Spain is known for the diversity of its landscapes on the peninsula, but also for its vast range of islands. Among them, the Canary Islands archipelago adds an exotic touch to the Iberian country’s coastline, offering its visitors a getaway full of contrasts between volcanic lands, beaches and native fauna.
Among all the islands, Gran Canaria is one of the main reasons for the mass arrival of tourists. Known as “miniature continent”, It offers an astonishing diversity of landscapes ranging from vast golden sandy beaches to rugged mountains and fertile valleys.
The Dunes of Maspalomas, a unique ecosystem
One of its main treasures is the Special Natural Reserve of the Dunes of Maspalomas, an enclave of approximately 400 hectares of a unique ecosystem, protected since 1987 for its environmental importance. It is located in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, on the south coast of the island, close to popular sandy areas like Playa del Inglés.
The Maspalomas dune system is in constant motion, transformed from day to day by the action of the wind. The sand that forms the dunes comes largely from fragments of marine organisms, such as shells and corals, that ocean currents have deposited on the coast. This feature gives the sand a unique color and texture, differentiating it from other sandy areas around the world, which adds another attraction for visitors looking for something different.
The dunes of Maspalomas are one of the main tourist attractions on the island of Gran Canaria
The natural area of Maspalomas is divided into three zones: the dunes, the lagoon and the palm grove. Although each has its own ecological characteristics, together they form an interconnected ecosystem. The Charca de Maspalomas, for example, is a wetland that becomes a temporary refuge for migratory birds, which further increases the environmental importance of the place, being a point of great interest for nature lovers.
The Maspalomas lighthouse, the oldest in the Canary Islands
One of the main monuments of this area is the Maspalomas Lighthouse, which dates back to 1890 and it is the oldest in the Canary Islands. This lighthouse has been transformed into a cultural center and is the starting point for a low-difficulty hiking route. The route, approximately seven kilometers round trip, allows visitors to fully explore this fascinating dune landscape by following in the footsteps of those who have traveled it before.
