Maspalomas
Maspalomas
The flagship resort of Gran Canaria's south coast, famous for its vast Saharan dunes, year-round sunshine and status as one of Europe's top LGBTQ+ destinations.
Maspalomas sits at the southern tip of Gran Canaria, where a protected nature reserve of rolling sand dunes meets the Atlantic. It is the island's biggest tourist draw, built around a long golden beach and a lighthouse that has guided ships since the 19th century. The dunes, the beach and the warm, sunny climate bring visitors all year round. It is also one of the most famous LGBTQ+ destinations in the world.
What [Destination] is known for
Maspalomas is best known for two things above all others: its dunes and its LGBTQ+ scene. The Maspalomas Dunes are a protected nature reserve of more than 400 hectares of shifting desert sand, which sit right beside the sea and extend into the neighbouring resort of Playa del Inglés. The sand blows in from the Sahara, and at sunset the dunes glow gold. You can walk through them, take a camel ride or simply sit and watch the light change. For LGBTQ+ travellers, Maspalomas and the adjoining Playa del Inglés form one of Europe's most welcoming and established destinations. The Yumbo Centrum, a large open-air shopping centre in Playa del Inglés, transforms each evening into a world of bars, drag shows, clubs and nightlife that draws visitors from across Europe. The dedicated gay beach sits beyond the dunes at Kiosk 7, reached by walking through the reserve. The resort hosts two major Pride events each year, Maspalomas Pride in May and Winter Pride in November, which bring tens of thousands of visitors. Beyond the dunes and nightlife, Maspalomas has a calm, upmarket side too. The Meloneras promenade, just west of the lighthouse, is lined with five-star hotels, seafront restaurants and designer boutiques. It is a different mood from Playa del Inglés, and a popular choice for couples and families looking for something quieter.
5WTP
Experience Name
Description
5WTP
Region name
Description
5WTP
Region name
Description
5WTP
Region name
Description
5WTP
Region name
Description
5WTP
Region name
Description
Things to do in [Destination]
Walk the dunes at sunrise or sunset, when the light is at its best and the crowds are thinner. Take a camel ride through the reserve for a different perspective on the landscape. Spend time on the main Maspalomas beach, which is wide, sandy and calmer than Playa del Inglés next door. Stroll the Meloneras promenade for the lighthouse, the sea views and the upmarket dining. If the LGBTQ+ scene is what draws you, spend an evening at the Yumbo Centrum, where each bar and club has its own crowd and atmosphere. On the beach, the gay and nudist section starts beyond Kiosk 5.
Where to stay in [Destination] (City)
Food and drink in [Destination]
The Meloneras promenade has the most stylish restaurants, many with sea views, serving Canarian fish dishes alongside international cooking. The resort also has Canarian classics like papas arrugadas with mojo sauce and fresh grilled tuna at the simpler spots near the beach.
5WTP
Restaurant Name
Description
Airport Code
Region name
Description
Airport Code
Region name
Description
00
00
00
/
Feels like
00
Condition
Weather summary text
Wind Description
00 km/h NE
Wind
UV Description
UV 0
UV
Rain Description
0 mm
Rain
2 Day Forecast
Forecast
0% Rain
00
/
00
°
Day
Forecast
0% Rain
00
/
00
°
Day
Weather today in [Destination]
Best time to visit [Destination]
The dunes and beach stay warm nearly year-round, so weather matters less here than crowds. July, August and the Christmas to Easter stretch bring the biggest numbers, when northern Europeans arrive for winter sun. September, October, April and May offer the same warmth with noticeably more space.
Getting to [Destination] and around
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is on the east coast of the island, about 50 minutes from Maspalomas by car or bus. The south of the island is well connected by bus, and taxis are easy to find. A car is useful for exploring the rest of the island, but the resort itself is walkable.
Nearest Airport to [Destination]
Nearest Sea Port to [Destination]
Travel tips for visiting [Destination]
The dunes are at their most beautiful and peaceful at sunrise and sunset. Take the coastal path along the Paseo Marítimo to walk from San Agustín through Playa del Inglés to the lighthouse without crossing a road. The Yumbo Centrum comes alive after 10pm and goes on well into the early hours. For the Gay Pride events in May and November, book accommodation many months ahead. Suncream is essential here even in winter, as the sunshine is intense year-round.
Events happening in [Destination]
What's on in [Destination] - annual festivals and events.
DATE
Destination
,
Country
Event Name
Collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It's a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.
Date
Country
,
Country
Event Name
Collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It's a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.
Town Name
Country
,
Country
Event Name
Collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It's a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.
FAQs about visiting [Destination]
Helpful answers for planning your visit to [Destination].
Add a Title
Question
Answer.
Add a Title
Add a Title
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
Add a Title
Add a Title
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
All the islands of [Spain] (Singular Island)
countAllIslands-Islands
Mallorca
The largest Balearic island, with a grand capital, dramatic mountains and more than 200 beaches and coves.
