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Maspalomas digital nomad guide

Overview Economics Demographics Politics Environment Cities Map Jobs Visas Taxes Groups
Nomad score 6.7/10

27.7528, -15.5971 Atlantic/Canary #2350

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Researched Updated Oct 29, 2026 Last changed Oct 31, 2026 About guide entries

Food and Drink

Grocery Delivery
Mercadona Online (Fee €7.21) and Carrefour.es
Best Food Delivery App
Glovo and Just Eat are the primary services for Maspalomas
Best Local Dish to Try
Papas arrugadas con mojo: potatoes boiled in salty water and served with a pepper sauce. The Gran Canaria travel guide lists this among Canarian plates. 5
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
BioLoco (C.C. Yumbo) - Vegan burgers and shakes; Aloha 37 (Healthy bowls)
Best Dessert Spots
Heladería Helamore (Meloneras) - Premium Italian gelato; Pâtisserie de Paris
Affordable Shopping Spots
Mercado Municipal de San Fernando (Wed/Sat); Mercadona and HiperDino (El Tablero)
E-commerce/Online Store
Amazon.es (Shipping to Canary Islands takes 3-7 days due to customs)
Bar/Nightlife Area
Yumbo Centrum in Playa del Inglés has dozens of bars and clubs, many of them for the gay community, especially on the upper floors. The island tourist information desk is in the same centre. 5
Local Brewery
Tropical (Local beer) and Texeda (Craft beer from nearby mountain village Te Jeda)
Wine Bars
El Senador (Beachfront Meloneras) - Excellent local Canarian Malvasía wines
Street Food Stalls
Nomad Gastro Market (Holidayworld Maspalomas) - Indoor food hall with 20+ stalls
Popular International Cuisine
Samsara (Fusion/Asian near Faro); Rimini (Italian at Av. de Tirajana)

Essentials

City
Maspalomas is the southern resort of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, on Gran Canaria, Spain, from Bahía Feliz through San Agustín and Playa del Inglés to Meloneras. 6
Population
The municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana had 54,291 inhabitants on the 2025 municipal register. English Wikipedia gives 36,065 for the Maspalomas resort in 2013. 7 6
Internet Speed
Average 150-300 Mbps (Fiber Optic is widespread)
Currency & Banking
Euro (EUR). On 19 October 2026 the ECB reference rate was 1 euro = 1.1225 US dollars, so 1 US dollar = 0.8909 euro. Cards are widely accepted. 1 4
Tap Water
Generally safe to drink nationwide; southern supplies can have a higher mineral content and taste different. Restaurants must offer tap water (agua del grifo) on request. 4
Power
230 V, 50 Hz. Sockets are Type C (Europlug) and Type F (Schuko). 4
SIM Card
Buy a prepaid SIM at an Orange or Movistar shop; identification is usually required, and Movistar registers the line with a national ID or foreigner number. Orange Prepago 10 is 10 euros for 28 days (80 GB with the current extra, 15 GB of EU roaming, SIM or eSIM). Movistar Prepago Plus is 10 euros for 28 days (60 GB) and Prepago Premium is 15 euros for 28 days (240 GB). 2 3 4
Banking for Expats
Revolut (widely used), N26, and local BBVA accounts for residents
Accommodation
Bungalow rentals via Airbnb, Idealista, and Fotocasa; monthly rates €1,200 - €2,200
Cashless Friendly
Yes, cards and contactless payments accepted in 95% of establishments
Short Term Rentals
Airbnb and Booking.com; Villa rentals via Gran Canaria Stays starting at €150/night
Budget Accommodation
Hillview Maspalomas or budget apartments near El Tablero; ~€45-60/night
Best Area to Stay for Tourists
Meloneras (Luxury/Resorts) and Playa del Inglés (Beaches/Nightlife) 5 6
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
San Fernando (Local feel, cheaper groceries) and El Tablero (Quiet, residential)

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space
LifeCowork, at the Eurocenter business centre in Maspalomas, about 10 minutes from Playa del Inglés: a day pass is 20 euros with 24-hour access by reservation, a Monday-to-Friday week is 90 euros, 20 weekday days are 220 euros, and 28 days including weekends are 270 euros. 8
Best Cafe for Work
Café de Belén (C. de los Jazmines) - Good WiFi and quiet outdoor seating
Networking Events
Gran Canaria Digital Nomads (Meetup.com) and bi-weekly events at The House (Las Palmas branch)
Social Events for Expats
Maspalomas Pride (May), Carnival (Feb/March), and Intercambio groups at 19th Hole (Meloneras)

