Playa del Inglés & San Agustín
Playa del Inglés is the bustling tourist center of the south — and for many first-time visitors, the epitome of Gran Canaria. The place emerged in the 1960s as a hotel city from scratch and today attracts a colorful mix of families, couples, and partygoers. What at first glance seems like a faceless landscape of hotel blocks has its charm upon closer inspection.
The Beach
The Playa del Inglés itself is a wide, three-kilometer-long sandy beach that seamlessly transitions into the dunes of Maspalomas in the west. In the east, the quieter Playa de San Agustín follows — darker sand, less wind, and a more relaxed crowd. Both beaches offer sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and lifeguards.
Shopping Centers & Nightlife
Playa del Inglés is the shopping and entertainment center of the south:
- Yumbo Centrum: The iconic shopping center in the heart of Playa del Inglés is a shopping mall by day and the center of LGBTQ+ nightlife by night, with numerous bars, clubs, and shows. One of the reasons why Gran Canaria is considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in Europe.
- Centro Comercial Faro 2: Shops, restaurants, and entertainment near the lighthouse.
- Kasbah: The nightclub complex for those who want to party until the early hours.
San Agustín — the Quiet Alternative
East of Playa del Inglés lies San Agustín — much quieter, more elegant, and popular with older audiences and couples. The dark sandy beach is more sheltered from the wind, the hotels have more character, and the promenade to Playa del Inglés is a lovely walk (approx. 30 minutes). For those who want the south but not the hustle and bustle: San Agustín is the answer.
