15 Best things to do in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Maspalomas is one of Gran Canaria's most popular resorts, due to its all-year-round good weather, which makes it a good destination even for a winter holiday in the sun.

Maspalomas is located in the municipality of San Bartolome de Tirajana, one of the largest municipalities on the island, which occupies almost 22% of the surface of Gran Canaria.

In this area, you will see diverse landscapes that range from amazing sand dunes to high mountain peaks, and from fresh pine forests to the lovely blue of the Atlantic Ocean down by the coast. 

• Distance from Maspalomas to Gran Canaria Airport: 32 km / 20 miles
• Public transport to/from the airport: buses no. 36, 66 and 90, depending on where you need to go. See more details on the dedicated page on the Gran Canaria Aiport website.
• Annual weather in Maspalomas - you can read a detailed report for every month of the year 

What to do in Maspalomas - Best places to visit and attractions

Maspalomas was the first tourist resort developed in Gran Canaria and it is still a popular destination for all types of travelers. Here you'll find amazing landscapes, a unique nature reserve, great bars and lots of options for day trips or night time entertainment.

1. Maspalomas dunes - one of Gran Canaria's top attractions

Whenever you look up pictures of Maspalomas, the first ones that pop up are the ones showcasing the beauty of the dunes and of the entire nature reserve, which will make you feel like you're in the middle of a desert.

You can admire the dunes from afar but we recommend exploring the area, as it's really beautiful. Be careful that the sand can be quite hot at noon, so we would advise visiting in the morning or in the evening. 

2. Spend time at the beach

Maspalomas beach is of course the most famous beach in this resort, but you have several options in the area if you want to change the scenery a bit.

The sunbeds are back on Maspalomas beach and kiosks are open once again, so you can make the most of your time at the beach, enjoying the sun and the atmosphere.

Besides Playa de Maspalomas, you can also sunbathe and swim on other nearby beaches like Playa del Ingles, Playa El Veril and Playa de Las Burras, which are the closest ones to Maspalomas.

3. Maspalomas Lighthouse

This place is really lovely in the evening when you can take a stroll on the beach and admire the sunset. 

The lighthouse itself is quite impressive and there are lots of shops and also cafes and restaurants, so you can have drinks here admiring the view.

4. Walk from Maspalomas to Meloneras 

You can walk from Maspalomas to Meloneras on the beach along the ocean, as thousands of people do this every day. The seafront is busy with people walking between the two resorts and it's a pleasant way to admire the landscape and then stop for lunch or drinks in Meloneras. If you're tired and don't want to walk all the way back to Maspalomas you can take the bus (Estacion Faro de Maspalomas), as there are many bus lines that run frequently between these two resorts.

5. Walk from Maspalomas to Playa San Agustin

Another beautiful coastal walk is the one between Maspalomas and Playa de San Agustin, as you can along the oceanfront and stop on several other beaches along the way, like Playa El Veril and Playa Las Burras.

San Agustin is a quiet resort compared to Maspalomas, more relaxed and ideal for a quiet holiday in Gran Canaria. 

You can also hop on one of the many buses that link Playa de San Agustin to Maspalomas if you don't want to walk back.

6. Palmitos Park

Admission Tickets for Palmitos Park

Palmitos Park is a zoological botanical park located 10 kilometers away from the Maspalomas Lighthouse.

Palmitos Park is a good option for families with kids visiting Maspalomas as it's close and provides a fun day out for both children and adults.

7. Dolphin-Watching Cruise

Doing a boat trip is one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria and you shouldn't miss this opportunity. The boat leaves from Puerto Rico, but the trip includes the transfer from your hotel in Mogan, Taurito, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, San Agustin, and Bahia Feliz.

Sail along the southwest coast of the island in search of marine animals like pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, green turtles, and flying fish. 

• Dolphin watching cruises
• Luxury catamaran cruises
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

8. Holiday World Maspalomas

This amusement park has been renovated and was recently reopened in August 2019, so it's one of the newer attractions in Maspalomas since the place has been completely redone.

Besides the rides from both adults and children, they also have bowling, an escape room and karaoke. Although the rides may not be that thrilling for adults, the park itself is fun for kids, which is why it's also. 

9. Yumbo Centre

• See location on Google Maps

This is the epicenter of fun and nightlife in Maspalomas. 

Yumbo Centre was opened in October 1982 and since then it's become the most popular shopping centre in Gran Canaria. The complex includes over 200 businesses, a park, green areas and the main plaza where all major events and parties like the Maspalomas Carnival and Gay Pride take place.

10. Maspalomas botanical park

• See location on Google Maps

This is a park in Maspalomas where you can see various types of plants, but unfortunately, not all of them are labeled. 

Entrance to the Parque Botánico De Maspalomas is free.

If you want to escape the busy streets of the resort and walk in a green oasis, then this small park might be just the thing for you.

11. South urban park Maspalomas

• See location on Google Maps

Beautiful park if you want to walk or jog.

They have some great facilities for the children and it's a chilled place to enjoy some quiet time during your visit to Maspalomas.  Inside the park, you will find a café and a small bar too, where you can have some drinks after a nice walk.

12. Maspalomas Golf

This is an 18-hole golf course covering a surface of 988 acres. 

The golf course in Maspalomas is considered by many truly fantastic, as it's well maintained, the staff is nice and they also have a restaurant on location. All in all, what could be better than golfing under the Canaries sun, especially when it's the middle of winter and here in the south of Gran Canaria you are enjoying warm and sunny weather?

13. Maspalomas Carnival

Each year, Maspalomas hosts one of the largest carnivals on the island and if you like partying and dancing while wearing a fun costume, then this is the best time to visit Gran Canaria. You can read more about Maspalomas Carnival, as the dates change each year, as well as the theme.

14. Sioux City Park

Did you know that you can enjoy a Western adventure right here in Gran Canaria? Travel back to the days of the Wild West, enter a replica town and watch cowboy demonstrations and gunfights. They also have some animals on site, like dwarf crocodiles and Jersey Giant chickens.

15. Day trip to Puerto de Mogàn Market

The market in Puerto Mogan is the most famous market in the south of Gran Canaria and it draws in large crowds.

Puerto de Mogan gets very busy on market day and it can be very difficult to park (if you come by rental car), so the air-conditioned coach might be the best choice.

You'll have time to visit the market (where you can get some interesting souvenirs) and afterward we advise you to stroll through the town, which has some really lovely streets, with balconies decorated with colorful flowers.