The 8 best things to do in Maspalomas in 2024 (beyond the tourist traps)

These are the best 8 things to do in Maspalomas

Maspalomas is one of the world’s leading sun and beach tourist destinations. Its most iconic images are the Maspalomas Dunes and the lighthouse. But in addition to all this, in Maspalomas you can enjoy multiple activities, natural spaces, leisure areas with bars and restaurants, shopping centres and one of the best climates in the world.

Here are the best 8 things to do in Maspalomas:

1. The Maspalomas dunes and beach
2. The lighthouse
3. La Charca
4. LGTBIQ+
5. The local area (bars, restaurants & shopping)
6. Maspalomas market
7. The sunset spots
8. Botanical garden and green areas
9. Day trips and excursions

The Maspalomas dunes and beach:

Maspalomas has a unique sand dunes area in the Canary Islands with a total surface area of 400 hectares. Along the 8 kilometres of coastline between Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, you can enjoy this incredible spectacle of nature.

Maspalomas lighthouse:

The oldest building in the area, its construction began in 1861 and its activity started in 1890. Together with the dunes, it is the symbol and iconic image of Maspalomas. It currently houses an ethnographic museum where you can discover the history of the south of Gran Canaria.

La Charca:

Inside the Maspalomas Special Reserve, at the back of the lighthouse, you will find this brackish lake where different species of endemic and migratory birds nest. A special place to relax and spend the day.

LGTBIQ+:

Maspalomas is undoubtedly characterised by its open-mindedness and inclusive spirit. Therefore, all people of any sexual orientation, but also of any origin or ideology, are welcome.

The local area (bars, restaurants & shopping):

In Maspalomas there is a local area in which some 40,000 people currently live. We invite you to stroll through the shopping areas of Bellavista and Avenida de Galdar, where you can enjoy an afternoon of shopping and tapas in one of the many bars and terraces that you will find in the area.

The markets:

There are different open-air markets during the week. The most famous one takes place every Wednesday and Saturday in Playa del Inglés (Parque Europeo); but in addition to this, every Sunday you can visit the flea market (next to the football fields). Finally, every 2 weeks on Sunday, in the town hall car park, there is a farmer’s market where you can buy local km 0 products.

The sunset spots:

Maspalomas es un lugar idílico para contemplar la puesta de sol. Nuestros favoritos son: el paseo del faro de Maspalomas en verano, las dunas y la playa de San Agustín en invierno.

Botanical garden & green areas:

The Tony Gallardo botanical park is open every day from 9.00 to 13.00. In addition to this, there are a multitude of parks and green areas such as the Parque Sur, the Palmeral, the multifunctional parks of Maspalomas and El Tablero, and a long etcetera, in which you will take a walk while children enjoy!

Day trips and excursions

Gran Canaria is much more than sun and beaches, you are staying in the island with the biggest diversity, landscapes and heritage. Just take a look to our range of activities!

Excursions in Gran Canaria:

Roque Nublo, volcanoes and meal at the Biosphere Reserve

Roque Nublo, volcanoes and Biosphere Reserve

Would you like to discover the highlights of Gran Canaria? Do you want to avoid crowded groups and tour buses? Do you want to avoid commercial stops and make the most of your Gran Canaria excursion?

On this excursion we offer you the chance to discover places as special as Roque Nublo, Pico de las Nieves or Agüimes; but also other hidden corners that will take your breath away.

• 2 local guides.
• No commercial stops.
• Canarian homemade food included.
• Maximum 6 passengers per group.
• 7 hours.

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Risco Caido and the Sacred mountains of Gran Canaria

things to do in Maspalomas

Risco Caido and Sacred Mountains

Are you interested in history, archaeology and ethnography? Do you want to know more about the surprising history of the first inhabitants of Gran Canaria?

We propose a journey through time in which you will learn about the history of the ancient Canarians while visiting places like the cave houses in Artenara, the beautiful Tejeda and La Fortaleza.

• 2 local guides.
• No commercial stops.
• Canarian homemade food included.
• Maximum 6 passengers per group.
• 8 hours.

