Steve's World Blog Information and articles on cities, towns and villages around the world.

Despite the fact that the 2 Gran Canaria resorts of Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles have now almost merged into one huge resort, Maspalomas still boasts something of an upmarket image. Perhaps this is due to a number of luxury hotels which were built in the resort or maybe due to the atmosphere created by the famous sand dunes, which give it a unique feel, whatever it is, Maspalomas stands out as something special. One of the finest resorts on Gran Canaria and in fact in the entire Canary islands group, Maspalomas is located in the popular southern region of Gran Canaria, where the constant sun and never ending sand provide the perfect holiday environment. The western boundary of the resort is marked by the prominent lighthouse, from here the promenade runs to the Barranco de Maspalomas, and is lined with an array of shops, restaurants and bars, from here the beach and dunes run eastwards to join the equally popular Playa del Ingles. Attractions which make Maspalomas popular with families include the Aqua Sur water park, the Holiday World amusement park, Camel Safaris on the sand dunes, the go-cart track and Ocean Park water park, for sports enthusiasts there are excellent water sports facilities and also a super golf course – Maspalomas campo de Golf. The climate is of course one of the major attractions, with Maspalomas weather being ideal for holidays all year round and particularly attractive during the winter months, with temperatures cooler and more suitable for young children, in the summer months it can get very hot. Maspalomas has a great range of hotels and holiday accommodation including the Riu Club Hotel Gran Canaria, the Maspalomas Princess Hotel and the Oasis Maspalomas Club bungalows. Maspalomas is situated about 30 kilometres from Las Palmas airport, a journey of around 30 minutes. Maspalomas Map.