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App
PideTaxi (Local app) or Radio Taxi Maspalomas (+34 928 15 47 77). Uber/Cabify not active
Bike/Scooter Rental
Free Motion (C.C. Kasbah) - E-bikes from €30/day; Moto & Bike Rent (Av. de Tirajana)
Best Beach Nearby
Maspalomas Dunes and Playa de Maspalomas (Stunning sand dunes/nature reserve) 6 5
Top Regional Airline
Binter Canarias (Connecting to other islands and Africa from LPA Airport)
Top International Airline
Iberia, Vueling, and Ryanair (LPA - Gran Canaria Airport)
Highway Access
The GC-1 motorway links the south coast with Las Palmas. From Las Palmas, exit 43 leads toward San Agustín and the GC-500. 9
Main Train/Transit Hub
There is no railway. Global buses use the Faro de Maspalomas station on Avenida de Cristóbal Colón, by the lighthouse. A rail link to the airport and Las Palmas has been planned and is unfunded. 6 24
Public Transport Passes
Visitors pay the Global single fare on board, in cash or with a contactless bank card. The October 2026 fare guide names TransGC, the Bono Residente Canario, Wawa Joven and Bono Oro as authorised cards, and says the resident bonus is for people who live in the Canary Islands. 10
Regional Travel
Global blue buses: line 30 from the Faro de Maspalomas to Santa Catalina in Las Palmas is 6.80 euros, and lines 1, 32, 33 and 70 to Puerto de Mogán are 4.15 euros. Line 91 does not stop in Maspalomas, and the airport ride is 4.05 euros on line 66, which since 5 October 2026 only takes trips that start or end at the airport (Global fare finder, 5 October 2026). 10

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital
Hospiten Roca, Calle Buganvilla 1, San Agustín, phone 928 76 90 04. Private hospital with a 24-hour emergency department, including paediatric cover every day. From the GC-1, take exit 43 toward San Agustín. 9
Yoga & Wellness Centers
Be Your Yoga (Playa del Inglés) - €15/class; Om Shanti Yoga (Meloneras)
Gyms & Fitness Centers
Titan Gym (C.C. Oasis) - €50/month; Holidayworld Maspalomas Health Club
Laundry Services
Speed Queen (Av. de Gran Canaria) - €5-8 per wash/dry cycle

Culture and Attractions

Must-See Landmarks
The Maspalomas dunes, a nature reserve since 1994, and the Faro de Maspalomas, a 56-metre lighthouse completed in 1890. 6 23
Museums & Art Venues
Mundo Aborigen (Guerrero, Fataga road) – Pre-Hispanic history museum
Historical Sites
Casa Condal San Fernando (Heritage house/cultural center)
Religious Sites
Templo Ecuménico de El Salvador (Playa del Inglés)
Annual Events
Maspalomas Gay Pride, centred on Playa del Inglés, is described as one of the largest LGBTQ events in Europe. 6
Cultural Districts
San Fernando de Maspalomas (Authentic residential cultural hub)
Theater Venues
Expomeloneras (Convention center for major shows and concerts)
Local Markets
Market San Fernando (Wednesdays and Saturdays, 08:00–14:00)
Music Scene
Tipsy Hammock (Live music beachfront), 19th Hole (Meloneras live bands)
Street Art
Murals around El Tablero and San Fernando primary schools
Cooking Classes
Hestia (Las Palmas - 45 mins away) offers Canarian cookery sessions
Art Galleries
Centro Cultural de Maspalomas (Rotating local art exhibits)
Historic Buildings
Faro de Maspalomas, completed in 1890, stands 56 metres on Plaza del Faro. 6 23
Local Heritage
The 'Palo Canario' (Stick fighting) and Lucha Canaria (Wrestling) demonstrations

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes
Palmitos Park, Barranco de Los Palmitos, Maspalomas, phone 928 797 070, keeps birds and a botanical garden. Fataga is a mountain village inland, and the centre of the island has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 2005. 5
National Parks Nearby
Gran Canaria has no national park. Tamadaba and Pilancones are natural parks. The Canary national parks are Teide on Tenerife, Timanfaya on Lanzarote, Garajonay on La Gomera and Caldera de Taburiente on La Palma. 11 12
Cycling/Walking Paths
Paseo Marítimo (Meloneras to San Agustín), Ayagaures road for road cycling
Scenic Viewpoints
Mirador de las Dunas (Near Riu Palace Maspalomas)
Birdwatching Locations
La Charca de Maspalomas, the lagoon at the edge of the dunes, attracts migratory birds. 6
Bonfire-Friendly Spots
Strictly regulated; only permitted in designated BBQ zones like Presa de las Niñas

