Maspalomas, Gran Canaria Mini Guide
The Maspalomas landscape is famous for it dunes which make it look like something out of a science fiction movie.
It is difficult to escape the stretches of sand wherever you go in this small but modern resort which has more than six kilometres of beach and blazing hot sunshine. Maspalomas is one of the oldest towns in the
Canary Islands and has become well known to tourists because of its excellent facilities such as bars, restaurants and shopping centres.
Relax your body by immersing yourself in crystal clear seas which are safe to swim in, though a flag system is in operation to warn swimmers of any dangerous currents. West of the promenade the sea is not safe for swimming because the shoreline is rocky.
Maspalomas is a quiet, sophisticated and up-market development with can provide relief after the more hectic pace of the nearby
Playa Ingles resort which lies across the dunes.
Both resorts have been favoured over the years by the gay community as there are designated gay areas and a lavish week long celebration of the international Gay Pride festival in May.
When deciding where to stay there are a number of plush beach front hotels to choose from like the Hotel Maspalomas which has a huge swimming pool and a tropical terrace area.
There are plenty of activities to keep people of all ages interested in Maspalomas, such as theme parks, nature parks and high quality golf courses while Aqualand Maspalomas is the biggest water park in the Canary Islands.
The Faro 2 shopping complex has a range of boutiques and designer stores and Maspalomas has plenty of inexpensive bars and restaurants to keep people entertained. Many of the restaurants have live music to compliment foods as diverse as Chinese and Tex-Mex.
There are many different kinds of music too such as jazz, salsa and karaoke which along with the happy hours in the pubs make for a lively atmosphere on a night out.
Transportation in the area is easy with cheap car hire available as there is a lack of buses and public transport. Those wishing to leave the resort and explore can take jeep safaris to the mountains in the interior, boats to some of the world’s best game fishing for sharks, marlin and tuna, or really get to know the dunes on the back of a camel.
The Maspalomas dunes are a habitat for protected species of flowers and birds and are even frequented by nudists on occasion.