Parque del Sur

This vast landscaped park is one of Maspalomas' least-appreciated features. With kilometres of paths, a running track, plenty of shady spots under the palms and even a lake full of fish and birds, it's the perfect place to spend a lazy day. It's even got a cool adventure playground for the kids and a cafe with outdoor tables that does a great-value weekend BBQ.

Here's more on the Parque del Sur.

Here is the Parque del Sur on Google Maps. Entrances on the east and south fences. It opens 

The botanical garden

The Parque Botánico de Maspalomas is a small public garden full of tropical plants and flowers. It's got bananas, papayas and exotics like a macadamia nut tree. There isn't much to do here other than wander about, but it's a good place to go to get away from the heat of the day. 

It's here on Google Maps. 

Open from 10.00-18.00 Monday to Friday. 

Watch sunset from the Dunas Mirador

The new (well, refurbished) Dunas Mirador is in Playa del Inglés resort but looks out on the Maspalomas dunes. It's designed so that everyone can sit and watch the sun go down over the dunes and the ocean. 

All the Dunas Mirador needs to be perfect is a little bar selling cold drinks. 

Alternatively, walk into the dunes (careful, they eat flip flops)from the Mirador and watch from the crest of your own dune.

Cross the dunes

There's more to the Maspalomas dunes nature reserve than the famous high dunes. At the western end, between Avenida Tirajana and the Charco de Maspalomas lagoon, the dunes are covered in bushes and palm trees. To see this section, walk west from the Dunas Mirador in Playa del Inglés. The nature trail is signposted so you can't get lost. You'll see the dunes in a whole new way (and yes, you may see the odd nudist too). 

Walk to Meloneras

From the Maspalomas lighthouse, the coastal boulevard runs for almost two kilometres to the far end of Meloneras beach. It's a beautiful walk at sunrise or sunset and there're plenty of places to stop for a drink or a rest. Look out for the cute Guanche ruin along the way. 

The Maspalomas boulevard is also a great place for a jog in Maspalomas.

Go to the beach

Maspalomas beach is three kilometres of golden sand stretching from the lighthouse to the dog leg where it becomes Playa del Inglés beach. It's free, it's sunny and it's the perfect place to spend a day at Maspalomas. The water is calmest close to the lighthouse and you're also close to supermarkets and a big choice of cafes and restaurants. 

Alex says: Take a picnic and plenty of water as the costs add up if you have to buy drinks and snacks from the beach kiosks.