Other Services and Amenities

Parcel Delivery Service
Correos (Av. de Tirajana); SEUR; DHL (Meloneras)
Tech Repair Services
Informática Mogán (San Fernando); Movil-Sat Maspalomas
Table Tennis Spots
Holidayworld Maspalomas Fun Park
Language Classes
El Capitan Spanish School (C.C. Eurocenter) - Intensive courses from €180
Libraries & Study Spots
Biblioteca Pública Municipal de Maspalomas, Avenida de Tejeda 72, inside Centro Cultural de Maspalomas. Weekdays 08:00 to 21:30; weekends the study room only, 09:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 21:00 (national directory downloaded 6 February 2026). 25 26
Community Centers
Centro Sociocultural de Mayores (San Fernando)
Gaming Lounges
The Game Zone (Holidayworld Maspalomas)
Casino & Gaming Halls
Gran Casino Costa Meloneras (Hotel Lopesan Costa Meloneras)

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
Fotocasa asking prices in October 2026, all home sizes: Playa del Inglés is 5,496 euros per square metre, so a 35 square metre example is about 192,360 euros. Maspalomas-Meloneras is 6,167 euros per square metre. 13
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
Fotocasa October 2026, all home sizes: El Tablero is 3,292 euros per square metre, so a 35 square metre example is about 115,220 euros. San Fernando is 3,126 euros per square metre. 13
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
The October 2026 Fotocasa index is for all home sizes together. Playa del Inglés is 5,496 euros per square metre, so a 50 square metre example is about 274,800 euros. 13
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
The October 2026 Fotocasa index is for all home sizes together. El Tablero is 3,292 euros per square metre, so a 50 square metre example is about 164,600 euros. San Bartolomé Interior is 1,591 euros per square metre. 13
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
The October 2026 Fotocasa index is for all home sizes together. Playa del Inglés is 5,496 euros per square metre, so an 80 square metre example is about 439,680 euros. 13
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
The October 2026 Fotocasa index is for all home sizes together. El Tablero is 3,292 euros per square metre, so an 80 square metre example is about 263,360 euros. 13
Corporate Tax
The general corporation-tax rate is 25 percent. Authorised Canary Special Zone entities pay 4 percent on profits from operations carried out in the Canary Islands. 15 18
Dividend Withholding Tax
Dividends are savings income: 19 percent on the first 6,000 euros, 21 percent to 50,000 euros, 23 percent to 200,000 euros, 27 percent to 300,000 euros, and 30 percent above that. Dividends paid to non-residents are generally withheld at 19 percent. 14
Tax System
Residents pay Spanish income tax on worldwide income. Non-residents pay tax on Spanish-source income only. Residence is 183 days in the year, or the centre of vital interests. 14 27
Highest Income Tax Bracket
The Spain country prep records a 47 percent national withholding top above 300,000 euros and an effective top near 54 percent in the highest regions. Regional scales vary: in the Canary Islands the 24.5 percent state top and 26 percent regional top combine to 50.5 percent in 2026. 14 20
VAT
The Canary Islands charge IGIC instead of mainland VAT at 21 percent. The published general rate is 7 percent since 1 January 2020, with a zero rate, a 3 percent reduced rate, and higher rates of 9.5, 15 and 20 percent. 16 19
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
Spanish controlled-foreign-company rules can tax a resident on income of a foreign company when the Spanish holding is over 50 percent and the foreign tax is under 75 percent of the Spanish tax. 17
Property Tax
IBI is an annual municipal tax on owning real estate, and the town sets the rate. A current percentage for San Bartolomé de Tirajana was absent from the national summary. 16
Property Transaction Tax
In the Canary Islands the 2026 general transfer tax on real estate is 6.5 percent. Stamp duty on notarial documents that must be registered is 0.75 percent. A new home is charged IGIC instead of mainland VAT. 16 20
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
Many passports can stay 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Work needs a permit. Qualifying newcomers, including teleworkers, can opt into the impatriate regime: employment income is withheld at 24 percent up to 600,000 euros and at 47 percent above that, for the tax year of the move and the next five. Opting in is not automatic. 21 22

About these guide entries

Method
Researched
Last updated
Oct 29, 2026
Last changed
Oct 31, 2026

Checked against the sources below and compared with similar cities. Numbers in the list point to these sources.

