Meloneras, Gran Canaria: A first timer's guide

Meloneras Gran Canaria is one of the newer and more upmarket resorts on this much loved island - the third-largest island in the Canaries' archipelago. As well as being well stocked with its own stylish eateries, spas, and shops, Gran Canaria's Meloneras is within walking-distance of the larger and more well-known resort of Maspalomas, and just a short taxi ride from ever-popular Playa del Ingles should you feel like exploring further afield.

Meloneras, Gran Canaria © El Coleccionista de Instantes - Flickr Creative Commons
Meloneras, Gran Canaria © El Coleccionista de Instantes - Flickr Creative Commons

Meloneras Gran Canaria: best places to eat, stay, shop and more

Get the most out of your trip to Meloneras Gran Canaria, the island's most chic and sophisticated enclave, with our guide to the best things to do on your holiday to Meloneras Gran Canaria, from the best beaches and golf course to where to eat, sleep and spa.

1. Sand

The vast and peaceful Blue Flag beach at Meloneras stretches all the way to the famous Sahara-style sand dunes of Maspalomas accompanied by a well-kept promenade running alongside.

Meloneras Beach, Gran Canaria © Karen V Bryan - Flickr Creative Commons
Meloneras Beach, Gran Canaria © Karen V Bryan - Flickr Creative Commons

This coastal tip is a haven for nature lovers; the Charca de Maspalomas Lagoon and the Maspalomas Nature Reserve provide a 400-hectare habitat for migratory birds such as herons, as well as giant lizards, and if another kind of naturism is what you're seeking the Meloneras beach area is also home to a nudist area, perfect if you want to even out those tan lines.

2. Surf

With over 37 miles of beach, Gran Canaria really lends itself to water sports such as surfing. Everyone from beginners to experienced surfers can take lessons on the beach at Meloneras, meaning you can try your hand with a surfboard within walking distance of your Meloneras Gran Canaria hotel - idea if you want to try out an activity without venturing too far.

3. Stay

All the relaxing and indulgent touches you'd expect from your ideal holiday hotel have been taken care of at the modernist oasis of the Hotel Palm Beach. Thoughtful extras like complimentary water and fruit as well as pool and beach towels waiting in the room on arrival make all the difference. If you're aim on your trip to Meloneras Gran Canaria is to embrace the indulgence of a beach holiday, the Seaside Palm Beach will help you achieve the ultimate in relaxation.

Palm Beach Hotel Meloneras - photo courtesy of Seaside Hotels Group
Palm Beach Hotel Meloneras - photo courtesy of Seaside Hotels Group

Days spent dozing in the sun or shade, book in hand, as the palm trees sway behind you can be punctuated only by trips to the bar and the generous buffet - or you can choose to take advantage of the hotel's more energetic in-house activities: aqua aerobics, tai chi and yoga are on offer, and you can then soothe your tired muscles at the award-winning spa.

4. Shop

If you're looking for a superior selection of shopping options and want to browse and buy at a leisurely holiday pace, Meloneras Gran Canaria is a real delight. The resort's high-end shops are tastefully housed in a low-rise and pretty promenade and are open well into the evening, which is ideal if you don't fancy leaving your lounger during the heat of the day.

The Lighthouse, Meloneras Gran Canaria © Bareta - Dreamstime.com
The Lighthouse, Meloneras Gran Canaria © Bareta - Dreamstime.com

The shopping offers plenty to keep you busy, with designer boutiques selling well-known brands such as Hugo Boss and Tommy Hilfiger, but the area is small enough to never feel overwhelming. The south-facing lighthouse which overlooks the Atlantic provides a beacon not just for ships - it will orient you and call you home when the glitz of the jewellery stores causes you to lose your bearings.

Our pick for the perfect place to snap up last minute wardrobe essentials is Natura, a Spanish chain specialising in sun-friendly cotton prints and Asian-style staples that will put you in a holiday mood.

5. Spa

You don't need to leave the resort of Meloneras Gran Canaria to experience some of Spain's best spas: both luxury hotels the Lopesan Costa Meloneras and the contemporary Seaside Palm Beach Hotel have award-winning spas with signature treatments to help you wind down, relax and be pampered on your holiday to Meloneras.

The in-house Corallium Spa* at the Lopesan offers the ultimate in indulgence with its sea-facing treatment rooms featuring a private terrace and salt water jacuzzi. Choose from a international spa menu that includes Thai, Indian, and Japanese Shiatsu massage or get visible results with one of the facials, manicures or body-sculpting treatments.

Corallium Spa, Lopesan Costa Meloneras - photo courtesy of Lopesan Hotels & Resorts
Corallium Spa, Lopesan Costa Meloneras - photo courtesy of Lopesan Hotels & Resorts

Alternatively, soothe your senses at the thalassotherapy centre at the Hotel Palm Beach in Meloneras Gran Canaria, which boasts a sauna, samarium, plunge-pool and hot-stone-powered alfresco steam room. It specialises in a unique east Asian massage using a mixture of medicinal herbs, absolute bliss.

6. Swing...

...a golf club overlooking the ocean and amongst the palm trees on the 18-hole par 71 coastal golf course at the Lopesan Meloneras Golf Course*. Three times nominated as one of Spain's leading golf resorts, here you can enjoy a challenging round in a beautiful sea-facing location - the back nine holes are alongside the ocean - then retire to the clubhouse for a well-deserved snack.

7. Supper and a sip

Boulevard El Faro (meaning Lighthouse Boulevard) in Meloneras Gran Canaria is home to a wide selection of restaurants as well as a couple of bars which provide a lovely setting to watch the sunset over the Atlantic. Though this isn't the place to come for major nightlife; if you're looking for a party atmosphere you'll need to head into the bigger resorts of Maspalomas or Playa Del Ingles.

Boulevard El Faro, Meloneras - photo courtesy of Gran Canaria Tourist Board
Boulevard El Faro, Meloneras - photo courtesy of Gran Canaria Tourist Board

Catering to an international palate, there's everything on offer from tapas and tacos to sushi and steak along the promenade, and some restaurants will even give you a complimentary taste of the local Canary Island honey rum after dinner - a great way to round off your evening in Meloneras Gran Canaria.

Tempted to try Meloneras Gran Canaria for yourself? Visit our dedicated Gran Canaria holidays page for the latest offers, or check out our selection of holiday deals and discounts to see if you could get there for less in 2018.

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Jaillan Yehia

Jaillan Yehia

Posted on Wednesday 10th December 2014 in: Beach Europe Food & drink Spa & wellness

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