The South — Sun, Beach & Dunes

The Dunes of Maspalomas (Dunas de Maspalomas) are Gran Canaria's most iconic natural wonder and have been under protection since 1987. The Reserva Natural Especial covers 403.9 hectares and stretches from Faro de Maspalomas (the historic lighthouse) to Playa del Inglés — an endless sea of golden sand dunes that resemble the Sahara and yet lie directly on the Atlantic.

The Dune Landscape

The dunes consist of coralline sand — crushed shells and corals, not Sahara sand, as is often assumed. They constantly move with the wind and change their appearance daily. The ecosystem comprises three zones: the active wandering dunes in the center, the stabilized dunes with vegetation on the edge, and the Charca de Maspalomas — a brackish water lagoon at the western end that hosts a surprisingly diverse biotope (herons, stilts, occasionally flamingos).

Beaches

The dune area offers some of the most beautiful beach sections:

• Playa de Maspalomas: The main beach at the foot of the dunes, over 2.7 km long. Nudist area in the east. Sunbeds and chiringuitos (beach bars) available.
• Playa del Inglés: Wide, lively beach with all amenities — sunbeds, showers, water sports. The transition to the dunes is seamless.
• Playa de la Mujer: Smaller, quieter beach west of the lighthouse. Perfect for families.

Faro de Maspalomas

The Lighthouse of Maspalomas (1890) is the landmark of the south. It marks the southern tip of the island and is surrounded by restaurants and a small promenade. Especially magical at sunset — when the last light turns the dunes golden and the lighthouse casts its silhouette against the sky.

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.

Puerto de Mogán is the most beautiful place in the south of Gran Canaria — and many would say: the whole island. The former fishing village at the southwestern end of the coast is often referred to as the "Little Venice of the Canaries" because of its canals and bridges. Unlike the hotel blocks of Playa del Inglés, Mogán has been developed carefully: low, white houses with colorful shutters, pergolas overgrown with Bougainvillea and Hibiscus, a small marina, and a sheltered sandy beach.

The Harbor

The Puerto (harbor) is the heart of the place: colorful fishing boats sway next to elegant yachts, fish restaurants line the quays, and in the evenings, freshly caught fish is grilled. This is also where excursion boats depart — for dolphin and whale watching, deep-sea fishing, or sailing trips along the coast. The ferry connection to Puerto Rico (15 minutes, from 8€) is a relaxed alternative to the bus.

The Beach

The Playa de Mogán is a small, crescent-shaped beach in a sheltered bay — ideal for families. The water is calm and clear, and the water temperature is often 1–2°C warmer than at the open beaches due to the sheltered location. Sunbeds and umbrellas: approx. 3€/piece.

Friday Market

Every Friday from 8 am–2 pm, Puerto de Mogán transforms into the most colorful market in the south: local fruits and vegetables, Canarian cheese, honey, handicrafts, leather goods, jewelry, and clothing. Come early (before 10 am) before the excursion buses arrive. The market is touristy, but the atmosphere is right — and the quality of local products is good.

Diving & Snorkeling

Mogán is one of the best diving spots in the Canaries. The clear, calm water of the bay offers excellent visibility (up to 30 meters). Highlights: the Yellow Submarine Wreck (an intentionally sunk submarine as an artificial reef), rays, barracudas, angel sharks, and colorful rocks. Several dive schools offer courses and excursions from approx. 45€ (introductory dive) to 250€ (PADI Open Water Course).

Between the tourist centers of Playa del Inglés and Puerto de Mogán lies a stretch of coast that has surprisingly remained authentic and undiscovered. Arguineguín, the unpretentious fishing village on the south coast, is the insider tip for those seeking the real Gran Canaria in the south.

Arguineguín

In contrast to the prefab cities of tourism, Arguineguín is a grown place with real village life: fishermen repair their nets at the harbor, elderly gentlemen play dominoes on the plaza, and the restaurants serve the freshest fish on the south coast at local prices. The Tuesday market (8 am–2 pm) is the largest weekly market in the south and much more authentic than the one in Puerto de Mogán — this is where the locals shop.

Puerto Rico

East of Mogán lies Puerto Rico — a tourist spot in a dramatic, terraced bay. The beach is artificially filled (with imported Sahara sand!), but sheltered from the wind and ideal for families. Puerto Rico is the center for water sports: jet skiing, parasailing, banana boating, and especially deep-sea fishing — the waters off the coast are famous for blue marlin, tuna, and wahoo.

Playa de Amadores

Between Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán lies Playa de Amadores — a semicircular beach with turquoise water reminiscent of the Caribbean. Artificially created but beautiful: white sand, calm water, palm-lined promenade. Ideal for families with small children. Sunbeds: approx. 3–5€/piece.

Güi-Güi — the Hidden Beach

The legendary Playa de Güi-Güi is one of the most remote and beautiful beaches in the Canaries. Accessible only by a challenging hike (approx. 3 hours one way, from Tasartico) or by boat. Black volcanic sand, dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear water, and absolute solitude. Only for experienced hikers — bring enough water (at least 3 liters)! The easier alternative: a boat trip from Puerto de Mogán.

The south of Gran Canaria is more than sunbeds and buffet restaurants. From water to land adventures to cultural excursions, the region offers surprisingly much variety.

On the Water

• Dolphin & Whale Watching: Catamaran tours from Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán (approx. 35–55€, 2–3 hours). Bottlenose dolphins are almost guaranteed, with luck also pilot whales, pilot whales, and sperm whales. Most respectful: providers with "Blue Boat" certification.
• Surfing & Bodyboarding: The beaches in the south are ideal for beginners. Surf schools in Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés (from 35€ for 2 hours incl. board and wetsuit).
• Diving: The southwest coast between Mogán and Arguineguín offers the best dive sites: wrecks, rock formations, angel sharks, and barracudas. Dive schools from 40€ per dive.
• Kayak & SUP: Stand-up paddling and kayaking tours along the coast, often combined with snorkeling. From 25€.

On Land

• Camel Riding in the Dunes: A quirky but entertaining classic — the camel safari through the dunes of Maspalomas lasts about 30 minutes and costs 12€. Touristy, but a highlight for children.
• Mountain Biking: The hills behind the south offer perfect trails. Organized tours with guide and bike from approx. 50€.
• Palmitos Park: Botanical garden and zoo in the Barranco de los Palmitos (15 minutes north of Maspalomas). Parrot show, dolphins, butterfly house, and over 1,500 exotic birds. Admission: approx. 34€ adults, 24€ children. Ideal for families.
• Aqualand Maspalomas: Water park with slides for all ages. Admission: approx. 30€ adults, 22€ children.

Day Trips from the South

The south is ideal as a base for island explorations:

• Roque Nublo & Mountain Region: Car rental tour via Cruz de Tejeda (approx. 1.5 hours drive, winding road). Full-day excursion.
• Las Palmas & Vegueta: By bus (Global line 01, approx. 40 minutes, direct connection) or rental car. Half-day or full-day excursion.
• Agaete & Natural Pools: Via the west coast road GC-200 (spectacular serpentine!). Full-day excursion.