Best areas in the south of Gran Canaria

The south of Gran Canaria stands out for its incredible beaches and its desert and golden landscape. It’s a refuge for all those who want to escape from routine and stress and relax by the sea. There are areas for all tastes, let's discover them!

Best areas in the south of Gran Canaria

In the south of Gran Canaria you can enjoy a wide variety of activities: beach lovers have many options, from wild, hidden beaches to urbanised coasts with all kinds of amenities. For the more adventurous, the south coast of the island also offers many possibilities for hiking, trekking, jogging, walking, water sports or simply exploring the charming villages. Discover the ravines of the south!

Below you’ll find a list of the best areas in the south of Gran Canaria:

Maspalomas

Maspalomas is one of the most popular and well-known areas. In this desert of Gran Canaria, you’ll find the famous Dunes of Maspalomas, a Special Nature Reserve of more than 400 hectares; the Lighthouse of Maspalomas of about 60 metres high (with an ethnographic centre, a craft shop and a tourist information office) and the salt water lagoon Charco de Maspalomas and an exotic palm grove. From its viewpoint you can see the impressive dunes in the foreground, the blue Atlantic and the mountains in the background. It’s a very quiet area but with all amenities and perfect for sun and beach lovers. Stroll through the sandy mountains or take a camel ride. In Maspalomas, the sunset is breathtaking.

If you’re looking for accommodation in Maspalomas we recommend one of these three hotels:

• Suites & Villas by Dunas: choose a beautiful suite or villa in an oasis of plants and palm trees, close to the dunes of Maspalomas.


• Maspalomas Resort by Dunas: a complex of bungalows overlooking the Maspalomas Dunes.


• Mirador Maspalomas by Dunas: for a perfect location in the middle of all services, supermarkets, shops and shopping centres.

Playa del Inglés

Playa del Inglés is the other popular area in the south of Gran Canaria. It’s the tourist centre par excellence. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations for families, friends and the LGTB+ community due to its wide range of leisure activities, services, restaurants, bars and more. Its beach is about three kilometres long, with golden sand. It has bars, terraces and restaurants along its promenade. In the northern sector are the main services, perfect for families, while nudists and surfers frequent the southern area, which is connected to Punta de Maspalomas.

Meloneras

The Maspalomas Lighthouse marks the separation between Maspalomas and Meloneras. Meloneras is the most luxurious area of Gran Canaria, with many 4 and 5-star resorts. It’s also a very quiet tourist resort and has a wide range of relaxing facilities such as spas, golf courses, extensive green plains, restaurants and luxury hotels by the sea and various shopping centres, shops and boutiques. Meloneras beach is a good option to get away from the crowded beaches. Its promenade is connected to the Maspalomas Lighthouse, from where you can walk to Playa del Inglés along the shore.

San Agustín

San Agustín is another tourist resort. Its beach is less crowded, perfect for relaxing and with all the characteristic advantages of accommodation and services. It has calm waters, toasted sand and little current. Its promenade connects with Playa del Inglés and also has many places to eat and drink. San Agustín is also home to one of the most important thalassotherapy centres in the south of the island and one of the most emblematic hotels in the area, the Don Gregory by Dunas, a 4-star adults only hotel located on the seafront. Its holiday proposal and exquisite service will not go unnoticed by its demanding guests.

Arguineguín

Arguineguín is a traditional picturesque fishing village, with a more local atmosphere. It has a small harbour and traditional seafaring quarters. Visit its beach, natural swimming pool, pier and promenade. Arguineguín is the perfect place to sample the local gastronomy and try the excellent fresh fish. For the more adventurous, in El Pajar you can go on kayak excursions.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is another lively tourist resort. It’s perfect for water sports, nightlife and shopping. It has a marina and fishing port, from where boats go out into the ocean for whale and dolphin watching. You can also rent jet skis and kayaks. We recommend visiting the discos and clubs at night. In Puerto Rico you can find one of the most beautiful beaches in the south of Gran Canaria, Amadores, a cove of white sand. On the other hand, if you like shopping, you should visit the recently opened Centro Comercial Mogán Mall.

Puerto de Mogán

Puerto de Mogán is known as the Venice of the Canary Islands. It’s famous for its fishing boats, its everyday scenes along the quayside, its colourful narrow streets, its marina, its beach and its promenade. Discover its famous water canals that meander between the white houses of the neighbourhood, decorated with colourful borders and bougainvilleas that link up with the façades, forming exceptionally beautiful vegetal arches. 

Fataga

Fataga is a very charming village that deserves more popularity than it has when compared to other internationally known places from a tourist point of view. This pretty village is located in a spectacular volcanic ravine that ends at the sea. It’s also called "The valley of a thousand palm trees". If you like hiking and mountain and ravine terrain, don't miss the village of Fataga. On the way, you can’t miss the viewpoint of Degollada de las Yeguas and the Arteara Necropolis.

What to see in Gran Canaria South

There’s a wide range of things to do in the south of Gran Canaria. Apart from sunbathing or swimming, there are many places worth visiting. Learn more about the Canarian culture and people. The south is also perfect for adventure activities, exploring the picturesque villages and the many other diverse activities that this part of Gran Canaria has to offer.