Maspalomas Beach and Dunes - The Desert in Gran Canaria

The “Dunas de Maspalomas” of Gran Canaria are for sure unique and a Must-Visit. When we reached the dunes for the first time, it was an aha moment. After walking along the hotels and through the RIU Hotel, we suddenly saw this fascinating landscape. We didn’t expect such a desert vibe on the Canary Islands.

With more than 4 million visitors annually, this magical place can get crowded at times. However, if you don’t mind walking for a while in this 400 ha huge Nature Reserve, you can find “instagramable” spots and tranquillity.

The best time for an unforgettable visit to the Maspalomas Dunes is either in the morning, in the late afternoon or watch an amazing sunset here.

Spring, autumn, and winter are great seasons for Gran Canaria. To avoid the crowds, watch the sunrise from the majestic dunes. The sand is hot during the day and burning in summer. Walking barefoot on the dunes is impossible. 

Wheelchair accessibility until the dunes outlook after the information centre. The scenery is already spectacular from "Mirador Las Dunas" at the end of this footpath.

Crowds 

Due to the popularity of Maspalomas Sand Dunes and the excellent sunny weather, many resorts were developed nearby. It is a touristy and busy area, that’s for sure. To beat the crowds, arrive early for the sunrise. The majority is still sleeping after the party. Famous are the incredible sunsets. The busiest time is around midday and from 5 pm onwards when it tends to get colder. However, if you don’t mind walking, you have the dunes for yourselves.

Are the Maspalomas Dunes Worth Visiting?

Yes, these dunes are magical, changing with the sunlight throughout the day and seasons. Although it was half an hour's drive for us, we visited them multiple times during the day, especially in the late afternoon, waiting for the golden hour and the sunset. Some beaches are overrun, but Maspalomas is quite a walk, and crowds are spread. Maspalomas is one of the most fascinating places in Gran Canaria.

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 3 Entrances to the Maspalomas Dunes

1. From the east from Playa del Ingles
2. The west site from Playa de Maspalomas next to the Maspalomas Lighthouse
3. Or take the path outside through the RIU Palace Maspalomas Hotel. 

Most people come from the RIU Palace Hotel side as we did soon after the hotel is already the viewpoint - mirador, where you can sit for a while. When you start walking to the dunes and the silky sands, everything looks closer than it actually is. It takes time and can be a bit exhausting climbing up and down the dunes. Don’t come in a rush. You can easily spend half a day around the dunes and the sea.  

New Regulations  

Nowadays, there are strict rules to protect the dunes from shrinking. The sand is drifting to the beach and sea. New sand was brought several times already to let the dunes grow again. There are 8 km of marked trails where visitors are allowed to experience the sand dunes of Maspalomas. Some local people are still not convinced that this will stop the loss of the dunes. The occurring wind and the Atlantic Ocean are damaging the dunes far more. There are plans to guard the dunes in the entire area. This means one day, you can’t walk unrestricted any longer. However, we didn’t see any guard or sign.

Parking Maspalomas Beach and Dunes

You can park your car for free in the entire area. Depending on your arrival time, a little luck is needed to find parking nearby.

• There is plenty of onside road parking, but not enough direction RIU Maspalomas for the busiest time of the day. 
• There is another big car park for the dunes visit where you may find a space Google Maps Link
• At Playa del Ingles is also a big parking lot Google Maps Link

9 Facts About Maspalomas Dunes

1. Stretching 5.6 km from east to west from Playa del Inglés to the Faro de Maspalomas. 
2. It’s an almost one km walk from the inland to the sea 
3. This long stretch of fine sand became the status of a Special Nature Reserve in 1994
4. The sand is not from the Sahara; these are crushed coral reefs from the last ice age. 
5. Access for free
6. The information centre is after the RIU Hotel and is open from 9 am-4 pm only. Restrooms are available near the Info Centre but only during the operating hours.
7. 8 km of maintained trails leading through the dunes and along.
8. Maspalomas Dunes is a famous spot for sunsets.
9. There is a nudist beach close to Playa del Ingles.
    

5 Packing-Tips

1. Wear trainers or flip-flops instead of walking barefoot. The sand can be hot depending on the season and time of day. I saw shards of glass here and there, but not many. 
2. Carry plenty of water, especially during the day. Ultimatly. you may spend more time in the dunes than expected. 
3. Bring a scarf to protect your mouth if it gets too windy. There is lots of wind in Gran Canaria in the south and southeast; therefore, it is famous for kitesurfing.
4. Sun protection and a hat are highly recommended during the day. The sun is intense even in the winter.
5. Towel and swim clothes for a bath in the sea when reaching the very end of the dunes.

Weather Maspalomas 

The south of Gran Canaria is a great destination throughout the year experiencing just a little amount of rain between October to March. The Atlantic Ocean influences the pleasant weather and temperatures in Gran Canaria. It is always a few degrees warmer here at Maspalomas than in the north. It is frequently windy throughout the year, the reason a pullover is needed for the evening. The wind can be an issue on the dunes, and a scarf and glasses are recommended.

Spring (March-May) 

Spring is busy but not too crowded. It is warm, but not too hot. Pleasant temperatures are around 24°C in the south and roughly 22°C in the north. Night temps are, on average, around 16°C. Some quick showers occur during this season, rarely for longer. The sea is refreshingly cold after the winter, around 20°C. 

Summer (June-September)

The summer is hot, almost always sunny, in Maspalomas and Playa Ingles. With climate change, the summer is getting hotter, reaching almost 40°C like in July 2021. It is the second peak season of the year, like elsewhere, due to the summer school holidays. Hotel rates are higher early booking is required. The beaches are crowded in the south. It is a splendid time for sunbathing and swimming. Nevertheless, expect UV 12 during the day.

Sunscreen, a hat, and shade are essential. The sea temp in June is, on average 22°C reaching 24-25°C at the end of the summer. If you also want to hike in the summer, temperatures are bearable in higher elevations and at Pico de las Nieves. However, the sun is intense. Although fall officially starts in September, it is more of a summer month.

Autumn (October-November)

Like spring, autumn is busy but not overrun. Day temperatures in October are still more like summer, at least 25°C, and November is roughly two degrees colder. Night temps are slightly below 20°C. The first rain showers occur in October. Nevertheless, it doesn't rain much in Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles. After the long and hot summer, the sea temperature is warm in autumn, usually around 25°C.

Winter (December-February) 

Winter is one of the peak seasons in Gran Canaria. It never gets too hot, hiking temps are pleasant, and the sea is cold between 19-20°C. Many Europeans visit Gran Canaria to escape the cold winter for a while. Snow occurs only in the mountain range at higher elevations, with occasional rain showers in the south.  

Maspalomas lie in the warmest area of the island. Day temperatures are rather warm, above 20°C in the shade and colder at night, around 15°C. Summer clothes are needed and a jacket for the morning and evening. Even in winter, you easily get sunburnt with UV 6.

Don't miss out on my top tips at the end of the article and for other Gran Canaria and Canary Islands articles.
 

Top Accommodation Next to the Maspalomas Dunes

There are several hotels within walking distance of the Maspalomas Dunes and Beach. The location, the view of the dunes and the sea are sensational in the RIU Palace Maspalomas Hotel just in front of the dunes. You can't wish for better. 

The Lopesan Villa del Conde Resort & Thalasso Hotel is another wonderful accommodation with an excellent location. Next to the hotel is a 24x7 bike rental. That is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a sundowner on the dunes.