The Maspalomas are famous sand dunes located on the south shore of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. The dunes stretch over an area of 400 hectares, and as of 1987, they are a natural reservation under state protection.
The never-ending sand hills will make its visitors feel like they are in a real desert. However, as opposed to a desert, in Maspalomas, the visitors are greeted with a big, beautiful beach just after the dunes end, where they can enjoy everything that the sun and ocean have to offer. Maspalomas are a true heaven on Earth, the kind only nature can create. The dunes are sand deposits made by the continuous wind blowing sand over to the shores of Gran Canaria, where the sand has been collecting for years.
However, Maspalomas isn’t only famous for its vast areas covered with dunes, its sea and great climate. The area is also famous for the old lighthouse, which witnessed the first arrival of tourists and the making of the area into a tourist haven.
The decision for the construction of the lighthouse was made in 1861, but the first light was seen almost 30 years later, in 1890. The lighthouse was used for navigating the steam-boats of the time, which sailed on sea routes between Europe, Africa and America.
This lighthouse used to stand alone in the dunes, but today, the situation is far different. This particular area is a popular tourist location, and there are now many hotels, restaurants and shops just before the entrance to the reservation. But, there are still places on the large beach where one can find solitude, as well as a designated nudist beach.
We highly recommend visiting the Maspalomas sand dunes, as they are a truly unique experience you will surely enjoy.