Ibiza
World-famous for nightlife, but also an island of quiet coves, pine forests and a UNESCO old town.
Menorca
The quiet Balearic island, with turquoise coves, prehistoric stone monuments and a slow, unspoilt pace.
Formentera
A tiny, car-light island of white sand and turquoise water, reached only by ferry from Ibiza.
More destinations in [Country]
Discover more places and regions to stay in [Country].
Places to stay near [Destinations]
countNearby
Meloneras
Beach, Coastal
Gran Canaria's most upmarket resort, between the Maspalomas lighthouse and the dunes, with a two-kilometre seafront promenade, five-star hotels and designer shopping.
Playa del Inglés
Beach, Desert
Gran Canaria's most famous and lively resort, with three kilometres of golden beach, the iconic Yumbo Centrum and some of the liveliest nightlife in the Canary Islands.
San Agustín
Beach, Coastal
A calm, refined beach resort on Gran Canaria's south coast, with a long Blue Flag beach, one of Europe's top thalassotherapy spas and easy access to the island's main attractions.
Other [Demonym] regions (Mainland)
countMoreRegions-Mainland
Catalonia
A proud northeastern region with Barcelona, the Costa Brava coves, Pyrenean peaks and its own language and culture.
Valencia
A sun-soaked eastern region of beaches, rice fields and orange groves, home to paella and the Costa Blanca.
Region of Murcia
A warm, sunny southeastern region of beaches, the Mar Menor lagoon and a rich Roman and farming heritage.
Andalucía
The sun-baked heart of southern Spain, home of flamenco, Moorish palaces, white villages and tapas.
Galicia
A green, Atlantic region in the northwest, with the Camino's end, fjord-like coves and superb seafood.
Asturias
A green northern region of dramatic mountains, a wild coast, cider houses and the Picos de Europa.
Cantabria
A compact green northern region with sandy beaches, the Picos de Europa and a famous prehistoric cave.
Basque Country
A distinctive green region of world-class food, the Guggenheim, surf beaches and a unique ancient language.
Community of Madrid
The central region built around Spain's capital, with world-class art, royal palaces and mountain escapes.
Castilla-La Mancha
The vast central plateau of windmills and castles, Don Quixote's country, with Toledo and Cuenca at its edges.
Castilla y León
A vast northern plateau of historic cities, Gothic cathedrals, castles and the Ribera del Duero wine country.
Aragón
A varied northern region running from the high Pyrenees to dry plains, with Zaragoza and striking Mudejar towers.
Navarre
A green northern region of Pyrenean valleys and the Camino, famous for Pamplona's running of the bulls.
La Rioja
Spain's most famous wine region, a small northern land of vineyards, bodegas and the Camino de Santiago.
Extremadura
A wild, unspoilt western region of Roman ruins, conquistador towns, jamón and rich birdlife.
Balearic Islands
Spain's Mediterranean island region, four distinct islands from lively Ibiza to quiet Menorca and Formentera.
Ceuta
A small Spanish city on the North African coast, a crossing point of cultures between two continents.
Melilla
A small Spanish city on the North African coast, known for its remarkable Modernist architecture.
Explore more destinations in [Country]
Explore the [Island Group] (Island)
countIslandGroups-Island
Tenerife
The largest Canary Island, crowned by Spain's highest peak, with year-round sun and two very different coasts.
Gran Canaria
A round island of huge variety, with southern sand dunes, a green mountainous interior and a lively capital.
Lanzarote
A volcanic island of black-and-red landscapes, white villages and the design legacy of César Manrique.
Fuerteventura
The Canary Island of endless beaches and constant wind, a paradise for surfers and beach-lovers.
La Palma
The greenest Canary Island, with volcanoes, rainforest and some of the clearest night skies on Earth.
La Gomera
A round, ravine-cut island of ancient laurel forest and a whistling language, reached by ferry from Tenerife.
El Hierro
The smallest, most remote main Canary Island, a quiet UNESCO geopark of volcanoes and clear diving waters.
La Graciosa
A tiny, car-free island of sandy tracks and empty beaches, reached by a short ferry from Lanzarote.
More in [Island] (Island)
countInIsland-Island
Agaete
Coastal, Rural, Mountain
A traditional fishing village on Gran Canaria's northwest coast, with volcanic natural pools, dramatic cliff scenery and the island's only ferry link to Tenerife.
Puerto Rico
Beach, Coastal
A busy, family-friendly resort on the south coast of Gran Canaria, claimed to have more hours of sunshine than almost anywhere in Europe.
Puerto de Mogán
Beach, Coastal
A small, picturesque fishing village on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, known as Little Venice for its canals, colourful bougainvillea and pretty marina.
Tejeda
Mountain, Rural
Gran Canaria's most beautiful mountain village, perched at over 1,000 metres above sea level with sweeping views of volcanic craters, rocky peaks and almond orchards.
More in [Admin Area] (Mainland)
countAdminArea-Mainland
