Maspalomas City
Tourist destination in Canary Islands, Spain
Dunes roll to the sea beside a 19th‑century lighthouse and long promenades. Walkers and sunseekers follow sandy tracks, take short camel rides, watch migratory birds at a small coastal lagoon and linger in seaside cafés after dark.
At a GlanceKey facts, why go and what's on now
Maspalomas at a Glance#
Costs: $100-200 per day (resort destination) - resort prices vary by season; expect typical European holiday costs for accommodation and dining.
Safety: Safe overall - watch for petty crime - generally safe for tourists; watch for petty theft in crowded resort areas and beaches.
Best Time: October-May (peak winter‑sun season) - mild, sunny weather year‑round; autumn through spring are especially popular for winter sun escapes.
Why Visit Maspalomas?#
Maspalomas on Gran Canaria is famous for the sweeping Dunas de Maspalomas and the Faro de Maspalomas, offering a mix of beach days and desert-like sandscapes. Local Canarian cuisine-papas arrugadas with mojo and fresh seafood-anchors dining, while nearby Playa del Inglés adds nightlife and entertainment for those seeking variety. Camel rides, coastal walks and protected reserves provide a distinctive coastal-desert contrast.
Things to DoTop sights, bucket list and day trips
Best Things to Do in Maspalomas#
Maspalomas Bucket List#
Dunas de Maspalomas - Expansive coastal sand dunes with walking paths connecting beach and nature reserve.
Faro de Maspalomas - Historic lighthouse marking the seafront promenade and local beachfront landmarks.
Maspalomas Beach - Long sandy beachfront lined with resorts, promenades, and year-round sunbathing spots.
El Charco de Maspalomas - Small coastal lagoon favored by birdwatchers and quiet shoreline strolls.
Palmitos Park (nearby) - Botanical and aviary park with dolphin shows and tropical plant collections.
Maspalomas Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo) - Specialized Canary Islands flora displays a short drive from the resort area.
Roque Nublo (Gran Canaria interior) - Iconic rock monolith reached by trails, offering sweeping island interior views.
Puerto de Mogán - Picturesque fishing village with canals, seafood restaurants, and a relaxed marina atmosphere.
Nearby Cities #
When to GoSeasons, weather and festivals
Best Time to Visit Maspalomas#
Maspalomas is easygoing year-round, with the warmest, sunniest conditions in summer and pleasantly mild winters. Visit spring for fewer crowds and great beach weather, or winter for comfortable temperatures and quieter days.
December - February
16-23°C (61-73°F)
Mild and pleasant with calm seas-perfect for beach walks and sunsets without the peak-season crowds.
March - May
17-25°C (63-77°F)
Warming up with excellent beach weather and fewer tourists; ideal for active days and exploring dunes.
June - August
20-30°C (68-86°F)
Warm and sunny, sometimes breezy; peak season for sunbathing and watersports-expect more people but reliably good weather.
Maspalomas's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 29°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 14° - 21° | 18° | 22 mm | mostly sunny | 74% | 4.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.5h |
| February | Excellent | 15° - 22° | 18° | 26 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 5.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.1h |
| March | Ideal | 15° - 23° | 19° | 17 mm | mostly sunny | 77% | 5.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 15° - 24° | 20° | 9 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 5.6 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.7h |
| May | Ideal | 17° - 25° | 21° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 77% | 5.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.4h |
| June | Ideal | 18° - 27° | 22° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 80% | 7.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.7h |
| July | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 0 mm | clear | 84% | 5.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.6h |
| August | Ideal | 21° - 29° | 25° | 0 mm | clear | 84% | 4.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.0h |
| September | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 7 mm | mostly sunny | 80% | 5.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 19° - 27° | 23° | 12 mm | mostly sunny | 78% | 5.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.4h |
| November | Ideal | 17° - 25° | 21° | 21 mm | some cloud | 76% | 4.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.7h |
| December | Ideal | 15° - 22° | 19° | 29 mm | some cloud | 75% | 4.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.3h |
Getting There & AroundAirports, trains and local transport
How to Get to Maspalomas#
Maspalomas on Gran Canaria is served by Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) with regular bus and taxi links to the resort. The island relies on buses (Global) and private transfers rather than rail to move between towns and resorts.
