Blue Flag Maspalomas beach stretches from the lagoon and Faro lighthouse at its western end all the way to the dogleg where the dunes stick out into the sea. The beach doesn't end here but turns into Playa del Inglés beach and continues on for kilometres as PDI beach merges into El Cochino and El Veril beaches. 

The Maspalomas beach section of this vast sandy paradise is about 3.5 kilometres long. Apart from a few pebbles at the western end, it's all golden sand and is wide enough to absorb the crowds of people that use it every day of the year.

The west end of the beach is where most families and couples choose to sit as it's normally calm and sheltered from the wind. Here you also have a convenient row of bars and restaurants right on the sand. As you head east past the lagoon and towards the dunes the beach merges into the mini-Sahara behind you. Loungers are clustered around the snacks bars and cost 2.5 euros per lounger and 2.5 euros for a parasol. 

The famous and well-signposted Maspalomas nudist area is right in the middle of the beach where the dunes meet the sea. It's hard to miss but also easy to avoid if you'd rather not see anybody else's dangly bits: just stay on the first 1.5 kilometres of beach.

While there are snack stands at intervals along the beach, we advise you to take plenty of food and especially liquids if you plan to spend a whole day on Maspalomas beach. Shade is also essential if you spend a whole day at Maspalomas; either bring a parasol or rent one.

Lex says: Be aware that there are no toilet facilities in the middle of the beach and that it's a long walk back to the toilets in the round building here. It's fine to pee in the ocean (whales do as well ;) ).

To explore the dunes, it's best to set off from the Dunas Mirador in Playa del Inglés (see this map for location) and either walk to the shore along the crests of the dunes (it takes longer than you expect) or west back towards Maspalomas. If you go west, follow the marked trail and be aware that the scrubland here is popular with nudists.

Alex says: Avoid walking in the dunes at midday because it gets hot and the sand swallows shoes. 

Get to Maspalomas beach by taking any bus that stops at the main Maspalomas bus station (called Faro Maspalomas). Then walk down the palm-shaded road that goes east from the roundabout until you reach the lagoon (about 300 metres). The beach is right there and stretches out east for over three kilometres.  For convenient access to cold beers, food and toilets, turn west towards the lighthouse. For the full natural splendour of Maspalomas beach, walk east and head towards the sand dunes. 

Parking close to Maspalomas beach can be tricky unless you arrive early. There's a paid car park here or you can try your luck on the roads close to the ExpoMeloneras conference centre here. There's always somewhere to park in this area but you may end up 10 minutes walk away from the sand.