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LOCAL GUIDE GRAN CANARIA

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Maspalomas beach, get lost in its sand dunes and try the nudism

02/04/2019 Por Local Guide Gran Canaria Leave a Comment

A visit to Gran Canaria will never be complete without a step by Maspalomas beach. This beach is located in the south part of the island in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. It is surrounded by the touristic areas Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Meloneras, so that it is reachable from three parts. After Las Canteras beach, it is our second favorite one.

 Sunrise on the beach of Maspalomas
Sunrise on the beach of Maspalomas

What to visit in Maspalomas beach

At Maspalomas beach there are at least three things that you should discover: the Lighthouse of Maspalomas, the Maspalomas sand Dunes and the Charca of Maspalomas. We will inform you what we know from each of them below:

– Maspalomas Lighthouse

The lighthouse is located at the end of Meloneras promenade and at the beginning of Maspalomas beach (or at the end, it depends on how you look it). Its construction was led by the Canarian engineer Juan León y Castillo. The lighthouse is working since 1890 until today, being considered an emblematic icon from Gran Canaria island. In addition, it is one of the most popular ones from the Canary Islands. You can visit the interior of the Lighthouse and have good views from the top of its base.

Faro de Maspalomas
Maspalomas Lighthouse

– Maspalomas sand dunes

The set of dunes was named Special Nature Reserve, this means that it is a protected area from the Government of the Canary Islands. It has approximately 400 hectares of surface. The best view from the Dunes could be seen from the top of one of them. If it is one of the largest, it is better. In that case you should walk a bit and suffer its rise. You have also an easier option which is to go to the hotel RIU Palace Maspalomas and at the end of it there is a view point.

Vista dunas desde lo alto
View from the top of a dune with the RIU hotel at the background
Vista desde el hotel RIU Palace Maspalomas
Dunes view from the hotel RIU Palace Maspalomas

– Charca de Maspalomas

As the Dunes, the Charca de Maspalomas (a kind of oasis) is also a Special Nature Reserve. Some years ago the Charca was connected with the sea and sometimes it also happens when there is bad weather conditions. This protected area has different species of flora and fauna. We are talking about birds, reptiles, fishes, crustaceans, insects, etc…. However, nowadays its environment has been modified because of the tourism, which has caused the disappearance of some species.

Reserva Natural Especial Charca de Maspalomas
Special Nature Reserve Charca de Maspalomas

Characteristics of Maspalomas beach

The Maspalomas beach starts next to the Lighthouse and ends at the south part of Gran Canaria where Maspalomas joins with Playa del Inglés. Both beaches are about 6 kilometers long. We recommend you a walk through both beaches where you will be in the middle of sand, dunes and sea. You should know that the beach is the same, but in the point it changes the name to Playa del Inglés. If you are not that fit, get some money to take a taxi back. If you are not used to walk on the sand you can have some sole ache.

Connection with Playa del Inglés
Connection with Playa del Inglés

– Beach bars

Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés beaches have some beach bars along the beach. Don’t wait a large gastronomic offer here, because there are only sandwiches, drinks and chips. It is true that this could be better exploited and why not having a Canarian fruit salad at the beach? Or some good papas arrugadas and Canarian cheeses? Anyway, if you feel hungry and you haven’t taken anything with you there are some beach bars at Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. You should know that the beach bar number 7 is for gay clients. So that, as a general rule, the people which is at this area also. The most familiar area is located close to the Maspalomas Lighthouse.

Chiringuito número 7 at Maspalomas Beach
Beach bar number 7 at Maspalomas Beach

– Nudist area

If you start walking from Maspalomas Lighthouse, about 20 minutes walk later you will find the nudist area. There is a sign which marks the beginning ant the end, but it takes until the beach bar number 3 in Playa del Inglés.

Zona nudista Maspalomas
Nudist Area Maspalomas

– Sun beds and umbrellas rental

In some different parts of Maspalomas beach you can rent sun beds and umbrellas. It is true that the quality is not the best ant we would love that they renovate them soon.

– Toilets and lockers

Very close to the Charca where the restaurant area ends, there are some public toilets and lockers. If you would like to walk with al the stuff, you have the option of leaving them at one locker. Remember to put on sunscreen before leaving it!

– Waves & surfing in Maspalomas beach

If you like surfing, just where both beaches are joined there are some waves where some locals usually surf. Also, next to the lighthouse there are usually nice waves and locals surfing.

Corrientes en la punta
Currents at the point

Places to eat at Maspalomas Beach

Depending on your budget we give you some proposals:

  1. Restaurant El Senador. Here you can eat very well, but it is quite expensive compared to Gran Canaria prices. You have to consider that it is almost located inside the Maspalomas beach, next to the lighthouse. As we have tasted this restaurant, the food is from good quality. This restaurant has also a beach club where you can spend the day at.
  2. Restaurant Samsara. It is better for dinner because it is more fancy and it is not in the same beach, but very close. You should book in advance. Its cuisine is awesome, they mix food from different part of the world. Take in mind that it is also quite expensive.
  3. Restaurant El Velero. It is also located in the same beach of Maspalomas, but it is more cheaper than El Senador. The food quality is a bit worse, so that the food preparation.
  4. Bar Surf Burger. It is located a few steps from El Velero, also on the seafront. If you simply feel like eating a sandwich or a hamburger, this could be a good option. We have been here sometimes and it isn’t that bad. However, it is only fast food. The alioli is home made and delicious.

Hotels in Maspalomas beach

We confirm that Maspalomas is one of the best areas to stay in the south of Gran Canaria. It’s a tourist area, but nice and peaceful. Also, having a beach like this during all your vacations is priceless. View all hotels in Maspalomas now.

Video of Maspalomas

If you want to see our video about the sunrise and sunset in Maspalomas Beach, we leave it to you below. To see all our videos, have a look at our Local Guide Gran Canaria YouTube channel and subscribe! 🙂

Finally, we introduce you to our Gran Canaria guides per days and the best places to eat on the island. With more than 50 restaurants of local, international and Spanish food, places to have breakfast, etc. Do not miss it!

Filed Under: BEACHES, WHAT TO DO Tagged With: gay friendly, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, southern Gran Canaria, sunrise, sunsets, the best picture

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