Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain

Playa del Inglés Beaches

Overview

Playa del Inglés, on the sunny south coast of Gran Canaria, is a fantastic choice for a beach holiday, welcoming all types of visitors, including families and LGBTQ+ travelers. The main draw is its extensive stretch of golden sand, which merges with the famous dunes of Maspalomas, offering ample space for everyone. The resort town itself provides everything you might need, from a wide variety of accommodations to lively nightlife, particularly around the Yumbo Centre. The waters are generally calm and clear, making for pleasant swimming conditions year-round.

The main beach, Playa del Inglés, is the heart of the action, easily accessible and bustling with activity. Just next to it, Playa de Maspalomas captivates with its iconic dunes and lighthouse, offering a more expansive and visually stunning experience. For a change of scenery, Playa de Amadores is a short trip away, known for its beautiful white sand and tranquil turquoise waters that evoke a Caribbean feel. Many visitors also enjoy exploring Playa de San Agustín, another popular beach known for its calmer atmosphere, which can be found further east along the coast.

Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, try some watersports, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, Playa del Inglés delivers. While the main beach areas can be lively, quieter spots can often be found by walking towards the dunes or exploring further along the coastline. For those interested in designated nudist areas, these are available, typically towards the Maspalomas dunes. Our guide offers more details on these and many other beautiful beaches in the area, helping you find the perfect spot for your sun-filled getaway.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Playa del Inglés good for a beach holiday?

Yes, Playa del Inglés is a very popular destination for beach holidays. It offers a long, wide, sandy beach, a warm and sunny climate almost year-round, and a wide range of amenities and activities for different types of travelers, including families, couples, and young people looking for fun.

What is the water like for swimming at Playa del Inglés?

The water at Playa del Inglés is generally calm and clear, making it ideal for swimming. The sea temperature is mild, typically ranging from 18-22°C (64-72°F) throughout the year. The beach has a gentle slope into the sea, which is good for children and less confident swimmers. However, it's always advisable to check the flag system on the beach, which indicates the sea conditions for that day.

Is Playa del Inglés family-friendly?

Yes, Playa del Inglés is considered a family-friendly resort. The beach is wide, with protected areas and plenty of space for children to play. The waters are generally calm, and there are many services and amenities nearby, including shops, restaurants, and family-oriented activities. Many hotels in the area also cater to families.

What's the best time of year to visit Playa del Inglés for a beach holiday?

Playa del Inglés enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, making it a good destination at any time. However, the peak tourist season and warmest weather, ideal for beach activities, is generally from May to October, with average temperatures between 24°C and 30°C. The late winter and spring months (February to April) are also popular, offering milder but still sunny weather.

Are there hotels with direct beach access or nudist facilities in Playa del Inglés?

Many hotels in Playa del Inglés are located very close to the beach, often just a short walk across the promenade. While direct on-the-sand access is less common due to the public nature of the beach and promenade, proximity is excellent. Some hotels in the area also offer their own private nudist sunbathing terraces or are known for being clothing-optional, catering to guests who prefer this.

Are there nudist areas on Playa del Inglés beach?

Yes, there is a designated nudist area on Playa del Inglés beach. It is typically located towards the Maspalomas Dunes, specifically between beach bars 3 and 6. This area is clearly marked.

How does Playa del Inglés beach compare to Maspalomas beach?

Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas are essentially part of the same long stretch of sand, with the Maspalomas Dunes separating them to some extent. Playa del Inglés beach is generally busier and closer to the main resort's shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Maspalomas beach, particularly the area near the lighthouse and dunes, can feel more expansive and is also known for its nudist-friendly zones. Both offer golden sand and good swimming conditions.

What facilities are available at Playa del Inglés beach?

Playa del Inglés beach is well-equipped with facilities. These include sun lounger and parasol rentals, public showers and toilets, lifeguard services, and numerous access points. Along the promenade, you'll find a wide variety of shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Is it windy at Playa del Inglés beach?

Playa del Inglés can experience windy conditions at times, especially during certain parts of the year. The wind is often a welcome breeze in the warm climate, but it can occasionally be strong enough to cause blowing sand, particularly near the dunes. The windiest month is typically July. However, many days are calm and perfect for sunbathing.

Can you do watersports at Playa del Inglés?

Yes, a variety of watersports are available at Playa del Inglés. These often include jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and paddleboarding. There are also surf schools in the area, with the best surfing spots often found where Playa del Inglés meets Maspalomas.

How do you get to Playa del Inglés beach from the main resort area?

Playa del Inglés beach runs directly along the front of the resort area. Access is generally very easy on foot from most hotels and apartments in Playa del Inglés. There are multiple access points along the promenade. If staying further out, local buses and taxis are readily available.

Is Playa del Inglés known for its nightlife near the beach?

Yes, Playa del Inglés is well-known for its lively nightlife, with many bars, pubs, and clubs located near the beach and along the promenade. The Yumbo Centre and Kasbah Centre are particularly popular nightlife hubs in the resort, offering a variety of entertainment options.

Are there any quieter alternatives to the main Playa del Inglés beach area?

While Playa del Inglés is a bustling beach, you can often find quieter spots by walking further along the sand, particularly as you head towards the Maspalomas Dunes or further east towards San Agustín beach. The section near the dunes tends to be less crowded than the area directly in front of the main resort and shopping centers.

What is the sand like at Playa del Inglés?

Playa del Inglés features fine, golden sand along its extensive shoreline. The sand is generally soft and pleasant for walking and sunbathing. When wet by the sea, it can appear a darker grey color.

Are there specific LGBTQ+ friendly areas on or near Playa del Inglés beach?

Playa del Inglés is known for being very LGBTQ+ friendly. While the entire beach is welcoming, beach bar number 7, often marked with a rainbow flag and located near the nudist area towards the Maspalomas Dunes, is a popular meeting point for the LGBTQ+ community. The Yumbo Centre, a short distance from the beach, is also a major hub for LGBTQ+ nightlife and entertainment.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Playa del Inglés: Weather Today

📅 Monday, June 9, 2025
It's a good day to visit Playa del Inglés! Expect a warm day with a high of 25.6 °C. The sun will be strong, so make sure to use sunscreen, as the UV index will reach 8.75. There will be some clouds in the sky. The sea temperature is a comfortable 22.2 °C, with small waves. The wind will be moderate.
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Air

Low / High18.9°C/25.6°C
Feels Like (High)28.6°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature22.2 °C
Wave Height0.4 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:05/20:57
Sunshine Hours12.0 hrs
UV Index8.75
Cloud Cover27%
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Wind

Speed14.2 km/h
Gusts24.8 km/h
DirectionS

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