Gran Canaria Bike Week
A major sporting event for cycling enthusiasts, covering various routes across the island.
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Head to the restaurants along the Meloneras promenade near the lighthouse for the best ocean catches.
Try this traditional Canarian chickpea and meat stew in one of the local taverns set back from the beach.
Grab a freshly blended papaya or mango juice from beachside kiosks.
Gran Canaria is known for aloe; buy pure local gels at the shopping centers or specialty stores near the promenade.
Boulevard El Faro in Meloneras has high-end tax-free shopping right by the ocean.
Birdwatch at this small lagoon oasis near the lighthouse, especially tranquil at sunrise.
Escape the beach crowds in this peaceful, free-entry botanical garden filled with tropical plants.
Water temperature…
A major sporting event for cycling enthusiasts, covering various routes across the island.
The winter edition of the Pride festival, perfect for enjoying the warm weather in November.
An annual music festival on San Agustín beach featuring international soul artists.
A celebration of Canarian culture featuring traditional music, dance, and local gastronomy.
One of the largest LGBTQ+ events in Europe, featuring live concerts and a grand parade.
A colorful and lively celebration featuring parades, music, and dancing in the streets.
Maspalomas, located on the sunny southern coast of Gran Canaria, is much more than just a holiday resort; it is a natural wonder of international significance. The centerpiece is the Dunas de Maspalomas, a 400-hectare nature reserve whose golden sand seems to come straight from the Sahara, although it is actually of organic origin. This majestic desert landscape borders directly on the Atlantic Ocean and constantly changes shape due to the wind. At the western end of the dunes stands the 60-meter-high Faro de Maspalomas, a lighthouse that has guided ships since 1890 and is now a cultural landmark. In addition to the dunes, the area is home to "La Charca", a brackish water lagoon that is an important resting place for migratory birds on their way to Africa. The resort gives a well-suited blend of relaxation on the kilometers of beaches and entertainment in modern hotel complexes. Strolls along the promenade lead past exclusive shops and restaurants, while the view is always directed towards the vast ocean. Maspalomas is a symbol of the diversity of the Canaries, where desert and sea meet in a fascinating way. Gran Canaria joined the 2024 Canary anti-tourism protests, with water restrictions in several southern municipalities due to persistent drought. The Maspalomas dunes are under heightened ecological monitoring.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 18 | 22 | 15 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 17 | 24 | 28 |
See what it looks like near Maspalomas right now.
Maspalomas › South: Mirador Dunas Santa Mónica - Playa del Inglés - El Veril · 1.7 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day at the majestic lighthouse before exploring the calm waters of La Charca lagoon. A stroll along the coastal promenade leads you to the spectacular shifting dunes. Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun on the vast sandy beach. Finish with a breathtaking view from the Mirador over the golden sea of dunes at sunset.
Start at the lighthouse, where the interior museum provides shelter from the rain. The lagoon walk feels mystical and quiet in the drizzle. At noon, the promenade cafes are perfect for staying dry. The dunes take on a dark, silvery sheen under the clouds, a rare sight. In the afternoon at the beach, the air is fresh and crisp. Use the covered beach bars to enjoy the sound of the waves while staying dry. In the evening, the viewpoint offers dramatic lighting over the wet sands as the sun sets behind the rain clouds.
The winter morning at the lighthouse is refreshingly mild. The low sun turns the sea into a glittering blue expanse. At noon, the dunes are perfect for hiking as the sand isn't scorching. The gentle breeze makes the lagoon walk very pleasant. In the afternoon, the beach is ideal for long walks towards Playa del Inglés. The soft winter light is perfect for photography. In the evening, arrive early at the viewpoint; the winter sun sets around 6 PM, painting the dunes in deep gold.
Explore Maspalomas on two wheels! Start along the scenic coastal promenade and bike past the Columbus Monument to the Holiday World entertainment hub. After a break, head back to the iconic lighthouse and finish your ride with a relaxing afternoon at the beach.
Cycling along the coast in the rain offers a unique dynamic. The promenade is emptier, and the air smells intensely of the sea. At noon, Holiday World provides plenty of indoor activities to escape the heaviest showers. A stop at the Columbus Monument is brief but historic. In the afternoon at the lighthouse, the stones glisten in the rain. The ride back to the beach requires caution on the wet paths. The day ends on a relaxed note; the cool breeze after the rain makes the return journey refreshing and pleasant.
Winter is the perfect time for cycling in Gran Canaria. The mild sun makes riding along Costa Canaria a pure joy. At noon, the light at the Columbus Monument is crisp and clear. At Holiday World, you can enjoy the pleasant outdoor temperatures. In the afternoon at the lighthouse, a strong breeze often blows. The flat route to the beach is easily managed without much effort. As evening approaches, it cools down noticeably; riding through the illuminated streets of Maspalomas is a great way to end the day.
Driving allows you to visit Maspalomas' highlights with ease. Start at the famous dunes viewpoint, head to Holiday World for some fun, and then move to the lighthouse area. Spend your afternoon by the sea and finish the day at the peaceful lagoon.
By car, you are perfectly equipped for a rainy day. The viewpoint offers a great sight of the dunes even from inside the vehicle. At noon, Holiday World is the perfect destination as both parking and entertainment are weatherproof. The drive to the lighthouse is short and dry. In the afternoon, park close to the beach and watch the stormy sea from the comfort of a cozy restaurant. The evening ends with a relaxed drive along the illuminated coastal road as the wipers sync with the rhythm of the rain.
The car gives you the freedom to explore the Maspalomas coast comfortably in winter. The morning at the viewpoint is clear and wide. At noon, Holiday World is lively; temperatures are ideal for outdoor fun. The drive to the lighthouse is smooth and easy. In the afternoon at the beach, you'll find parking more easily than in mid-summer. Enjoy the sunset right by the shore. In the evening, driving through the illuminated Meloneras area is lovely, with winter lights adding a festive mood.
Year-round 19-28°C, the classic winter-sun spot. Peak season November-March and July-August. May-June and September-October have less wind, best beach conditions. February-March carnival is spectacular.
Safe, but Playa del Inglés nightlife can get rough, pickpockets at Yumbo Center. The dunes are a protected reserve - do NOT sleep there, fines are heavy. Nudist and gay zones are clearly marked, please respect them.
Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés are heavily German-flavoured, German truly works everywhere, even in supermarkets. English second. Spanish almost feels like a foreign language here.
Stretching for kilometers along the coast of Maspalomas, this golden sand beach perfectly borders a remarkable natural dune reserve. Visitors will encounter a serene yet expansive environment, excellent for long shoreline walks and refreshing ocean swims. Bringing plenty of water and sunscreen is a good idea for a full day of sunbathing here.
Resting in the beautiful coastal area of Maspalomas, Playa Meloneras provides a more refined and relaxed seaside escape. It is a wonderful location for those wanting to sunbathe quietly or enjoy a peaceful swim away from the largest crowds. A morning visit allows for the most tranquil experience by the water.
Tucked beautifully into the Maspalomas area, this photogenic beach segment appeals to those seeking a closer connection with nature. The atmosphere is generally subdued, making it an excellent spot for uninterrupted sunbathing and leisurely wading in the sea. It is a fantastic choice for a laid-back summer afternoon getaway.
Showcasing the natural coastal beauty of Maspalomas, Pasito Bea has a completely authentic and unspoiled beach environment. Visitors looking to escape the typical resort vibe will love the chance to swim and relax in such a raw setting. Sturdy footwear is helpful for exploring the natural terrain surrounding the sand.
