There is a vibrant, party feel throughout at night, although during the day it is far more relaxed. The location of Maspalomas makes it an ideal base to explore other parts of the island.

Photo by Bortescristian

There are plenty of different activities to enjoy in Maspalomas. This part of the island is considered to be incredibly beautiful, providing you with plenty to explore for free.

Here are 7 ideas for you, if you want to know about things to do in Maspalomas while you’re there:

Dunas de Maspalomas- This amazing area of Maspalomas will provide you with plenty to see and do. The dunes are breathtaking, and the beach stretches for about 4 miles, ensuring that there is plenty of sand for everyone. In 1994 these dunes were declared a national park and are protected. You can walk on the dunes but do be cautious of the midday sun, and take plenty of water.

Camel safari- If you want to explore the dunes but do not fancy the long walk, you could try a camel safari. These daily trips are popular with tourists and will provide you with the perfect transportation across the dunes. Lunch is often provided, and you can enjoy a relaxing break in the Bedouin tent.  As you trek across the dunes, you will feel as if you are part of the film crew in the Sahara.

Holiday World- this leisure park is ideal for families, with plenty on offer for everyone to enjoy. The small fair is suited to younger children but there are also bowling alleys, arcades, and bars for the older generations. You could spend a fun day enjoying all of the facilities, before eating in one of the restaurants.

Palmitos Park- although this is located just outside Maspalomas it deserves a mention. Palmitos Park is a fascinating subtropical oasis filled with exotic plants and animals. There is a regular bus service to the park, ensuring that you can reach it easily throughout the south. If you’re in Maspalomas already you can just get a cab for a few euros.

Photo by El Coleccionista de Instantes

Within the park, you can enjoy over 1500 different species of birds, alongside the exciting new dolphinarium.  This is one of the favourite things to do whilst in Maspalomas and is suited for all the family.

Moonlight Cinema- this open-air cinema is an experience that you will not receive anywhere else. You can enjoy your favourite movies, under the stars whilst relaxing on the comfortable sofas.  There is pizza and drinks served throughout the movie, and kids go free, which make it an affordable family night out.

Faro de Maspalomas- this area of Maspalomas is considered to be one of the best for having an evening stroll and a quiet drink. The promenade is beautiful and provides you with several bars and restaurants to enjoy. The lighthouse stands at one end of the promenade, and is the best place to begin your walk. There is a small shopping centre at the far end, which sells local produce, clothing and gifts.

Playa de Maspalomas- this beach is perfect for everyone, and provides different areas depending, on what you are searching for from your holiday. There are areas along the sand that are considered for adults, as nudists enjoy the area. However, they are clearly marked and nowhere near the family areas. Water sports are popular along this beach, and you will find that there is something for everyone.

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Opening Times and Location

The bar only opens on a Friday and Saturday evening between 10pm and 3.30 am; there is still plenty on offer though.

The bar is situated close to the main shopping district in the heart of Las Palmas and is easy to get to by taxi.

What the Rock Bar Offers

If you’re searching for an alternative music venue while in Gran Canaria, Hardmel Rock Pub is the place to visit, especially if you enjoy alternative music. You will be able to enjoy a vast array of different music genres, including everything from classic rock and blues to extreme death metal.

Fans of Queen, Deep Purple, Kiss, Metallica and Motorhead will love this venue, and the huge selection of music ensures that everyone has an incredible time.

Promotions and Atmosphere

The drinks promotions are fantastic, and there are always different events being organised, but the atmosphere in the bar is basic and relaxed.

Holidays, fiestas, and special occasions are celebrated with total enthusiasm, and everyone is encouraged to join in with the party. Hard rock and heavy metal enthusiasts will love the atmosphere and the music which is played.

Music Memorabilia Collection

You need to be prepared for a no-frills place to drink and appreciate top quality music, and the decor is brilliant too.

Music memorabilia fills the walls, and you will see programs, tickets, shirts and posters from music legends who have toured the world.

