Turbo Hotel Gran Canaria
Maspalomas is sandwiched between the livelier resorts of Puerto Rico and Playa del Ingles. The resort centre sits in the shadows of the impressive dunes that stretch across the southern tip of Gran Canaria.
The dunes are the obvious star of the show. You can cross them on foot or by camel but beware naturists lurking unseen. The beaches on the coastline are amazing. Away from the beach you have a water park, a golf course and a lovely laid back resort centre.
Laid back neighbour
Maspalomas sits proudly on the southern coast of Gran Canaria, the third largest island in the Canaries. The resort is the quieter, more laid back neighbour to Playa del Ingles and Puerto Rico. This popular destination is perfectly situated for visitors looking for an active holiday.
The dunes of Maspalomas
The undoubted star of the show is the sand dunes that form an imposing barrier on the coastline. The dunes are rumoured to have been formed as a result of tsunami that struck the island in 1755. The dunes are actually an extension of the Sahara, 130 miles to the east. The whole area is a nature reserve with rare plant species set amongst the dunes. The main beach runs the length of the resort with a nice promenade linking the beach and the dunes.
Camels at the ready
The area is rich with both natural and man-made entertainment. If you’re a golfer you can take in the challenging course. Look out for the big bunkers! Families will love the thrills and spills of a day at Aqualand. The dunes are waiting to be explored either on foot or camel back if you see yourself as a modern day Lawrence of Arabia. Inland, take a trip to explore the volcanic wonder of Roque Nublo at the heart of the Biosphere Reservation.
Things to do in Maspalomas
On the beach in Maspalomas
Beyond the dunes of Maspalomas lies a wide expanse of lovely beach, perfect for a lazy holiday. The beach is easily accessible and there is lots of free parking locally if travelling to the area. There are loungers and parasols available to hire as well as snack bars, cafes and showers. There are several distinct zones on the beach with a family friendly area and two naturist zones. You can hire jet skis, go scuba diving or maybe take a pedalo out for a slow journey up the coast.
Top Tip:
If you are walking across the dunes to access the beach, take shoes. The sand gets really hot.
Eat and drink in Maspalomas
Maspalomas is much quieter than other resorts on the south coast of Gran Canaria. There are some bars and cafes on the beach and restaurants in the resort centre. A lot of the entertainment tends to focus on the hotels. For a more varied or livelier night, the nearby resorts of Playa del Ingles and Puerto Rico are a better option.
If you try a night in Puerto Rico consider getting a local bus and then a taxi home if planning to stay late.
