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PolskiPlaya del Inglés is the biggest resort in the south of Gran Canaria and one of the most practical places on the island for a long winter stay. It has very reliable sunshine, a long seafront promenade, the Maspalomas dunes on its doorstep and every service you could need. It is not the most charming place in the Canaries, and parts of it feel dated, but for value, convenience and sun it is hard to beat.
Playa del Inglés at a glance
| Playa del Inglés | |
|---|---|
| Municipality | San Bartolomé de Tirajana, south Gran Canaria |
| Winter weather | Very sunny and dry, around 22-24°C by day |
| Typical rent, furnished one-bedroom, peak winter | About €1,000-1,700 a month |
| Terrain | Flat by the sea, sloping in the upper streets |
| Airport | About 25-30 minutes by car or bus |
| Best for | Sun seekers, walkers, people without a car, value hunters |
Rents are indicative ranges from listings. See monthly rental prices in the Canary Islands.
Why long-stayers choose Playa del Inglés
The seafront promenade, the Paseo Costa Canaria, runs along the cliff top from San Agustín to Playa del Inglés and down to the beach, and from there you can walk across the edge of the dunes to Maspalomas and its lighthouse. It is one of the best winter walks in the Canaries. The beach itself is long and sandy, and the dunes are a protected nature reserve.
Because it is large, Playa del Inglés has a lot of apartments, which means more choice and often better prices than smaller resorts like Puerto Rico or Mogán. Supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics, cafes and restaurants are everywhere, and the town is known for its open, welcoming atmosphere.
Where to live in Playa del Inglés
- Close to the beach and the promenade: the most convenient and popular with long-stayers, but book early.
- Around the main avenues: good for shops and buses, sometimes noisy at night.
- Higher up the slope: quieter and often cheaper, with views, but a walk uphill.
- Near the Yumbo Centre: lively at night; choose carefully if you want quiet evenings.
Many apartment complexes have pools and gardens. Check the walk to the beach and whether the complex is quiet at night before you book. See aparthotels with monthly rates in Gran Canaria.
Daily life
Shopping: several large supermarkets and many smaller shops; bigger stores in the shopping centres nearby.
Health: pharmacies, private clinics and hospitals in the south with English-speaking staff, a public health centre in Maspalomas and the main public hospitals in Las Palmas. See what to do in a medical emergency in the Canary Islands.
Eating out: a huge choice, from cheap cafes to international restaurants. For more local food and prices, head to the nearby towns inland or to Arguineguín.
Community: a large and long-established community of winter visitors from Scandinavia, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. See expat groups in Gran Canaria.
Getting around
Global buses run frequently from Playa del Inglés to the airport, Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Arguineguín, Puerto Rico and Mogán. You can easily live without a car. A hire car for a week or two is the best way to explore the mountains around Roque Nublo and Tejeda. See monthly car hire in the Canary Islands.
Weather through the winter
The south of Gran Canaria is one of the sunniest places in Europe in winter. Expect about 24 to 25°C in November, 22 to 23°C in December, 21 to 22°C in January and February and 22 to 24°C in March, with very little rain. The beach can be breezy, but the dunes and promenade are usually pleasant.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable sunshine and a long sandy beach | Some areas feel dated |
| Large choice of apartments and good value | Busy and noisy in parts at night |
| Maspalomas dunes and great walks | Less local Canarian life |
| Excellent buses, easy without a car | Upper streets are sloping |
Who Playa del Inglés suits
Playa del Inglés suits people who want sun, beach walks and convenience at a reasonable price, especially first-time long-stayers and anyone who does not want to drive. If you want something calmer and more residential, look at neighbouring San Agustín; for more local life, consider Arguineguín. Compare all areas in the best area in Gran Canaria for a long winter stay.
Travelling with someone without an EU passport? Check the dates with the Schengen 90/180 calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Playa del Inglés good for a long winter stay?
Yes. It is sunny, has a long beach and promenade, plenty of apartments and every service you need.
Is Playa del Inglés or Puerto Rico better?
Playa del Inglés is flatter by the sea, has a bigger beach and more choice; Puerto Rico is more sheltered but hillier and usually more expensive. See Puerto Rico for a long winter stay.
Do you need a car in Playa del Inglés?
No. Buses are frequent and most daily needs are within walking distance.
How far is Playa del Inglés from the airport?
About 25 to 30 minutes by car or bus.