Maspalomas

Sunlit dunes meet turquoise waves in paradise

Gran Canaria presents a balanced mix of coastal charm and urban convenience in Las Palmas. The city features wide streets lined with palm trees leading to modern shopping areas near the harbor. Public parks offer green spaces where locals gather for walks or sports. Beaches like Maspalomas lie close, providing easy access to sand and surf without leaving town limits. Cultural sites such as historic museums sit alongside bustling markets selling regional foods. This environment supports both daily life and tourist needs in a straightforward way.

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Town in Spain

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 7.8

General Safety:	8
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	7

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4/5

In Maspalomas, most locals – especially those working in hotels, restaurants and shops – speak clear English. Tourists will find it easy to order food, ask for directions and enjoy a relaxed conversation with friendly residents.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Maspalomas Summary

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‘Best for’ scores:
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Famous for beaches and desert dunes. Walk across sweeping sand dunes, relax on long beaches, swim in warm waters and enjoy lively seaside resorts.

Place score

8.6

Best at:

Islands

Sea

Volcanoes

Beaches

Spotless

Personal score

Suited for

👶 9

Families

🧓 9

Seniors

🛡️ 9

Travel Beginners

👩 8

Solo

Spain – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payment is widely accepted in Spain, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations. Credit and debit cards are commonly used, and mobile payment options are available in many establishments. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not mandatory in Spain but appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is customary. Taxi drivers and hotel staff may also be tipped, though it is less common.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is restricted in some regions, particularly in tourist-heavy cities. Local laws may vary.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned indoors in public places but allowed in designated outdoor areas.

La Tomatina (August)	A famous tomato-throwing festival, expect large crowds in Buñol.
Semana Santa (March/April)	Religious parades and events make this a busy time in major cities.
Christmas (December)	Markets and festive celebrations, with tourist areas becoming busier.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Cabify, Bolt, Uber
Other:	Spain is known for its diverse culture, stunning architecture, and vibrant festivals. Public transport is reliable and efficient, making it easy to explore.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Maspalomas, Spain

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Jan

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Feb

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Mar

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Apr

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May

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Jun

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Jul

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Aug

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Oct

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Nov

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Dec

High season:	Jan. - April, Nov. - Dec.
Shoulder season:	May - Oct.
Crowdedness:	7 (Many tourists)

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Climate details

Winter is peak season for northern Europeans, from November to April, book accommodation well ahead for Christmas and February

Maspalomas Pride in May and Winter Pride in early November, accommodation near Yumbo and the dunes books out

Calima (Saharan dust and heat) episodes can occur, mostly in summer and autumn

Don't miss

🏜️ Stroll along the iconic sand dunes at sunset
🗼 Explore the historic lighthouse and surrounding cliffs
🤿 Dive into crystal waters for snorkeling adventures
🍤 Indulge in fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant
🎉 Experience local nightlife in the vibrant promenade area

You've been here?

Why travel to Maspalomas?

Maspalomas is a quiet coastal town on the southern edge of Gran Canaria that offers visitors a relaxed atmosphere and a range of practical attractions. The most visible feature is its long stretch of dunes, which form part of the Maspalomas Natural Park. These dunes are easily accessible by foot or bike and provide an excellent setting for photography, birdwatching or simply strolling while listening to the sea breeze. The town’s marina hosts a variety of restaurants and cafés that serve fresh seafood and local Canarian dishes such as papas arrugadas with mojo sauce. For those interested in history, the nearby 19th‑century lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Atlantic and a glimpse into maritime heritage. The small museum on the promenade displays artifacts from the island’s early settlers. Maspalomas is also known for its golf courses, which are suitable for both beginners and experienced players. The local market, held every Saturday, provides an opportunity to sample regional produce, crafts and textiles. For families, there are several playgrounds and a small aquarium that showcases marine life from the surrounding waters. Overall, Maspalomas combines natural beauty with convenient amenities, making it an appealing destination for travelers who want to experience Gran Canaria’s coastal charm without the crowds of larger resort towns.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Roque Nublo
2 La Aldea de San Nicolás
3 Playa de Maspalomas

🎡Places for activities

1 Maspalomas Dunes
2 Sun Club
3 Faro de Maspalomas

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Roque Nublo

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Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Pack light, breathable clothing for hot daytime temperatures.
Reserve a beach umbrella and chair in advance during peak season to secure a spot on the crowded dunes.
Use local bus routes 1 or 5 to reach inland attractions; they run hourly but skip weekends after 6 pm.
Explore the nearby Maspalomas Dunes Natural Reserve early morning for quieter walks and unique wildlife sightings.

