Find stress-free spots near the Maspalomas Dunes and Playa del Inglés: free areas, safe garages, updated blue-zone hours, and smart tips to avoid wasting time in high season.
Quick answer
It is the most practical free option for reaching the dunes. Allow about 5–10 minutes on foot and arrive before 9:30, especially from October to March. For swimming: the Anexo II car park, direct access (paid). If you are carrying on to the naturist section of the beach, see our guide to the nude beaches of Gran Canaria.
Quick comparison
Choose by price, walking time, access, security and nearby facilities. On mobile, each row becomes a card.
| Parking | Price | Walk | Access | Security | Nearby |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parque Tony GallardoBest free choice | Free | 5–10 min | Check signs | Basic, outdoors | Dunes access |
| Avenida de GranadaNear C.C. Cita | Free | 10–15 min | Check signs | Basic, public street | Shops and food |
| Streets by the Riu Palace MaspalomasAv. de Alemania, Av. de Bonn – for the dunes | Free / regulated | 5–10 min | Varies by street | Choose lit streets | Dune access by the Riu Palace |
| Faro 2 Shopping CentreBy the lighthouse – not for the dunes | Paid / validation | about 40 min to the dunes | 24/7 | Cameras | Lighthouse and Meloneras |
| Coastal avenueClosest street option | Paid / blue zone | 3–6 min | Regulated hours | Variable | Beach and promenade |
| Maspalomas municipal parkingNear the Oasis | Variable fee | 10 min | Check hours | Public car park | Oasis and promenade |
| Anexo 2For swimming: direct access, not free | Paid | 1–3 min | Check hours | Busy central area | Beach, shops and food |
| C.C. MelonerasSpacious alternative | Free* | 5–10 min | Shopping hours | Busy commercial area | Shops and restaurants |
| Meloneras hotelsMaximum convenience | Paid / guests | 2–8 min | Usually 24/7 | Private | Hotel and dining |
Plan your arrival
Indicative availability on a normal day; weekends and high season fill earlier.
High season: October to March, Christmas, Easter and weekends. Allow extra time and save a backup option.
Blue zone
* Check the sign and meter. Hours, stay limits and local exceptions may change; signs at the space always take priority.
Finding a spot can be tricky in high season. Choose the fastest route based on your plan and budget.
Tony Gallardo Park is the go-to free option with direct access to the reserve; arrive before 9:30 to get a spot. Alternatively, the streets around the Riu Palace Maspalomas (Avenida de Alemania, Avenida de Bonn).
For swimming: the Anexo II car park (Calle Las Dunas 2) has direct beach access. It is paid, but there is no walk.
Skip endless loops by arriving early or during lunch (14:30–16:30). Keep a parking app ready for blue zones.
Free options
One of the best free areas. Spaces are limited and fill up fast in high season.
Located in Playa del Inglés, next to Avenida de Alemania and near Cita Shopping Center.
Avenida de Alemania and Avenida de Bonn, around the Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas: the best free alternative to Tony Gallardo if you only want the dunes. Respect the signs.
Playa del Inglés
Direct access to the beach and the dunes at Calle Las Dunas 2. Not free, but no walk: the best choice for swimming and beach time.
Closer to the sand, with variable rates and schedules. Ideal for short stays in off-peak hours.
If you stay nearby, ask for availability and cost; it is the easiest option in high season.
Directly next to the Oasis Maspalomas, 10 minute walk to the beach.
Regulated area
Monday to Saturday
9:00–14:00
16:00–20:00
Sundays & holidays
Free
Always check the street sign; there can be small changes.
Quick tips
Strategic point
The Faro parking is inside the Faro 2 Shopping Center in Meloneras, right by the Maspalomas lighthouse. It is spacious and secure and works well for the lighthouse, the Meloneras promenade and its restaurants, but it is about a 40-minute walk from the dunes. For the dunes, Tony Gallardo Park or the streets around the Riu Palace Maspalomas are the better choice.
Access to the reserve
The most recommendable option: direct access to the nature reserve and a short walk to the dunes. Arrive early to park close by.
Open in Google MapsAvenida de Alemania and Avenida de Bonn: free street parking a few minutes from the dune access by the Riu Palace. Respect the signs.
Open in Google MapsDirect access to the beach and the dunes (Calle Las Dunas 2), but paid. The best choice if you want to swim.
Open in Google MapsMeloneras
Free and spacious parking, a few minutes from the beach.
View in Google MapsLimited spots, with regulated hours in some areas.
Paid or with validation, right by the lighthouse. Handy for Meloneras and Maspalomas Beach, but about a 40-minute walk from the dunes.
Open in Google MapsReady-to-use maps
Tap a pin for direct directions and live parking availability.
Maspalomas Beach
Parking right by the beach is tough at peak hours. For the dunes only: Tony Gallardo Park or the streets around the Riu Palace Maspalomas (Avenida de Alemania, Avenida de Bonn). For swimming, these options help:
Some free, others paid; check schedules before leaving the car.
By the lighthouse, handy for Meloneras, but about a 40-minute walk from the dunes.
Open in Google MapsPatience is key—avoid double parking or yellow curbs to dodge fines.
Quick tips
Use these simple moves to maximize beach time and avoid tickets or wasted loops.
Before 10:00 on weekends; 15:00–16:30 is a second window when many leave for lunch.
Keep valuables out of sight, choose lit areas, and validate your ticket when required.
Set alerts for remaining time in blue zones to avoid fines.
Accept an 8–15 minute walk from free areas; it's faster than circling beachfront streets.
FAQ
For the dunes, at Tony Gallardo Park (free) or in the streets around the Riu Palace Maspalomas (Avenida de Alemania, Avenida de Bonn). For swimming, at the Anexo II car park, with direct access but paid. Faro 2 Shopping Center is by the lighthouse, about a 40-minute walk from the dunes.
Best at Tony Gallardo Park (free, 5–10 minutes on foot) or in the streets around the Riu Palace Maspalomas, Avenida de Alemania and Avenida de Bonn. For swimming: the Anexo II car park, direct access, paid. Arrive early.
From the Maspalomas Lighthouse area, where you can start a walk with great vistas.
Beach, families, couples, nature and adventure, plus travelers seeking relaxation and the nature reserve.
About 6 km, making it one of the widest and most spectacular on the island.
October to March, when many Europeans escape winter. Weekends and holidays in that period are busiest—arrive earlier or book monitored parking.
Arriving by bus, taxi or on foot? See how to get to the Maspalomas Dunes from the airport, Las Palmas and Playa del Inglés. Looking for a different beach? Compare all the Gran Canaria beaches by swell, wind and facilities.