Maspalomas Holidays

Sunny Maspalomas holidays in southern Gran Canaria are famous for its picture-perfect giant sand dunes, which provide a glorious backdrop for the resort's gorgeous beach. Mention Maspalomas almost anywhere in the world and people will immediately refer to the sand dunes. You can easily get lost in this seemingly endless expanse of rolling sand as it extends more than a mile inland from the shore. The resort was created to cater specifically for tourists. It is fairly compact, comprised of a number of discreet low-rise developments. The newest of these, Meloneras, is a quiet, upmarket neighbourhood on the west which contrasts with the more hedonistic eastern side, which merges with the somewhat raucous Playa del Inglés.

Maspalomas holidays appeal to families (largely British) with young children, as well as couples of all ages. It is the ideal destination for sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts. It is also popular with naturists who like to bare all in the dunes! For peaceful days and wild nights, chill out on the beach in Maspalomas while the sun's out before partying through the night in neighbouring Playa del Ingles.

Head towards the town you'll find an example of the modern architecture that brings Gran Canaria into the 21st century: the Maspalomas Congress Centre (even though it is formally in Meloneras, not Maspalomas) is a gargantuan building that looks like the roof wasn't nailed on! It's the main centre for all the conventions and conferences that come to Gran Canaria and is host to the occasional dance party with international DJs and a few thousand of your new closest friends!

While on your Maspalomas holidays, families can enjoy horse riding lessons and trekking tours can be arranged at Rancho Park, near neighbouring Playa del Inglés. Maspalomas family attractions include two water parks and an amusement park.

The most popular Gran Canaria family attraction is Palmitos Park. 10km northwest of Maspalomas, it is set in a stunning green valley and features 150 species of birds, an aquarium, a butterfly house, a cactus garden, an orchid house, crocodiles and much more.

Aqualand (also known as Aquasur) is the biggest water park in the Canary Islands, boasting around 50 water slides, flumes, rides and attractions, including children's and adults' swimming pools and even mini-golf! It is located just 3km north of Maspalomas and is easily reachable in a taxi or on public transport. Ask at your hotel reception for the easiest way to get there. Holiday World (Avenida Touroperador Tui) is an absolute haven for families - a huge amusement park with fairground rides, 10-pin bowling, bars, restaurants, and for adults only, two nightclubs, a gym and spa. Another water park, Ocean Park, is situated very close by at Urbanización Campo Internacional, with 15 different slides, several swimming pools and a massive wave pool.

While Maspalomas holidays offer an array of sociable bars, it's really more lazy than crazy, and the more heavy-duty nightlife happens in Playa del Inglés. It's only 2 km away, so jump in a cab and go wild, even if it's just for one night.

Stretching for around 2km, the fine white-sand Playa de Maspalomas is widely considered the most beautiful beach on the island. It is informally divided into different sections - for families and children, nudists and gay people. At the western end of Playa de Maspalomas is La Charca lagoon and Faro de Maspalomas.

There are three great golf courses at Maspalomas. The long-established Campo de Golf de Maspalomas has hosted several international events and is surrounded by the famous Maspalomas sand dunes, which makes a round of golf here a really unique experience. Just outside Maspalomas, Salobre Golf is a new course, also boasting a superb setting among ravines and volcanic landscapes. Similarly, Meloneras Golf is new to the Gran Canaria golf world but is fast gaining a reputation as a fantastic course.

A camel trek is an absolutely fantastic way to see the magnificent Maspalomas sand dunes, particularly at sunset. Or for the thrill of a lifetime take a 20-minute flight over the Maspalomas dunes then sky dive (in tandem with an instructor!). Contact Skydive Gran Canaria (where the dunes begin).

At On the Beach, we offer a wide range of top quality hotels in Maspalomas. Some of the most popular hotels include the spectacular Koala Garden Suites, the impressive Grand Hotel Residencia, the classy Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort or the relaxing Hotel IFA Faro Maspalomas. You can book your accommodation in Maspalomas on a self-catering, half board or all inclusive basis.

On the Beach are the specialists in holidays to Gran Canaria with a massive range of hotels and cheap flights to Gran Canaria. For the best deals, book early!