Playa del Inglés is a large tourist metropolis right next to Maspalomas, with beautiful dune beaches.
Understand
[edit]The resort of Playa del Inglés only came into being after 1962, when the peninsula on the south coast of Gran Canaria was developed for tourism. This article covers the area east of Avenida de Gran Canaria. In addition, there is the district of San Fernando, between the busy GC-500 road and the GC-1 highway, which is primarily home to locals who work as service staff in the tourist facilities.
In the evening, the city changes its face. Whereas families were on the beach during the day or shopping, at night, the youth visits the countless nightclubs, bars and restaurants in the city.
Playa del Inglés has been associated with gay travelers for over 25 years, but is now a clubbing town. Despite the fact that the Canaries are primarily Catholic, the locals have embraced gay tourism. Each year in the second week of May, one of the largest gay pride festivals in Europe is held in and around the Yumbo Centre.
The tourist offices scattered about Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas are rarely open unless it is Caravale (main festival in February, gay festival in May).
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]From the airport the bus lines 66 and 90 take about 30 min to reach PdI where both have several stops in Playa del Inglés. In Google Maps you can put in the name of your accommodation and the app shows you the right bus connection. You can also use the local bus company's website guaguasglobal.com to download their transport app.
By bus
[edit]There are direct buses from Puerto Rico (line 1, 33), Las Palmas (line 30) and Maspalomas.
Get around
[edit]
The options are walking and taking a city bus or taxi.
See
[edit]There are barely any sights except a church that holds services in three different languages.
- 1 Parque Botánico (Avenida del Touroperador Neckermann 1). M-F 10:00-18:00. A botanical garden with over 500 plant species Free.
- 2 Ecumenical church, Templo Ecumenico El Salvador, Playa del Ingles, 35100 Maspalomas, ☏ +34 928 770 496, +34 928 760 603. The ecumenical church of the Kasbah shopping center is a modern building, worth seeing at best the colorful glazing.
- 3 Paseo Costa Canaria. A beach promenade.
Do
[edit]The 1 Playa del Inglés is a long beach strip.
Buy
[edit]
- 1 Centro Commercial Yumbo, Av. Estados Unidos (You can get there by almost any bus, stop "Yumbo" or "Plaza Arucas," then 80 m on Av. Estados Unidos.). Largest shopping center tailored to tourist with over 100 shops and restaurants. Here is a tourist information office and the local mosque.
- 2 Kasbah, Plaza, Metro, in the center (stop of almost all buses at Av. Gran Canaria). Also an ecumenical church.
- 3 Cita, Av. la Francia.
- Some good bars and restaurants, primarily catering to German clientele. The basement areas are home to several "adult lifestyle" venues, so approach with caution.
- Tropical. Above the beach, bus station, good viewpoint , enjoy your meal.
- 4 Av. las Dunas. Located on the beach, mostly souvenirs and snacks.
There are also a number of smaller shopping centers such as La Sandia, El Veril or Aquila Roja
In San Fernando the shopping facilities are geared more towards the locals and long-term vacationers.
- Euro-Center. Large supermarket with underground parking, clothing stores for Locals, many individual shops in the area.
- Ronda.
- Mercado. With weekly market, outdoor pool, police.
For markets etc. see also the section on Maspalomas.
Eat
[edit]Budget
[edit]- 1 Britannia, Av. de Gran Canaria, 30.
- 2 Bistronomic, Av. de España, 7.
- 3 Jans Bar, Av. de Italia, 4.
- 4 Siroco, Av. de la Alemania.
- 5 Restaurante Los Angeles, Av. de Gran Canaria, 30.
- 6 Restaurante El Carretón, Av. de Gran Canaria, 23.
Mid-range
[edit]- 7 Restaurante Las Cumbres Mesón del Cordero, Av. de Tirajana, 11.
- 8 Restaurante Parque Romántico, C. Dinamarca, 4.
- 9 La Palmera Sur Restaurant, Av. Estados Unidos, 15.
Splurge
[edit]- 10 Calma Chicha Restaurant, Av. de Tirajana, 4.
- 11 Restaurante Rías Bajas, Av. Estados Unidos con Av. Tirajana Edificio Playa del Sol.
Drink
[edit]There are many bars and nightclubs. Nightclubs rarely open before midnight. In the Yumbo, in the Kasbah and the other larger shopping centers are discos and pubs, which are usually open until the early hours of the morning. There are lots of circular shopping malls, in the middle of which are some bars and discos. Lots of different styles of music and everything from young to old. In the numerous pubs in and around the Yumbo Center one is particularly interested in LBGT customers aligned.
- 2 Jardin Sol. Apartment complex with numerous bars and restaurants on the ground floor.
Sleep
[edit]As of October 2022 there are no (youth) hostels in Playa del Inglés and all Southern Gran Canaria. There are no campsites here or in the surrounding area. There are also only a few guest houses.
Stay safe
[edit]On the promenade you are regularly approached by people who have scratch cards to give away. Or you get friendship bracelets as a gift. Of course, the person concerned expects a small service in return. But CAUTION is requested here! Because there can also be "trick thieves" among the "ladies". They are very dexterous. The cats that are provided with food by merciful people in the evening are harmless.
Not all night club operate in a reputable way. They may charge €35 for a beer and "forcefully" collect payment for it.
Stay healthy
[edit]Go next
[edit]- To the other towns of Southern Gran Canaria.
- Las Palmas