The dunes and the beach are bound to be on your itinerary for your Maspalomas holiday. They are the most iconic image of the area and the perfect starting point for exploring the south of Gran Canaria.
To plan the rest of your stay, you can mix and match different styles of travel. Sometimes a holiday is simply a chance to unwind by the sea, enjoy quality time together without watching the clock, and leave daily routines behind. Other times, it sparks a desire to get active, explore new places and head back to your accommodation after a day of fresh experiences. In Maspalomas, you can easily enjoy both.
Finding the perfect balance between relaxation and discovery is what visiting Maspalomas is all about.
Things to see in Maspalomas
The beach, the dunes, the Charca (lagoon) and the Lighthouse make up Maspalomas’ most famous landscape. As they are all located along the same stretch of coastline, you can easily visit them in one go. However, it is well worth taking your time to explore each spot individually.
Exploring the Maspalomas Dunes?
The dunes are protected as a Special Natural Reserve and must be explored in accordance with local signage and restricted access zones. You can start your visit at the viewpoint, which offers sweeping views over the vast dune field meeting the ocean, before following the designated walking trails.
Shifting sands shaped by the wind and changing light throughout the day mean the landscape is constantly transforming. The early morning and late afternoon offer milder temperatures, making them the best times for a walk. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen and suitable footwear for walking on sand, even for a short visit.
The beach, the Charca lagoon and the Lighthouse
Right next to the dunes lies Maspalomas beach, where you can swim, stroll along the shore or head towards the Lighthouse. Along the way, you will come across the Charca, a small lagoon within the reserve that serves as a resting spot for migratory birds. Please observe them from the designated areas and stay outside the protected zone.
The Lighthouse stands at one end of the beach. It is surrounded by a lively promenade packed with seafront terraces, shops and restaurants. As temperatures cool down in the late afternoon, it is a lovely area to explore before or after sunset.
In just a few kilometres, a peaceful Special Natural Reserve meets one of the most vibrant coastal spots in southern Gran Canaria.
Heading out on a scooter tour from Maspalomas
If you are staying in Maspalomas for a few days, it is well worth dedicating a morning or a full day to exploring other parts of southern Gran Canaria. There are plenty of coastal and inland routes to choose from, with varying distances and difficulty levels. By hiring a scooter in Maspalomas, you can stop off at several places and head back to town on the same day.
Exploring southern Gran Canaria
On a scooter route from Maspalomas heading towards Puerto de Mogán, you can make your first stop in Arguineguín before continuing to Playa del Cura or Taurito. Throughout the day, you can pull over by the sea, stretch your legs or stop for lunch before riding back. Be sure to check your route before setting off, as road closures can sometimes affect access to Puerto de Mogán.
To head inland, take the GC-60 towards Fataga. The route takes you past the Degollada de las Yeguas viewpoint and winds through dramatic ravines before reaching the village. The road has plenty of twists and turns, and the change in altitude means temperatures can be cooler than in Maspalomas.
If you haven’t chosen your route yet, take a look at these scooter routes from Maspalomas.
Visiting nearby villages
Nearby villages make great day-trip destinations or pleasant stops along a longer route. Fataga is about twenty kilometres from Maspalomas along the GC-60. Its charming centre features whitewashed houses, narrow streets and several cafés and shops where you can take a break before heading back to the coast.
If you have more time, you can carry on to Tunte, the historic heart of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The high altitude and winding roads mean this trip takes a bit longer than visiting Fataga. Heading the other way, Puerto de Mogán offers a coastal alternative with a beach, a marina and pedestrianised streets.
To make the most of your stops without spending the whole day on the scooter, it is best to stick to one or two villages. You can explore more ideas in our guide to the most beautiful villages in Gran Canaria to visit by scooter.
Exploring by bicycle or eBike
During your stay, you could also set aside a morning to hire a bicycle and explore Maspalomas and the surrounding areas. Near the coast, you will find relatively flat routes perfect for a quick ride. Heading inland, however, involves longer climbs that require a bit more stamina.
Choosing the right bike depends on the surface, distance and elevation. For short, paved routes, a hybrid or city bike is usually ideal. If your route includes dirt tracks or rougher ground, a mountain bike (MTB) with more suitable tyres and components is a better choice.
If you fancy tackling some climbs or riding for longer, hiring an eBike is a great way to take the sting out of the hills (while still getting some exercise). Motor assistance is also perfect if you are riding in a group with mixed fitness levels. Before setting off, check the battery life and calculate your total distance, including the ride back.
Take a look at our guide to cycling routes in Gran Canaria to compare terrain, distances and elevation. This will make it much easier to choose the right bike and plan your day.
Getting around town on an e-scooter
There will be days when you want to stay close to Maspalomas and combine a few local plans without heading too far. For these short trips, hiring an e-scooter is a fantastic alternative to a car, saving you the hassle of finding parking at every stop.
If you decide to use an e-scooter to get around Maspalomas, make sure you know where you are allowed to ride. E-scooters are banned from pavements, pedestrian areas and interurban roads. You must stick to authorised urban roads, respect the 25 km/h speed limit and follow traffic signs. Local laws also require riders to wear a helmet and a high-visibility vest, and to use lights at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Before choosing, check the range, stability and tyre type to ensure they match your route and the road surfaces. Our guide on how to choose an e-scooter outlines the key features to look for before renting one for your holidays.
E-scooters are best suited to short local trips. If you want to explore further afield without hiring a car, there are other convenient options for longer journeys. Our guide on how to get around Gran Canaria without a car covers all the transport methods available.
Excursions and activities from Maspalomas
Some days, it’s nice to wake up with your plans already taken care of. There are plenty of activities you can book from Maspalomas, ranging from a few hours to full-day excursions exploring Gran Canaria's diverse landscapes. Take a look at the excursions and activities from Maspalomas to find the perfect addition to your trip.
On the water:
- Dolphin-watching boat trips
- Catamaran cruises
- Scuba diving
- Jet ski coastal tours
On dry land:
- Buggy or quad bike tours
- Jeep safaris
- Horse riding
- Guided eBike tours
Since every activity offers a unique experience, be sure to check the duration, starting point, what’s included and any experience requirements before booking. You can compare options in our guide to the best excursions in Gran Canaria.
Maspalomas by night: what to do
After a day on the beach, a scenic route or an excursion, you can look forward to dinner, drinks or enjoying the local nightlife. Different areas offer very different vibes, making it easy to find either a quiet spot to unwind or a lively venue with music and drinks.
The area around the Lighthouse and the Meloneras promenade is packed with seafront restaurants and terraces. It is a fantastic place for dinner followed by a coastal walk in the cool evening air.
If you are looking for a livelier atmosphere, Playa del Inglés boasts a wide selection of bars, pubs, music venues and nightclubs. Open hours and events can vary throughout the year, so it is worth checking ahead before planning your night out.
Maspalomas offers plenty of ways to wrap up your day, whether you prefer a relaxed dinner or a fun night out.
At Scooter & Bike Rental, we can help you choose the perfect vehicle or activity for your holiday. Explore our rental options for scooters, bicycles, e-scooters and eBikes in Maspalomas, as well as our range of excursions, to start planning your stay.
