Gran Canaria fascinates all visitors with the richness of its natural heritage. The interior is dominated by a volcanic landscape, while the south of the island features the sandy Maspalomas. Anyone planning a trip to the Canary Islands has certainly heard of this place.
Maspalomas is located on the south coast of Gran Canaria and is the tourist epicenter of one of the most popular islands in the archipelago. Sunny weather at almost any time of the year attracts crowds of tourists to this resort. Regardless of whether you are tempted by the attractive nightlife and fun until dawn, relaxation on long beaches full of golden sand, amusement parks or stunning nature, visits to Maspalomas will certainly not be disappointing.
Dunas de Maspalomas
If only one attraction was to be the hallmark of Maspalomas, it would certainly be this place. Dunas de Maspalomas is a nature reserve that protects the famous dunes and the nature that occurs in their area. This area is considered not only one of the main tourist attractions on the south coast, but also on the entire island. In addition to the dunes, the reserve includes the El Palmeral palm grove and La Charca lake, which form completely separate ecosystems. The Maspalomas Dunes are a great place for long walks, but not only walkers will love them.
It is also a paradise for sunbathing enthusiasts, and the coast adjacent to the desert landscape will appeal to fans of water sports. If you are planning a trip to Dunas de Maspalomas, remember to take hats and sunscreen with you, because the nearest kiosks are located outside the reserve.
INTERESTING FACT: The nature reserve immediately brings to mind the landscape of the desert. No wonder that it is on the dunes in Maspalomas that films are very often shot, the action of which takes place in the Sahara.
Palmitos Park
This attraction will be of particular interest to those planning a family vacation on the island of Gran Canaria. Palmitos Park is a large zoo and botanical garden full of more and less popular animals, as well as attractions created with the youngest in mind.
The latter include dolphin shows, presentations of flights of various bird species and the largest butterfly house in Europe. The park’s residents also include kangaroos, orangutans, meerkats and many species of reptiles. And if you are interested in botany, you may be interested in the fact that in Palmitos Park, in addition to animals, you can also see a huge collection of orchids and cacti.
Aqualand Maspalomas
Holidays in the Canary Islands cannot take place without a visit to a water park. It is in Maspalomas that you will find one of the most famous places of this type in all of Gran Canaria. We are, of course, talking about Aqualand Maspalomas, abounding in attractions for lovers of all types of recreation. Both children, for whom a special Kidzworld zone has been prepared, and adults eager for adrenaline will feel perfectly at home here.
Several truly extreme slides await the latter! Guests also have at their disposal a swimming pool with artificial waves, a lazy river encouraging relaxation on pontoons and swimming pools with hydromassage. Admit that it is simply a pity not to take advantage of such relaxation.
Holiday World Maspalomas
A classic-style amusement park? Why not. Holiday World Maspalomas, covering over 11,000 m2, perfectly fits the definition of a luna park. Although you will not find extreme sensations here, it does not mean that there is room for boredom. Atmospheric retro entertainment will surely leave a handful of pleasant memories.
Slightly older children are waiting there for roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, crazy spins and falls from a height, and for children – classic carousels in various forms. Something good for everyone. However, this is not the only thing that Holiday World Maspalomas will surprise you with. On the park grounds you will also find a gym, a casino, an escape room, bowling alleys and as many as 4 themed rooms waiting for karaoke enthusiasts.
Sioux City Park
In the south of Gran Canaria, near Maspalomas, you will also find a semblance of the Wild West. Sioux City Park is a theme park that allows everyone to feel like a real cowboy or sheriff. The buildings that make up the park are not cardboard decorations, but Wild West-styled, fully functional installations that invite guests inside.
It’s a great chance to feel the atmosphere of the famous Saloon, see how the sheriff faces bandits and experience the emotions of a real bank robbery. Children will get additional emotions from the animals living on the farm and a shop that offers even the smallest accessories needed for dressing up.
El Faro de Maspalomas
On guard of the southern coast of Gran Canaria stands the Maspalomas Lighthouse, a symbol of the Canary Islands, and since 2005 – a cultural heritage site. Walking along Maspalomas beach, you will certainly not miss its characteristic silhouette. The construction of the lighthouse in Maspalomas began in 1861, when Gran Canaria was not only not a known tourist resort, but was not very well known at all… In fact, the Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse was the first building that was erected in this part of the island. Interestingly, the materials needed for its construction reached a specially prepared site only by sea.
Originally, the interior of the lighthouse contained a living space for its operators, but thanks to automation, today the former rooms constitute an exhibition area. The museum offers a journey not only through the history of the lighthouse, but also the past of Gran Canaria. You will learn there less and more secret details from over five centuries of the island, from the times of the Guanches and the Spanish conquest to the present day.
