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Maspalomas

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City
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Maspalomas (Spain)
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Practical info — Maspalomas

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Walk the sand dunes early morning or late evening; the sand gets blisteringly hot barefoot during the day.
  • Stay on the marked paths in the dunes reserve to protect the fragile ecosystem and avoid fines.
  • Parking near the Faro (lighthouse) is expensive; use the free parking areas a bit further out in Meloneras or Playa del Inglés and walk.
  • The wind can be quite strong on the beach; consider renting a sunbed with a windbreak if you plan to stay long.

🍽 Food

🍽
Fresh Atlantic seafood

Head to the restaurants along the Meloneras promenade near the lighthouse for the best ocean catches.

🍽
Ropa Vieja

Try this traditional Canarian chickpea and meat stew in one of the local taverns set back from the beach.

🍽
Tropical fruit juices

Grab a freshly blended papaya or mango juice from beachside kiosks.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Aloe Vera products

Gran Canaria is known for aloe; buy pure local gels at the shopping centers or specialty stores near the promenade.

🛍
Designer clothing and perfumes

Boulevard El Faro in Meloneras has high-end tax-free shopping right by the ocean.

🧘
Charco de Maspalomas

Birdwatch at this small lagoon oasis near the lighthouse, especially tranquil at sunrise.

🧘
Parque Botánico de Maspalomas

Escape the beach crowds in this peaceful, free-entry botanical garden filled with tropical plants.

Highlights of 2026

6

Maspalomas, located on the sunny southern coast of Gran Canaria, is much more than just a holiday resort; it is a natural wonder of international significance. The centerpiece is the Dunas de Maspalomas, a 400-hectare nature reserve whose golden sand seems to come straight from the Sahara, although it is actually of organic origin. This majestic desert landscape borders directly on the Atlantic Ocean and constantly changes shape due to the wind. At the western end of the dunes stands the 60-meter-high Faro de Maspalomas, a lighthouse that has guided ships since 1890 and is now a cultural landmark. In addition to the dunes, the area is home to "La Charca", a brackish water lagoon that is an important resting place for migratory birds on their way to Africa. The resort gives a well-suited blend of relaxation on the kilometers of beaches and entertainment in modern hotel complexes. Strolls along the promenade lead past exclusive shops and restaurants, while the view is always directed towards the vast ocean. Maspalomas is a symbol of the diversity of the Canaries, where desert and sea meet in a fascinating way. Gran Canaria joined the 2024 Canary anti-tourism protests, with water restrictions in several southern municipalities due to persistent drought. The Maspalomas dunes are under heightened ecological monitoring.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C181818192021222323232119
Rain mm1822151062258172428

Live webcam – Maspalomas

See what it looks like near Maspalomas right now.

Maspalomas › South: Mirador Dunas Santa Mónica - Playa del Inglés - El Veril · 1.7 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
36,065
Coordinates
27.76060, -15.58560

Facts

  • The dune area covers an area of approximately 400 hectares.
  • The Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse is 60 meters tall.
  • The dunes have been a special nature reserve since 1994.
  • Over 20 different bird species live in the La Charca lagoon.
  • The construction of the lighthouse took 28 years due to its location.
  • Maspalomas receives over 2 million tourists annually.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Maspalomas (14)

Faro de Maspalomas

Completed in 1890, this iconic lighthouse is a landmark of the resort and marks the southernmost point of Gran Canaria.

Dunas de Maspalomas

A vast nature reserve featuring massive sand dunes that resemble the Sahara, located directly along the Atlantic coast.

Playa de Maspalomas

Stretching for kilometers along the coast of Maspalomas, this golden sand beach perfectly borders a remarkable natural dune reserve. Visitors will encounter a serene yet expansive environment, excellent for long shoreline walks and refreshing ocean swims. Bringing plenty of water and sunscreen is a good idea for a full day of sunbathing here.

La Charca de Maspalomas

A natural brackish water lagoon at the edge of the dunes, serving as an important sanctuary for migratory birds.

Holiday World Maspalomas

A large amusement park with rides, bowling, and a food court, providing entertainment for families and tourists.

Mirador de las Dunas

An elevated viewpoint located near the Riu Palace Hotel, offering the best overview of the entire dune landscape.

Monumento a Cristóbal Colón

This monument commemorates Christopher Columbus's visits to the Canary Islands during his historic voyages.

Paseo Costa Canaria

A scenic coastal promenade that runs along the shore, offering beautiful views and a pleasant route for walking.

Playa Meloneras🎡 recreation

Resting in the beautiful coastal area of Maspalomas, Playa Meloneras provides a more refined and relaxed seaside escape. It is a wonderful location for those wanting to sunbathe quietly or enjoy a peaceful swim away from the largest crowds. A morning visit allows for the most tranquil experience by the water.

Playa de las mujeres🎡 recreation

Tucked beautifully into the Maspalomas area, this photogenic beach segment appeals to those seeking a closer connection with nature. The atmosphere is generally subdued, making it an excellent spot for uninterrupted sunbathing and leisurely wading in the sea. It is a fantastic choice for a laid-back summer afternoon getaway.

Pasito Bea - Playa de las Mujeres🎡 recreation

Showcasing the natural coastal beauty of Maspalomas, Pasito Bea has a completely authentic and unspoiled beach environment. Visitors looking to escape the typical resort vibe will love the chance to swim and relax in such a raw setting. Sturdy footwear is helpful for exploring the natural terrain surrounding the sand.

Piscina San Fernando👨‍👩‍👧 family

An outdoor public swimming pool complex with sunbathing area in San Fernando, Maspalomas.

heated pool👨‍👩‍👧 family

This heated swimming pool in Maspalomas provides a comfortable environment for swimming throughout the year.

Aqualand Maspalomas👨‍👩‍👧 family

Aqualand Maspalomas is a large water park featuring various slides and pools for a family day out.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Maspalomas Dunes?
It is a unique nature reserve of shifting sand dunes located right by the sea on Gran Canaria.
Where is the lighthouse located?
The 'Faro de Maspalomas' stands at the southern end of the town and marks the beginning of the beachfront promenade.
Is Maspalomas suitable for families?
Yes, there are calm beach sections, water parks (Aqualand), and Palmitos Park nearby.
Are there nudist areas?
Yes, in the middle sections of the dunes between Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, there are designated nudist zones.
What is 'La Charca'?
It is a small lagoon at the edge of the dunes, serving as an important resting place for migratory birds.
Maspalomas: where is it located?
Maspalomas is located in Spain.
Maspalomas: what is there to see?
Highlights include Faro de Maspalomas, Dunas de Maspalomas, Playa de Maspalomas.
Maspalomas: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Nov.
Maspalomas: why is it worth visiting?
Maspalomas, located on the sunny southern coast of Gran Canaria, is much more than just a holiday resort; it is a natural wonder of international significance.
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