Playa del Inglés is one of Gran Canaria’s most popular resorts. Known for its vast expanse of sand, crystal-clear waters, hotels, bars, restaurants and activities, it’s the ideal place to make the most of your vacation. We found it very lively! The venue is also popular with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria, and useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
1. Enjoy the beach and sunny weather
Why visit?
Like us, you’ll fall under the spell of Playa del Inglés. Located in the south of Gran Canaria, in the heart of the large seaside resort of Maspalomas, this long stretch of golden sand is ideal for walking, swimming and lounging. You can also enjoy leisure activities such as surfing, bodyboarding and beach volleyball. Finally, we found the view of the Maspalomas dunes magical, especially at sunset! In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches on Gran Canaria.
Practical advice
- Between Playa de Maspalomas, the dunes and Playa El Veril
- Possible traffic and parking problems
- Busy tourist area
- Wide choice ofhotels
- Restaurants, stores, bars and clubs
- Toilets and showers, changing rooms
- Umbrellas and deckchairs for hire
- Fine golden sand
- Leisure activities including surf lessons
A LITTLE MORE patience
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2. Take a boat trip and watch the dolphins
Why visit?
If, like us, you love to see whales and dolphins in the open sea, get on board a catamaran or a more classic boat and read our article on the subject. We had high hopes, and were lucky enough to see some dolphins! A wonderful experience at sea, with Gran Canaria’s landscapes in the background. Sightings are never guaranteed, but in this corner of the island, the chances are excellent. Departures are mainly from the port of Puerto Rico, but many tours offer to pick you up at your hotel. Here are some suggestions for excursions:
- Option 1 – catamaran – duration between 2h and 3h, fresh drink – See details and availability
- Option 2 – big boat – duration 2h30, with swimming and snorkeling break – See details and availability
- Option 3 – speedboat – duration 4h, small group, tapas and drinks, snorkeling and swimming, paddle and parasailing extra – See details and availability
- Option 4 – private luxury sailboat – duration 3h, departure from Pasito Blanco in Maspalomas, aperitif and snorkeling break, – See details and availability
Practical advice
- Mainly from Puerto Rico but hotel pick-up possible
- Between 2h and 4h depending on the tour
- Bring sunglasses, sun cream, cap, water bottle, swimsuit and towel.
- Children also enjoy this activity
- Onboard catering available depending on tour
- See all boat tour options
- Read all our tips on dolphin-watching tours in Gran Canaria here
WHERE TO STAY IN Playa del Ingles
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Near the mirador de las Dunas.
Santa Monica Suites Hotel – see photos and availability
Near Playa El Veril, to the north.
Hotel Parque Tropical – see photos and availability
In the city center, more or less far from the beach
Hotel Riu Palace Palmeras – see photos and availability
See our selection of the best hotels in Playa del Ingles
3. Contemplating the Maspalomas Dunes
Why visit?
We were won over by the grandiose spectacle of the Maspalomas Dunes. You can admire these golden hills that end in the blue of the ocean from the viewpoint or the promenade, or even from the beach. We also contemplated the lagoon, the Maspalomas lighthouse and the Playa de Maspalomas beach. A stunning piece of desert on the Gran Canaria coast right next to luxury hotels and a lively seaside resort.
See more photos in our dedicated article here.
Practical advice
- Between Meloneras and Playa del Inglés
- Estimated duration: between 15min and 2h
- Difficulties: it’s not easy to get around on the sand if you want to venture into the dunes.
- PRM access to watchtower
- Few restaurants in the immediate vicinity, go to Meloneras or Playa del Inglés
A LITTLE MORE patience
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4. Enjoy LGBTQIA+ friendly restaurants and nightlife
Why visit?
In Playa del Inglès, you can enjoy a lively vacation. We enjoyed the lively character of the seaside resort. The many bars, restaurants and clubs make it a popular spot for its festive, LGBTQIA+ friendly atmosphere. Cocktails by the sea or in a luxury hotel, local and international cuisine, tapas on the terrace, nightlife and live entertainment will delight entertainment lovers!
Practical advice
- Wide choice of bars and restaurants: with a view, cabarets, LGBTQIA+…
- Located on the waterfront and in the city center
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
5. Play minigolf and golf on seafront greens
Why visit?
Do you love golf and vacations? The seaside resort of Playa del Inglés is ideal. In town or in some of the hotels, you’ll find minigolf clubs that will appeal to young and old alike. After Meloneras Beach, we were struck by the huge golf course stretching out across the ocean. The Lopesan Meloneras Golf Club offers golf in an exceptional setting. There are shuttles to get there.
