Things To Do
in Maspalomas
Maspalomas is a sun-soaked resort town on Gran Canaria’s southern coast, famed for its vast sand dunes and long sandy beaches. The area blends relaxed beach life with bustling promenade areas, upscale hotels, and world-class golf courses. The Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve provides a surreal desert-meets-ocean landscape just steps from the sea.
Visitors come for sun, sea, and outdoor adventures, plus easy access to vibrant nightlife in Playa del Inglés and Meloneras.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Spanish pastries and coffee. Afterward, head to the stunning Maspalomas Dunes, a natural reserve and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where you can take a leisurely walk through the golden sands. As the sun rises higher, the dunes create a mesmerizing landscape perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Continue your adventure by visiting the nearby Maspalomas Lighthouse, where you can explore the quaint shops and enjoy a light lunch with ocean views. In the afternoon, relax on the family-friendly Maspalomas Beach, where you can swim in the clear waters or sunbathe on the soft sand. The atmosphere is vibrant, with beach bars serving refreshing drinks to keep you cool.
As the sun sets, take a stroll along the promenade to watch the vibrant colors of the sky reflect on the ocean. Choose a beachfront restaurant for dinner, indulging in fresh seafood and local Canarian dishes. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk back, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the night market, where you can find unique crafts and souvenirs.
Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the beach for a morning of thrilling water sports. Choose from activities like jet skiing, paddleboarding, or windsurfing, all available along the beach with equipment rentals nearby. The excitement of the ocean waves will energize you for the rest of the day.
After an exhilarating morning, take a break for lunch at one of the beachside restaurants, where you can savor light tapas and refreshing drinks. Spend your afternoon lounging on the beach or participating in beach volleyball games with fellow tourists. The warm sun and gentle breeze create the perfect setting for relaxation and fun.
As evening approaches, consider a sunset catamaran cruise, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline while sipping on cocktails. The cruise often includes opportunities for dolphin watching, adding an extra thrill to your outing. After returning to shore, find a cozy bar to unwind and reflect on your adventurous day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or latte | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $100-180 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short trip) | $5-20 |
| 🛍️Souvenir/shopping | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning dunes and beaches within easy reach
- Wide range of accommodations, from budget to luxury
- Year-round mild climate ideal for outdoor activities
- Vibrant nightlife scenes in Yumbo/Kasbah areas
- Excellent golf courses and water-sport opportunities
- High-season crowds can feel busy and pricey
- Some beach areas can be touristy and commercial
- Limited public transport coverage to more remote inland areas
- Occasional heat and strong sun require sun protection
- Certain services may close for siesta in off-peak times
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hablo un poco de español" - I speak a little Spanish
Places to Visit in Maspalomas
Visit one of these nice places.
Endless dunes meeting the sea provide dramatic textures and backdrops, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light is warm and long shadows create striking silhouettes.
Iconic lighthouse with the dunes in the foreground; ideal for wide-angle seascapes and golden-hour city views.
Long sea-facing boardwalk with colorful beach umbrellas and people-watching opportunities; great for candid and architectural shots.
Clifftop or promenade viewpoints overlooking sunsets over the Atlantic with modern resort architecture as a backdrop.
Narrow canals and whitewashed houses create charming photos with boats and flower-filled balconies; a short detour from the Maspalomas area.
Food in Maspalomas
Maspalomas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Wrinkled potatoes served with red mojo (spicy) or green mojo (herbaceous), a quintessential Canarian starter.
Must-Try!
Traditional saltfish stew with potatoes and mojo, a comforting coastal classic.
A warm, creamy gofio porridge mixed with fish stock or milk, a staple in Canarian homes.
Sweet almond dessert pudding, often served with ice cream or ladyfingers.
A hearty mélange of shredded meat, chickpeas, and vegetables, reflecting the islands’ rural heritage.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Municipal market offering fresh seafood, produce, cheeses, and local snacks; good spot to sample gofio-based bites and regional produce in a lively morning setting.
Weekly markets across San Bartolomé de Tirajana and coastal towns offer crafts, cheeses, fruits, grilled seafood, and street food stalls worth exploring on market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A basic hola/buenos días goes a long way; many staff speak English in tourist areas. Politeness and a smile are appreciated.
Casual coastal attire is common; modest dress is appreciated in churches and cultural sites. Quiet conversations in public spaces are preferred.
Some shops may close in the early afternoon; many restaurants reopen for dinner around 7–8 pm.
Safety
Tipping in Maspalomas
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common but not obligatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated in cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Cash and card (including contactless) are widely accepted; some smaller vendors may prefer cash. ATMs are readily available in tourist zones.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures, blooming flora, and calmer beaches. Great for outdoor hikes and alfresco dining.
Hot days with cooling sea breezes; peak tourist season. Expect crowded beaches, longer queues, and vibrant nightlife.
Warm days and cooler evenings; excellent conditions for photography at sunrise and sunset; sea remains calm and inviting.
Mild, comfortable temperatures; lower crowds than peak summer. Great for golf, strolls, and museum visits without heat stress.
Maspalomas at Night
Hiking in Maspalomas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic basalt rock on the island’s interior; a popular short-to-moderate hike with sweeping views of the island.
Crater hike with panoramic views and a volcanic landscape, offering a different perspective from the coastal area.
Lush canyon hike with olive groves and scenic drops; a pleasant alternative to the coast with varied terrain.
Rugged gorge with cave dwellings and terraces; a culturally rich hike near the east of the island.
Airports
How to reach Maspalomas by plane.
Located near the capital Las Palmas, it's the main international gateway to Gran Canaria and the Maspalomas area; frequent domestic and international flights. Easy transfer by car, taxi, or bus to Maspalomas (~25-40 minutes).
Alternative gateway via inter-island flights; longer travel time to Maspalomas but useful for multi-island itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Significant presence of visitors from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and other European countries, especially in winter and spring.
Canarian families and seasonal workers who support the local hospitality industry.
A broad mix of travelers seeking sun, beaches, and relaxed resort vibes.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
South coast offers suitable wind and waves; many schools provide gear rental and lessons.
Multiple courses in and around Maspalomas, including renowned layouts with ocean views.
Calm bays and clear water near the coast make for enjoyable swimming and snorkeling, especially in sheltered coves.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Maspalomas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for dishes featuring papas arrugadas with mojo verde, grilled vegetables, salads, and gofio-based options. When in doubt, ask for mojo verde or vegetable-focused tapas; many restaurants can adapt fish or meat-based plates into meat-free versions.