I believe that the best type of holidays are the ones where you can fully unwind and relax – this always helps you to feel fully recharged and fresh when you return home.
If you agree, then I would recommend the beautiful town of Maspalomas as a holiday destination. This luxury resort town is found to the south of Grand Canaria – one of the most popular, beautiful and glamorous Canary Islands. This means that you can expect plenty of sun, inviting sandy beaches, turquoise waters, excellent golf courses and a relaxed pace of life. Perfect.
Prefer an island-hopping adventure? Check out our guide to the Canary Islands.
Beach Scene
The wide sandy beach and shallow waters found here make it a lovely place for simply relaxing on the sand and having the occasional dip in the ocean. In such an amazing and warm setting, it is impossible to get bored on the beach here. It is split into four sections, so be sure to head to the right spot or you might be in for a bit of a surprise!
The first area is ideal for families and kids, whilst the second and fourth are nudist zones. The third zone is popular with the gay community. Whichever zone you head to, there are plenty of sports and leisure facilities, as well as beach shops, bars and restaurants to keep you happy. There are many kiosks selling cold beverages, so you do not have to stray far for refreshment.
I would recommend that you bring a towel, flip-flops and hire a sunshade upon arrival – it can get very hot on the beach and there are not too many shaded areas.
Golfing
If you or your partner is a keen golfer then you are in for a pleasant surprise here, as Maspalomas is home to the largest course on the island and the conditions are perfect for a round or two during your break. These are your options:
Maspalomas Golf – An 18-hole, par-73 course that regularly hosts prestigious competitions, Maspalomas Golf is a well-designed long and flat course with wide lanes. The surrounding dunes and ocean breeze make this a very enjoyable experience, plus it also features a practice green, instructors, driving range, hire facilities and a restaurant and snack bar. You could happily spend an entire day at this peaceful yet challenging course.
Salobre Golf & Resort – Fancy 36 holes? Head here where there are two excellent courses to master. Salobre Sur is a fun 18-hole par-71 that covers 6km, but the confident golfers will be more intrigued by Salobre Norte, or “The Beast Course”. This is an 18-hole par-72 course which is both interesting and very demanding. This is set against a dramatic backdrop of volcanic landscapes and ravines, but the courses themselves are pristine and lush to create a wonderful and unique setting. Be sure to check out the restaurant with terrace for a spot of food, as well as the golf school, putting green, pro-shop and hydro-massage to fully unwind.
Other Activities
It is likely that you will be more than happy either lounging around the beach or teeing off each day, but Maspalomas has other options if you get bored. Both of the following are worth visiting, particularly for nature lovers.
Charca de Maspalomas – One of the most distinguishing features of the area is the breathtaking dune system, which helps to create a unique desert and oasis setting. This nature park is a terrific spot for taking in the wildlife and particularly for bird watching. You may see as many as 24 species of resident and migratory birds, including grey herons, sanderlings, moorhens and Barbary falcons if you are lucky.
Palmitos Park – Perhaps the most popular family attraction on the island, Palmitos Park is an amazing park that has enough to keep you entertained for a full day. This includes bird-of-prey shows where you can witness eagles and other majestic birds soar and swoop down over the audience, and parrot shows where the charming, cheeky and intelligent birds speak, ride bicycles and even paint pictures. Palmitos Park is home to over 200 species of birds, an impressive Cactus Garden and the biggest Butterfly House in all of Europe.
How to Get to Maspalomas
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), the only one on the island, is a four-hour flight from London. You can choose between 10 airlines that all make the direct flight, with Thomson Airways being the most popular choice. The cheapest return ticket could cost around £51, so be sure to shop around for the best deal.
Gran Canaria Airport is located on the east coast, so a short drive along the coast to the southerly Maspalomas will be the quickest way to reach your destination. A Shuttle Direct transfer can take all the stress out of this journey and allow you to enjoy the views, with the drive taking just 20 minutes.
Where to Stay:
Seaside Palm Beach – If you are seeking luxury, then this will be a great choice. Seaside Palm Beach is a 5-star hotel that has a beautiful lagoon-style pool, tropical gardens and a spa that features a heated saltwater pool and hot tub. You can also enjoy yoga, tennis, water aerobics, or indulge in good food and drink at the poolside bar, cocktail lounge or one of the onsite restaurants. Although you have everything you need here, the beach is just a 4-minute walk from the property. Many guests have commented on the quality of customer care and friendly staff too.
Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia – Gran Lujo – This is a stunning colonial-style villa that has fantastic facilities including private balconies, a heated outdoor pool, spa, hydro-massage saltwater pool and tennis court. The property also has a superb restaurant where you can enjoy your meals with a view on the terrace, plus there is also a poolside piano bar. In addition to the world-class facilities and services, the hotel is a 5-minute stroll from the beach and the golf club is just 1.2 miles away.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct provides safe, economical and affordable travel between airports, hotels, train stations and other areas of interest. Their excellent service has made them Europe’s number one choice for airport transfers, so book today and let their expert team arrange your travel. A friendly local driver will be waiting at the airport and help you to get your vacation off to a smooth start.
