An Invigorating Beach Walk
A stay at Playa Del Ingles or the translation, “Englishman’s Beach” wouldn’t be complete without a walk along a long stretch of beach of approximately five Kilometres either to Faro de Maspalomas from Playa del Ingles or going in the reverse direction. I’ve done this invigorating walk both ways and it is a total delight and great exercise. It can on occasion be quite windy, but usually there’s a light sea breeze, just enough to cool you from the heat of the day. You’ll encounter many people on this walk, in fact I’ve never taken this walk in solitude, that being said this stretch of beach is very wide so there is always lots of space and you never feel crowded.
Dabble your toes in the surf, stop for a refreshment along the way at one of the several beach shacks, or rent an umbrella and lounge chair. This area is also known for its nude beaches, a common phenomenon in Europe. A highlight of this walk are the Maspalomas Dunes that you’ll encounter along the way, a unique attraction of Playa del Ingles. You’d think you’re in a microcosm of the Sahara. A walk through them makes for an out of the ordinary experience.
Even when you’re quite a distance from Faro de Maspalomas, you’ll see its landmark lighthouse peeping up from the dunes. It’s a still-active 19th century lighthouse, 56 metres high with a light beam that can be seen 19 nautical miles away. Once there you’ll find tourist shops selling clothing and souvenirs, many fine restaurants, coffee shops, a designer and name brand shopping complex and luxury hotels. If shopping and dining are on your agenda at Faro de Maspalomas, local buses or a taxi will take you back to Playa del Ingles. But if you’re still feeling energetic, a boardwalk continues on from Faro de Maspalomas to Meloneras Beach for another kilometre or so.
The area of Faro de Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles is located in the municipality of San Bartolome de Tirajana at the very southern tip of Gran Canaria Island. In this vicinity, you will find no hotels built on the ocean front. It’s heartening to see that good ecological planning is in force, particularly in the Maspalomas Dunes which have been protected as a nature reserve since 1897. They cover an area of 404 hectares.
Jeff said:
Elaine that beach walk looks very exciting it is nice to relax at Cafe good luck on hydrofoil ride hold on to your hat!!!
LikeLike
Amanda said:
The author looks very relaxed indeed 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
elainekenney said:
I think I replied to this, but was on the boat to Tenerife and wasn’t sure if it went through..The internet connection sometimes fails..Yes there is nothing quite like a capuccino near the beach. Thanks for the comment!
LikeLike
elainekenney said:
I am right now on the boat..It is a catamaran. I am approaching Tenerife and can see it..We are approaching the port. As well as holding on to my hat I took a gravel and glad I did as the crossing was a bit rough! A couple of people turning green!
LikeLike
elainekenney said:
Indeed it was! I am currently on Tenerife island. It was a catamaran that brought me here. Was glad to have taken gravol before the trip as it was a bit rough. Saw a few green faces! More on Tenerife to come!
On Mon, 20 Feb 2017 22:39:20 +0000, Travel Wise wrote:
> >
LikeLike
John Gilbert said:
Neat lighthouse!
LikeLike
elainekenney said:
Thanks for your comment. The walk from playa del Ingles to the lighthouse is one of my favorites!
LikeLike
elainekenney said:
Not sure if my comment went through. Nice to hear from you.
LikeLike
John Gilbert said:
Yes, the system works. Rain and thunder here today!
LikeLike
elainekenney said:
Thanks John. You’re having quite the range of weather in Ottawa! Tons of snow then warm weather, now thunder and rain…What next? Weather was quite cool here today about +15C. Took a tour to the north of the island where we were high up in the clouds.
LikeLike