Golf enthusiasts will also find something to their liking a little further inland at the Salobre Golf Club, part of the Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity. The view over there is of the dark Canary Mountains!
Practical advice
- Remember to contact the club or hotel beforehand
- Don’t forget to bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
- Enjoy the sport and the view, if there is one!
6. Strolling and shopping
Why visit?
We found it very pleasant to stroll along the promenade that runs alongside the beach. The view is beautiful and the atmosphere lively. The seafront and the town center can also be visited by mini-train, a great way to attract families. Strolls and shopping are also possible. There are several shopping centers in town and others along the waterfront. Choose from Yumbo Centrum, Kasbah Shopping, Anexo II, Centro Comercial Plaza or Atlantic Shopping Center. We’ve seen everything from pretty gifts to souvenirs you can take home to brighten up your everyday life!
Practical advice
- Anexo II and Atlantic Shopping Center near the beach
- Yumbo Centrum, Kasbah Shopping, Centro Comercial Plaza downtown
- Shopping centers feature food and beverage outlets
- Possible parking problems
- Expect to see a lot of people
7. Discover Palmitos Park
Why visit?
Near Playa del Inglés, the park boasts a zoo and tropical gardens. We saw many birds and beautiful palm trees. In the midst of lush vegetation, you can discover numerous species of animals and plants. The park also offers shows featuring birds of prey, exotic birds and dolphins. It is located in an exceptional natural setting, the Barranco de los Palmitos valley, hence its name. It helps protect biodiversity and vulnerable species. We appreciate this approach.
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Estimated time: between 2 and 4 hours
- 10km from Playa del Inglés
- Accessible by bus, lines 45 and 70
- Dedicated parking
- Catering
- Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (more details on the official website here).
- Price: €13 for children under 5, €26 for children aged 5 to 10 and €35 for children aged 11 and over.
- Book your ticket now.
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8. Fun at Aqualand
Why visit?
With 40 slides and a myriad of water games, Aqualand is Gran Canaria’s biggest water park. Located just a few minutes’ drive from the center of Maspalomas, it’s a fun place to be. We’ve seen crowds! You can try out the Anaconda, a thrilling slide, or the water maze. There’s also a Polynesian park and gardens. Children are king!
The park also offers interactive experiences with sea lions. We’ve chosen to avoid them because we’re not very comfortable with these practices. We invite you to find out all you need to make an informed choice. It’s perfectly possible to enjoy the rest of the park by bypassing these activities.
See more photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Duration: half-day or full day
- Difficulties: lots of people, queues to get in and try a slide or attraction
- Catering
- A souvenir store
- Access from age 3
- Price: under 5 €15, 5-10 €26, over 11 €35, senior €26
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the year (see official website for updates ).
- Book your ticket now
9. Entertainment at Holiday World Maspalomas Center
Why visit?
Come and have fun at Holiday World, a theme park just a short drive from Playa del Inglés that’s a welcome change from the beaches. We found it a friendly place, suitable for both children and adults. The little ones will love the Ferris wheel, the pony rides, the carousel and the bumper cars on the water, while the older ones will enjoy the thrill rides and escape games. There are also activities for adults, including bowling, billiards, table tennis, a gym, karaoke and restaurant bars.
Practical advice
- Estimated time: between 2h and 4h
- Difficulties: crowds depending on the season, queues
- Nearby restaurants
- Price: adults 13€, children 17€, seniors 6€.
- Schedules vary according to activity, more info on the official website here
- Avoid the queues and take your ticket!
10. A change of scene in Sioux City
Why visit?
Located east of Playa del Inglés, Sioux City Park transported us to the Wild West! Find yourself in a real western town, with a saloon, church, stables, jail and school in the colors of the American West. There’s also an Indian camp with teepees and farm animals. Enjoy cowboy and Indian shows performed by comedians. That’s what makes the park so interesting. If you don’t want to miss a show, we advise you to check the schedule carefully. These shows involve horses. If this isn’t to your taste, the park can be visited without attending the performances.
Practical advice
- 15min drive from Playa del Inglés
- Length of visit: half a day
- Good for children
- Open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Mondays.
- Adult price €24.90, child price €15.90
- Take a close look at show times
- Link to the official website here
- Save time, buy your ticket now!
- Discover the Dunes of Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Sioux City Park on an electric scooter or bicycle with your hair blowing in the wind on this guided tour.
11. Make the most of your hotel
Why visit?
The seaside resort offers a wide range of accommodation. Small charming hotels, seafront accommodation, luxury palaces or high-end aparthotels, the choice was difficult. You’ll be delighted by their many services. Spa, heated outdoor pools, sports activities, wellness and fitness centers, live entertainment or concerts during dinner, excursion office on the program. We advise you to choose your accommodation according to its entertainment and facilities.
