The south of Gran Canaria is characterised by large tourist resorts such as Maspalomas and Meloneras. But there’s one that stands out above all others for its wide range of leisure activities: Playa del Inglés.
So, if you’re planning to visit Gran Canaria on your next holiday, and you don't know what to do in Playa del Inglés, you've come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to show you everything that the most popular tourist area of the island has in store for you and your loved ones.
Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Playa del Inglés.
Where is Playa del Inglés located and how to get there
Playa del Inglés is located in the south of the island of Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands, Spain. More specifically, next to Maspalomas and San Agustín in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. It’s delimited by the Dunes of Maspalomas on one side and on the other side by the beach of San Agustín.
To get to Playa del Inglés from the airport, you can take a taxi, which is the quickest but also the most expensive option. Alternatively, you can opt for public transportation. There are regular buses that connect Gran Canaria Airport with Playa del Inglés. These buses are usually comfortable and affordable, although the travel time can vary depending on traffic. There are also shared shuttle services available from the airport to Playa del Inglés, which can be a convenient option if you prefer not to worry about the logistics of public transportation.
7 things to do in Playa del Inglés
Playa del Inglés is one of the most versatile areas of Gran Canaria. By day, you can enjoy the sun and the beach, pleasant strolls around the Maspalomas Dunes and, when the sun goes down, the range of leisure activities on offer is endless.
If you’ve recently arrived at the island and don't know what to do in Playa del Inglés, here are 7 things you can do to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
1. Relax on the beach
Of course, one of the star activities in the area is visiting the popular beach of Playa del Inglés. Come and discover its crystal clear waters and relax on its warm golden sand.
Stroll from the iconic Playa del Inglés to one of the best golden sand beaches in Gran Canaria, Playa de Maspalomas, to find the perfect place to sunbathe, swim or enjoy exciting water sports such as surfing and scuba diving.
Another popular beach near Playa del Inglés is San Agustín. An ideal beach for families.
2. Explore the area around the Maspalomas Dunes
What better plan than to explore the natural area of the Maspalomas Dunes after a pleasant day at the beach?
Venture out and explore the impressive Maspalomas Dunes. A huge expanse of dunes that make up a vast desert landscape that’ll take your breath away with its majestic views and atmosphere from another planet.
Don't forget to bring your camera to capture unforgettable memories! Next to it, you can find the Maspalomas lighthouse or la charca de Maspalomas, a saltwater lagoon with many species of plants and animals.
3. Enjoy the nightlife
When the sun goes down, Playa del Inglés transforms into a place where the fun never ends.
Experience its exciting nightlife with its numerous bars, discos and pubs, or enjoy live shows at places like the Yumbo Shopping Centre, the most popular LGTBQ+ hotspot in the Canary Islands. In Playa del Inglés, you'll find a wide variety of options to keep you entertained late into the night.
Get ready to dance and enjoy the nightlife!
4. Live a unique experience in its theme parks
The south of Gran Canaria has a wide range of theme parks for all the family.
Aqualand Maspalomas, the largest water park on the island, with thrilling slides, relaxing pools and play areas for all the family, this water park is the perfect place to cool off and enjoy a fun-filled day in the sun.
If you prefer a closer contact with nature, Palmitos Park offers the opportunity to see a variety of exotic species and enjoy bird of prey shows.
5. Excursions on jet skis
If you like water sports, don't miss the opportunity to experience the adrenaline rush of a jet ski excursion.
This activity is suitable for all ages and will allow you to discover the island from a different perspective, always accompanied by an expert to follow the correct route without getting lost and avoid any accidents.
6. Gastronomic offer
To put the cherry on top of a perfect day, Playa del Inglés offers a wide variety of restaurants with typical Canarian and international cuisine.
Enjoy the fresh flavours of the sea at the Dorado restaurant, or a delicious hamburger at the Hard Rock Café. For more information, have a look at our article about where to eat in Playa del Inglés.
7. A walk to Meloneras
Finally, don't miss the opportunity to stroll along the Paseo Marítimo, which takes you from San Agustín to Meloneras, passing the Maspalomas Dunes and the Maspalomas Lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, shops and much more.
Enjoy Playa del Inglés with VillaGranCanaria
Playa del Inglés awaits you with open arms for you to enjoy an unforgettable holiday.
Remember that at VillaGranCanaria we have the solution for your accommodation. We offer a wide variety of stays near the most emblematic places in Playa del Inglés. Choose between bungalows, villas, apartments or country houses to offer you all the comforts you need to spend your days off. Filter our accommodation by type according to your preferences.
Pack your bags and come and discover all that this holiday paradise has to offer!