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Customised tours

Customised tours

Would you like to make a route through Gran Canaria, at your own pace, and in a totally private group?

We have the experience you are looking for! We adapt to your wishes and design a personalised excursion according to your wishes.

• 2 local guides.
• No commercial stops.
• Canarian homemade food included.
• Private tour guaranteed.
• Customized routes according to your timing and requirements.

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Half day trips in Gran Canaria:

Barranco de las Vacas, the cave & the farmhouse

Barranco de las Vacas, Caves & charming villages

Landscapes that will blow your mind: Barranco de las Vacas, secret aboriginal caves and a charming farming village.

An unforgettable experience that involves legends, nature, music and much more!

• 2 local guides.
• No commercial stops.
• Maximum 6 passengers per group.
• 4 hours.

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The Puerto de Mogan & Sunset at the wild beaches

Puerto de Mogan & Sunset

You havent’t been to Gran Canaria if you haven’t visited Puerto de Mogán. Take this half day trip with us and we will show you that there’s much to see in this charming village and in the south coast of Gran Canaria.

Enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes you have ever seen.

• 2 local guides.
• No commercial stops.
• Maximum 6 passengers per group.
• 4 hours.

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The sugar, troglodytes & fishermen tour

Cuatro Puertas & Tufia

We are going to visit Cuatro Puertas, one the biggest cave construction in the island, carved more than 1.000 years ago that will leave you open-mouthed.

After this, we will visit Tufia, a curious fishermen neighbourhood in which you will learn about the local hospitality.

• 2 local guides.
• No commercial stops.
• Maximum 6 passengers per group.
• 4 hours.

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Barranco de los Cernicalos: Waterfalls & Rainforest

Barranco de los Cernicalos

Fairy tales landscapes in Gran Canaria. During this hiking tour you are going to enjoy our rainforest, waterfalls and endemic nature in the island of Gran Canaria.

• 2 local guides.
• No commercial stops.
• Sandwiches / fruit included.
• Maximum 6 passengers per group.
• 5.5 hours.

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Paratrike

This activity is temporarily unavailable

Much more than just a flying experience. You will be able to enjoy the amazing landscapes of the south of Gran Canaria from a bird’s eye view, with the only company that carries out this activity on the island.

• Unique in Gran Canaria
• Private experience

Learn more

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Yunuh B 
 
2024-07-25
 
 
  
Amazing trip
Nice tour and nice people! Interesting history and beautifull view! Also nice that they bring some gluten free food for my girlfriend :)
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 slankekuur 
 
2024-07-16
 
 
  
Great experience and views
Excellent experience. Views of caves and the canyon is great. The SkyRebels team were amazing and had great knowledge of the indigenous population that lived in the caves. The views offered in this trip are a great alternative to a beach-holiday. Michael & Julie
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Harriette K 
 
2024-07-14
 
 
  
Wonderful excursion
We had a very nice excursion with two great guides! They knew a lot about the island. Highly recommended, definitely worth repeating!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 kenny93 
 
2024-07-10
 
 
  
Unusual and wacky
Thank you, thank you and thank you again. Superb morning with the guides who are very wacky!!!! You just go to sites where there are no tourists and that's Top. In a small group (max 6) of beautiful secret discoveries, unusual, cultural and beautiful landscapes. Experience with 2 teenagers who loved it. Namely that if you don't speak English it might be a bit complicated, but the advantage is that it's 2 natives who share the love of their island.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Camilla H 
 
2024-06-18
 
 
  
Very nice trip in fantastic surroundings!
Entertaining and knowledgeable guides who safely piloted us through lush rainforest and over steep mountains. Smooth pick-up and drop-off. Fun to experience a more unknown part of beautiful Gran Canaria. Recommended!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Nick 
 
2024-06-18
 
 
  
Fun small group tour
This was a special tour, with great energy, and a fun story was told that included you. The small group concept is great, and I’m really glad there were no commercial stops at all! If you are an avid naturalist then perhaps the level of detail could have been greater. For me this was more a positive than a negative.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Jessica S 
 
