Maspalomas Beach: Gran Canaria's Biggest And Most Famous Beach

Maspalomas beach Maspalomas beach

Maspalomas has its own palm tree oasis, lagoon and sand dune system. It's basically a miniature desert by the sea rather than a beach. It even has camels (which you can ride) but unlike a desert, there are convenient snack stands, comfy sun loungers and trained lifeguards.

maspalomas beach snack barBlue Flag Maspalomas beach stretches from the lagoon and Faro lighthouse at its western end all the way to the dogleg where the dunes stick out into the sea. The beach doesn't end here but turns into Playa del Inglés beach and continues on for kilometres as PDI beach merges into El Cochino and El Veril beaches. 

The Maspalomas beach section of this vast sandy paradise is about 3.5 kilometres long. Apart from a few pebbles at the western end, it's all golden sand and is wide enough to absorb the crowds of people that use it every day of the year.

The west end of the beach is where most families and couples choose to sit as it's normally calm and sheltered from the wind. Here you also have a convenient row of bars and restaurants right on the sand. As you head east past the lagoon and towards the dunes the beach merges into the mini-Sahara behind you. Loungers are clustered around the snacks bars and cost 2.5 euros per lounger and 2.5 euros for a parasol. 

Maspalomas dunes The famous and well-signposted Maspalomas nudist area is right in the middle of the beach where the dunes meet the sea. It's hard to miss but also easy to avoid if you'd rather not see anybody else's dangly bits: just stay on the first 1.5 kilometres of beach.

While there are snack stands at intervals along the beach, we advise you to take plenty of food and especially liquids if you plan to spend a whole day on Maspalomas beach. Shade is also essential if you spend a whole day at Maspalomas; either bring a parasol or rent one.

Lex says: Be aware that there are no toilet facilities in the middle of the beach and that it's a long walk back to the toilets in the round building here. It's fine to pee in the ocean (whales do as well ;) ).

To explore the dunes, it's best to set off from the Dunas Mirador in Playa del Inglés (see this map for location) and either walk to the shore along the crests of the dunes (it takes longer than you expect) or west back towards Maspalomas. If you go west, follow the marked trail and be aware that the scrubland here is popular with nudists.

Alex says: Avoid walking in the dunes at midday because it gets hot and the sand swallows shoes. 

Maspalomas lagoon on the way to the beachGet to Maspalomas beach by taking any bus that stops at the main Maspalomas bus station (called Faro Maspalomas). Then walk down the palm-shaded road that goes east from the roundabout until you reach the lagoon (about 300 metres). The beach is right there and stretches out east for over three kilometres.  For convenient access to cold beers, food and toilets, turn west towards the lighthouse. For the full natural splendour of Maspalomas beach, walk east and head towards the sand dunes. 

Parking close to Maspalomas beach can be tricky unless you arrive early. There's a paid car park here or you can try your luck on the roads close to the ExpoMeloneras conference centre here. There's always somewhere to park in this area but you may end up 10 minutes walk away from the sand. 

 

Additional Info

  • Lifeguard: Yes
  • Calm water: Yes
  • You're sitting on: Sand
  • Sand colour: Sahara yellow
  • Looks best at: Sunset
  • Nudist: Yes
  • Hippy rating: 5
  • Lat/Long: 27.735900, -15.582968

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Tip of the day

  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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