The beach in Playa del Inglés stretches across nearly two miles of golden sand. This is where your adventure in southern Gran Canaria begins. Whether you're looking for sun, water sports, or nightlife, there are plenty of things to do. This guide shows you what to do in Playa del Inglés—from the famous dunes to the theme parks. Here you'll find mass tourism, but also a laid-back atmosphere with budget-friendly hotels and lively bars.
- Best time
- Winter (around 68°F, mild days) - summer is hot and very crowded
- Where to stay
- Near Mirador de las Dunas or Playa El Veril for a quieter location; in the center for proximity to nightlife
- Perfect for
- Families * Sunbathers * LGBTQIA+ * Party-goers
- Don't miss
- A walk through the Maspalomas Dunes at sunset
Things I would tell a friend
After several visits to Gran Canaria, I've learned a few tricks that make your stay better.
Visit the dunes at sunset
The sunset from the Maspalomas Dunes is magical. Go there in plenty of time, as the sand is heavy to walk in. Bring water with you.
Source · Checked myself
Buy tickets online
You can pre-purchase tickets for Holiday World, Aqualand, and Palmitos Park. This saves time in line, especially during Easter and summer vacations.
Source · Tested several times
Rent a car to explore
With a rental car, you can reach the Ayagaures ravine, Fataga, and Roque Nublo. The roads are narrow, so choose a mid-size car with a decent engine.
Source · My best tip
Playa del Inglés Beach
The two-mile-long beach is the heart of the resort—with golden sand, calm water, and a popular nudist area.
- Nearly 2 miles of beach from El Cochino to Maspalomas
- Nudist area by the dunes
- Year-round water sports: surfing, kitesurfing, jet skiing, parasailing
- Walking path to San Agustín and the Maspalomas Lighthouse
The beach is the natural starting point. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, or just lay directly on the sand. There are restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. Want more action? You can rent jet skis, windsurfing boards, and take surf lessons here. The climate allows for it 365 days a year. A walk east takes you to Playa del Cochino and on to San Agustín; to the west, you reach the Maspalomas Dunes—a nature reserve that's worth a visit on its own. The view toward the lighthouse and the lagoon is striking. Keep in mind that parking at the beach can be difficult, especially during peak season. It's better to use parking garages like Anexo or Yumbo.
Nudist area and crowds
The nudist area is located toward the Maspalomas side. The beach can get very crowded during Christmas, Easter, and the summer months. Go early for a quieter swim.
Bus and car to the beach
From the airport, take bus 66 or 90 (30 min). By car, take the highway south. Park in the garage at Anexo II or Centro Comercial Plaza.
Best time for water sports
Windsurfing and kitesurfing work best in the afternoon when the wind picks up. Rental stands are located along the beachfront promenade.
Get here before ten o'clock to snag a good spot on the sand.
There are all-inclusive hotels here that are often the cheapest on the island. Santa Monica Suites is located near the Las Dunas viewpoint.
Palm Oasis Maspalomas
- 2 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Private Parking
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Excellent Breakfast
H10 Playa Meloneras Horizons Collection
- 2 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- Beachfront
- Free parking
- Airport shuttle
- Fitness center
- Bar
- Wonderful Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Holiday World Maspalomas
Located between Maspalomas beach and Playa del Inglés, this family-friendly amusement park offers activities for all ages.
- Rides for children and adults
- Bowling, karaoke, and a fly room for adults
- Ferris wheel, pony rides, water bumper boats
- Nomad Market with restaurants and shops
Holiday World is one of the few amusement parks in southern Gran Canaria. It features both gentle carousels for small children and thrills for older kids and adults. Adults can enjoy bowling, billiards, or the fly room—a room where you experience weightlessness. There's also a food court, Nomad Market, where you can eat between rides. The park is popular during summer breaks, Easter, and weekends. Buy your ticket online in advance to skip the line. Opening hours vary between activities, so check the schedule on the official website before you go.
Prices and opening hours 2026
Adults €13, children €17, seniors €6. Opening hours vary by attraction—see the official Holiday World schedule.
Buy online and save time
Tickets purchased online in advance give you faster entry and help you avoid lines, especially during peak season.
Getting here by bus or car
The park is located between Maspalomas beach and Playa del Inglés. It takes a few minutes by car; otherwise, take bus 36 or 50 from Las Palmas.
Ride the Ferris wheel in the evening—that's when you'll see the whole coast lit up.
Several hotels are within walking distance, including Riu Palace Palmeras and Bohemia Suites & Spa.
Mur Neptuno Gran Canaria - Adults Only
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Airport shuttle
- Fitness center
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Excellent Breakfast
Mirador Maspalomas By Dunas
- 2 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Private Parking
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- 3 restaurants
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Palmitos Park
A combined zoo and botanical garden 6 miles from Playa del Inglés—perfect for a day surrounded by nature.
- Tropical gardens and over 200 bird species
- Shows with birds of prey, exotic birds, and dolphins
- Located in Barranco de los Palmitos—a protected area
- Bus 45 and 70 from Playa del Inglés
Palmitos Park is more than just a zoo. Here you wander among palm trees and tropical vegetation while seeing parrots, birds of prey, and dolphins. The bird and dolphin shows are popular—check the times at the entrance. The park actively works to protect vulnerable species. There is a restaurant and souvenir shop on-site. Expect to spend 2-4 hours for a visit. Open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM. Tickets: Under 5 years €13, 5-10 years €26, 11+ years €35. A private vehicle or bus is recommended.
Opening hours and prices 2026
Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. Ticket prices: Under 5 years €13, 5-10 years €26, from 11 years €35.
