Information
Landmark: Maspalomas DunesCity: Gran Canaria
Country: Canary Islands
Continent: Europe
Maspalomas Dunes, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Europe
Overview
The Maspalomas Dunes-rolling waves of golden sand-stand as one of Gran Canaria’s most famous natural landmarks, stretching along the island’s southern coast just outside the town of Maspalomas.This sweeping desert, with its sun-baked dunes and endless horizon, now draws crowds of travelers and nature lovers alike.Here’s a closer look at the Maspalomas Dunes, where golden sand stretches for miles under the bright Canary sun: 1.In the far south of Gran Canaria, near the busy resort of Maspalomas in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, the dunes sprawl across roughly 400 hectares-about 1,000 acres-running for six kilometers along the coast from Playa del Inglés to the Maspalomas Lighthouse, their golden ridges shaped over time by wind sweeping in from the sea.Trade winds sweep across the island, lifting grains of beach sand and driving them inland, where they pile into towering dunes.In Maspalomas, that sand begins as volcanic rock along the coast, worn down by the sea and carried by both wind and waves.Winds sculpt the Maspalomas dunes day after day, shifting their curves like waves frozen in sand; they roll and change, forming a desert-like expanse that hides pockets of green plants and quiet pools, all safeguarded within the Maspalomas Special Natural Reserve to protect its rare ecosystem.The reserve spans dunes, salt marshes, and coastal wetlands.Even in the dry heat, the dunes shelter hardy plants like Canary Island date palms, tall pines, and low spiny shrubs that catch the wind.The Maspalomas Dunes rise in golden waves, some towering nearly 10 meters high, and shelter a variety of life-flitting waders on their long migrations, the rare Canary Island lizard found nowhere else, and countless birds, lizards, and insects that thrive in this shifting sea of sand.Wind endlessly sculpts the dunes into rippling waves of sand and gentle ridges.While the slopes remain mostly bare, palm groves and small water reservoirs thrive along the edges, adding bursts of green to the gold.Just beyond, the Maspalomas Lagoon shimmers in the sun-a seasonal wetland where migratory birds pause to rest and reeds sway in the breeze.Visitors can explore it all on marked trails that wind through the heart of the dunes.Photographers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys hiking-or just strolling across endless ripples of warm sand-flock here, where the Maspalomas Lighthouse, built in 1890, rises at the edge of the dunes, framing the first sweeping view of their golden stretch.Many visitors pair a trip to the lighthouse with a wander through the warm, wind‑shaped dunes, where you might spot sandboarders gliding downhill or camels plodding softly over the ridges; sunbathers stretch out in the sun, but everyone’s reminded to tread lightly to protect the fragile habitat, and beyond its role guiding ships into the harbor, the Maspalomas Lighthouse stands as a proud piece of the area’s history.Perched at the edge of the dunes, it’s a familiar landmark for visitors-once a waypoint along ancient trade routes, now better known as a protected natural reserve and tourist draw, where strict rules guard the shifting sands and the fragile life that clings to them.The Maspalomas Special Natural Reserve is carefully managed to protect its fragile balance between welcoming visitors and safeguarding nature.The golden dunes still roll toward the sea, but over-tourism, erosion, and the wear from too many footsteps threaten their survival.They’re working to protect the dunes while keeping them open for visitors.Just steps away, Playa del Inglés offers golden sand, bustling resorts, and open-air cafés.A short drive takes you to Palmitos Park, where parrots flash bright feathers and reptiles bask in the sun, or to Aqualand Maspalomas, a sprawling water park packed with slides and pools.Thanks to the warm, dry weather-about 20°C to 28°C in winter and 25°C to 30°C in summer-you can visit any time of year.It’s best to walk the dunes in the cool early morning or as the light softens in late afternoon, when the sand no longer burns your feet.The Maspalomas Dunes stand out as one of Gran Canaria’s rare treasures, blending wild beauty, vital habitats, and space for adventure.Visitors can take in sweeping views of the hills, join in hands-on activities, and spot everything from bright songbirds to shy deer, all while discovering how the area works to protect its wildlife.
