On the southern tip of Gran Canaria in Spain’s Canary Islands, Maspalomas is an upmarket tourist resort perfect for travellers who appreciate the finer things in life. It is famed for its natural wonders, perhaps most notably the 400 hectares of sand dunes peppered along the coastline that offer holidaymakers a flavour of the Sahara. It’s also known for El Faro de Maspalomas, a nineteenth century lighthouse and second tallest masonry lighthouse in the Canaries, whose light can be seen for 19 nautical miles. The town is a firm favourite with beach lovers and boasts several sandy beaches, including Playa de Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Playa de Meloneras, all of which have been awarded Blue Flag status. For the thrill seekers, Maspalomas is also home to Aqualand Maspalomas, a water park featuring more than 40 exhilarating waterslides of various shapes and sizes.
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Explore the Great Outdoors in Maspalomas
Maspalomas is the ideal holiday destination for nature lovers who relish the great outdoors. Here are my top recommendations to make the most of Maspalomas’ natural attractions:
Across the Dune-iverse
The Maspalomas dunes were declared a Special Natural Reserve in 1994 in a bid to protect their unique ecosystem, which is under threat from human activity, tourist development, and natural erosion. The sand is primarily made up of pulverised coral and shells that have been eroded and broken down by the ocean over millennia. Ocean currents then transported the sand towards the southern coast of Gran Canaria before trade winds blew from the northeast, pushing the sand inland and forming the characteristic ridges and waves of the undulating dune landscape.
The dunes are celebrated for their ecological importance as the home of diverse flora and fauna including lizards, rabbits, and a variety of birds, as well as aloe vera, gorse, and bald cypresses. Parallel to the dunes you’ll find La Charca de Maspalomas, a brackish lagoon ideal for birdwatching. Several species of migratory and resident birds can be found here, including the Eurasian coot, grey heron, and little egret.
Get the Hump
There are a couple of different ways to explore the dune system. If you choose to tackle the wilderness by foot, set off early in the morning or later towards the evening to avoid the midday sun, and make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and sandy. Although tempting, it’s not recommended you walk barefoot on the sand due to its intense heat.
If you’re keen on an authentic Sarahan experience, consider trekking through the dunes on a camel. Several tour operators offer 30-45-minute camel rides, where you can enjoy sweeping panoramas of the desert landscape from the comfort of a two-seater saddle, accompanied by a knowledgeable Sahawari guide.
A picture is worth a thousand words, so why not head to the dunes at sunrise or sunset and marvel at the stunning visual effect created by the play of light and shadow on the dunes? For the adrenaline junkies, make memories to last a lifetime by sandboarding on the dunes, an experience that you’ll be raving about long after it’s over.
Soak Up the Sun
The beach scene in Maspalomas is unrivalled. Adjacent to the dunes, you’ll find Playa de Maspalomas, a six-kilometre stretch of golden sand backdropped by the rolling sand dunes. The beach is split into several sections, so be sure to pay attention to where you are or you might be in for a surprise!
Near the entrance to the beach and dunes is the general tourist area, while in the southwestern part, near El Faro de Maspalomas, you’ll find the family-friendly section, where the waters are calm and the amenities aplenty, including restaurants, shops, and parking. Towards the centre of the beach you’ll find a zone popular with nudists, and not far from this is an area that attracts LGBTQ+ travellers from around the world.
Towards the eastern edge, near the border with neighbouring Playa del Inglés, you’ll encounter slightly windier conditions and open waters, which make it ideal for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing.
Take a Hike
One of the best hikes to explore the magnificent natural wonders of Maspalomas is the circular walk that takes you through the desert-like landscape of the dunes and along the beachfront. The hike is approximately six kilometres and should take you two to three hours. Begin at the historic landmark of El Faro de Maspalomas, then head east along the Playa de Maspalomas shoreline. Keep the ocean on your right as you head towards the dunes and after around 1.5 km, turn inland into the Maspalomas Dunes Natural Reserve, where you can either follow a marked trail or make your way across the open dunes.
Note that walking on sand can be physically demanding, so it’s important you take your time and wear appropriate footwear, such as hiking sandals or sturdy trainers. Soak up the breathtaking panoramic views of the dunes and snap a few photos to capture the moment, but keep a lookout for wayfinding markers or follow well-trodden paths created by other hikers. Eventually, you’ll exit the dunes and follow the trail towards La Charca de Maspalomas, before continuing along the promenade and looping back to the lighthouse.
The natural beauty that Maspalomas has to offer is undeniable. The variety of ecosystems from the dunes and the lagoon to the palm groves and the beach make it a true haven for nature lovers. After deciding on the places you’d like to visit, the next step is to consider where you’ll stay.
