Dunas de Maspalomas
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Dunes de Maspalomas

4.8/5 (2,450+ reviews) • 5,000+ visitors this month

Une réserve désertique dorée au bord de l'océan Atlantique

Durée : 2-3h
Entrée : Gratuite
Ouvert : 24/7
Plan Your Visit Free guide • No registration needed
Book Guided Tour From €15 • Highly rated

Un Paysage Unique en Europe

Les Dunes de Maspalomas constituent l'un des paysages les plus singuliers des îles Canaries. Cet espace naturel protégé de 404 hectares, désigné comme Réserve Naturelle Spéciale, combine un champ de dunes mobiles, une lagune côtière (La Charca) et une palmeraie, créant un écosystème unique qui semble transporté directement du Sahara.
Projet MASDUNAS (Gouvernement des Canaries) · Wikipedia

Origine Géologique

Formées lors de la dernière glaciation par des sédiments marins et du sable du Sahara

La Charca (L'Étang)

Cette lagune côtière est un refuge vital pour les oiseaux migrateurs entre l'Europe et l'Afrique. Son eau saumâtre maintient un équilibre délicat qui permet la vie d'espèces uniques.

Flore Endémique

Plantes uniques adaptées aux conditions extrêmes de sel, de vent et de sécheresse. Plus d'informations sur la flore canarienne au Jardín Botánico Canario "Viera y Clavijo".

What Visitors Say

Based on 2,450+ reviews

JM

John M.

"Absolutely stunning at sunset. Felt like being in the Sahara. The new map on this site helped us find the lagoon easily."

LM

Laura M.

"A unique place in Europe. We took the bus and it was super easy. Don't forget water!"

SR

Sarah R.

"Magical place. We went early morning to avoid the heat and the photos turned out incredible."

Three Ecosystems in One

Dunas móviles

The Mobile Dunes

The dune field occupies most of the reserve. The dunes can reach up to 10 meters in height and constantly move due to trade wind action, creating an ever-changing landscape.

  • Barchan and transverse dunes
  • Sand of marine and wind origin
  • Movement of 2-5 meters/year
La Charca

The Lagoon

This coastal lagoon is a vital refuge for migratory birds between Europe and Africa. Its brackish water maintains a delicate balance that allows unique species to thrive.

  • 24 bird species (BirdLife IBA)
  • Migratory rest point
  • Endemic Canarian fish
Palmeral

The Palm Grove

The Canarian palm (Phoenix canariensis) oasis represents the last vestige of the ancient palm groves that covered southern Gran Canaria.

  • Endemic Canarian palm
  • Local fauna refuge
  • Humid microclimate

MASDUNAS Conservation Project

The Maspalomas Dunes are experiencing significant sand loss due to climate change and tourist pressure. The MASDUNAS project actively works to preserve this unique ecosystem.

How you can help:

  • Walk only on marked trails
  • Don't climb dunes for photos
  • Take all your trash with you
  • Don't disturb wildlife

Visual Journey

Explore the diverse landscapes of the reserve

Dune Viewpoint

Riu Palace Viewpoint

Panoramic views of the entire field

Wavy Patterns

Wavy Dune Patterns

Sculpted by trade winds

Sunset at the Dunes

Sunset Magic

Golden hour perfection

La Charca Oasis

La Charca Oasis

Resting spot for migratory birds

Plan Your Visit

Access Points

Maspalomas Beach

Main access from the promenade. Ideal for combining beach and dunes.

Hotel RIU Palace

Entry via Avenida de Tirajana. Direct access to central dunes.

La Charca

Viewpoint with information panels. Best point for bird watching.

Best Times to Visit

Sunrise (6:30-8:00)

Cool temperature, perfect golden light for photography, fewer visitors

Sunset (18:00-20:00)

Spectacular colors, dramatic shadows on dunes, magical moment

🌅 Sunset Calculator: Check the exact sunset and golden hour times for Gran Canaria with this online tool: Sunset Calculator Gran Canaria

Full moon night

Unique experience, silver dunes under moonlight

Practical Tips

What to bring

  • • Sunscreen SPF 50+
  • • Hat and sunglasses
  • • Water (minimum 1L)
  • • Comfortable footwear

Photography

  • • Best light: first and last hour
  • • Protect your gear from sand
  • • Look for patterns in dunes
  • • Respect nature

Complete 2026 Guide

Everything you need to know for your visit.

Interactive Map

Near the Dunes

Maspalomas Lighthouse

Historic lighthouse from 1889, 56m tall

Maspalomas Beach

6km of golden beach next to the dunes

Shopping Center

Restaurants, shops and services

What Visitors Say

"Absolutely stunning! Feels like being in the middle of a vast desert. The sunset view from near Riu Palace is unforgettable."

- Sarah J., UK

"Walking to the lighthouse along the beach is a must. Bring water! It gets hot, but the breeze is lovely."

- Marc T., Germany

"A unique ecosystem. We saw some lizards and birds at La Charca. Please stay on the marked paths to protect the dunes!"

- Elena R., Spain

Ready to explore the Maspalomas Dunes?

Our local guides can help you discover the secrets of this unique landscape

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