Holiday rentals in Maspalomas

Located at the southern tip of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, Maspalomas is a popular resort town with a landscape of imposing mountains, steep rock faces, and rolling valleys that meet expanses of sand dunes at the coast. The 56-metre lighthouse at the western end of the beach, built in 1890, is still a key landmark on the seafront; a museum in the building tells the story of Gran Canaria over the centuries. The beachfront and promenade are lined with restaurants, gift shops, and bars that are open into the small hours, and the sandy beaches and warm waters are the focal points of the town.

Maspalomas has several local walking trails to explore, as well as an acclaimed golf course nearby. The Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve features palms, ponds, and dunes and is a protected area of natural beauty. Many migrating birds, including sanderlings and whimbrels, rest in the area as they make their way between Africa and Europe.

Thanks to the Canary Islands’ location off the west coast of Africa, Maspalomas enjoys pleasant weather all year round, making it the ideal location for a winter sun break. After the heat of peak season, September and October can still experience balmy temperatures, and the water remains warm from the summer sun. If you’re travelling inland into the mountains, there will be a drop in temperature, so bring a warm layer. Evenings can get cool as well.

If you book your apartments in Maspalomas in January, a trip to nearby Valsequillo de Gran Canaria will reward you with the sight of stunning pink blossoms on groves of almond trees. In March, the Maspalomas Carnival holds street parties, competitions, and a themed parade. Maspalomas is a hotspot for LGBTQ+ communities, and you can reserve accommodation in Maspalomas to join in with Pride in May and Winter Pride in November — joyful celebrations involving parades, live music, and boat parties.

The Natural Dune Reserve

Just south of the town, a paved area leads to 2.5 square miles of rolling golden dunes shaped into hills and curves by the wind, with the turquoise sea as a backdrop. This protected nature reserve feels like it belongs in the desert. The area is a haven for wildlife, with various native species of lizards, insects, and birds nesting nearby. Avoid visiting around midday during summer, as the sand can get too hot to walk on.

Waterfront walk

At sunset, people wander down to the shore to enjoy the view. Starting from the lighthouse, the route along the waterfront to Punta de Maspalomas is peppered with bars. The walk along the sand takes around an hour, depending on how many times you stop for a beverage or to watch the moonlight glimmer on the waves.

Botanical Park

Home to butterflies and birds, as well as thousands of native plant species, the Botanical Park is a labour of love for local horticulturists and botanists. With no specific order to the plants, you can stumble across medicinal plants, fragrant fruit trees, flowering cacti, and tranquil ponds.