Beach town in Gran Canaria, Spain
Maspalomas
Sunny dune-and-beach resort in southern Gran Canaria, with year-round warmth, a huge gay scene at Yumbo and easy English. Package-style and car-oriented; quieter for solo travelers outside nightlife zones.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,910–2,700Comfortable, one person · €1,700–2,400Details
- Value for money52/100Better value than 51% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Sep, 25°CDetails
- Air quality11.3 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · ModerateDetails
- Internet263 MbpsFixed broadband, Spain medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilDesalinated and safe, but salty and often chlorinated.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–113Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGlobal Gran Canaria busesWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for kiosks, markets and small bars.Details
Where to stay in Maspalomas
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Playa del Inglés | Shops, nightlife, Yumbo Centre and the main beach |
| Maspalomas (Faro–Dunes) | Quieter, near the dunes and lighthouse |
| Meloneras | Upscale resorts, seaside promenade and calm evenings |
| San Agustín | Smaller, quieter and cheaper; longer stays |
Apps that work in Maspalomas
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Renfe: High-speed and regional train tickets
- ALSA: Long-distance bus tickets
- Taxis: No dependable ride-hailing; use metered taxis from ranks or phone one. Fares to Las Palmas are expensive, so take the bus.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Spain.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for kiosks, markets and small bars.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many Spanish ATMs charge foreign cards a few euros per withdrawal; Euronet machines cost more. Always decline the conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Round up at bars and leave 5–10% for good restaurant service; check whether service is already included.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere. Bizum, used to split bills, needs a Spanish bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Phone shops and airport kiosks sell prepaid SIMs (Orange, Vodafone, Digi, Lebara); about €10–25 for 30–100 GB. Passport required to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Spain
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.