Bus or car to the park
Buses 45 and 70 run from Playa del Inglés. It's about a 6-mile drive by car. Parking is available on-site.
Plan for 2-4 hours
The park is large—bring water and comfortable walking shoes. Shows have fixed times, so read the daily schedule at the entrance.
The dolphin show is the highlight—get there early to get a good seat.
Aqualand Maspalomas
Gran Canaria's largest water park with 40 slides—guaranteed fun for kids and adults alike.
- 40 different slides, including Anaconda and the Water Labyrinth
- Polynesian park with gardens
- Interactive experiences with sea lions (optional)
- Open 10 AM–5 PM in winter, 10 AM–6 PM the rest of the year
Aqualand is located just outside the center of Maspalomas. It has everything from calm pools to breathtaking drops. Anaconda is a popular water slide that sends you down at high speed. For the little ones, there's a dedicated children's area. The park also has a Polynesian-themed section with lush plants and a relaxed atmosphere. You can buy tickets online to avoid the line. Be prepared for crowds during the summer—it's Gran Canaria's most visited water park. If you don't want to participate in the sea lion shows, you can just focus on the slides and pools.
Prices and opening hours 2026
Under 5 years €15, 5-10 years €26, over 11 years €35, seniors €26. Winter 10 AM–5 PM, summer 10 AM–6 PM. Closed certain days—check the official website.
Busy in the summer
The park is very busy during July and August. Lines for popular slides can be long. Arrive early or after lunch for shorter wait times.
Combine with another park
There are combination tickets available with Palmitos Park or Holiday World—ask at the entrance or book online.
Anaconda is the best—but expect lines of up to 20 minutes in July.
Sioux City
A Wild West park east of Playa del Inglés—a time-travel destination for kids and adults with cowboy and Indian shows.
- Authentic Western town with a saloon, church, stables, and jail
- Cowboy shows and dances with comedians
- Indian camp with tipis and farm animals
- Open Tue-Fri 10 AM–3 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM–3 PM, closed Mondays
Sioux City takes you back to 19th-century America. You wander through a town with wooden houses, a saloon, and a school. Actors in cowboy and Indian costumes put on shows with horses. There's also a small petting zoo with farm animals. The park is a 15-minute drive from Playa del Inglés. Open Tuesday through Sunday, closed Mondays. Tickets for adults are €24.90, children €15.90. If you aren't into the horse shows, you can still stroll around the town. Check the schedule carefully so you don't miss the performances—they are the main attraction.
Prices and opening hours 2026
Adult €24.90, child €15.90. Open Tue-Fri 10 AM–3 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM–3 PM, closed Mondays.
15 minutes by car
Take the highway east from Playa del Inglés. Parking is available on-site. Bus? The nearest stop is over half a mile away—it's better to go by car or taxi.
The shows are the experience
The performances with horses and comedians are the park's main draw. Check the schedule in advance so you don't miss them.
Plan for about 3-4 hours if you want to see all the shows.
Nightlife at Yumbo Centrum & Kasbah
When the sun goes down, Playa del Inglés comes to life with bars, clubs, and shopping—primarily in two large shopping centers.
- Yumbo Centrum—the epicenter of gay tourism in Gran Canaria
- Kasbah Shopping—home to the liveliest nightclubs
- Wide selection of bars, restaurants, and clubs
- Daytime shopping also available in both centers
The nightlife in Playa del Inglés is famous. The busiest area is the Kasbah shopping center, with its numerous bars and clubs. Yumbo Centrum is known as the epicenter of gay tourism—it offers a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. Both centers also house stores, eateries, and sometimes live entertainment. The beachfront promenade and the city center also offer restaurants with ocean views. If you're looking for a quieter evening, there are several hotel bars and rooftop terraces. Keep in mind that the area can be very crowded on weekends.
Start your evening at Kasbah
Kasbah has the most bars concentrated in one place. Go there around 10 PM to find an available table—it gets difficult later on.
Gay-friendly but not exclusive
Yumbo Centrum is best known as an LGBTQ+ area, but everyone is welcome. The atmosphere is festive and open.
Walk or take a short taxi ride
Both shopping centers are within walking distance of most hotels in central Playa del Inglés. Otherwise, a taxi costs about €5 within the resort.
Yumbo Centrum is best for an LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere—Kasbah has the most dance floors.
What is the best time of year for things to do in Playa del Inglés?
Winter is perfect with temperatures around 68°F. Summer is warmer, but the beaches and parks are very crowded. Spring and fall are also good times to visit.
Is Playa del Inglés beach nudist-friendly?
Yes, toward the Maspalomas side, there is an official nudist area. However, the entire beach is popular, and you can choose a quieter spot.
How do I get from the airport to Playa del Inglés?
Bus 66 or 90 runs directly from the airport and takes about 30 minutes. Private transfers are also available. By car, take the highway south.
What are the prices at Aqualand Maspalomas?
Under 5 years €15, 5-10 years €26, over 11 years €35, seniors €26. Open 10 AM–5 PM winter, 10 AM–6 PM summer.
Where is the best nightlife in Playa del Inglés?
Kasbah Shopping has the most bars and clubs. Yumbo Centrum is the epicenter of gay-friendly nightlife. Both are located in the city center.
How much time do I need at Palmitos Park?
Expect to spend 2-4 hours, including watching the bird and dolphin shows. The park is open 10 AM–6 PM daily.
Can I buy tickets online to avoid the line?
Yes, online tickets are available for Holiday World, Aqualand, Palmitos Park, and Sioux City. This is especially recommended during peak season.
