Playa del Ingles is one of the more popular holiday destinations on the south coast of Gran Canaria, but you cannot call it a town as Playa del Ingles is made up of bungalows, hotels and shopping centres whose only purpose is to attract tourists and their money. A lot of Germans have chosen to spend their holidays as well as retirement here, and this has affected the price level, signposting and mentality.
Some say that Gran Canaria does not have trains, but this is not true. Playa del Ingles has no less than two trains that drive (on wheels) around the area, thus providing a convenient way to experience the ´town´ - each trip takes approximately 45 minutes.
With its 7 shopping centers, Playa del Ingles offers something for every taste and you will find what you need in close proximity – whether it is shops, restaurants or clubs. The basement in the Cita shopping centre and the ground floor in the Yumbo shopping centre are popular places among party-goers, and these places have developed into a gay venues. You may experience disturbing acts at these venues which is why you should not enjoy a midnight snack with your children in these shopping centers.
Regardless of where you wander about in Playa del Ingles, you will see ads that promise you the time of your life – if you believe these ads. You are able to buy local produce, but the price level is higher than in San Fernando, Vecindario or Las Palmas. In other words, Playa del Ingles equals holiday, party and relaxation – day and night. Word has it that the sun never sets, but you can be judge of that.
Playa del Ingles is also known for its sandbars or ´Dunes´. They consist of sand that comes in from Africa when wind and temperature conditions are favorable – this is known as ´Kalima´. The Dunes and the beach run for 4 km towards the southern tip of Gran Canaria. Small kiosks can be found on the beach and they are scattered across the area. At kiosk number 7, you will find an area that is mainly used by nudists and other ´liberated´ people. This area is also characterised by the rainbow-coloured flags. If you want to go for a walk along the beach, you need to wear footwear (sandals),or you might burn your feet.
If you walk along the shoreline past the ´naked´ beach all the way to the lighthouse, you will reach Meloneras. This area consists of large 4 to 5-star hotels, luxury apartments, a gigantic concert hall and casino as well as private hospital.
This area is characterised by hotels that offer ´all-inclusive´ holidays, meaning that guests do not have to open their wallets to buy food or drinks as long as they are on hotel grounds.
A lovely promenade, where you can enjoy a romantic walk after your dinner, stretches 3-4 km from the lighthouse to the end of Meloneras. If you want to go to Playa del Ingles, buses leave frequently, but you will also find taxi ranks at most hotels.
If you want to know more about Playa del Ingles and the range of activities located nearby, or you want to share a pleasant experience from this area, please send us an email.
