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Gran Canaria Excursions

Things to Do in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Sand dunes, a lighthouse and long beaches at Gran Canaria's southern tip, between the resorts of Playa del Inglés and Meloneras.

Activities

7 activities

  • Roque Nublo rock pillar on a pine-covered ridge in Gran Canaria, above a sea of clouds with a distant volcanic peak

    Maspalomas

    Roque Nublo hike from Maspalomas with local guides

    A small-group walk to Roque Nublo with two local guides, reserved access to the rock, a picnic in the mountains and a stop in the village of Tunte. Pick-up in Maspalomas included.

    5 h 30 minFrom €87

  • Two camels in bridles and colourful tasselled saddle blankets against a blue sky, with bare branches behind them

    Maspalomas

    Camel ride in the Maspalomas sand dunes

    A 30-minute camel ride through the sandy landscape beside the Maspalomas dunes, with Sahrawi guides and two-seater saddles so you sit beside your companion rather than on the hump.

    30 minFrom €18

  • A white sailing catamaran with passengers on deck heads across the open sea under a clear sky

    Puerto Rico

    Afrikat catamaran cruise from Puerto Rico

    A four and a half hour catamaran trip along the south-west coast with a stop to swim and snorkel, a meal made by the crew and unlimited drinks on board.

    4 h 30 minFrom €77

  • Off-road buggy with two riders in face buffs and sunglasses raising dust on a dirt track below a bare volcanic mountain

    Maspalomas

    Buggy tour through the Ayagaures canyons

    A two-hour guided buggy drive into the south of Gran Canaria, on tarmac and dirt tracks, with viewpoints over the Ayagaures Valley, its reservoir and the mountains around it.

    2 hoursFrom €65

  • Two scuba divers making a heart shape with their hands above a rocky seabed in clear blue water

    Puerto Rico

    Try Scuba Diving with Guided Dive

    Dive into the clear waters of Gran Canaria, guided by experienced instructors. Encounter diverse marine life in a safe scuba diving adventure that is ideal for beginners.

    2 hoursFrom €89

What to do here

Good to know

Maspalomas is best known for its dunes: a protected area since 1987 and a Special Nature Reserve since 1994, covering about 400 hectares. The reserve has three parts: the moving dunes, La Charca lagoon, where migrating birds stop between Europe and Africa, and a grove of Canary palms.

The dunes

The dunes are a Special Nature Reserve of a little over 400 hectares, and entry is free. The easiest ways in are from the beach at Playa del Inglés and from the lighthouse end at Maspalomas. The beach in front of the dunes is open as normal.

The rules

  • Stay on the marked paths, about 8 km of them. Walking across the open dune field, sliding down the dunes and lying in the vegetation are not allowed.
  • Wardens and police patrol the reserve and can fine people who leave the paths. Most offences happen around sunset.
  • The naturist areas are on the beach, not inside the reserve.
  • The reserve has a free interpretation centre, and guided visits can be booked.

When to go

  • From September to May the heat is gentler. In summer the sand in the middle of the dunes gets very hot from late morning.
  • Early morning is the quietest time. The late afternoon light is the best for photos, but that's also when the paths are busiest.
  • There's no shade. Take water, a hat and sun cream, and wear shoes you can walk in sand with.

The lighthouse and Meloneras

The Maspalomas lighthouse, 56 metres tall and finished in 1890, stands at the western end of the beach. Inside there's an ethnographic centre with local crafts. The seafront promenade continues west from the lighthouse into Meloneras, lined with restaurants.

Nearby

Aqualand and Palmitos Park are a short drive inland, and buggy tours head up into the Ayagaures valley behind the resort.

Good to know

  • There's no shade in the dunes. Take water, a hat and sun cream, even for a short walk.
  • La Charca is best early in the morning, when there are fewer people and more birds.