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA): The island’s main airport serving Maspalomas (in San Bartolomé de Tirajana). From LPA take Global bus routes (e.g., Line 66/66A depending on season) or a taxi; buses to Maspalomas take about 25-40 minutes and cost around €4-€6, taxis about 20-30 minutes and typically €25-35.
Lanzarote / Tenerife (via inter-island flights/ferries): If arriving via other Canary Islands, inter‑island flights or ferries land in ports/airports that connect to Gran Canaria; transfers to Maspalomas will then be by bus or taxi as above.
Train: There are no passenger trains on Gran Canaria.
Bus: The island-wide bus company Global runs frequent services connecting Las Palmas, Gran Canaria Airport and southern resorts including Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. Local buses are reliable, fares are modest (roughly €1.50-€6 depending on distance), and routes are oriented to tourist corridors.
How to Get Around Maspalomas#
Public buses by Global plus taxis and private transfers cover most arrival and local travel needs. Renting a car is the best option for exploring beyond the resort corridor, while walking and cycling suit short local trips.
- Global buses (€1.50-€6) - The Global bus network connects the airport, Las Palmas and the southern resorts (Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés). Buses are regular and affordable; buy tickets on board or via local machines/apps where available.
- Airport shuttle / private transfer (€6-30+) - Shared shuttles and private transfers can be booked in advance for direct trips to hotels; these are convenient with luggage and for late arrivals.
- Taxis (€15-40) - Taxis are widely available at the airport and in resort towns; fares to Maspalomas are typically €25-35 from the airport and provide a fast, door‑to‑door option.
- Car rental (€25+/day) - A rental car gives freedom to explore the island’s interior and coast. Roads are good and parking in resort areas is generally available but can be busy in high season.
- Bicycle / e‑scooter (€5-20/hour) - Short trips around the resort can be done by bicycle or rented e‑scooter; watch for heat and sun exposure during summer months.
- Walking - Maspalomas resort area is made for walking along promenades, dunes and beaches; many attractions are close together and easily explored on foot.
Where to StayThe best areas to base yourself
Where to Stay in Maspalomas#
Maspalomas centre / near dunes - €35-80/night
Maspalomas has a wide range of budget options: apartment-style bungalows and simple beachfront hotels, especially outside high season.
Bungalows Vistaflor - Self-catered bungalows, good value
Dunas Mirador Maspalomas - Economical option near dunes
Meloneras / Dunes area - €80-180/night
Mid-range stays cluster around Meloneras and the dunes: good restaurants, pools, and easy beach access. Options suit families and couples.
Barceló Margaritas / Meloneras area - Comfortable, well-located mid-range chain
Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas - Upscale-mid chain with large facilities
Meloneras / beachfront - €150-350+/night
Maspalomas offers true resort luxury in Meloneras: spa resorts, sea views, and high-end dining. Peak-season rates can be much higher on weekends.
Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa - Large luxury resort with spa
Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras - Full-service beachfront luxury
Eat & DrinkStreet food, restaurants, bars and nightlife
Nightlife in Maspalomas#
Maspalomas and neighbouring Playa del Inglés have the liveliest nightlife on Gran Canaria-bars, clubs and entertainment centres concentrate around Yumbo Centrum and beachfront areas. The scene caters to a broad tourist crowd and runs late into the night. Smaller hotel bars and seaside promenades also offer quieter evening options.
ShoppingMarkets, malls and souvenirs
Shopping in Maspalomas#
Maspalomas (and nearby Playa del Inglés/Meloneras) offers a range of tourist-focused shopping: shopping centres, boutiques, souvenir shops and weekly markets. Yumbo Centrum is the main retail and leisure complex, with many shops and eateries. For branded stores and larger malls, Las Palmas is the nearest city with broader retail options.