Iconic sand dunes and Gran Canaria's most established northern-European holiday destination, with year-round sunshine
Maspalomas' year-round tourist flow makes it one of the Canary Islands' best spots for rental investment. A tourist licence (vivienda vacacional) is required and administered by the local cabildo.
Why Maspalomas?
Let out property in Maspalomas — the letting market
Looking to let out property in Maspalomas? Maspalomas on the the Canary Islands has solid demand for holiday accommodation year round. Letting out property in Maspalomas provides an ongoing return and covers maintenance and property tax during the periods you are not using it yourself.
Maspalomas' year-round tourist flow makes it one of the Canary Islands' best spots for rental investment. A tourist licence (vivienda vacacional) is required and administered by the local cabildo.
Tourist licence and rules in Maspalomas
To let your property in Maspalomas on a short-term basis (under roughly 2-3 months per tenant) you need a valid tourist licence. In the Canary Islands this is issued by the the local cabildo (island council), and you must register the property with a specific licence number that must appear in all listings.
The rules are actively enforced, and fines for illegal letting can run into several thousand euros. It is therefore essential to have the licence sorted before you start advertising the property on Airbnb, Booking.com or similar platforms.
Expected rental income in Maspalomas
In high season, a property in Maspalomas can typically be let for 700-1,800 EUR per week in high season for an apartment or smaller villa. Over a full year, with a realistic occupancy rate of 50-70% in the most popular areas, this can provide a solid ongoing return — particularly if the property is also used privately outside the season.
Remember that rental income must be taxed in Spain (typically 19% for EU citizens on net income) and may also need to be declared in your home country — but double taxation treaties typically prevent you from paying full tax twice on the same income.
How to get started letting in Maspalomas
Start by applying for a tourist licence from the the local cabildo (island council), and make sure the property meets the requirements for safety, fire equipment and signage. Next, you should invest in professional photos — in a market like Maspalomas, where the iconic sand dunes and lighthouse is a big part of the appeal, good photos make a real difference to your booking rate.
Consider whether you want to manage the letting yourself, or use a local property management company that handles key handover, cleaning and guest communication — particularly relevant if you do not live in Spain full time.
Long-term letting as an alternative in Maspalomas
If you prefer a more stable, less administration-heavy solution, long-term letting (over a year) to locals or expats can be a good alternative to seasonal short-term letting. It does not require the same tourist licence, but is instead governed by the general tenancy law (LAU), which gives the tenant stronger rights.
Life and culture in Maspalomas
The Maspalomas area has no old town centre in the traditional sense — it was built up as a holiday destination from the 1960s onwards — but the sand dunes and the iconic Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse from 1890 have become a symbol of Gran Canaria as a whole. The area is also known as one of Europe's most LGBTQ+-friendly holiday destinations, with an annual Pride festival drawing visitors from around the world.
Playa del Inglés has a lively, international nightlife with bars and clubs aimed particularly at northern European guests, while Meloneras further west offers a far more exclusive and calm atmosphere with designer shops and gourmet restaurants.
Location and infrastructure
Gran Canaria Airport is about a 25-30 minute drive from Maspalomas — one of the shorter airport distances on the island. There is no rail connection, but good bus links (Global) to the rest of the island, including Las Palmas.
Taxis are readily available throughout the area thanks to the large tourist flow, and most facilities are within walking distance along the long beach promenade.
Tourism & leisure
Maspalomas' beach and sand dunes are among the Canary Islands' most iconic natural attractions — the dunes are a protected nature reserve stretching several kilometres along the coast. Several golf courses are found in the area, including the well-regarded Maspalomas Golf.
Playa del Inglés can be noisy in the evenings during peak season, while Meloneras and the more secluded residential areas are quiet. The climate is the Canary subtropical type — a stable 20-26°C year round with minimal rainfall, making Maspalomas one of Europe's most reliable year-round destinations.
Everyday costs & what to know before you let out in Maspalomas
Eating out varies a lot by area — Playa del Inglés is affordable and tourist-oriented, while Meloneras has significantly higher prices with gourmet restaurants. Rents generally sit in the mid-range for the Canary Islands.
Before you buy: a tourist licence (vivienda vacacional) is required for short-term letting and administered by the local cabildo — the rules can differ from the Spanish mainland, so always seek local legal advice.
Frequently asked questions about letting in Maspalomas
Do I need a tourist licence to let my property in Maspalomas?
Yes, if you let it short-term to tourists. The licence is issued by the the local cabildo (island council) in the Canary Islands, and the licence number must appear in all your listings on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.
How much can I earn letting out my property in Maspalomas?
In high season, a property can typically be let for 700-1,800 EUR per week in high season for an apartment or smaller villa. The annual return depends on the occupancy rate, but 50-70% during the most popular periods is realistic for a well-located property in Maspalomas.
Which platforms should I use to let my property in Maspalomas?
Airbnb and Booking.com are the most widely used platforms and offer the broadest exposure. For luxury properties, specialised platforms aimed at premium holiday rentals can attract a more qualified pool of guests.
What is the difference between short-term and long-term letting in Maspalomas?
Short-term letting requires a tourist licence and generates higher income per night, but requires more administration and is subject to seasonal swings. Long-term letting does not require a tourist licence, provides a more stable income, but is governed by the general tenancy law, which gives tenants stronger rights.
Do I need to declare rental income from Maspalomas in my home country?
In most cases, yes — rental income typically needs to be declared in your home country, but you usually pay Spanish tax on the income first (around 19% for EU citizens), and this can then be offset against tax owed at home under the relevant double taxation treaty, so you are not taxed twice on the same income. Check the specific rules that apply in your country of residence.
Need help letting out your property in Maspalomas?
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