So if you want to escape the traditional tourist areas, and listen to some amazing music the Hardmel Rock Pub in Las Palmas is well worth a visit.

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The Playa del Ingles weather can be fierce if you’re not used to it. We all want a nice tan but don’t overdo it today or you might regret it later in the week when you end up red and peeling.

Heatwave

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The resort of Maspalomas is nearby, and Sonnenland is located in the suburbs, further inland with no beach of its own. However, you can easily jump in a taxi, as they are cheap, and easy to find as they are everywhere. If you feel energetic the beach is about a 40 minute stroll on the flat – remember to drink plenty of water on your way.

The nearby beach is stunning and offers a huge variety of water sports for you to enjoy. There are also many bars and restaurants to explore, before heading back. Maspalomas is a large and popular resort, which eventually merges with the neighbouring resort of Playa del Ingles. However, Sonnenland remains quieter and more suited to travellers searching for a relaxing holiday.

Photo by Canariensis2

Food and Drink

During the day, there are plenty of shops and cafes to explore. The bars are traditionally Canarian and will serve food and drink until late.

If you want English food though you might struggle in this area. Basic choices are available, and you will not go hungry but you will need to travel further afield to find British cuisine.

Accommodation

The accommodation in Sonnenland is far more affordable than some of the busier resorts, and if you don’t mind a short bus or taxi ride, you can very easily be in the hustle and bustle.

Many travellers use Sonnenland as a base to explore other areas, and if you hire a car you will find everything extremely accessible.

Things to Do

There is plenty to visit in the local area, including the water park, Holiday World, and the beautiful Maspalomas Park. There is also the Faro 2 shopping centre which offers mini golf, bars, restaurants, evening entertainment, and a car boot sale on Sundays. There is also a local market on a Wednesday and Saturday selling local products, fruit, vegetables and handicrafts.

Photo by Karen V Bryan

Families love the quiet atmosphere here, and the hotels cater for families well.  If you enjoy spending time in the sun, around the pool and do not want to venture too far, it is the ideal location.

The hotels in the area cater well for both couples and families, ensuring that there is plenty to do in the hotel.  Regardless of why you choose Sonnenland for your holiday, this area provides the best of all worlds. You are far enough out of resort for it to be peaceful and relaxing, but close enough to the busy resorts when you want to explore.

You can spend long, lazy days on the magnificent Maspalomas dunes, before returning for a quiet evening in your hotel or a wild night in the resort. Every part of the island is different, and Sonnenland offers an alternative to the traditional resorts.

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Photo by Dmytrok

Eating and Drinking

This quaint, traditional Canadian town is located within the municipality of Mogan and has some fascinating features. The fishing boats provide the local bars and restaurants with fresh fish caught daily, ensuring that you have plenty to eat. You can enjoy the local specialties, while sitting on the beach front, enjoying the glorious weather. One of the best places to eat is the little restaurant in the harbour. It’s cheap in there too.

Market Day

Tuesday is market day, and you will see an entirely different side to the town, when tourists descend for bargains and local products. Market day is not as busy here as it is in Mogan (where people seem to prefer to go for their bargains) but it’s still busy enough, and perhaps better if you don’t like it too crowded.

There is a port in Arguineguin, which allows you to catch the water taxi to the local resort of Anfi, or continue round to the busy resort of Puerto Rico. If you want to venture further around the coast, Mogan can also be accessed by the water taxi.

Photo by Dmytrok

For the landlubbers, there are plenty of taxis or the local buses, which are cheap and very regular. Arguineguin is far quieter than other resorts, which is why many people enjoying staying in this area. There are several hotels to choose along the seafront, although apartments and private rentals are also popular.

What’s the Winter Like There?

During the winter months, the area is popular with the Norwegians, who have many facilities in the town like a Norwegian church and Norwegian bars.

Every nationality is welcomed though and you will find the locals to be very friendly, even if there are some communication difficulties! There are several bars, restaurants and shops to explore, including the Ancora Centre, a smallish shopping mall.