Practical advice
- Read our article on the best hotels in Playa del Inglés to get all our tips!
- Here is the list of top-rated establishments in Playa del Inglés.
- Book in advance to take advantage of more affordable prices.
What to do in Playa del Inglés: other ideas
Other activities
Here are some other ideas for attractions in Playa del Inglés:
- Visit the Templo Ecuménico El Salvador church, which resembles an upside-down boat.
- See reptiles at Crocodilo Park.
- Stroll through the tropical alleys of the Parc Botanique.
Other beautiful beaches
There are other beaches close to Playa del Inglés:
- Playa de Maspalomas extends Playa del Inglès beach
- Playa El Veril, just beyond the Playa del Inglès beach to the east
- Playa de las Burras, on the western tip of San Augustín
- Playa de Meloneras on the western tip of Maspalomas
What to do in Playa del Inglés with children
Going to the beach with the whole family for sandcastles, races, walks and swimming can be a great option! Some hotels also offer swimming pools and games for children. For example, we saw a heated swimming pool for younger guests and even a dedicated activity club at the Riu Palace Palmeras All Inclusive Hotel.
Near Playa del Inglés, children can also have fun at the amusement parks. They’ll see plenty of animals at Palmitos Park, and have fun at Aqualand and Holiday World.
What to do in Playa del Inglés when it rains?
Fortunately, it doesn’t rain that often in Playa del Inglés, where the weather is mild all year round. But sometimes a little rain is on the horizon. You can then simply enjoy your hotel. In Playa del Inglés, they are often equipped with a spa, wellness center and sometimes games rooms. Some also organize shows.
Why not go shopping at Yumbo Centrum? The 3-storey building houses a wide range of stores, bars and restaurants. We also recommend a visit to the Templo Ecuménico El Salvador, with its original inverted ship shape and colorful stained glass windows. Near the dunes, you can also visit the Maspalomas Lighthouse Ethnographic Museum, which displays treasures of local craftsmanship. We learned a lot about the know-how of the Canaries.
Excursions around Playa del Inglés
Playa del Inglés is one of the sections of the large seaside resort of Maspalomas. Read our article on the best excursions in Maspalomas here. Most are shared between the 2 zones, with options to depart from or pick up at the hotel in Playa del Inglés.
Here are some of our suggestions:
- Head inland and visit the island’s pretty villages by bus for a day.
- Thrill-seekers will love this buggy tour!
- Take an e-bike tour along the coast to discover gardens and a fishing village.
Useful tips for visiting Playa del Inglés
Where is Playa del Inglés?
- South of Gran Canaria
- In the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana
- In the seaside resort of Maspalomas
- 45min drive from Las Palmas
- 30min from airport
Here is a map to help you find your way:
How do I get to Playa del Inglés?
Playa del Inglés is easily reached by car. In fact, it’s the best way to get around the island. If you’re looking to rent a car in Gran Canaria, read all our advice in our dedicated article.
Playa del Inglés is also accessible by public transport. From Las Palmas, bus routes 30, 36 or 50 will take you to the seaside resort. From the airport, take lines 66 and 90.
Parking in Playa del Inglés
If you’re driving, you’ll certainly be able to park in your hotel’s parking lot. We advise you to find out in advance whether the hotel has parking facilities, and what the rates are. At the seaside and near the beaches, parking is a little tricky because of the crowds! We were there in winter and there were more places.
The city has paid parking lots such as Aparcamiento Anexo, Aparcamiento Centro Commercial Yumbo and Aparcamiento Avenida Menceyes, as well as paid street parking spaces.
Getting around Playa del Inglés
There is also a bus network serving the whole of Playa del Inglés. Alternatively, to be free and avoid parking problems, you can:
- Rent a bike to get around easily.
- Use your scooter or e-scooter to go faster and be 2!
Where to eat in Playa del Inglés
Playa del Inglés is packed with restaurants. Here are some of our suggestions:
- Restaurant 360° on the top floor of theHotel Bohemia Suites & Spa, with a panoramic view over the bay.
- Restaurant Calma Chicha for its seafood dishes and gourmet vegetarian options.
Visiting Playa del Inglés in winter
Coming to Playa del Inglés in winter is great fun! In Gran Canaria, temperatures remain very mild this time of year, at around 20° Celsius. The weather is also sunny. In our opinion, it’s the ideal place to soak up the sun in the middle of winter. Some hotels also offer attractive deals and heated swimming pools. Read our article on the best hotels in Playa del Inglés and book your dream room now for your next winter vacation!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
