Maspalomas sand dunes with Atlantic in distance
Attraction

Maspalomas Dunes — visit guide

5 min read

Maspalomas Dunes — the Gran Canaria icon

The Maspalomas Dunes are a 400-hectare protected natural reserve at the southern tip of Gran Canaria — golden sand dunes rising 12 meters, sitting between the Playa del Inglés resort strip and the Atlantic coast. The closest thing in Europe to a Sahara experience.

Where to stay

Our Spain hotels for this trip

Servatur Playa Bonita — our Playa del Inglés pick, walking distance to the dunes.

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Playa del Inglés, GC

Servatur Playa Bonita

★★★★
Beach Resort
Members rate

✓ Up to 60% off public rates

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Best for

  • Photographers (sunrise light)
  • Families with kids 5+ (camel tour)
  • Couples on a sunset walk

Why stay here

  • 400-hectare protected dune reserve — the only such landscape in Europe.
  • Walking distance from Playa del Inglés resort strip.
  • Camel tours and quiet Atlantic beach access on the south side.

The walk

Enter from any of three access points on the resort side — most travelers start at the Anexo II Hotel entry. Walk 30 min south through the dunes to the lighthouse and the protected lagoon (La Charca). Sunrise walks (6–8 AM) are the photo opportunity — golden light, no crowds, cooler sand.

Camel tours and beach access

Camel tours run from Cami del Polígono — 20-min loop through the dunes, €20 per person. Tourist-friendly, kids enjoy. Beach access south of the dunes — a quieter stretch of Atlantic beach than Playa del Inglés proper.
“Maspalomas is the closest thing in Europe to a Sahara experience — protected dunes between European resort and Atlantic coast.”

What's nearby

Getting around

Walking from Playa del Inglés. Camel tours from Cami del Polígono. Wear closed shoes — sand gets hot midday in summer.

When to visit

Year-round. Sunrise (6–8 AM) or sunset (5–7 PM) for light + cooler sand. Avoid midday June–Sep (45°C sand surface).

Frequently asked questions

Are the dunes walkable barefoot?

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Yes early morning and evening. Midday in summer the sand reaches 45°C — wear closed shoes.

Is it kid-friendly?

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Yes — short walks possible. Camel tours suit ages 5+. Bring water.

Best time for photos?

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Sunrise (6–8 AM) — golden side-light on the dunes, no people in shot.

Are the dunes really protected?

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Yes — Spanish nature reserve since 1987. No vehicles or building inside the protected zone.

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