Where to Stay
Bungalow Green Oasis: If you’re looking for easy access to the beach, Bungalow Green Oasis is the apartment for you, located less than two miles from Playa de las Meloneras, Playa de Maspalomas, and Playa de las Mujeres. The apartment comes with a terrace and a patio, so there’s plenty of space to unwind outdoors and enjoy the warm coastal breeze after a day by the sea. Other amenities include an infinity pool, a courtyard, and free on-site parking.
Villa Paraiso: This modern villa set in the heart of Maspalomas is as sleek and stylish as it is practical. The location is excellent for day trips to the Botanical Gardens of Maspalomas, which is just 0.6 miles away from the property, and El Faro de Maspalomas, at 1.9 miles away. Guests have access to an outdoor dining area and a lush garden where you can unwind in style. The villa also offers air conditioning, a terrace with pool views, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
El Caramelito: Spotlessly clean, comfortable, and cosy are just some of the ways guests have described El Caramelito. They also comment on how peaceful and private the surroundings are, so you can rest assured that your stay will be a relaxing escape away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. You’ll have access to a fully equipped kitchen so you can prepare meals, and the accommodation is welcoming and well-appointed.
How to Get There
Gran Canaria only has one international airport, Gran Canaria Airport (LPA). Flights from the UK take four and a half hours and there are around 129 flights every week. January is the cheapest month to fly, so take your time to shop around for the best deals. Various airlines offer direct flights from the UK to Gran Canaria Airport, including Jet2.com, Ryanair, TUI, Iberia, British Airways, BA Euroflyer, easyJet, and Qatar Airways.
Gran Canaria Airport is located on the east coast, so the quickest way to reach your destination is to pre-book a Shuttle Direct transfer to Maspalomas in the south. Pre-booking takes the stress out of the journey, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the coastal drive to your accommodation. The ride takes just over 20 minutes, so in no time at all you’ll be at your apartment ready to get your holiday started.
Overview
UK to LPA flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes
LPA to Maspalomas distance: 34 kilometres
Shuttle Direct transfer time: 22 minutes
Types of Transfer
At Shuttle Direct, we take the hassle out of arranging onward ground transport. We understand that no two travellers are the same, which is why we offer a range of affordable transfer options to suit your travel needs. Browse the options below:
Taxi: If the convenience of being dropped off at the door of your accommodation is your chief concern, then consider pre-booking an airport taxi. Gran Canaria Airport to Maspalomas will be a walk (or rather a taxi ride) in the park, as you’ll meet a friendly, professional driver after you land and set off without delay. Although this is a door-to-door service, we still offer value for money, so you can rest easy knowing that this option won’t break the bank.
Shuttle Bus: If you’re on the hunt for a cost-effective airport transfer and you have no qualms about sharing the ride with other passengers, a shuttle bus is the best option for you. Despite this not being a door-to-door service, you can count on the fact that you’ll be delivered to a central point that’s within easy reach of your accommodation. This shared service is more reasonably priced than a private service, so if you’re after a budget-friendly option, this one’s for you.
Private Transfer: If you’re seeking a touch of luxury and are prepared to pay a little extra for it, a private transfer from Gran Canaria Airport to Maspalomas won’t disappoint. With a private transfer, comfort and convenience are guaranteed, as one of our local drivers will meet you at the terminal, escort you to a high-end vehicle, and drive you to the doorstep of your accommodation without any hassle. Before you know it, you’ll be settling in at your apartment and enjoying a stress-free start to your holiday.
Minibus transfer: It can be a real nuisance arranging transport when you’re travelling with a large group of family or friends. Booking several taxis to accommodate your whole party means your travel costs quickly start to rack up. If you’d prefer to spend your holiday budget on experiences rather than logistics, opting for a minibus transfer from Gran Canaria Airport to Maspalomas is a practical and economical solution. This option is also ideal if you’re travelling with lots of luggage or leisure and sporting equipment.
Choosing the Right Transfer
At Shuttle Direct, we’re proud of our reputation for providing an efficient service—one that’s prompt and professional, getting you to where you need to go. The choice of which airport transfer is best for you is a decision only you can make, but is usually a matter of cost or convenience and which one you put first.
Cost: If your main focus is keeping to a tight budget, our shuttle bus service is the one for you. While you’ll share the ride with other passengers, this option is lighter on the pocket than a private transfer, so you’ll be able to save money while still receiving high-quality service.
Convenience: On the other hand, if money isn’t an issue but convenience is key, a private transfer is your best bet. You’ll enjoy the luxury of a door-to-door service and you’ll arrive at your accommodation feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to get your trip off the ground.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is one of the market leaders in getting you from A to B and back again. Our reputation is backed by our promise of excellent communication and reliable service. Whether you opt for a shared shuttle bus or a premium private transfer, you’ll receive one of the best services around. Book with us today and experience exceptional customer service and a smooth journey from start to finish.
