Meloneras

If Playa del Inglés is the life of the party, think of Meloneras as the suave older cousin who rolls up in a convertible and orders vintage champagne without blinking.

Sitting snugly on Gran Canaria’s southern tip, this polished resort was created for those who like their holidays a touch more upmarket. Think designer boutiques, oceanfront promenades, and hotels with lobbies the size of small airports.
 
Meloneras grew up alongside the more established Maspalomas but quickly carved out its own niche. Instead of apartment blocks and karaoke bars, here you’ll find sprawling 5-star hotels with infinity pools, spas, and palm-fringed gardens. The vibe is more “sipping mojitos while watching the sunset” than “downing shots to Sweet Caroline”.

The Paseo de Meloneras is the star attraction here. A seafront promenade that stretches west to the 19th-century Maspalomas Lighthouse (El Faro). Here you’ll find chic pavement cafés, cocktail bars and enough designer shops to make your credit card twitch nervously. It’s also one of the best places on the island for a leisurely evening stroll, especially when the Atlantic is glowing orange under the setting sun.

The beach itself is golden and compact, with calm waters thanks to a protective breakwater. It’s smaller than neighbouring Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, but it feels intimate, a sun lounger sort of place where relaxation is the main activity.
 
If you can tear yourself away from the beach, Meloneras makes a great base. Golfers have the 18-hole Maspalomas Golf Course just a chip shot away. Shoppers can explore the Boulevard El Faro shopping centre with its mix of boutiques and cafés. Culture-lovers may enjoy the local craft markets or catching a performance at ExpoMeloneras, a modern convention centre that doubles as a concert venue.
For walkers, the dunes of Maspalomas are right on your doorstep, rolling golden hills that look like they’ve been transplanted from the Sahara. Or head inland by car or bus and you’ll soon swap resort life for rugged mountains, whitewashed villages, and almond groves.

As culinary capital of the south, Meloneras is also a popular go-to for gastronomes. The restaurants here are more refined than in other resorts, with chefs blending Canarian flavours with international flair. Expect seafood platters, creative tapas, and wine lists longer than the promenade itself. That said, you’ll still find family-friendly eateries where pizza and pasta should keep the kids happy.

After dinner, the vibe shifts to cocktail bars and hotel lounges. It’s lively without ever being rowdy, more linen shirts and jazz trios than football shirts and karaoke machines.
 
Despite all it's stylish allure, Meloneras isn’t for everyone. If your idea of a good night out involves a fishbowl cocktail and a foam party, you’re better off in Playa del Inglés. But if you like your holidays dressed up a little, with long sunset walks, stylish hotels, and a touch of luxury, Meloneras will have your cousin hooked the moment they step onto the promenade.