Easter in Maspalomas: Hotels 92% full, supermarkets open, strike the only risk

Hotels: Meloneras sold out, Playa del Inglés catching up

Hotel occupancy in Maspalomas is running between 85 and 92 per cent, according to industry sources — well above the Spanish mainland average. In Meloneras, the luxury segment of the south, five-star resorts are practically fully booked. Renovated four-star properties in San Agustín and Playa del Inglés report similar figures.

Average length of stay holds steady at seven to nine nights — longer than most European holiday destinations over Easter. TUI, the largest tour operator in the south, has already positioned the Canary Islands as its main destination for winter 2026/27. Easter week marks the transition between winter and summer seasons — and booking figures show demand is not letting up.

The flipside: anyone still looking for a room will pay significantly more. Hotel prices in the south of Gran Canaria are around six per cent above last year. In Playa del Inglés, where older, unrenovated properties dominate, pricing power remains weaker — average room rates there sit between 110 and 130 euros per night.

Supermarkets: Everything open, including Good Friday

San Bartolomé de Tirajana — the municipality that includes Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Meloneras — is classified as a Zona de Gran Afluencia Turística. This means shops are permitted to open on public holidays, while in the rest of the island they remain closed.

In practice: Spar, Lidl and Aldi in the tourist zones of the south will be open on Maundy Thursday (2 April) and Good Friday (3 April). Spar keeps its Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Meloneras stores fully open. Lidl and Aldi open as well, possibly with slightly shortened afternoon hours. A quick check of the retailer's app on the morning of the holiday will confirm.

In Las Palmas and the municipalities in the north and interior, it is a different picture: most shops close on Good Friday.

Weather: Calima fading, sunshine ahead

The current calima episode — one of the most extensive this year — peaks today, Tuesday. From Wednesday, the Saharan dust begins to clear. AEMET forecasts largely stable conditions for the core Easter days (Thursday to Sunday): few clouds, temperatures between 22 and 26 degrees in the south, light northeast breeze.

Ideal conditions for beach days. Anyone arriving today or tomorrow should expect reduced visibility and dusty air — keep windows closed, avoid outdoor physical exertion, and those with respiratory conditions should take extra care.

Strike: The residual risk

The ongoing Groundforce strike caused delays and lost luggage on Monday. Strike days fall on Monday, Wednesday and Friday — so Wednesday 2 April will see renewed action. The parallel Menzies dispute could bring additional 24-hour strikes from 2-6 April, though an agreement may be imminent.

For travellers already in the south, the strike poses no problem. For anyone arriving or departing this week: arrive four hours before your flight, travel carry-on only, and check flight status online beforehand.

CITA News will report throughout the week on developments affecting the south of Gran Canaria.