Playa del Inglés: Sun, Sand and Sea on Gran Canaria

Playa del Inglés, literally translated as “Beach of the English“, located in the south of Gran Canaria, between Maspalomas, Meloneras and San Agustin, is a bustling seaside resort. There are extensive sandy beaches, dunes, hotels, apartments and holiday homes on the Atlantic Ocean. Once an agricultural area, it transformed into a popular tourist destination in the 1960s, thanks to its convenient location and beautiful surroundings. Playa del Inglés is part of the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana and receives thousands of tourists every year.

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History of Playa del Inglés

Originally from the 1930s to the 1960s, Playa del Inglés was an agricultural area, where barley and wheat were mainly grown. Later, the area was used for tomato cultivation, which was so successful that it covered a large part of the Maspalomas dunes and the Fataga ravine. In 1962, however, this area changed dramatically with the approval of a major urbanisation project “llanos del Inglés“. The farmland gave way to a real estate project of five hundred thousand square metres, aimed at tourism. The name “Playa del Inglés” refers to the strategic location where English ships often landed in the 16th century.

The agricultural land gave way to a large-scale real estate project of five hundred thousand square metres. Despite earlier plans by the French company that won the competition, the integration of agriculture was not included in the final plans. Implementation of the project began on 15 October that year, developing the area around the beach of San Agustín.

Commemoration in Gran Canaria: Pieter Not Forgotten

Pieter van der Does, appointed dike count of Holland in 1588, played an important role in the military successes of Prince Maurits. However, his expeditions to the Canary Islands and Santo Thomé failed, causing him to die ingloriously in a distant land. The Dutch Canarias Association donated a bronze bell to Santa Ana (Las Palmas) to replace the bells that Van der Does took from the church.

However, he is still commemorated in Gran Canaria, as in 1999 with a special postage stamp and other ceremonies. In the Village Church in Leiderdorp there is a grave monument of the Van der Does family, on which Pieter is also mentioned.

From Playa del Inglés via the Beach to Maspalomas

Playa del Inglés beach attracts hundreds of tourists every day. A popular activity is walking along the coast to Maspalomas, where you can enjoy the sun and the view. On the way, you will pass a nude beach for naturists which is also freely accessible to non-naturists. Read more below the photos

Walking through the Dunes and the Nature Reserve

For nature lovers, there is the beautiful Paseo Costa Canaria, a mile-long promenade with breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, dunes and rolling hills. Stroll along the boulevard, enjoy the fresh sea air and sit on one of the cozy terraces for a refreshing drink or a delicious meal. Discover the unique flora and fauna at the nearby Dunas de Maspalomas Nature Reserve, where you can wander through an enchanting world of golden sand dunes and green oases.

Playa del Inglés offers a range of activities and sights for young and old. Relax on the long sandy beach, where you can sunbathe, swim, practice water sports or build sand castles with the children. Take a cooling dip in the azure blue Atlantic Ocean or go on an adventure during an exciting jet ski or banana boat safari.

Walking along the Paseo Costa Canaria

The Paseo Costa Canaria is a beautiful and popular promenade with panoramic views of the beach and the surrounding area. Stroll along the boulevard, enjoy the view, sit on a bench, on a terrace or do some souvenir shopping. The view is particularly beautiful at sunset or full moon.

Transport to and from Playa del Ingles

What is the best way to get to the center and the beach of Playa del Ingles? There are various possibilities. Public transport is well organised, by car or taxi is also a good alternative. I have a special page for you with all transport options. Read more …

Explore the lively Atmosphere of Playa del Inglés

After sunset, Playa del Inglés bustles with life. Stroll along the atmospheric boulevard with countless restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and street performers. Enjoy live music, taste delicious Canarian cuisine or go dancing in one of the vibrant nightclubs.

The resort offers numerous dining options, from restaurants and snack bars to fast food chains. Prices vary on average between 10 and 20 euros per person. You will find a variety of cuisines here, including Chinese and Japanese buffets. Fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s and Burger King are also present.

The promenade can be reached from the beach via a series of stairs and an elevator or escalator (if it works). During your tour, there are regular benches with a sea view.

For cat or cat lovers, feel free to bring some cat food. The animals have already become accustomed to tourists bringing food for them, especially in the evenings.

When strolling you will pass bungalows to luxurious villas beautifully cared for with native vegetation and beautiful flowers. You should definitely experience this promenade at sunset or during the full moon. Tell me what you think later, okay?

At the end of the walking path there are several restaurants with terraces and sea views, shops, a perfumery and bars. There is live music in the evening. You are now in the small but cozy Shopping Center Tropical.

If you want to enjoy a walk on the beach after a terrace, you can do so with the beautiful granite and natural stone stairs that are finished with stainless steel railings for safety.

Tips for a successful holiday

• Sun protection: Protect yourself from the sun’s powerful rays with a sunscreen with a high SPF, wear a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade regularly.
• Comfortable shoes:The sand on the beach can get hot. Flip-flops or trainers are recommended.
• Local delicacies: Be sure to taste the fresh fish, papas arrugadas with mojo picón, gofio and other Canarian specialities.
• Discovery trip: Take a trip to Maspalomas, Puerto de Mogán or the historic centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Playa del Inglés is a heavenly destination for a sun-drenched holiday with the whole family. The combination of beautiful beaches, various activities, a vibrant nightlife and a hospitable atmosphere guarantees unforgettable moments under the Spanish sun.

Deel Jouw Ervaringen en Suggesties over Playa del Inglés!

Ben je onlangs op Playa del Inglés geweest? We horen graag over jouw avonturen en aanbevelingen! Jouw inzichten helpen ons om onze toeristische pagina up-to-date te houden en te verbeteren. Of je nu een verborgen parel hebt ontdekt, een fantastisch restaurant hebt gevonden of tips hebt voor andere reizigers, jouw feedback is van onschatbare waarde. Deel jouw ervaringen en suggesties met ons via verschueren.eddy@gmail.com en help anderen het meeste uit hun bezoek aan dit prachtige eiland te halen. Samen maken we de ultieme gids voor Gran Canaria!