Maspalomas Guide
Maspalomas is 26 kilometres from Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
Heading South from Gran Canaria Airport you arrive at Maspalomas. It has become one of the popular holiday resorts on Gran Canaria, also known as the Maspalomas Costa Canaria. It lies just south of Playa del Ingles. The Maspalomas region is the liveliest resort area of the Canary Islands. However, compared to Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas is quieter making it an excellent choice for the families.
Maspalomas has everything that is of interest to tourists. It’s location makes it within easy reach of the beaches of Puerto Rico and Amadores. For nightlife, it is close to the nightlife hot spots of Playa del Ingles and San Agustin.
Beaches
Playa de Maspalomas
Playa de Maspalomas has an amazing expanse of sand, boasting one of the best stretches of golden, sandy beach on the entire island.
The beach is 6 kms long and up to 100m wide. This area is more upmarket than Playa del Ingles offering more chic places to eat and hang out.
Playa del Ingles
Playa del Ingles is hugely popular with families with children and younger folk. Here you will find affordable places for all the family to eat and drink.
Also, a beach a favourite with families with children is the beach south of the lighthouse ‘Faro de Maspalomas’. This beach is easily accessible with boardwalks and has plenty of bars and cafes nearby.
The Dunes of Maspalomas
The dunes of Maspalomas are without doubt the biggest attraction. Thousands of tourists visit them each year! If you have ever wanted to roam in a desert, imagining you are in the Sahara, then you need to visit these dunes. Nothing better than sitting on top of dunes watching the sunset in the Atlantic Ocean.
They are a protected area of 5 square kilometers, due to the impact of tourism in the area.
La Charca is a pond that lies within the dunes between the sea and the sand. If you are a bird watcher then you will find some interesting sightings as they use the pond as a resting spot when migrating from Europe to Africa.
Attractions
Holiday World
Holiday World is located in Maspalomas along the road that goes towards Puerto Rico and Arguineguin. It is an amusement park with roller coaster rides, a 28-meter Ferris wheel, a gym, swimming pools, bowling, and some restaurants. Although small compared with bigger amusement parks in mainland Europe, it really does have everything for children to enjoy.
Aqualand
Aqualand is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Gran Canaria and a great place for families with children. It is the largest water park in Gran Canaria with 33 slides and several pools, some with wave machines.
Sioux City
Sioux City theme park is a replica of a Wild West town with its houses, a ranch with cattle, a bank, church and of course a saloon! There is even an Indian reservation!
Visitors are provided with entertaining reenactments of cowboy duels, cattle rodeos, even mock-up bank robberies.
It is located in San Bartolome de Tirajana.
Shopping
The main shopping centre in Maspalomas is the Faro 2 complex. Here the visitor will be able to shop in a large number of designer stores and boutiques.
However, many visitors like to visit the mall El Tablero, located just outside Maspalomas.
There is also a newer shopping centre nearby at Meloneras. All the usual shops from Europe can be found here along with some traditional Spanish outlets.
Car Hire in Maspalomas
It is one of the oldest towns on this part of the island. Here you can sometimes pick up a bargain in car hire! Depending on availability and season prices can vary at the small outlets. Check out the Car Hire page for Maspalomas.