Faro de Maspalomas — Attraction in San Bartolomé de Tirajana

. I suppose it all depends what you mean by El Faro.

Do you mean the actual lighthouse itself? In which case I can hardly see what rating you can give it. It's there, it's very big, you cannot visit it to see its history, nor climb up to get a view of the horizon.

Nothing much else to say. So give it a 1 *.

But the actual area around it, along the seafront, is pleasant for strolling. And your fellow strollers are unlikely to be noisy or drunk. It is not Playa del Inglés. So overall, it gets 3*

In one direction you can walk along a wooden boardwalk alongside the beach, past the back entrance to the restaurants (or walk along the pedestrian street with their front entrances - but beware the touts trying to tempt you in to eat - they can get a bit tiring) with a nice view of the dunes and then turn left for the pedestrianised walk alongside La Charca and then the (almost certainly dried-up) river.

In the other direction you can walk along the pedestrianised seafront promenade all the way to the quiet beach and restaurant at Pasito Blanco - a good mile or so if you go all the way. En route you will go past first a few restaurants and bars, and a range of up-market shops catering for deeper pockets than mine, then the gardens of a number of four and five-star hotels (one or two of them with seriously strange architecture), making an interesting walk with plenty to comment on in a catty manner. :-)

If it's windy and the surf is up, you can also watch the surf-boarders performing acrobatics.

Best time is early evening, so that you can watch the sun setting in the sea. It's a good idea to time it so that you can grab a frontline viewing table at one of the bars, and down your drink in time with the sun...

The Maspalomas Lighthouse is an iconic landmark on the southern coast of Gran Canaria, and it holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists. As one of the oldest lighthouses in the Canary Islands, it not only serves as a guiding light for ships but also as a beacon of history and charm.

Standing proudly at the southern tip of the island, the Maspalomas Lighthouse is a striking white structure that contrasts beautifully against the blue skies and the golden sands of the nearby beach. It's a sight to behold during the day, and it becomes even more enchanting as the evening approaches when the lighthouse begins to cast its warm glow over the landscape.

Visitors can explore the area surrounding the lighthouse, which includes a picturesque promenade along the coast and lush gardens. The views from this point are breathtaking, providing a panoramic vista of the Atlantic Ocean and the stunning sand dunes of Maspalomas that stretch as far as the eye can see.

For those interested in history, a visit to the lighthouse's small museum offers insights into its maritime importance and the evolution of the area. The entire experience is enriched by the gentle sea breeze and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.

The Maspalomas Lighthouse is not just a navigational tool; it's a symbol of the island's beauty and heritage. Whether you're captivated by its historical significance, mesmerized by the scenery, or simply seeking a tranquil spot to unwind, this lighthouse is a must-visit destination when in...

Definitely an ICON of Maspalomas and Canarias at its core as holiday for European visitors.. the Lighthouse has been established / build around 1890 year and in fact has been the only building that has been here until 1960s.. before that there has been just that- the Lighthouse and few fisherman’s cottages to keep their fishing instruments .. and of course Canarian children and families enjoying the dunes/ beaches of the south.. Visiting of this holiday icon and have a picture is a must for everyone in Gran Canaria holidays .. On the right of the faro/ lighthouse is a beautiful boulevard for walk / shop and eat calls Meloneras , and on the left side is where the sand dunes and beaches starts ... Careful to not swim close to the Lighthouse as there are underwater streams ... choose better good 500 meters towards the dunes to have a good swim .. as you’ll continue your walk another 500 meters towards the sand dunes - you will find a sea entrance without any stones whatsoever and that’s where we are going if we go to the beach for swim.. enjoy and again ‘Must’ in Gran Canaria is to visit this...