Maspalomas beach

The enormous dunes that lead into the sea will certainly make you feel small. Their pale sand, which meets up with waters of different tones of blue, make this beach the most emblematic of all Gran Canaria. If you walk to La Punta, where the coast changes direction, you will reach an area popular by naturists, who appreciate the privacy offered by these large undulations of sand.

The Hotel Riu Gran Palace Maspalomas Oasis lies on the westernmost tip of the beach, beside the majestic lighthouse that rises up opposite the horizon. The waters it presides over are one of the best areas for practising surfing and bodyboarding, very popular sports here. Other RIU hotels in the area are the ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria and the Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras Resort.

Playa del Inglés beach

This beach is the twin sister of Maspalomas, and as such shares the wonderful waters and golden reliefs of the Dunas de Maspalomas Nature Reserve. Its exceptional broadness, which in some places reaches 100 metres, makes it ideal for walking amongst the sand banks. The generous sun that warms the fine, golden sand will beckon you to take part in numerous aquatic activities: waters skiing, pedaloes, and windsurfing.

The seafront promenade is lined with bars, restaurants and beach bars where you can sit and admire the view whilst enjoying a delicious lunch or a refreshing cocktail.

The Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas, with its tropical gardens beneath huge palm trees, borders with the big dunes. From here all you will see is the blue tones of the Atlantic and the prominent dunes. In this area, you'll also find these other RIU hotels: ClubHotel Riu Waikiki, Hotel Riu Don Miguel, Hotel Riu Palmeras/Bung Riu Palmitos, Hotel Riu Papayas and Aparthotel Riu Flamingo.

Amadores beach

Because of its extension and the tranquillity of its waters, this beach is ideal for family fun. Protected from the currents by two large breakwaters, the sea here forms a huge swimming pool, perfect for taking a dip or just cooling off in the face of the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean. The fact that there are no large waves makes this beach very safe, and therefore ideal for your children to play in the sea whilst you relax on the sand.

On the promenade that runs alongside the beach, there is a host of bars, restaurants and shops enabling you to spend the whole day on the beach. You can also walk to the neighbouring town of Puerto Rico along a photogenic trail that leads past huge boulders and the blue tones of the ocean.

The ClubHotel Riu Vistamar is located in a privileged situation, on a cliff top overlooking the sea. A free bus service covers the 900 metres that separate it from Playa de Amadores beach.

The interior

Whilst the beautiful beaches of Gran Canaria have always been popular with the crowds, the interior of the island was always neglected in the past. Little by little things change, and visitors are beginning to enter the canyons that connect the arid coastline with the exuberant mountains. The valleys hide alpine landscapes with Canary Island pines, palm groves and rivers and lakes that run into the sea.

Whatever you do, don’t missRoque Nublo, a monumental rock that crowns the summit of volcanic origin. From Pozo de las Nieves, the highest point on the island standing at 1949m, nature rewards us with incomparable views: the Canary Island pine forest advancing towards Roque Nublo, with the Teide on the island of Tenerife as a backdrop. The clouds and mist that rise up from the sea filter between the two, creating a magical scene.

Another extremely interesting place is the historical town of Agüimes, with an old quarter full of alleyways with picturesque façades painted white and in pastel and ochre tones. Here all roads lead to the imposing Episcopal Palace, with its white dome dominating the town’s cube-shaped houses.
If you leave the village in the direction of Ingenio you will find the Barranco de Guayadeque canyon, at 1500m, with a fine green mantle, which runs into the eastern coast of the island. Its steep valleys house villages of cave-dwellings formerly inhabited by the Guanches (indigenous Canary Island inhabitants) and important historical sites.

There are many other routes through the mountains of the interior that are worthwhile and easy to follow from the south of the island.

