Aside from the rolling Maspalomas dunes, the main attraction for the thousands of annual visitors to the island’s quintessential package-tour destination is Maspalomas' beach, a magnificent and vast sandy stretch some 2.7km long. The individual beaches, from east to west, are Playa de las Burras (San Agustín), Playa del Corralillo, Playa del Inglés and Playa de Maspalomas. They all link up to form one long, spectacular length of sand.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Cueva Pintada Museum & Archaeological Park
27.52 MILES
Discovered by a local farmer in the late 19th century, this is one of Gran Canaria's most important pre-Hispanic archaeological sites: a cave adorned with…
25.83 MILES
This fascinating museum documents Columbus’ voyages and features exhibits on the Canary Islands’ historical role as a staging post for transatlantic…
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Catedral de Santa Ana & Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro
25.78 MILES
The spiritual heart of the city, this brooding, grey cathedral was begun in the early 15th century, soon after the Spanish conquest, but took 350 years to…
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0.94 MILES
These fabulous dunes cover 400 hectares and were designated a nature reserve in the 1990s, ensuring that the rapidly multiplying hotels would never…
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Museum of the Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pino
21.18 MILES
Don't miss this museum (also called the 'treasure house'), accessed upstairs from the rear of the basilica, where you can get a real close-up view of the…
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19.05 MILES
One of several viewpoints in town, the Mirador de Unamuno looks out onto a sweeping panorama of the vast volcanic caldera beyond – it is a stupefying…
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28.21 MILES
The fine 3km stretch of yellow sand is magnificent, and is considered by many to be one of the world's best city beaches. There’s an attractive seaside…
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25.39 MILES
The extraordinary, neo-Gothic church stands sullen watch over the bright, white houses of Arucas in a striking display of disproportion and contrast. The…
Nearby Maspalomas attractions
0.94 MILES
These fabulous dunes cover 400 hectares and were designated a nature reserve in the 1990s, ensuring that the rapidly multiplying hotels would never…
2.97 MILES
This enormous water park has miles of rides and slides; it's one for the family.
4.3 MILES
Situated 6km along the road north to Fataga, around 100 model Guanches stand in various ancient poses, designed to give you an idea of what life was like…
9.31 MILES
These huge rocks form a natural fortress and constitute one of Gran Canaria's most important pre-Hispanic sites. It was here that the Guanches' last stand…
5. Observatorio Astronómico de Temisas
10.82 MILES
Located 850m about sea level on the edge of the Caldera de Tirajana, this observatory has guided stargazing visits from Monday to Thursday from 8.30pm to…
11.23 MILES
Located near Agüimes, Cocodrilo Park is part zoo and part sanctuary, with the majority of animals being abandoned exotic pets.
11.35 MILES
The impressive setting for Temisas, with its backdrop of impenetrable cliffs, provides views across a ravine that falls away down to the sea, while the…
11.83 MILES
You can drop by this winery for a casual tasting, but book ahead for a tour and a sampler of local cheese, olives and mojo with your wine. There are two…