Maspalomas holidays are first and foremost about the sand, with a 6-kilometre beach backed by 400 hectares of huge, rolling Sahara-style dunes. But this stylish resort also crams in seafront restaurants and great days out.
What to expect of your Maspalomas vacation
Sophisticated Maspalomas serves up first-class restaurants and designer boutiques alongside all the soft, golden sand you could dream of. You'll be around a 40-minute drive from buzzing Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the gorgeous, artistic capital merging beach with history and culture. Also, there are some epic nearby sand dunes to conquer...
Canarian sophistication
On the southern tip of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, Maspalomas is a quieter, more sophisticated version of its neighbour, Playa del Inglés. Instead of big shopping centres and starry-eyed nightclubs, it serves up first-class restaurants and designer boutiques – all next to a standout strip of beach.
Long beaches and sweeping sand dunes
The Blue Flag beach at Maspalomas is 6 kilometres long, and 100 metres wide in places. It has a great choice of watersports and there are seafront cafés, bars and restaurants within walking distance.
Best of all, the whole scene is backdropped by wave upon wave of golden dunes, criss-crossed by camels. If you feel adventurous, you can explore the area thanks to the handy designated paths. In short, when it comes to sand, Maspalomas has it in spades.
The Maspalomas lighthouse
Far and away the biggest landmark is El Faro de Maspalomas, the 68-metre lighthouse at the edge of the beach. It’s attached to a period-style keeper’s inn and set in lush gardens. Aside from alerting waylaid seafarers, it also draws holidaymakers to its long Boulevard El Faro that’s crammed with cocktail bars, designer shops and restaurants.
Days out
Maspalomas has a great line-up of days out. For starters, there’s Aqualand Maspalomas, with its cast of corkscrews, kamikazes and friendly sea lions. There’s also Sioux City, a Wild West theme park built on the site of a film set. Finally, Palmitos Park, the largest zoo on the island is also nearby. All of them are just 10 minutes away. And for golf lovers, there’s an 18-hole course overlooking the Maspalomas sand dunes.
Food and fashion
If you’re into your fashion, then Maspalomas will be right up your street. The entire resort oozes style, from the chic restaurants that line the seafront to the designer stores in the local shopping malls. This is also where you’ll find some of the island’s most upmarket villas, apartments and bungalows.
Average weather in Maspalomas
The climate in Maspalomas is so pleasant that it’s no surprise that lots of visitors choose this destination for their vacation throughout the year. Here’s the average temperature and rainfall in Maspalomas:
- January: 21º C and 31 mm
- February: 21º C and 23 mm
- March: 22º C and 13 mm
- April: 23º C and 5 mm
- May: 24º C and 1 mm
- June: 24º C and 1 mm
- July: 27º C and 0 mm
- August: 28º C and 0 mm
- September: 27º C and 5 mm
- October: 26º C and 20 mm
- November: 24 º C and 22 mm
- December: 22º C and 33 mm
Things to do in your Maspalomas holidays
As you can imagine, such an important tourist destination as Maspalomas offers plenty of things to do for the visitor. Here’s a small selection of alternativas you can enjoy.
Maspalomas Carnival
Come carnival time, they don’t do things by halves in Gran Canaria – and this week-long party certainly doesn’t mess about. It all goes on in nearby Playa del Inglés, where Rio de Janeiro-style processions take to the streets. You’ll get comedy shows, drag queen competitions and some weird and wonderful costumes. You should pace yourself for the finale – a big all-nighter of music and dancing.
Ride a camel on the beach
At the western end of the beach, camels are saddled up ready for safaris along the dunes. It’s a bit of a Lawrence of Arabia moment as you ride through the desert landscape towards the lagoon and nature reserve here. You can even see baby camels, too.
Eat al fresco by the sea
Along Boulevard El Faro, there’s a whole row of restaurants where you can eat al fresco with the lighthouse in view. You’ve got the choice of Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Asian, or Spanish food. If you do pick a local restaurant, expect tapas, seafood paella and great jugs of sangria. And don’t forget to order the Canarian papas arrugadas – wrinkly potatoes drizzled in Mojo sauce.
Where to stay for your Maspalomas vacation
Obviously, Maspalomas has a tremendous amount of vacation rentals that you can enjoy according to your needs.
Villas
The great location of Maspalomas in the southern part of Gran Canaria, the sunniest on the island, is perfect for all kinds of villas, like villas with private pools, luxury villas, beach villas, cheap villas and even villas for groups.
Apartments
Of course, there’s always a less expensive option in Maspalomas, such as apartments of all types. Here you can find beach apartments, luxury apartments or cheap apartments with plenty of equipment and amenities.
Bungalows
The intermediate alternative to the previous options are bungalows in Maspalomas. They aren’t as big as villas, but neither as ‘small’ as apartments. Get to know the amazing beach bungalows, luxury bungalows, cheap bungalows and private pool bungalows.
Similar destinations to Maspalomas
In Gran Canaria you can also find alternative destinations for your Maspalomas holidays.
Playa del Inglés
Playa del Inglés, the sister town of Maspalomas, is the ideal spot for a fun holiday. Perfect for kayaking and walking along the beach, as well as renting jet skis, dining out at beachfront restaurants and exploring the vast sand dunes with the family. If you have any spare energy, there are plenty of lively night spots in the resort.
Meloneras
This important tourist resort, located right next to Maspalomas, is the ideal place to relax and have a good time. Strolling along its large promenade, jogging along the seafront or enjoying the best after-dinner drinks with extraordinary views are just some of the countless plans on offer in Meloneras, one of the most attractive spots on the island.
Puerto Rico
Seeing the sea when you wake up, having breakfast by the beach and sunbathing all year round are just some of the benefits of Puerto Rico. In south Gran Canaria, this place stands out thanks to its white buildings running down the hillsides right to the coast. The sea is calm all year round and the marina is the perfect jumping-off point for a boat or yacht trip to see dolphins.
Puerto de Mogan
The pretty, welcoming fishing village of Puerto de Mogan still maintains its local feel. Its spectacular architecture contrasts with its flowery gardens and bridged canals. The golden beach is so inviting that it’s hard not to lie down on the golden sand or dive into the calm water as soon as you arrive. This peaceful location makes visitors feel happier as it connects them with childhood memories of idyllic holidays in villages and by the seaside.
With all this in mind, we’re pretty sure that your Maspalomas holidays will be unforgettable. What are you waiting for? All you have to do is start packing!
