Maspalomas - Introduction

Sunny southern Maspalomas is famous for its photogenic giant sand dunes, which provide the backdrop for a magnificent beach. The resort was created by package-tour operators and in recognition of this its streets are named after them. Although it is not large, it lacks a focus and comprises a number of discrete small low-rise developments. The latest of these, Meloneras, to the west, is a quiet away-from-it-all upmarket enclave that contrasts with the more hedonistic eastern side, which merges with Playa del Inglés.

Who Goes There
Maspalomas is popular with English, German and Scandinavian package holidaymakers, mostly families and slightly older couples. Neighbouring Playa del Inglés is Europe’s principal gay resort, notorious for its heady nightlife, and can become quite rowdy in high season.

Where in the World
Maspalomas occupies the southernmost tip of Gran Canaria. It is 52km (32 miles) south of Las Palmas and 32km (20 miles) south of the airport.

Beach
Stretching for around 2km (1.2 miles) and backed by Sahara-like dunes, the fine white-sand Playa de Maspalomas is regarded as the most beautiful beach on the island. It is informally divided into distinct areas for families and children, nudists and the gay community. The areas where the sun loungers are located can get very busy. The south-facing Playa de Maspalomas adjoins the east-facing Playa del Inglés at the Punta de Maspalomas. At the western end of Playa de Maspalomas is La Charca lagoon (see Beyond the Beach below) and Faro de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Lighthouse). Farther west beyond this is the rocky Playa de las Mujeres, good for surfing and windsurfing. Next is Playa Las Meloneras, a long coarse sand-and-pebble beach. Watersports in Maspalomas include parasailing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, plus rides on speedboats and inflatables.

Beyond the Beach
There are two golf courses at Maspalomas. The long-established Campo de Golf de Maspalomas (Avenida Neckermann) is actually surrounded by the dunes, which makes a round here a unique experience. It has hosted several international events. Just outside the resort, Salobre Golf (Urbanización El Salobre, Autopista Gran Canaria 1, Km 53) is a newcomer, also enjoying a splendid, typical Gran Canaria setting among ravines and volcanic landscapes.

A camel trek, particularly at sunset, is a great way to see the magnificent dunes. The camel drivers pitch their tent next to the landmark Faro (at 56m/183ft the tallest lighthouse in the Canary Islands). Also here is La Charca, a sea-water lagoon bordered with palm trees. Providing a literal oasis amid the dunes, it hosts many species of nesting and migratory birds. At Rancho Park, near Playa del Inglés (on the road to Palmitos Park), riding lessons and trekking tours can be arranged. Family attractions include two water parks and an amusement park (See Family Fun below).

Family Fun
Aqualand (also known as Aquasur) is the biggest water park in the Canary Islands, boasting around 50 slides, flumes, rides and attractions including children’s and adults’ swimming pools and mini-golf. It is located 3km (2 miles) north of Maspalomas on the Carretera Palmitos Parque.

Holiday World (Avenida Touroperador Tui) is a large amusement park with fairground rides, ten-pin bowling, bars, restaurants, two nightclubs, gym and spa. Another water park, Ocean Park, is situated very close by at Urbanización Campo Internacional. It offers 15 different slides, several swimming pools and a large wave pool.

Retail Therapy
If Maspalomas does have a heart, then it is the Centro Comercial Faro 2. With its bizarre ‘exploding fluted Greek column’ centrepiece thrusting into the sky, it is as much a landmark as is the Maspalomas lighthouse. Like all the centro comerciales in the resort, it is a mix of international and Spanish brand-name shops and goods, cheap local hawkers, refreshment places, nightspots and amusement arcades. Try the newly built Centro Comercial Meloneras behind the beach if you are looking for designer labels and a more elegant style of boutique.

Local goods are not the norm but if you are seeking Canarian handicrafts go to the FEDAC shop in the Centro Comercial Yumbo. This is a government-funded organisation dedicated to protecting local handicrafts.

A Night on the Town
Maspalomas is host to a number of music bars and disco pubs, though on the whole it is a relatively quiet resort after dark, particularly by comparison to neighbouring Playa del Inglés. Many hotels and apartments organise in-house evening entertainment (discos, cabaret, quiz nights and more).

Eating Out
Most restaurants serve international-Spanish food of a mediocre standard. Canarian cuisine is hard to come by and fast food is ubiquitous.

Getting Around
Maspalomas is small enough to cover quite comfortably on foot. Dedicated buses ferry visitors to and from attractions. If you want to explore the island, you’ll need to hire a car. A fast motorway, the GC 2, skirts the resort making it easy to tour the island.

Exploring Further Afield
The south’s most popular family attraction, Palmitos Park (Barranco de Los Palmitos) (website: www.palmitospark.es) lies 10km (6 miles) northwest of Maspalomas. Set in a verdant valley, this beautifully landscaped oasis features 150 species of birds, a gibbon island, an aquarium, a butterfly house, a cacti garden, an orchid house, crocodiles and more.

Splashing Out
Enjoy a gourmet meal in the Le Jardin restaurant at the Hotel Riu Grand Palace Maspalomas Oasis (Playa de Maspalomas) (website: www.riu.com). Japanese cuisine, Spanish specialities and ‘gourmet dinners’ are served on alternate days. Visit the casino inside the Meliá Tamarindos Hotel at San Agustín. Even if your numbers or cards don’t turn up trumps, there is a dinner show and cabaret to enjoy. Or for the thrill of a lifetime take a 20-minute flight over the Maspalomas dunes then sky dive (in tandem with an instructor!). Contact Skydive Gran Canaria (Paseo Marítimo, where the dunes begin).

Flying In
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)

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