If you are self-catering while on holiday, there are two main supermarkets to choose from. Both are affordable and offer a large range of foods.

There are a range of backstreet shops to explore, and you will feel that you are mingling with the locals. You might need to practise your Spanish while staying in Arguineguin though, since English isn’t so widely spoken as in the other resort towns, but a lot can be achieved by the tried and tested technique of pointing and nodding!

The main road – GC1 – is located very close by to Arguineguin, which makes exploring the other resorts and areas straightforward. If you want to enjoy the fantastic weather that the Canary Islands offer, but away from the tourist resorts, this is certainly a resort for you to consider.

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Photo by Eduardo Gaviña Marañón

The apartments are big and offer everything you would need while on holiday, including a large terrace. There is a good-sized pool and jacuzzi, which is perfect for relaxing in while enjoying the glorious weather.

In the Area

Sonnenland is far quieter than other areas; however, it is the perfect place to stay if you want to simply lie back and relax. There are shops, bars and restaurants nearby, and the beach is a short taxi journey.

You can easily get to the main resort by taxi, and enjoy the livelier atmosphere; however, many people that stay in these apartments are simply after a peaceful holiday.

Good Points

You will find that the complex is spotless and well-maintained which, for the price, is a surprise. There are organised barbecues to make sure that all the guests feel at home.

From the moment you arrive you will feel welcome, and all of the people who work here speak several languages which is handy. There is a pool bar, and it closes early so there is very little noise.

Bad Points

You’ll have to taxi everywhere, which can be a bit expensive after a while, but walking is an option as everywhere is flat. Towels can be a bit sparse, and if you miss the cleaner there is no way of getting any until she returns.

There are limited people who work in Vista Bonita, which is fine until you need someone urgently.

Overall

If you are looking for a friendly gay resort or lesbian resort in Gran Canaria, this one is highly recommended. As long as you don’t mind a bit of walking (or taxi trips) to get around, this one is ideal.

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There is a main swimming pool in the centre of the complex, which is ideal for families to use.  The location of these apartments is ideal for anyone wanting to be in the middle of everything, with very little travelling.

Near Boston Apartments Gran Canaria

There are bars, restaurants and shops all within a short distance from the complex. The beach can be easily reached on foot as everywhere is flat in this area of the resort.

There is no shop on the complex, but if you take a short walk down the steps there is a supermarket, which has everything you will need. The harbour is not too far away, which offers boat trips to the neighbouring resorts like Puerto de Mogan and Arguineguin.

Photo by Furya

Good Points

This apartment complex is incredibly affordable and offers basic yet clean accommodation. The location is ideal for many people and has a friendly atmosphere.

The sun terrace is the ideal place to stay and relax for the day. There are plenty of sun loungers, and everyone gets to know each other, which is great when you have small children.

Bad Points

The noise from the main commercial centre can be loud, and for families this can pose a problem since it can go on until 2am or later.

The apartments are basic, and the boilers small, which means there is often no hot water. Not that you need it in the summer when it’s boiling hot, but you might in the winter.

The towels and bedding could do with being update as they are old and worn. The security isn’t idea because although you should only be able to access the complex with a key, everyone just seems to leave the gate on the latch.

Overall

As one of the cheapest Gran Canaria apartments this one is certainly worth a mention. Boston Apartments in Puerto Rico might be basic but they are great if you are on a tight budget, and being able to walk to the beach from the Boston Apartments means you save on taxi fares which people staying on top of the hill face.

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There is a large swimming pool with a bar for snacks and drinks throughout the day. The rooms are adequate – slightly small but clean and furnished to a basic standard.

What’s Nearby?

This complex is at the top of the hill in resort; however, the bus stop is just outside making it ideal for exploring. There are two beaches, both within easy walking distance, and a golf course very close to the resort.

There is a commercial centre within a 10 minute walk, which has many places to eat and drink as well as great entertainment.

Good Points

The Blue Star is very affordable and is the ideal place to stay if you simply want somewhere to sleep every night. The people that work there are friendly, polite and very helpful and try to help with all enquiries.

