Maspalomas Dunes Park

Address: Dunas de Maspalomas, 35100 Maspalomas, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria, Spain

Hours: Open 24 hours

Admission: Free

The Maspalomas Dunes are a coastal dune system on the southern coast of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, adjacent to the resort areas of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. The dunes form a visible natural landscape next to the shore and a small inland lagoon.

The dune field provides a sandy landscape for walking, photography and coastal views where beachside resorts meet a protected natural area. The nearby Maspalomas Lighthouse and the Charca de Maspalomas lagoon are focal points for visitors and for local wildlife observation.

The dunes are a geomorphological formation shaped by wind and sea processes over time and have been recognised locally for their ecological value. Authorities have designated parts of the area for protection to preserve the dune habitat and the lagoon.

The dunes lie on the southern tip of Gran Canaria, along the coastline near the towns of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés in the Canary Islands. They are immediately seaward of the resort strip and accessible from local roads and promenades.

• Protection and wildlife: The dune system is a protected natural area and includes the freshwater Charca de Maspalomas, which is notable for birdwatching.
• Best time to visit: Popular times for photos and walks are early morning and late afternoon when the light is strongest and temperatures are lower.

What to See#

• Charca de Maspalomas (lagoon): A shallow coastal lagoon that lies at the northern edge of the dune field and is an important stop for migrating and resident waterbirds.
• Maspalomas Lighthouse: A late 19th century lighthouse on the southern edge of the dune area that marks the coastline and is a local landmark adjacent to the dunes.
• Playa de Maspalomas: The long sandy shoreline running beside the dunes where beach facilities, promenades and tourist amenities meet the protected dune area.

Maspalomas is reached from Gran Canaria’s GC-1 motorway; signposts lead to Maspalomas/Faro. From Playa del Inglés and Meloneras there are pedestrian routes that enter the reserve near the lighthouse; public buses connect the resort towns with Maspalomas.

• Arrive before sunrise to see the dunes' colors shift and to avoid the mid-day crowds from nearby resorts.
• Walk from Playa del Inglés along the beach path rather than driving into the reserve - access points at Faro de Maspalomas (lighthouse) are obvious.
• Respect protected zones: parts of the reserve are fenced to protect flora and nesting birds; observe signs and stay on permitted paths.