2024-06-01
 
 
  
Amazing views
Worth the visit, amazing canyon and when we went (afternoon) it was really quiet. It’s only a short walk along but definitely worth it
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Mark B 
 
2024-05-14
 
 
  
Interesting ancient site if you don't mind a walk up a (usually windy) hill.
If you need something local to do before a flight home, check out this ancient site. It's free for a start, and fairly close to the airport. The site itself is composed of 4 separate structures - the first is the Cueva de Cuatro Puertas (cave of the 4 doors) and is a small cave carved out of the hillside with views over to Las Palmas. Follow the steps up the hillside and turn right at the first information sign. Then walk up to the top of the hill (there's no fixed path so watch your step) to see the circular carved area that was used for libations (it's known as Almogarén). Come back down to the first sign and turn right, going round the other side of the hill to the Cueva de los Papeles (cave of the papers). There's a railing to stop you falling over the edge and this has been improved over the last year with a painted concrete foundation so it feels a lot safer. In order to access the last set of dwellings, the Cueva de los Pilares (cave of the pillars) you'll have to climb over a few rough-hewn steps and then walk along a more treacherous path but the views and the location are worth it. There are many theories about how old the site is, but most agree that it dates back to the Guanches, the first humans to settle the islands after migrating from the Berber tribe in north west Africa, although it's been used as a dwelling and animal storage into thr 20th Century. If you find it a bit windy going up the hill, it's usually calm on the other side (where the last 2 sets of caves are) and it's not a site to visit easily if you're unsteady on your feet. Be aware that someone lives on the house at the top of the hill, just before you get to the caves, so be courteous and don't block his exit or trespass in his clearly-marked garden - follow directions to the caves and then park just before the post box that signifies the start of his driveway. The path then continues up to the caves and past his house, which is also charming to look at as you go past. In all, an interesting excursion if you like aboriginal history, don't mind a scramble across rocks, and have time to spare. Just be sure to take the first turning right as you leave or else you'll get stuck in a one way section and have to turn back.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Willem T 
 
2024-05-10
 
 
  
Lovely day in Gran Canaria
Our tour guides were excellent. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about their country and make your day very interesting and enjoyable. I enjoyed the tour and can strongly recommend them
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Bente 
 
2024-04-30
 
 
  
An experience beyond the ordinary
An unforgettable day which gave good insight into a few corners of Gran Canaria's history, which also explains differently in the present. Incredibly sweet, helpful and knowledgeable guides, on top of that with a sense of humor and playfulness. Thanks, you two! Sky Rebels has my highest recommendation.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

Sky Rebels: the best outdoor activities company in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria: the perfect island for outdoor activities

Do you know why Gran Canaria is known worldwide as the “miniature continent”? Because it really is. In few places is it possible to find as much diversity of landscape, climate and even social diversity in such a small territory as on our island:

• From the bustling urban life of the capital, Las Palmas, to the tranquillity of the most isolated villages such as Artenara, where time has stood still.
• From the cultivated plains of the east coast to the dramatic mountain landscapes of the summit, our “petrified storm”, presided over by Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo.
• From desert areas such as the sand dunes of Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles to the hidden primary forests in the North.
• From traditional fishing villages like Agaete to popular tourist resorts like Puerto Rico.
• All this, and so much more, awaits you in Gran Canaria.

There are plenty of things to do in Maspalomas to enjoy on the island of Gran Canaria. With its mild climate and year-round sunshine, the island is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and biking to swimming and surfing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

And with Sky Rebels, you can be sure to have the best possible experience. We are a team of passionate professionals who love nothing more than sharing our love for adventure with others. We offer a variety of different experiences and things to do in Mapalomas all of which are designed to give you an unforgettable experience.

Our experiences are truly authentic as we take you off the beaten path to experience things that only locals do. From sampling authentic homemade Canarian food to checking out some of the hidden secrets on the island, travelling with us will put you in touch with all of Gran Canaria’s natural beauty.

So what are you waiting for? Come and join us during your holidays in Gran Canaria for the adventure of a lifetime!

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