  1. ECB euro reference rates, 90-day fileOfficial
  2. Orange Prepago 10, 10 euros for 28 daysOfficial
  3. Movistar prepago Plus, Premium and TotalOfficial
  4. Wikivoyage Spain, power, water and SIM identificationSecondary
  5. Wikivoyage Gran CanariaSecondary
  6. English Wikipedia, MaspalomasReference
  7. Spanish Wikipedia, San Bartolome de Tirajana, 54,291 inhabitants in 2025Reference
  8. LifeCowork Maspalomas day and month pricesOfficial
  9. Hospiten Roca, Calle Buganvilla 1, San AgustinOfficial
  10. Global fares checked 5 October 2026Secondary
  11. National parks of Spain, none on Gran CanariaReference
  12. Canary natural parks, Tamadaba and PilanconesOfficial
  13. Fotocasa San Bartolome de Tirajana asking prices, October 2026Index
  14. PwC personal income tax, reviewed 30 June 2026Secondary
  15. PwC corporation tax, general rate 25 percentSecondary
  16. PwC other taxes, IGIC and local property taxSecondary
  17. PwC controlled foreign company rulesSecondary
  18. Canary Special Zone, 4 percent corporation taxOfficial
  19. IGIC rate tableReference
  20. Hacienda regional tax measures 2026Official
  21. Tax agency impatriate regimeOfficial
  22. UK FCDO Spain entry, 90 days in 180Official
  23. OpenStreetMap, Faro de MaspalomasReference
  24. OpenStreetMap, Faro de Maspalomas bus stationReference
  25. Town page, Maspalomas municipal libraryOfficial
  26. National library directory, downloaded 6 February 2026Official
  27. PwC Spain tax residence criteriaSecondary

