Highlights
Maspalomas
Maspalomas is a chic seaside town famous for its sand dunes, lighthouse and golf course. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it comes as no surprise to find upscale seafood restaurants along the prom and around the harbour. The beach boasts Blue Flag status and wonderful settings for sunbathing and leisurely rambles along sweeping stretches of silky soft sands. Built in 1886, the landmark lighthouse, Faro de Maspalomas, still serves as a crucial beacon for ships in the region. Maspalomas is also where you’ll find world-class fairways at Maspalomas Golf Course, edged with dunes and promising stunning views from elevated greens.
Puerto de Mogan
Located on the southwest coast, Puerto de Mogan, nicknamed ‘Little Venice’, is a quaint fishing town and, arguably, the most picturesque spot in the Canaries. Picture a labyrinth of canals crossed with Italian-style footbridges and pedestrianised streets jammed with colourful flowers and rows of whitewashed colonial buildings, encouraging relaxing saunters and browsing. Following a morning’s mooching, head down to the old-world harbour for lunch in one of the many tempting eateries, then follow this with a spot of beachcombing on the town’s secluded bay, shaded by magnificent cliffs. Couples may wish to seek out the aptly named ‘Lover’s Beach’, a short taxi ride away.
Beaches
A volcanic island bordered by 120 miles of sandy coastline, it goes without saying that Gran Canaria is ideal for a luxury beach holiday. The Blue Flag status of Maspalomas beach is telling of the clean, bright nature of this seemingly endless stretch of sand. Set against a backdrop of soaring sand dunes, there is a sense of being in the heart of a distant desert but with all the amenities of a premier beach resort.
Watersports
Nicknamed ‘The Hawaii of Europe’, Gran Canaria’s volcanic landscape and Atlantic Ocean setting make it a surfer’s paradise. Find world-class reef breaks and thrilling waves on Gran Canaria’s shores whilst beginners can seek out one of the island’s many surf-schools and take on the superior surf at their own pace. Other popular watersports include waterskiing, wind surfing and body-boarding. The island’s sea temperatures remain warm all year round, reaching an average of 24 degrees in the summer.
Waterparks
There are a variety of waterparks located on the island. Aqualand Maspalomas boasts 33 waterslides and a further 13 exciting attractions including mini-golf, children’s play area and Polynesian-themed pool play area. Fun for all the family and conveniently located near our featured hotels, Aqualand Maspalomas is perfect for those seeking adrenaline-fuelled aquatic adventure.
Dining
There is an extensive range of cuisine on offer throughout Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogan’s independent eateries, but the abundance of local fishing makes seafood a speciality which should not be missed. Papas arrugadas is the signature dish of The Canaries and is traditionally served tapas style, as an accompaniment to a main meal. The basic recipe calls for the smallest new potatoes the chef can find, lashings of salt and a rich tomato sauce, but many modern interpretations see this dish served in new and inspiring ways throughout the islands.