Puerto del Mogán

Whilst the label of “Venice of the Canary Islands” may be something of an exaggeration, it is quite true that the canals that run through this coastal village offer picture postcard images that are unique on the island. Many of the houses are built with archways to facilitate the flow of the water. Its straight roads are lined with peaceful, immaculate houses with flower-covered balconies and canals running past their base. The bougainvilleas that adorn the alleyways make this place an exuberant urban garden.

In the port, the fishing boats rest under the sun, waiting to go out and fish, in clear contrast to the luxurious yachts in the marina. In the fish market, children at play mingle with fishermen mending nets and tourists who admire as they stroll around.

Going out

Maspalomas Carnival: If you are on the island in February don’t miss Maspalomas Carnival, a ritual of dance, fancy dress and extravagance where every night is different and unpredictable. Music invades the streets and people’s spirits, turning this already lively zone into a place where passions flare. This is one of the most important celebrations in the world, with one parade after another and emotions high: laughter and tears are both frequent, depending on whether the fancy-dress competition is lost or won.

Playa del Inglés: Large crowds gather in the streets of this tourist resort which is famous all over the island for its fiestas. Most of the action is concentrated around the large shopping centres. The number of bars and restaurants is huge, so there is plenty to choose from. When you leave the hotel at night, all you need to know is that you are bound to have a good time, you can decide the rest along the way, as the evening goes on.

Puerto Rico: The town’s two marinas and numerous shopping centres guarantee a varied range of leisure opportunities. From bars facing the sea breeze to nightclubs where the young people of the area meet up. The charm of the place resides in the fact that the most sophisticated establishments alternate with other more informal ones. But the constant features are the fun, laughter and fiesta.

Windsurfing

Visit the dunes of Maspalomas

Become Lawrence of Arabia for a few hours, penetrating the enormous dunes of the Maspalomas Nature Reserve. Both on foot and by camel, you can cover delightful routes through the Saharan sand brought in from Africa by the sea breezes. The winds that incessantly regenerate them will erase your footsteps, inviting you to return.

The ecosystem is fragile, which explains why the local institutions have protected this zone, so it is forbidden to take any plants with you or leave any trace of your visit to this place. The natural and tourist image of the islands largely depends on the survival of the dunes.

Golf

Maspalomas Golf: The panoramic views afforded by this course are fantastic. Its broad fairways are dotted with pine trees, palm trees and a wide variety of plants. The enormous dunes overlook the fairways as though they were spying on the golfers. And the refreshing breezes the sea brings will allow you to enjoy golf here all year round.

Salobre Golf: An extraordinary location offering splendid views of the sea and the mountains. Its green areas, decorated with indigenous vegetation, contrast with the desert-like surroundings. The course design makes it attractive for both experts and beginners.

Aqualand Maspalomas

Specialities

Because of the distance from mainland Spain, the food of the Canaries has developed its own typical identity. One of the best-known dishes is enyesques or starters, outstanding from among which are the famous “papas arrugas” (‘wrinkly potatoes’), “ropa vieja” (‘old clothes’) or “carajacas”.
The first courses, such as fish soup or watercress soup, usually precede delicious rabbit or pork dishes.

On an archipelago in the high seas, there could be no lack of fish: island grouper, stonebass, grouper, tuna and naturally, “la vieja”, an indigenous fish with an exquisite flavour and texture.

If you haven’t tried them yet, the local wines with guarantee of quality and origin will surprise you. Whilst less famous than those of the mainland, the young wines, red or white, are the ideal complement for the delicious culinary proposals of Gran Canaria. The production zones are concentrated on the slopes of the north of the island except for one in the south, in Tabaibilla.

Shopping

In Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Puerto Rico there are multiple shopping centres where you will find everything, ranging from the latest fashion brands to the best craft items. As with the rest of the Canary Islands, the generous tax regime that governs the archipelago means you will be able to find a fair number of articles at reduced prices.

Craft: The island’s craftsmanship is fed by the products of the land: leather, stone, wood and palm leaves, which are used to make baskets and bags.