Maspalomas is perhaps most famous for its giant sand dunes. You can try sandboarding there or just sit and admire the view.
A few steps away from Maspalomas, the area of luxury resorts called Meloneras sits at the southernmost tip of Gran Canaria. Full of five-star retreats, thalassotherapy spas and high-end shopping, this is the newest hot-spot for the more affluent visitor to the island.
Both Puerto Rico and Amadores are purpose-built resorts in the south west of Gran Canaria. Puerto Rico is built on top of the volcanic cliff faces, creating an amphitheatre descending into the bay, and has some great water sports options. Amadores, just further along the coast, is perfect for couples looking for a romantic retreat – it’s no coincidence that Playa de Amadores means ‘lover’s beach’.
The southern coast of the island has the big resort towns and Playa del Ingles is the largest. This famous holiday resort is a home-away-from-home to many European visitors aiming to escape winter cold in countries like the UK and Germany.
The bustling city of Las Palmas is the largest in the Canary Islands and Spain’s ninth largest. It has everything you’d expect from a major port city, with cultural highlights like the beautifully refurbished Perez Galdos Theatre and the modernist Auditorio Alfredo Kraus.