Do you love beautiful landscapes? Visit the Maspalomas Dunes! We were overwhelmed by this exceptional site. The natural park features immense sand dunes and a green oasis facing the sea. A little piece of desert on the Gran Canaria coast.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why visit the Maspalomas Dunes?
Are the dunes worth a visit? Our opinion:
Without a doubt! Located in Maspalomas, near the seaside resort of Meloneras, the Dunes of Maspalomas leave no one indifferent. We were won over by the grandiose spectacle of these golden hills licked by the blue of the ocean. There’s also a bird-friendly lagoon, a pretty lighthouse and long beaches.
It’s one of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful landscapes andone of the island’s best activities!
Our favorite moments
We were seduced by the poetry of the dunes. Here’s what struck us most:
- The desert-like landscape
- The blue sea caresses immense beaches
- The Maspalomas lighthouse facing the ocean at sunset
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How to get to Maspalomas Dunes: access and map
Where are the dunes?
- In Maspalomas
- Walking time from downtown: 20min
- Driving time from Las Palmas: 1h
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
How to get there? Access road
To reach the dunes, you have to walk a little. It’s not possible to get there directly by car. But don’t worry, the path is flat and the walk pleasant!
You can also opt for other types of vehicle or for an organized tour:
- Rent an electric bike or scooter.
- Try a Segway escapade to admire the dunes.
Parking
There are several pay parking lots close to the dune viewpoint, including GC Maspalomas Parking One and Aparcamiento Parkplaz.
WHERE TO STAY IN Maspalomas
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Méloneras, with its long sandy beach and dunes.
Hotel Unique Club Lopesan – see photos and availability
Playa del Ingles, a lively neighborhood on the cliffs above a long beach.
Santa Monica Suites Hotel – see photos and availability
In the center of Maspalomas, access to stores and attractions.
Hotel Nayra – Adults Only – view photos and availability
See our selection of the best hotels in Maspalomas
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit
The Canaries are a year-round tourist destination. But it’s true that outside the high season, there are fewer people. The best time to visit the dunes in high season would therefore be in the morning to enjoy the calm and freshness. The end of the day is also a good time. We loved the sunset scenery!
Length of visit and main difficulties
If you simply want to admire the dunes from the viewpoint of the watchtower or lighthouse, it will take you around 15 minutes. But for those wishing to discover all the treasures they contain, allow between 1h30 and 2 hours.
Advice on how to visit
There is no imposed direction of visit. We recommend you start by strolling along the promenade that leads to the viewpoint and skirts the dunes. Why not take a trip down a sand hill? You can then cross the dunes to the sea. It makes for a beautiful ride. You can also access the beach opposite the dunes from the Lighthouse and Playa de Maspalomas or from Playa del Inglès.
Visiting with children
Visiting the dunes with children is great fun! It’s the ideal playground for great rides or slides in the sand. The lagoon and its exotic birdlife may also be of interest. We big kids loved it! Or opt for a family e-bike tour.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
There are no catering facilities in the dunes. You’ll find toilets, bars and restaurants on the Playa del Inglès and Meloneras sides or in the center of Maspalomas. There is, however, a small ice cream parlour along the promenade leading to the mirador.
The tree-lined promenade
We walked along a lovely promenade of palm trees to the mirador. The path continues along the dunes to the east, a thin line between dwellings and sand.
The viewpoint and its breathtaking panorama
The mirador offers one of the finest views of the dunes. The clean, sand-colored stone architecture blends perfectly with the landscape. The view from here is breathtaking. We gazed at mountains of sand almost as far as the eye could see. After the dunes, the ocean looms in a blue line. Take time to admire and take photos!
Wild sand dunes
Stretching over 4 km, the dunes look like a piece of the Sahara! Without the sea, we’d have thought we were in the middle of the desert. Once you’ve ventured out, you’ll notice sand, of course, but also small rocks and sparse shrubs.
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An oasis of freshness
To the west of the dunes lies Las Charcas de Maspalomas, a lagoon! This oasis is a paradise for migratory birds, pink flamingos and green trees. We were impressed by the beauty of this green setting.
Huge sandy beaches
Behind the expanse of sand lies the gentle ocean. The beaches of Maspalomas, del Inglés and El Véril run alongside the dunes. We found them ideal for swimming and lounging. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy the scenery over the sea and this small Canary desert.
A lighthouse reaching for the sky
At the far end of the dunes, to the west, the Maspalomas lighthouse rises up in a straight silhouette. The view of the lighthouse is very pretty, as is the view from the stone giant.
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to the Maspalomas Dunes with these nearby attractions:
- Try out the rides and roller coasters at Holiday World(5min drive).
- Fun in the pools and slides atAqualand (10min drive)
- Meet at the Palmitos Park zoo (20min drive)
For more ideas, see our article on best things to do in Maspalomas (coming soon).
Frequently asked questions
What time of day should you visit the Maspalomas Dunes?
In our opinion, there are 2 ideal times to visit the dunes. Mornings are cooler and more relaxed. While the evening is the realm of the sunset and its glowing hues! Wouldn’t this be the best light for an exclusive photo shoot?
Are there any hotels with a view of the Maspalomas Dunes?
The dunes are close to numerous hotels, some of which have a view over Gran Canaria’s small desert! The Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas, for example, is located directly opposite the dune viewpoint. Book your dream room now! You can also read our article on the best hotels in Maspalomas (coming soon).
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
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