Guide to Maspalomas

"With its Saharan-style sand dunes and gorgeous beach that shimmers like gold dust, laid-back Maspalomas is Gran Canaria at its holiday best."

On first sight, the sand dunes of Maspalomas might kid you into thinking you’re on a different continent. Criss-crossed by camel trains carrying visitors over their wind-crafted contours, they’re an unmissable reminder of just how close to Africa the Canaries are. Above all though, they’re enough to send you into an instant exotic holiday state of mind. And it’s so overwhelmingly vast that even in the height of summer, you can always find a secluded spot all to yourself. Just two kilometres from Playa del Inglés, its atmosphere is more lazy than crazy, in striking contrast to its brasher counterpart. And bordering the dunes, you’ll find an irresistible expanse of beach. Awarded a Blue Flag for its cleanliness, this enormous 6-kilometre sweep of pure golden sand glides into crystal clear seas and offers up rows of sunbeds and watersports as finishing touches. Yet Maspalomas offers far more besides these amazing sand mountains. When you’re not hidden away in their peaceful expanses, this relaxing family-friendly resort has lots more to keep you amused. Away from this sand-and-dune paradise, you’ll find a sprawling collection of low-rise, whitewashed houses, hotels and apartments spilling down to an appealing waterfront. Dawdle along here, choose a table at an al fresco eatery and feast on plump garlic prawns and delicious ‘papas arrugadas’ - salt-caked potatoes – escorted by a chilled wine or two. Elsewhere, great family entertainments abound. Take off with the kids for the fun-packed Holiday World fairground or Maspalomas’ go-kart track. And don’t miss the thrills of the resort’s water parks and nearby Sioux City, with its exciting Wild West theme shows. Fancy some serious nightlife? While Maspalomas offers an array of sociable bars, the heavy-duty stuff happens in Playa del Inglés. Jump in a cab and dive into its exhilarating after-dark scene, even if it’s just for one night.

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