A smaller lively collection of bars and pubs with a focus on Irish and English with lots of live performances each night.
- Shopping Center Tropical: Mostly live shows and dining aimed at an older generation.
- Metro Shopping Centre: Mostly empty and abandoned now.
- Plaza Maspalomas Centre: Mostly empty and abandoned during weekdays, but sometimes lively at weekends. Especially popular with Spanish people.
- Passeo Maritimo (beach promenade): Next to the beach, mostly popular for restaurants, but in the evening lively with live performances, music bars, and dancing.
Do keep in mind that the nightlife here is lively in high season and during school holidays. At other times, it will feel emptier, quieter, and, in some areas, even abandoned.
Gran Canaria airport to Playa del Ingles
- Public transport (4.05 €/pp): Playa del Ingles is huge, and the bus stops only at a few places along the big road. This means you need to know where you should get off and then walk a long way with your luggage still.
- Shuttle bus online (9.75 €/pp): It is a better option than public transport, as this bus drops you off at the hotel. Dropped off directly at your hotel, not a random bus stop. Also guarantees you a seat and connection when your flight gets delayed.
- Taxi (66.98 €) or minibus (97.42 €) online: The best option for a taxi if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or children who need car safety seats. If you are travelling with more then 4, you need to book a minibus.
- Taxi at the airport (49.00 €): The cheapest option for a taxi for arrivals during weekdays and daytime. Sundays and nighttime 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
Playa del Ingles is one of the biggest holiday destinations on the island and very popular for families with children during school holidays. Other times, it has a more couple-focused feel. In May, the resort is generally at its quietest, and some places may also close for renovations or holidays.
During school holidays, prices are much higher here than outside them. So if you have the chance to come outside of these weeks, it is highly advisable.
Because of the good weather in Gran Canaria, this holiday destination is excellent to visit year-round. During winter months, it is still popular even tho the weather is a bit colder, but still mild to warm and wonderful holiday weather.
If you are coming here for the nightlife, make sure to pick the right time to go, as it changes a lot throughout the year. School and university holidays are excellent times to party for a younger generation, while winter months are the best for nightlife that focuses more on adults of an older generation.
Is Playa del Ingles the best holiday destination for you?
Playa del Ingles is ideal for those who want it all. From extensive sandy beaches with watersports, to lots of restaurants, bars, shopping and some amazing lively nightlife for adults, couples or families with children or teenagers
If you want peace and relaxation, Playa del Ingles is definitely not the best place for you on the island. Also, if you don’t like walking or taking taxis to get where you need to go, this isn’t your ideal destination. If constant restaurant and bar staff asking you to eat or drink at their establishment makes you unhappy, you might also want to avoid this place.
If you’re not sure if Playa del Ingles is the best holiday destination for you in Gran Canaria, have a look at where to stay in Gran Canaria.
