On the sunny southern coast of Gran Canaria, Maspalomas is famous for its golden sandy beaches and high-end hotels. Whether you're keen to make the most of the sun, sea, and sand, or visit the area's excellent tourist attractions, here are the top things to do in Maspalomas.
The sand dunes of Maspalomas
Playa de Maspalomas is a Blue Flag award winner, with 6 km of golden sands and sculpted sand dunes that look like they could have come straight from the Sahara Desert. This fascinating dune system has long been popular with artists and photographers, and is among Gran Canaria's best places to see the sunset at any time of the year.
Maspalomas Lighthouse
Dating back to the late 19th Century, Maspalomas Lighthouse was once an important lookout for boats travelling from Europe to Africa and the Americas. Right next to the huge sand dunes, the lighthouse can be seen for miles, and looks particularly impressive around sunset.
Maspalomas Golf
Looking for a great golfing destination to put on your list of things to do in Maspalomas? We've got you covered! The area is home to one of the largest golf courses in Gran Canaria, Maspalomas Golf. In fact, this is one of the sunniest golf courses in the world, where you can enjoy stunning views of the sand dunes and keep cool thanks to the sea breeze. Maspalomas Golf regularly holds world-class tournaments, and has a fantastic restaurant where you can look forward to delicious classic and modern dishes after a long game.
Aqualand Maspalomas
Take the family to Aqualand Maspalomas, where you can zoom down the water slides or relax in the pool. It's a great place to cool off at the height of summer, and makes a change from the hotel pool and the sea. At Holiday World, you'll also find plenty of amusement rides to keep the kids entertained. Challenge someone to a game of bowling, visit the arcade, then grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants to recharge your batteries.
Playa del Inglés
Visit the vibrant resort of Playa del Inglés, which is known for its golden sandy beach and means - drumroll please - 'Englishman's Beach'.Yes, this resort has long been popular with British holidaymakers, and you'll find much of the entertainment and food here has an English theme. The nightlife is also among the best in the Canary Islands, with a great range of lounge bars, clubs and gay bars at the Yumbo Centrum (Yumbo Center).
Presa de Las Niñas
Further inland, you can visit Presa de Las Niñas, a stunning landscape with a man-made reservoir and dramatic mountain backdrops. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of Gran Canaria's big resorts, it's perfect for a family day out, with plenty of picnicking areas So, whatever your plans on your holiday in Gran Canaria, you'll find plenty of things to do in Maspalomas to make your holiday one to remember.