There are holidays, and then there are holidays… For many of us, heading off to sunny foreign climes (like the Canary Islands, for example) means exploring the local history, getting out on day trips, and generally immersing in the experience to find out as much as you possibly can about the place. But there are other times when you simply want to get away from your fast-paced life and just relax, take it easy, and soak up the sun, sea and ambience.
Maspalomas, on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria, is the kind of place where you can do the latter – and enjoy the art of doing (almost) nothing, gloriously and guilt-free.
Relax, Unwind and Enjoy Maspalomas
It should be noted, that just because there are so many delicious ways to relax in this lovely little town, it doesn’t mean it’s any less appealing in terms of attractions in the surrounding area. It just means you have the choice to do something active, something cultural, something out in nature, or nothing at all…
Settle in for Some Sun on the Beach
Playa de Maspalomas is a wide, sandy beach, fringed by the resort and the famous sand dunes. The three-kilometre stretch of sand is defined by the striking landmark of the lighthouse, which you really can’t miss and is worth a closer inspection if you get tired of soaking up the sun. The beach is very well-facilitated, with cafes, restaurants, bars, sun loungers for hire, showers, and water sports, so you really can pack a beach bag, slap on your sunscreen and settle in for the day. It’s popular and inclusive, with places for families, quieter sunbathing spots, and (be warned, or be delighted!) even a nudist area at the western end, around the dunes.
Explore the Dunes
The Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve encompasses 400 hectares of rolling sand dunes, which provide a habitat to a huge array of rare and endemic bird and plant species. The easiest, and probably most relaxing, way of exploring the dune system is on foot, and you don’t have to worry about getting lost if you head towards the interior with the ocean at your back. It makes for a pleasant, undulating stroll, and the good thing is you can choose as long or short a walk as you like. But if you think walking sounds a little energetic for your relaxation-focused holiday, you can also join a tour (35-minutes) and explore the dunes on the back of a camel!
For an extra treat, take a leisurely stroll through the dunes a little later in the day (perhaps with a bottle of wine and some tapas), then stay to watch the sunset over the backdrop of the lighthouse.
Go Golfing
Getting in a few rounds of golf under the gentle Gran Canarian sun is just about the most relaxing thing you can do while pretending it’s exercise. Golf Maspalomas, the local course, is the largest on the island, and it’s right on the doorstep! Set in a truly stunning location, adjacent to the Dunes Nature Reserve with views back over the ocean, this high-quality 18-hole, 73-par course has been designed to follow the form of its surroundings. It’s a rare joy to amble (or take a cart) around the course, with the warm breeze on your face, the horizon in your sights, and a cloudless sky above. If we’re making it sound like bliss, that’s because it genuinely is. The only thing to top the experience might be stopping for lunch and a glass of wine in the superb restaurant.
Get Pampered
The popularity of the town with luxury-loving sun-seekers looking to indulge, means there’s no shortage of 5-star pampering packages and treatments at your disposal. Most of the upmarket hotels have their own onsite facilities, but there are also numerous plush, full-service wellness spas close to the beachfront, where you can book in for a treatment of your choice – including exotic sounding things like oxygen therapy, thermal pools, hot stone massages and Vichy showers.
The above options are just some of the many ways in which Maspalomas is highly conducive to rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you’ve just got a couple of days to unwind, or a couple of weeks for the ultimate escape from reality, this much-loved gem of Gran Canaria will not disappoint.
Where to Stay
Hotel Faro: Located right on the beachfront under the gaze of the famous lighthouse, this 5-star, adults-only hotel is the perfect accommodation for an indulgent holiday break. Offering beautifully appointed rooms, two pools (including a rooftop one), two onsite restaurants, and outstanding service, you’ll enjoy the delights of Maspalomas in style.
Hotel Riu Palace Oasis: Set within lush gardens, and offering direct access to the beach, the Hotel Riu Palace Oasis creates a welcoming ambience and top class facilities. With four swimming pools, three restaurants, a spa and wellness centre, and outstanding modern rooms, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Villa Calma: This fabulous luxury villa has it all: privacy, sea views, a heated pool and countless other high-end appointments to make your stay comfortable and relaxed. With a fully equipped kitchen, a sun terrace and an unbeatable location with easy access to everything, this is the ultimate villa accommodation if you’re looking for total privacy.
How to Get There
Even getting to Maspalomas can be stress free! You’ll fly into Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), which is around 4.5 hours by air from UK destinations. Various airlines service the route, with a good range of direct flights and times offered by British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2, Ryanair and others.
When you land in Gran Canaria, the easiest and most relaxing way to get to your accommodation is to pre-book a Maspalomas transfer with Shuttle Direct. You can choose a shared service or, for the ultimate luxury ride, one of our private door-to-door transfers will see you start your holiday as you mean to go on.
Overview
UK to LPA Flight Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
LPA to Maspalomas Distance: 34 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 22 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
Shuttle Direct has several ways of getting you from Gran Canaria Airport to Maspalomas. Depending on your budget and how you like to travel, you can make a selection from these options.
One very convenient way of ensuring you don’t get stuck in a queue is to pre-book a taxi to be ready to take you from the airport at Gran Canaria to Maspalomas. Your driver and taxi will be waiting when you land, and you’ll be delivered right to the door of your accommodation in the fastest possible way.
If you don’t mind sharing with other passengers, booking a ride on a shuttle bus is a great way of saving some money. You’ll travel with other passengers from Gran Canaria Airport to Maspalomas, making it a very affordable and reliable way to travel.
If you’re travelling with a family or friend group, a minibus is ideal to ensure you can all go in the same vehicle and there are no issues with room for luggage. This is another budget-friendly service that means you don’t have to compromise on comfort or convenience.
If getting to your accommodation from the airport in style and luxury is important to you, one of our private Gran Canaria transfers will be perfect. When you land, a friendly, professional driver will meet you in the terminal, then you’ll be driven right to the door of your accommodation in Maspalomas.
Choosing the Right Transfer
When selecting which kind of Maspalomas transfer to pre-book, cost and convenience should be your main considerations. The factor that takes precedence will guide you toward the best decision.
Convenience: If a high level of convenience is important to you, a pre-booked taxi or one of our luxury private transfers is your most suitable way of getting from the airport at Gran Canaria to Maspalomas. You’ll travel door-to-door in style and comfort with nothing to worry about except starting your holiday.
Cost: However, if you’re looking to save money, an affordable shared shuttle or mini bus will probably suit you better. You’ll be picked-up and dropped off at a designated location, and because you travel with other passengers, the cost is much less than a private airport transfer service.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is one of the most established and respected providers of airport transfers in operation. We offer safe, reliable and convenient airport transfers to and from a huge range of destinations all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a shared budget service or a private luxury transfer, we’ve got exactly what you want, when you want it. Pre-book now!