The views are stunning, and the balconies provide the ideal place to sit and watch the sun set. There is a small shop in the complex for essential items, and the pool bar is cheap for snacks.

Photo by Ben Sutherland

Bad Points

The lifts are a nightmare and never stop at the floor they should, which makes travelling up and down take even longer.

There are TV’s in the room, but you will need to pay one euro an hour to watch them, and to have a sun lounger on your own terrace is another expense.

If you’re staying all-inclusive you might get bored with the very limited buffet, especially if you don’t want hot dogs or burgers and chips for lunch every day. At least that’s what was on offer a couple of days when I visited 2 friends of mine staying there.

Overall

Blue Star Puerto Rico is basic but if you’re on a tight budget there are worse places you could pick. The complex is dated in places, and could do with modernising, but you do get what you pay for.

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You’ll be situated just 2.5 km from the beach, and the complex offers a free bus shuttle throughout the day. If you want the glorious sunshine, a refreshing pool and a relaxing holiday this is the ideal location.

Photo by Karen V Bryan

In the Surrounding Area

There is plenty to see and do nearby, and taxis are incredibly cheap, allowing you to get about easily. Shops, bars and restaurants can be found in both Melonares, or in the more vibrant resort of Playa Del Ingles.

There are a couple of golf courses nearby, which is a big attraction for many travellers and Holiday World is around the corner. This can be a fun place to take the kids, there is bowling, arcades and a small funfair.

Good Points

The location is excellent, and one of the best points is that you’ll be able to explore the island easily. The bungalows are basic, but clean and have a small patio area for sitting and relaxing. There is only one pool and a smaller child’s pool located near the play area. Families are catered for well, and the snack bar is convenient.

Negative Points

The snack bar can be a little expensive, especially if you use it every day with hungry, demanding children. The towels are limited, and sometimes the cleaners don’t leave enough, especially if there’s a family of four.

The people who work in the Vistaflor do struggle with English, which can be a problem when you need something, or want to ask for information.

Overall

Consider the Vistaflor Bungalows if location is important to you and you want easy access to shops, restaurants and the beach. The free shuttle beach to and from the beach will save you money on cabs as well.

Also, if you have a family and are fairly self-sufficient (relying on the supermarkets rather than the pool bar, and not needing much assistance from the staff) then the Vistaflor Bungalows in Maspalomas is a very good choice.

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The rooms are all expertly decorated in a quaint marina theme with balconies offering breathtaking sea views. There are many different facilities on offer when you stay in this hotel, and many are included in the price.

Proximity to the Marina

Being in the ideal location, there are many things to see and do within easy walking distance of the marina. You can enjoy the local bars and restaurants, or catch one of the ferries to the nearby Mogan, which is a lovely day trip. Try Mogan market on a Friday morning. There are two commercial centres close by, which offer shops, entertainment and restaurants.  The beach is also very near, which makes this hotel even more appealing.

The Marina Suites is the tall white building in the background in this picture (the one on the far right next to the lower one which is the Morasol Suites) – see how close it is to the beach/marina.

Photo by Bortescristian

The Best Bits

The food in the hotel is top quality, and there are several different options including a bar/lounge for more casual food. The infinity pool is amazing at the Marina Suites, and there’s also a smaller children’s pool.

Wireless internet is available in the public areas, and you can get it in your room at an extra charge. The people working for the hotel are all very friendly, and can speak several different languages which make life easier.

Anything Not So Good?

Lots of the things which you might expect to be free you’ll have to pay for, and this can add up over the week. Transfers from the airport, parking, safes, and cribs are all available, but at a price.

There is also no housekeeping on selected days, which is odd with a hotel of this standard. The sun loungers tend to get reserved very early and the rules about not doing this are seldom enforced.

But if you don’t mind the odd housekeeping-free day and you prefer the beach to the pool area, then Marina Suites Puerto Rico is highly recommended for its great location and pleasant rooms.

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