The Maspalomas Dunes is an area made up of several dunes, a palm grove and a salubrious lagoon located in the south of Gran Canaria. Thanks to its charm and characteristics that we will mention, it is of great tourist interest and attracts hundreds of visitors every year.
In this area you will find an excellent climate with an annual average temperature of 23°C with little rainfall. Find out where the Maspalomas Dunes are and why you should visit them during your next holiday.
Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve
The natural environment known as Las Dunas de Maspalomas is home to different ecosystems with different characteristics. On the one hand there is a brackish lagoon that gives a paradisiacal aspect to the landscape. There is also some vegetation in what was once a palm grove.
But the most striking feature of the area is the expanse of golden sand dunes. Dunes are mounds of sand modelled by the wind that reach heights of more than 15 metres and a width of more than 200 metres. In the case of Maspalomas, the trade winds that frequent the island are responsible for pushing the sand inland. The sand in the dunes is made up of the remains of mollusc shells and millions of particles from the neighbouring ravines.
Fauna and flora
In the vicinity of the pond, birds migrating from Africa find a safe environment to rest during their journey. You will be able to observe migratory birds such as the common flamingo, little egret, grey heron, hoopoe, whimbrel, black-winged curlew, sandpiper and stonechat.
Other endemic species that you will be able to see are the black-winged stilt, common moorhen, coot, little plover, kentish plover, spotted starling, Tawny pipit and collared dove. The terrestrial and endemic species that inhabit the dunes are the Boettger’s perennial and the giant lizard of Gran Canaria.
As for the flora of the area, we can mention the Ruppia marítima, date palms, Uvilla, Immortelle, Balancon and the Canary Island tamarisk.
Location
The Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve is located in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The area extends over more than 400 hectares including the dunes, the pond and the palm grove. It has been under protection since 1994 with various laws to ensure its integrity.
The south of Gran Canaria is a very important tourist area on the island. Tourists come to this part of the island in search of sun, beautiful beaches and party atmosphere. Here you will find lush landscapes illuminated by radiant sunshine.
What to do in the Maspalomas Dunes
Children love to run barefoot in the sand and twirl here and there. Many adults also get caught up in the fun and jump in to play in this magnificent sea of sand.
This area lends itself to nudism, as it provides intimate areas to enjoy the sun and nature without wearing clothes.
Also visit the viewpoint and information centre in Playa del Inglés. From there you can enjoy the views offered by the dunes. Delight your senses with an enchanting landscape and observe the dunes from a different perspective.
You can also walk along the path from Playa del Inglés to Maspalomas beach. Walk through the dunes and bathe in the sand. Here you can also get on a camel and ride through the dunes as if you were an Arab crossing the Sahara desert.
Visit the Maspalomas Dunes to add another level of adventure to your holiday. Play like a child in the sand, walk the trails and take a camel ride. Remember that Gran Canaria has a lot to offer, so plan your holiday well to make sure you don’t miss out on anything.
