Playa del Inglés beach
Playa del Inglés is Gran Canaria’s largest holiday resort and one of the island’s most visited destinations. It is located on the south coast, around 30 kilometres from Gran Canaria Airport.
Over the years, Playa del Inglés has gradually merged with neighbouring Maspalomas and the more upmarket resort of Meloneras, creating one large holiday area with several excellent beaches. There is a wide choice of hotels and apartments across different price ranges. A good family-friendly option is Seaside Sandy Beach, which is within easy walking distance of both the beach and the resort centre.
Playa del Inglés beach
Playa del Inglés has a long, wide beach with fine, golden sand. It forms the central part of an extensive stretch of beach that runs from San Agustín in the east, past the Maspalomas Dunes and all the way to the lighthouse in Maspalomas.
Sun loungers, parasols, showers and toilets are available in several sections, particularly in the central area around the small Anexo II shopping centre. Lifeguards supervise parts of the beach, and their advice should always be followed, especially when the sea is rough.
At the southern end, towards Punta de Maspalomas, the beach widens considerably and gradually merges into the protected landscape of the Maspalomas Dunes. We love the walk to the lighthouse in Maspalomas, but it is longer than it may appear, so remember to bring plenty of water.
Restaurants and other facilities become less frequent as you move away from Playa del Inglés towards the dunes, and parts of the beach here are popular with naturists.
Child-friendliness
Playa del Inglés is generally a good choice for families, although its beach is not among the most child-friendly on Gran Canaria. The water gets deep fairly quickly, and there can occasionally be strong winds and large waves. On rougher days, the hotel pool may be a better option for families with young children.
Water sports
The busiest sections of the beach usually offer activities such as water skiing, banana boat rides, jet skiing and parasailing. Availability varies depending on the season and weather conditions.
Beach restaurants
Along the broad seafront promenade at the northern end of the beach, there is a wide choice of restaurants, cafés and bars. Most cater to beachgoers looking for a casual meal rather than a more ambitious dining experience, and the quality varies.
Our favourite, however, is Nereo Cocktails & Food, which serves excellent food and beautifully presented cocktails. It is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach and has fantastic views across the sand and out over the Atlantic.
What to expect in Playa del Inglés
Playa del Inglés has almost everything you could want from a holiday resort: a long sandy beach, the impressive Maspalomas Dunes, several large shopping centres, an enormous choice of restaurants, nearby golf courses and the liveliest nightlife on Gran Canaria.
Families benefit from the many hotels with children’s pools and activities, as well as easy access to attractions such as Aqualand and Holiday World. Couples can combine days on the beach with restaurants, shopping and golf, while younger adults will find plenty of bars and nightclubs.
Playa del Inglés is also known for its shopping centres. Most are open-air complexes with supermarkets, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Yumbo Centre has one of the largest selections of restaurants and bars, while Kasbah Shopping Center & Plaza is particularly well known for its nightlife.
Several of Gran Canaria’s most popular attractions are nearby. Aqualand Maspalomas is the island’s largest water park and one of the best we have visited. Holiday World in Maspalomas combines an amusement park with bowling, arcade games and restaurants, while Palmitos Park, a popular zoo and botanical garden, lies further inland.
Playa del Inglés map
The map shows Playa del Inglés on the right, with Maspalomas and the Maspalomas Dunes to the west. Meloneras and the lighthouse in Maspalomas lie further to the south-west, while San Agustín is located to the north-east. The busiest part of Playa del Inglés beach is shown on the right-hand side of the map.
