Playa del Ingles holidays

When you’re not lounging by the beach, the town has a wealth of shops to explore. There are 12 main shopping centres where you can browse everything from beach umbrellas and designer clothes to sunglasses and souvenirs.

The complexes, including Yumbo and The Kasbah Centre, are also hotspots for nightlife. They come to life when the sun goes down, with a lively selection of bars and nightclubs known across the island. Eiffel Bar is a popular choice, and at the biggest clubs, you can dance until the sun comes back up.

Beyond the beaches and nightlife, head to the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve. Like something out of a Saharan film set, it is must for nature enthusiasts. Otherwise, consider visiting the surrounding fishing villages or fun-filled theme parks for days away from the resort.

If you’re looking for a cheap Playa del Ingles holiday, consider a visit in winter. Average highs are around 20–22C, with only 3 to 4 days of rainfall a month. You’ll find more space on the beach too and will still spot people sunbathing (though few are brave enough to swim in the ocean!). Nights can get a bit chiller, so pack a light jacket or jumper.

In May, nearly 100,000 partygoers arrive for the 10-day-long Maspalomas Pride. Book your tickets and accommodation well in advance.

Playa del Ingles’ two-mile stretch of coastline is lapped by calm, shallow waters ideal for paddling. Fringed by golden sand beaches and dotted with parasols, sun loungers, and volleyball and beach football nets, it ticks all the beach break boxes. You’ll also find chiringuitos serving up ice creams for the kids, and refreshing sangria and icy beers for adults.

As you head south towards the Maspalomas lighthouse, you’ll find nudist zones and choppier waters popular with surfers.

Puerto de Mogán

Whitewashed houses accented with different colours, and palm-filled gardens overlook the upmarket marina of Puerto de Mogán, Gran Canaria’s answer to London’s Little Venice.

A 30-minute drive from Playa del Ingles, the charming fishing village is makes for an easy day trip. Wander along the promenade admiring luxury yachts, hop across bridges and down alleyways in the old town, or visit the Friday market for fresh produce and artisan handicrafts.

Nightlife

The pumping night scenes of Playa del Ingles and neighbouring Maspalomas attract revellers from all across the island. The Yumbo shopping complex, in the centre of Playa del Ingles, is the nightlife hub with more than 25 bars and clubs. We’re talking everything from cabaret bars with drag and comedy acts to high-end cocktail lounges.

Playa del Ingles also has big-name clubs, including Pachá, hosting world-class DJs. Many stay open until 7am.

Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve

Spread across more than 400 hectares, the Maspalomas Dune system is a short stroll from Playa del Ingles. Explore the seemingly endless dunes by foot, or take a 30-minute camel ride through the desert-like landscape.

Maspalomas’ lagoon, La Charca, is home to a number of protected bird species including kingfishers, egrets and curlew. The adjacent Maspalomas Beach is a great spot to cool off, and there are popular nudist areas. Towards the lighthouse (which is more than 100 years’ old) is a more family-friendly swimming spot.

Amusement parks

Aqualand Maspalomas, one of the largest waterparks in Europe, has more than 40 slides, a peaceful river and a hydro-massage pool. For something more adrenaline-fuelled, older kids can race each other down the ‘Kamikaze’ drop. You can get there by bus from Playa del Ingles.

Woodland Fun Park, also in Maspalomas, has more than 30 attractions. For adults, the rollercoaster will turn knuckles white, while for smaller thrill seekers, a spin on the teacups before plunging into the playground ball pits will do the trick.