{"id":978,"date":"2018-12-22T05:19:27","date_gmt":"2018-12-22T05:19:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grancanariaplan.com\/blog\/?p=978"},"modified":"2026-08-15T12:37:22","modified_gmt":"2026-08-15T12:37:22","slug":"maspalomas-dunes-gran-canaria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grancanariaplan.com\/blog\/en\/maspalomas-dunes-gran-canaria\/","title":{"rendered":"Maspalomas Dunes: Access, Trails & Visitor Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Maspalomas Dunes are one of Gran Canaria\u2019s most distinctive landscapes, but they are not an unrestricted sand playground.<\/strong> They form part of a protected nature reserve in the south of the island, between Playa del Ingl\u00e9s and Maspalomas, and visitors should stay within marked routes and permitted areas to protect the dune system, the Maspalomas lagoon and local wildlife.<\/p>\n

For a first visit, the simplest plan is to combine a viewpoint, a walk through the permitted routes, the beach and Maspalomas Lighthouse<\/strong> in one outing. Allow roughly two to four hours depending on whether you want a short walk or also plan to spend time by the sea.<\/p>\n

Where are the Maspalomas Dunes?<\/h2>\n

The reserve lies in the municipality of San Bartolom\u00e9 de Tirajana, at the southern tip of Gran Canaria. It links the resort areas of Playa del Ingl\u00e9s<\/strong> and Maspalomas<\/strong> and brings together three contrasting environments: the dune field, a palm grove and the Charca de Maspalomas lagoon.<\/p>\n

The area is protected because it is environmentally sensitive. Official visitor guidance is clear: use the marked paths and permitted areas and follow all signs and barriers<\/strong>. Check the latest conservation advice on the official Gran Canaria tourism website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Best entrance and route for a first visit<\/h2>\n

One of the easiest access points is beside the Riu Palace Maspalomas in Playa del Ingl\u00e9s.<\/strong> A viewpoint here gives you a good sense of the scale of the dune field before you start walking.<\/p>\n

\"Maspalomas
The dunes constantly change with the wind, so always explore them using the permitted routes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From this side you can follow the authorised itineraries towards the coast. Another good option is to start near Maspalomas Lighthouse<\/strong>, walk beside the lagoon and continue towards the beach and the edge of the dune system.<\/p>\n

You do not need to cross the entire reserve to enjoy it. With children, in hot weather or if you simply want a shorter visit, the viewpoint plus part of a marked route is enough.<\/p>\n

How much time do you need?<\/h2>\n