Overview
Maspalomas is a purpose-built tourist resort that emerged after 1960 in southern Gran Canaria, evolving into a fully equipped town rather than a plain resort. It offers a 6-km-long fine sandy beach, world-famous dunes under conservation since 1987, and infrastructure including private clinics, hospitals, English-language cinema, golf courses, and sports centers rarely seen in other tourist areas.
Beach · Budget Travel · Day Trips · Family Travel · Nature
Before you go
Accommodation
No hostels exist in Maspalomas or Southern Gran Canaria as of 2022; only resort hotels and bungalows are available.
Connectivity
Type F power plugs at 230V; excellent mobile coverage with Spanish carriers; free WiFi at hotels and shopping centers.
Etiquette
Alcohol is prohibited on beaches; lifeguards confiscate alcoholic beverages. Dress modestly when visiting nearby dunes outside nude areas.
Food
Fresh fruit from beach vendors is safe and local; be cautious with raw fish and ice cream—opt for fruit cocktails instead.
Safety
Beware of con artists: carnation sellers, shell game scammers, and counterfeit goods traders near beaches and shopping centers.
Transport
Local buses (lines 4, 45, 52, 70, 73) connect Maspalomas to Playa del Inglés and San Agustín; bus stop "Cruce Sonnenland" serves parks.
Water
Tap water is desalinated sea water—safe but tastes unpleasant. Buy 5-liter containers from Mercadona for around €1.50 for coffee and brushing teeth.