How to travel to Maspalomas

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, located on the eastern coast of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, is accessible via Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), which receives direct flights from major European cities and other international destinations. The airport is approximately 15 kilometers from Las Palmas city center, with regular bus services such as the MetroBus Line 1 connecting it to downtown areas. Taxis and car rentals are also available for convenient transfers. Public buses operate extensively across the island, linking Las Palmas with nearby towns like Maspalomas, known for its beaches and dunes. The town is well-connected by road, making day trips to other parts of Gran Canaria feasible via rental cars or guided tours.

Access summary

From Gran Canaria Airport (LPA): Bus 200 to Maspalomas (30–35 min).
From Las Palmas de Gran Canaria city: Taxi or bus 20–25 min.
By ferry from Tenerife: 45 minutes, popular for day trips.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Maspalomas

Maspalomas offers a wide spectrum of lodging, from budget-friendly hostels and self‑contained apartments to mid‑range boutique hotels and luxury resorts overlooking the dunes. Prices typically range between €50 (£42.12) and €200 (£168.48) per night, depending on season and proximity to the beach or dune area. The town is renowned for its beachfront villas and eco‑friendly bungalows that blend modern amenities with local architectural flair. Many accommodations feature rooftop terraces with panoramic views of the Atlantic, while others provide private pools and wellness facilities. For travelers seeking authenticity, traditional Canarian farmhouses (casas rurales) have been converted into charming guesthouses, offering a quiet retreat away from the bustling promenade.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa

9.0

Hotel Faro, a Lopesan Collection Hotel - Adults Only

9.1

Abora Catarina by Lopesan Hotels

8.8

HL Rondo Hotel

9.3

Hotel LIVVO Anamar Suites

9.1

Apartamentos Las Arenas

8.3

Seven Hotel & Wellness - Gay Men Only

8.8

Apartment Club Vista Serena

8.2

MUR Neptuno Gran Canaria - Adults Only

8.2

Vista Bonita Gay Resort

8.7

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Maspalomas

Getting around Gran Canaria, especially Las Palmas and Maspalomas, is convenient with several transportation options. The most efficient method is renting a car, as it allows flexibility to explore both the city and coastal areas like Maspalomas beach at your own pace. Public buses operated by **TITSA** connect major towns and beaches, offering affordable travel throughout the island. Taxis are readily available but more expensive than buses or rental cars. For shorter trips within Las Palmas, walking is ideal in the historic center (Vegueta), while bike rentals provide a quick way to navigate flatter districts. Car rentals also suit excursions to nearby natural sites like the dunes of Maspalomas. Always drive on the right side of roads and be mindful of narrow streets in older areas.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-26 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 26% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs (Data for Santa Lucia de Tirajana, Spain - 19 km away)

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£50	£116	£306
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£19	£53	£135
🍝 Food per day	£25	£56	£144
🚕 Transportation per day	£7	£8	£27

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£25
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£14
🍟 Fast food combo	£9
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£8.50
☕ Cappuccino	£1.70
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£2.20

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.60
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£16
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1.20

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£7.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£60
🤧 Cold medication	£6
💇 Basic haircut	£10

Safety information overview

General safety

Las Palmas’ Maspalomas is generally safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence in tourist areas. Visitors should stay vigilant against pickpocketing on crowded beaches, avoid poorly lit streets at night and follow local advice for any regional advisories.

Health & Medical

Las Palmas’ Maspalomas offers excellent medical care with modern hospitals and a range of specialists, supported by Spain’s high health standards. The mild climate reduces respiratory risks, though visitors should stay hydrated and avoid peak sun hours to prevent heat‑related illnesses.

Accessibility

Maspalomas offers good accessibility: wide, flat promenades and beach paths are wheelchair‑friendly, with ramps at many cafés and public transport stops. However, some older buildings lack lifts and narrow streets can be challenging for mobility aids. Plan ahead for accessible accommodations.

Tap water

Tap water in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, is safe and of high quality, meeting EU standards. Public fountains are plentiful along the promenade, offering free hydration for tourists. The island’s desalination plants ensure a reliable supply, making it convenient to stay refreshed.