'The Englishman's beach' is how Playa del Ingles translates - those naming the resort had great foresight as today thousands of Brits flock here for sun, sea and San Miguels.
Situated at the south of Gran Canaria island, the resort is one of the largest and busiest in Europe and its main attractions are the wide sandy beaches that stretch from the Maspalomas dunes to San Agustin in the north. The seafront is lined by the lovely pedestrian promenade, the Paseo Costa Canaria, planted with lush gardens. Perfect for everybody from the younger market, families to older visitors who are attracted by the glorious year-round climate and endless beach.
Shopping:
There is a fine choice of shops in Playa del Ingles where visitors can indulge in some duty free delights, including cheap electrical shops and stalls selling imitation designer wear and African curios. The shopping is mainly confined to the dozen or so Commercial Centres rather than spread out along the roads and each centre has its own distinctive character.
Yumbo is the biggest and most popular and also houses the Tourist Information Centre. Five minutes away are the Kasbah and Metro centres, but the widest selection of quality designer wear is in nearby Plaza Maspalomas. The San Fernando Market is held every Wednesday and Saturday morning and the Atlantico Shopping Centre is just a 15mins bus ride.
Restaurants:
There is a wide choice of places to eat in Playa del Ingles, from fast food (including McDonalds), Chinese, Italian and local cuisine, and rows of restaurants offering international cuisine. One of the favourites is an English bar/restaurant called BRITANNIA which can be found in the Gran Chaparal Centre along with the WINDMILL a lively pub run by Kim where a warm welcome is assured to people of all ages.
There are a selection of restaurants on the Avenida de Tirajana and Avenida de Tenerife, including the Hard Rock Café - a lively American-style diner. Those looking for some authentic local cuisine should try Casa Vieja in Calle de Fataga.
Night-life:
Playa del Ingles is packed with bars, pubs and clubs, especially in the Kasbah centre, which is home to the famous Cream and Pascha nightclubs, both of which pump out the best in dance music until the early hours. Chinawhites is also immensely popular. Also in the Kasbah is the Hippodrome, Havana and, next door, Sugar a small cocktail bar that is a good place to start the evening.
The English and Irish centres are also lively and entertaining. The Yumbo centre is orientated towards the gay scene at night and Rickys Cabaret Bar and SPARKLES has regular drag shows; the centre is also popular with families looking for a less hectic evening. There are quieter bars along the promenade and a casino on the edge of town.
Activities:
For those who have had enough of the beach there is loads of entertainment and activities for all ages, including amusement arcades, mini-golf, tennis, golf, scuba diving, skydiving, water parks, go-carting, horse riding and camel riding. Water sports in Playa del Ingles include jet-skiing, windsurfing and banana boat rides.