Playa de Maspalomas

The beach of Maspalomas is one of the most famous beaches in Europe. It's located at the southern tip of Gran Canaria and seamlessly merges with Playa del Inglés at Punta de Maspalomas. Together, the two form a single long stretch of beach about six kilometers long. Behind the sand rise the dunes of Maspalomas, and to the west lie the Charca lagoon and the Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse.

The Beach

The sand is fine and golden yellow, the waves are usually small to normal, the water calm to moderately choppy. The beach is wide, so you'll find a spot even when it's busy. The Maspalomas section has been awarded the Blue Flag, indicating good water quality and facilities. It's free and accessible around the clock, with no entrance fee or gates.

Facilities

• Loungers and umbrellas: You can rent them at several beach sections. The price for 2 loungers and 1 sun umbrella was last €7.50 (as of October 2026). Note: Only card payment is accepted.
• Lifeguards, showers, toilets: Operating depending on season, you'll find the exact times on site. There are also changing cabins.
• Kiosks and beach bars: Along the beach you'll find numbered kiosks for drinks and snacks. At the lighthouse, the Strandapotheke awaits with pop music and sunset.
• Promenade: The Paseo Costa Canaria runs from the beginning of Avenida de Tirajana in Playa del Inglés for several kilometers to San Agustín. Paths along the beach run parallel to it.
• Shade: There's hardly any natural shade, so plan for a sun umbrella and sun protection.

Beach Areas

• Family and swimming area: Especially toward Playa del Inglés, you'll find many loungers, kiosks, and a stone-free entry. The water here is usually good for swimming.
• Nudist area: Along the dunes there's a designated nudist section. It's located between the numbered beach kiosks. Outside the designated zones, nudism is not permitted in the nature reserve - even if it's tempting: Don't leave the path through the dunes, or you risk fines!
• Gay beach: The most famous queer beach section is behind the dunes, at the legendary Kiosk No. 5 (formerly No. 7). It's also a nudist zone. The path there also leads through the dunes, more on this in the article about the dunes of Maspalomas.
• Lighthouse side: At the western end near the Faro de Maspalomas, it's often quieter, with fewer loungers and a direct view of the lighthouse. Here you'll need to walk a bit further. Advantage: You're right near the legendary "Strand-Apo-Theke"

Getting There

• By bus: The "Faro de Maspalomas" stop is the main access point. Several Guaguas Global lines stop there, for example lines 1, 30, and 50. From here it's just a few steps to the beach.
• On foot: From Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, you can walk comfortably along the beach or via the promenade.
• By car: There are parking spaces near the lighthouse, for example on Avenida del Oasis - however, getting a parking spot here is like a lottery. Therefore, the recommendation is to use the parking garage: Aparcamiento Municipal Maspalomas in the immediate vicinity. In Playa del Inglés, the parking lot at Annexo II offers direct beach access, where a fee is charged.
• By taxi: A ride from the city center in Playa del Ingles costs about €9 (slightly more expensive on Sundays/holidays; as of October 2026).

Practical Tips

• Sun and wind: The sun is strong, expect sunburn even when cloudy. It can get windy.
• Best time: In the morning or late afternoon, when it's quieter and cooler. The sunset at the lighthouse is worth it. For a visit to Kiosk No. 5, it's recommended to be there very early if you want to get loungers and umbrellas (usually only necessary during major events such as Maspalomas Pride in May, Winter Pride in November, or Maspalomas Fetish Week in October).
• Dunes: The dunes behind the beach are a nature reserve, only enter them on marked paths.
• Safety: Pay attention to waves, currents and the lifeguards' flags. Don't leave valuables unattended on the beach, there are pickpockets in busy areas.

• Calima: During Sahara dust the air becomes hazy and dry, more about this in the article on Calima.

Our tip

Start at the Riu Palace through the dunes to the beach, swim in the morning, walk along the water to the lighthouse and end the day at the Strandapotheke. This way you combine dunes, beach and sunset into a perfect day.