IT IS WORTH KNOWING: Many consider this construction to be a breakthrough for mass tourism in the Canary Islands, because it was this lighthouse that allowed the first ships from Europe to arrive in Maspalomas.
Mundo Aborigen
Driving north from Maspalomas on the GC-60 road, after about half an hour you will reach one of the most interesting places in Gran Canaria. In the very heart of the Ayagaures Natural Park, Mundo Aborigen awaits you – a unique theme park dedicated to the culture and history of the Guanches. A visit to this place is like a journey in a time machine, allowing you to see what life was like for the indigenous people who inhabited the Canary Islands over 2,000 years ago.
All this is possible thanks to various structures and everyday scenes, recreated by impressive statues of the Guanches.
Active leisure in Maspalomas
Do you associate Maspalomas only with blissful laziness? Nothing could be more wrong. It is a paradise for lovers of active recreation. The natural environment surrounding the resort offers many opportunities to spend free time. Regardless of whether you are a passionate mountain biking, trekking, climbing or walking, there will certainly be something for you near Maspalomas. You will not be bored even if your hobby is horse riding or golf! Near the dunes there is an 18-hole golf club, and if this one does not appeal to you, there is no shortage of competition in the area.
Or maybe it’s water sports that make your heart beat faster? Favorable sea and wind conditions turn the beaches of Maspalomas into a paradise for lovers of water madness. It is a great place for windsurfing, sailing, swimming or deep-sea fishing. The clear waters are also a unique opportunity for diving. Take a look at how fish, sponges and sea urchins coexist with sunken ships, caves and volcanic remains.
Maspalomas Beach
Playa de Maspalomas is perceived year after year as the most popular stretch of coast on the island. The beach, which is covered with fine, golden sand, is exceptionally long and wide. It is thanks to this that it is not too crowded. Everyone will find a place there to rest and enjoy the wonderful view of the ocean. Interestingly, at night this same beach does not lose its attractiveness, and turns into one of the most famous clubs in the area. Every year in January, the famous Atlantica Concert Music Festival also takes place on Maspalomas beach. In the east, Maspalomas beach connects with Playa del Inglés beach, and in the west with Playa de las Meloneras, which are equally popular.
It is good to remember that one of the peculiarities of Maspalomas beach is the division into zones. Each of the zones corresponds to the type of tourism prevailing in the area. The western side is chosen by families with children and tourists counting on blissful relaxation.
The eastern part of the beach is most often visited by nudists and the LGBT community. At the junction of Maspalomas beach and Playa del Ingles, surfers and those who like to combine rest with watching the actions of athletes most often gather.
Other beaches near Maspalomas
The beach of Maspalomas, surrounded by dunes, should not disappoint anyone, but if you want to discover other stretches of coast in the area, there are a few places worth visiting. Located right next to the port, Playa del Cometa is a great place if you want to combine sunbathing with hiking, because the imposing mountain located by the beach is a great place for a walk.
This is also the place where you will find the dark volcanic sand so characteristic of the Canary Islands. San Agustín Beach, on the other hand, is characterized by the fact that it is one of the quietest urban beaches in the south of Gran Canaria. Its more than 600 meters in length, fine sand and moderate waves are ideal conditions for children to play. A quiet rest is also favored by the sheltered, safe and quiet Las Burras Beach.
The coast of Gran Canaria from a different point of view
If you still can’t decide which part of the southern coast of Gran Canaria will be the best choice for you, a cruise along the picturesque coast of the island may make your choice easier. This is not only a great idea to look at the coastline from a slightly different perspective. For those who are not afraid of seasickness, it is also an irreplaceable way to relax dictated by the rhythm of the waves. Cruises along the coast can also be combined with observing dolphins in their natural environment, or with diving expeditions.
Where to look for accommodation?
A popular choice among tourists looking primarily for comfort is to look for accommodation in Maspalomas itself. Maspalomas Resort by Dunas, Lopesan Villa del Conde or Maspalomas Oasis Club are just some of the hotels most frequently chosen by visitors, offering spacious rooms, good food, bars and numerous animation programs.
Maspalomas is not only a place that guarantees a short distance from the dunes and the best beaches in the area. In this place, everyone can be sure that they will have all the amenities at their fingertips, from less and more popular attractions, through shopping centers, to restaurants for every budget. However, there is no doubt that among the certainties that Maspalomas brings are also crowds of tourists.
Those who value peace and quiet will prefer accommodation in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria or Puerto de Mogán. These are still tourist towns, but definitely less crowded than the main tourist center itself. You will be only a 20-minute journey from Maspalomas, and you will enjoy the extraordinary views of the picturesque coast of Gran Canaria in peace and quiet.
