Tuesday, 03 February 2015 10:13

You've Arrived in Maspalomas: Here's What To Do First

Walk around Maspalomas to get your bearings Walk around Maspalomas to get your bearings

So you've arrived in Maspalomas, the sun is shining (hopefully) and you want to get your bearings. Here's how to explore the resort on your first day.

 

Campo Internacional, the main part of the resort, is a big place so be prepared for some walking. Depending on where you are in Maspalomas you're looking at up to half an hour's walk down to the beach (if you're in Sonnenland, or further away from the sea than Holiday World, get a taxi). If you walk, head to the dry channel that runs through the middle of the resort and follow it.

You'll go past the camels, where you can book a ride through the dunes, and arrive at the famous Charco de Maspalomas lagoon and then the beach itself. Turn left to walk along the sand towards the dunes and Playa del Inglés. It's about 6 kilometres one way but there are snack stands on the beach. If you want a fantastic meal, then book a table at Samsara on the top of the little shopping centre by the lagoon. It's fantastic!

For a more relaxed first experience turn right at the lagoon to see the Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse and the long boulevard that runs along the coast to Meloneras beach. Choose a terrace for a drink and a meal or stock up in the supermarkets. Just behind the beachfront there's plenty more shops and restaurants. 

Away from the beach Maspalomas is mostly hotels and bungalows but there are some things to visit. The huge park next to Holiday World is a fantastic spot for a stroll or a jog and even has its own lake. Maspalomas even has its own Botanical Garden full or tropical fruit and flowers. Head to Avda. del Touroperador Neckermann. The garden is right by the big roundabout. Entrance is free. Holiday world itself offers bowling, fairground rides and a vast range of arcade games for the kids. 

Published in Maspalomas

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Tip of the day

  • Tip Of The Day: Avoid Bank Card Charges By Paying In Euros
    Tip Of The Day: Avoid Bank Card Charges By Paying In Euros

    Save money and avoid rip-off bank charges while in Gran Canaria by paying in euros when using your credit or debit card.

    Many bars and restaurants in Gran Canaria, and in almost all European holiday destinations, give you the option of paying in euros or in your home currency. Opting for your own currency, while it may seem like the safer option, can add as much as 5% to the bill as it triggers dynamic currency conversion. 

    DCC basically means that the exchange rate is calculated at point of sale rather than by your bank. It allows you to see the total cost of the transaction in your own currency but adds up to 5% to the total because it uses a terrible exchange rate. 

    Since the extra money is shared between your bank and the merchant, some places will automatically bill you in your own currency and hope you don't notice. You have the legal right to refuse and void the transaction should this happen. 

    ATMs too

    The same applies when taking money out of ATM machines in Gran Canaria (and anywhere in Europe); Always choose the local currency option to avoid losing money to poor exchange rates.

    If you opt for the local currency option, using bank ATMs is often the cheapest and safest way of getting euros in Gran Canaria. It's far safer than having a big pile of euros hidden in your room or tucked into your shorts.

    More details in this Daily Telegraph article.

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