Las Palmas city guide
Las Palmas is the capital and largest city of Gran Canaria, and the co-capital of the Canary Islands. Las Palmas is the perfect combination of natural beauty, history and modern amenities.
Sandy dunes in the south of Gran Canaria
Maspalomas is located in the south of Gran Canaria, in the heart of one of the most visited coastlines in Europe. The beaches of Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Meloneras are home to a large number of hotels, tourist apartments, many leisure options to enjoy during the day, and a vibrant nightlife around the beaches.
Maspalomas not only has a spectacular beach and unparalleled weather, but it is also surrounded by a sea of dunes, which makes the scenery and the experience all the more special.
You will also find a centuries-old lighthouse that beckoned in the first tourists to the area and is responsible for it becoming such a tourist destination.
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What is maspalomas gran canaria like?
First off, Maspalomas is located on the island of Gran Canaria, in the Spanish Canary Island Archipelago. This island chain is located south of Spain, off the coast of Morrocco. These islands enjoy a tropical climate, and some of the best weather you will find anywhere.
Maspalomas beach is a 3 kilometer wide stretch of idyllic, white golden sand and warm turquoise water, in the south of the island. The beach is 60 km from the capital of Las Palmas, which is about an hour’s drive.
Leading up to the beach itself there is a wide stretch of dunes, that makes for a pretty breathtaking backdrop. The ecosystem of the Maspalomas dunes has enormous natural value, which fights to be conserved while being forced to coexist with the tourist development of the area.
A number of studies have been carried out recently carried out on its conservation, promoted by the General Directorate of Coasts and by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria.
Also part of this special ecosystem is a small lagoon known as the “Charca de Maspalomas”. This lagoon is a unique little safe-haven that is home to a wide array of birds, fish, and other wildlife.
Where is Maspalomas beach?
As we have mentioned, Maspalomas is located in the south of the Island of Gran Canaria, about an hour from the capital of Las Palmas.
It is this unique location that creates the weather conditions for the sprawling dunes that surround the coast.
What to do at Maspalomas beach?
Nowadays this area is a popular tourist destination, with tons of fun things to enjoy in the area.
The busy promenade area is a perfect place to do some shopping, make a stop after the beach, go out for dinner, or just have a drink looking while you enjoy the amazing views.
Just a few meters from the promenade, you will find the entrance to the Maspalomas Dunes Natural Reserve, made up of three ecosystems: the palm grove, the lagoon, and the dunes. The whole area is a huge natural space of exceptional value.
There is also a whole slew of activities that can be enjoyed in the area:
The Lighthouse at Maspalomas
The decision to raise a lighthouse in 1861 and it took 28 years to build. At that time the place was an uninhabited area, cut off from the rest of the island. For the construction of the 55-meter high lighthouse, a dock was set up to unload the materials, which could only be reached by sea.
The light of the lighthouse was turned on in 1890. It helped to guide ships that sailed routes between Europe and America.
The lighthouse was the only building for kilometers, at the end of a long line of sand that began in what is now Playa del Inglés.
Video tour of Maspalomas beach
Other attractions in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria offfers a bit of all the best to be found in the Canary islands. Excellent beaches, quaint villages, one of the best historic districts and beautiful natural areas. Discover in this guide all the things Gran Canaria offers and build your perfect holiday in the island!
