Playa del Inglés

Playa del Inglés is the tourist epicenter of Gran Canaria — a vacation center that sprang up in the 1960s and today, with over 100 hotels and apartment complexes, hosts most of the island's visitors. The architecture is not very inspiring (1970s concrete), but the infrastructure is perfect: Everything a sun holiday needs is within walking distance.

The beach itself is excellent: 2.7 km of fine golden sand, gently sloping, with good swimming depth and lifeguards. Lounger + umbrella costs 5 €/day. At the eastern end, the beach seamlessly merges into the dunes of Maspalomas — a walk worth taking.

Shopping: The shopping centers Yumbo Centrum (200 shops, restaurants, bars, cinema), Cita, and Kasbah offer everything from designer copies to electronics. Bargaining is common. The Yumbo Centrum is also the center of Gran Canaria's LGBTQ+ scene in the evenings with numerous bars and clubs.

Nightlife: Playa del Inglés has one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in the Canary Islands. In addition to the bars in the Yumbo Centrum, there is the Avenida de Tirajana with international restaurants, cocktail bars, and discos. The Pacha (yes, the same as in Ibiza) has a branch here. Club entry: 10–20 €, usually with a drink included.

Water sports: Jet ski (30 min: 60 €), parasailing (50 €), banana boat (12 €), glass-bottom boat tour to the dolphins (25 €). Surf courses on the beach: from 35 € for 2 hours.