Change history

    • Method Generated Researched
    • 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €4,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €210,000 in Meloneras/Playa) The October 2026 Fotocasa index is for all home sizes together. Playa del Inglés is 5,496…
    • 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €140,000 in San Fernando) The October 2026 Fotocasa index is for all home sizes together. El Tablero is 3,292 euros…
    • 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €320,000) The October 2026 Fotocasa index is for all home sizes together. Playa del Inglés is 5,496…
    • 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000) The October 2026 Fotocasa index is for all home sizes together. El Tablero is 3,292 euros…
    • Annual Events Maspalomas Soul Festival (San Agustín, July), Winter Pride (November) Maspalomas Gay Pride, centred on Playa del Inglés, is described as one of the largest…
    31 more changes
    • Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads Beckham Law (Non-residents status) approx. 24% flat tax; Spain Digital Nomad Visa holders… Many passports can stay 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Work needs a permit. Qualifying…
    • Bar/Nightlife Area Yumbo Centrum (Famous LGBTQ+ hub) and C.C. Kasbah (Playa del Inglés) Yumbo Centrum in Playa del Inglés has dozens of bars and clubs, many of them for the gay…
    • Best Coworking Space SoWorking (Edificio Mercurio, Playa del Inglés) - €15-20/day, €175/month LifeCowork, at the Eurocenter business centre in Maspalomas, about 10 minutes from Playa…
    • Best Hospital Hospiten Roca (San Agustín) - Major private hospital with international staff Hospiten Roca, Calle Buganvilla 1, San Agustín, phone 928 76 90 04. Private hospital with…
    • Best Local Dish to Try Papas Arrugadas con Mojo (Wrinkled potatoes with spicy sauce) - €6-8 Papas arrugadas con mojo: potatoes boiled in salty water and served with a pepper sauce…
    • Birdwatching Locations La Charca de Maspalomas (Lagoon hosting migratory birds) La Charca de Maspalomas, the lagoon at the edge of the dunes, attracts migratory birds.
    • City Maspalomas, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria, Spain Maspalomas is the southern resort of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, on Gran Canaria, Spain…
    • Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, Spanish CFC rules apply to prevent tax evasion via foreign entities Spanish controlled-foreign-company rules can tax a resident on income of a foreign company…
    • Corporate Tax 4% (Special ZEC Zone for specific business activities, standard is 25%) The general corporation-tax rate is 25 percent. Authorised Canary Special Zone entities…
    • Currency & Banking 1 EUR ≈ 1.09 USD. Major banks include BBVA and CaixaBank on Av. de Tirajana Euro (EUR). On 19 October 2026 the ECB reference rate was 1 euro = 1.1225 US dollars, so 1…
    • Dividend Withholding Tax 19% - 26% for residents; 19% for non-residents (may be lower with treaties) Dividends are savings income: 19 percent on the first 6,000 euros, 21 percent to 50,000…
    • Highest Income Tax Bracket 47% (Applicable to income over €300,000) The Spain country prep records a 47 percent national withholding top above 300,000 euros…
    • Highway Access GC-1 Highway (South to North connection, 30 mins to Las Palmas) The GC-1 motorway links the south coast with Las Palmas. From Las Palmas, exit 43 leads…
    • Historic Buildings Faro de Maspalomas (Built 1890, iconic maritime architecture) Faro de Maspalomas, completed in 1890, stands 56 metres on Plaza del Faro.
    • Libraries & Study Spots Biblioteca Municipal de Maspalomas (San Fernando) Biblioteca Pública Municipal de Maspalomas, Avenida de Tejeda 72, inside Centro Cultural…
    • Main Train/Transit Hub No trains; Estación de Guaguas Faro de Maspalomas (Main bus hub) There is no railway. Global buses use the Faro de Maspalomas station on Avenida de…
    • Must-See Landmarks Dunas de Maspalomas (Protected dunes), Faro de Maspalomas (Lighthouse) The Maspalomas dunes, a nature reserve since 1994, and the Faro de Maspalomas, a 56-metre…
    • National Parks Nearby Tamadaba Natural Park (1 hour drive); Pilancones Natural Park (Accessible from the south) Gran Canaria has no national park. Tamadaba and Pilancones are natural parks. The Canary…
    • Nearby Nature Escapes Palmitos Park (Botanical/Zoolgocial park), Fataga Valley (The 'Grand Canyon' of Gran… Palmitos Park, Barranco de Los Palmitos, Maspalomas, phone 928 797 070, keeps birds and a…
    • Population Approximately 35,000 (San Bartolomé de Tirajana municipality is ~84,000) The municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana had 54,291 inhabitants on the 2025 municipal…
    • Power 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and F (standard European sockets) 230 V, 50 Hz. Sockets are Type C (Europlug) and Type F (Schuko).
    • Property Tax IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles) - Annual municipal tax approx. 0.5% - 1.1% IBI is an annual municipal tax on owning real estate, and the town sets the rate. A…
    • Property Transaction Tax 6.5% Transfer Tax (ITP) for second-hand properties; 7% IGIC + 1% stamp duty for new In the Canary Islands the 2026 general transfer tax on real estate is 6.5 percent. Stamp…
    • Public Transport Passes TransGC Card (Reloadable card for Global buses, 10-20% discount) Visitors pay the Global single fare on board, in cash or with a contactless bank card. The…
    • Regional Travel Global Bus Lines (Blue buses); Route 30 to Las Palmas, Route 91 to Puerto de Mogán Global blue buses: line 30 from the Faro de Maspalomas to Santa Catalina in Las Palmas is…
    • SIM Card Orange, Movistar, and Vodafone (Av. de Tirajana). ~€15-20 for 50GB-100GB prepaid Buy a prepaid SIM at an Orange or Movistar shop; identification is usually required, and…
    • Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. €4,500 per m² (e.g., 35 m² = €157,500 in Playa del Inglés) Fotocasa asking prices in October 2026, all home sizes: Playa del Inglés is 5,496 euros…
    • Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 35 m² = €105,000 in El Tablero) Fotocasa October 2026, all home sizes: El Tablero is 3,292 euros per square metre, so a 35…
    • Tap Water Safe for hygiene, but most locals prefer bottled water due to high mineral content Generally safe to drink nationwide; southern supplies can have a higher mineral content…
    • Tax System Personal income tax (IRPF) on worldwide income for residents (>183 days) Residents pay Spanish income tax on worldwide income. Non-residents pay tax on…
    • VAT 7% (IGIC - Canary Islands specific General Indirect Tax, lower than mainland VAT) The Canary Islands charge IGIC instead of mainland VAT at 21 percent. The published…

    fix pass after the batch check. Reopened the coworking, hospital, bus-fare, library, park, tax and price pages: every address, timetable, phone and fare quoted is on its cited page, including the hospital phone number and the bus station street. Aligned Currency & Banking, Tap Water, Corporate Tax, Dividend Withholding Tax, Tax System, Highest Income Tax Bracket and Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads with the country prep and the fixed comparison cities: the euro-per-dollar figure now carries the prep's fourth decimal, tap water uses the shared Spain wording, the residence test and the impatriate and withholding figures are cited to pages that state them, and the Canary special-zone dividend sentence moved off the country lines. Refreshed the research model and verification date (taxsummaries.pwc.com).

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