How to Explore Gran Canaria Without a Car from Maspalomas
- Dunas Map
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Many visitors think renting a car is the only way to explore Gran Canaria, but that’s far from true. If you’re staying in Maspalomas, you can easily discover the island’s highlights without a car.
If you don't want to take a car for visiting, you can use public transport, guided excursions, or even eco-friendly options — all while avoiding parking stress and reducing your carbon footprint. Here is how to do it and plan your trip.
1. Take Advantage of the Global Bus Network
Global is Gran Canaria's bus network. Many routes connect Maspalomas with most major towns and attractions.
Line 1 runs along the southern coast from Las Palmas, passing by Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Arguineguín, Puerto Rico, Playa del Cura, Tauro, etc., and many typical interesting places like marinas, villages, beaches, parks...
Line 5, 30, and 50 take you directly from Maspalomas to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island’s capital, in about an hour. Direct, fast, and perfect for a day in the capital.
Line 9 passing by San Fernando de Maspalomas goes to Tauro, with stops at Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Amadores, Puerto Rico, Playa del Cura, Playa Los Frailes, and Playa Medio Almud.
Line 18 leads from Maspalomas to Tejeda and the Roque Nublo, perfect for a mountain escape.
Line 25 allows you to discover Playa de Arinaga, a famous seaside resort and a great, very large beach in the southeast of the island with typical fish restaurants and a local crowd.
Line 32 and 33 link you with Puerto de Mogán, known as “Little Venice”, via Puerto Rico (scenic coastal ride).
Line 39 from Playa del Inglés to Playa del Cura
Line 41 goes to the beautiful village of Agüimes from Faro de Maspalomas, a must-visit typical place with a long history, monuments, and great architecture.
The buses are modern, air-conditioned, reliable, and budget-friendly — much cheaper than car rental plus parking. Tickets can be bought directly from the driver using a credit card or cash.
2. Join a Guided Excursion
If you want to see several spots in one day in a secure way without worrying about logistics and enjoying comments in your language with a professionally certified guide, book a guided day trip. From Maspalomas, you’ll find excursions like :
It’s social, relaxed, and convenient, and you’ll often get insider stories from local guides.
3. Walk and Wander locally
Sometimes, the best way to explore Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés is on foot, discovering their true rhythm beyond the resorts. From seaside promenades and golden dunes to hidden streets, cafés, and local hotspots, exploring on foot lets you experience the authentic atmosphere, everyday life, and vibrant energy of the area at your own pace. Don't miss to scroll along Tirajana Avenue to the end, pass through the Riu Hotel and enjoy the famous Maspalomas dunes. And, of course, walk the Meloneras promenade for shopping, bars, and sunset views. Iif you don't want to walk, there are several other alternatives, such as traditional bicycles, e-bikes, traditional scooters, e-scooters, Segways, and more. You will find them available for short-term or long-term rental almost everywhere in town.
4. Explore the Wild Side of the island with a 4x4 Safari
Explore the wild side of the island with a 4x4 safari and discover a side of Gran Canaria far beyond the beaches. Travel off-road through dramatic mountain landscapes, volcanic terrain, and traditional villages, reaching remote areas only accessible by all-terrain vehicles. Guided by local experts, this adventure combines stunning scenery, local culture, and pure exploration for an unforgettable island experience.
5. Use Taxis and Transfers when needed
For short distances, if you plan a big night out at Yumbo, for instance, taxis are widely available and affordable. If you want to catch your flight or do the trip from Gran Canaria Airport to Maspalomas, private shuttles and transfers make it easy.
How to get from the Gran Canaria Airport to Maspalomas, in a fast, economic and convenient way
6. Water Transport — Ferries and Boat Trips
From Arguinegüin, Puerto Rico, or Puerto de Mogán, ferries and boat trips let you see the island from the sea. It’s a scenic, relaxed way to travel the southern coastline without touching a steering wheel. Some companies even offer a glass of Sangria during the trip !
The companies Líneas Salmón and Líneas Blue Bird offer a maritime shuttle service from Arguineguín to Mogán, with stops at Anfi del Mar and Puerto Rico. Daily departures run approximately every hour starting at 10:15, with the last return from Mogán around 17:00. The crossing takes about 60-75 minutes and costs approximately 20 € for a return ticket. An on-board bar and glass-bottom windows for underwater viewing are available during the trip. This line operates as a 'Hop-On Hop-Off' service (free to get on and off at any stop) and offers travelers a unique perspective of the costline from the Atlantic.
For gay men, naked boat parties are also extremely popular, offering four hours at sea aboard an only-men catamaran with an all-inclusive package: open bar, lunch, transport from/to Maspalomas, insurance, staff, music, and a banana boat ride! The unique feature of these trips is that they are 'clothing optional', allowing nudism and fostering a sense of total freedom away from prying eyes and judgment. This excursion takes place once a week in the afternoon and costs about €75. The views of the southern coastline and Tenerife (when the weather is clear) are exceptional. An unforgettable experience that guarantees lasting memories.
CONCLUSION :
Exploring Gran Canaria without a car from Maspalomas is not only possible, it’s often more relaxing. Between buses, guided excursions, safaris, and boat rides, you’ll have plenty of options to discover the island’s beaches, mountains, and culture — while enjoying a stress-free, sustainable holiday.
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