In Maspalomas, the coast, dune landscape and historical remains meet. The different themes can help you choose what to see without requiring you to follow a fixed daily itinerary.

Coast and dunes as distinct highlights

Playa de Maspalomas offers almost three kilometres of fine, golden sand and gentle waves. Public toilets, showers, foot-washing stations and a beach-cleaning service are also available. Check locally before your trip to confirm which facilities are available. There are designated areas for water sports at the tip of Maspalomas; as local information about their use may change, it is worth checking the latest details before your visit.

The Paseo Costa Canaria offers another perspective on the coast: the approximately five-kilometre route leads from the beaches of San Agustín, El Inglés and Maspalomas to the viewpoint at the Reserva Natural Especial de las Dunas de Maspalomas. The almost three kilometres refer to Playa de Maspalomas, while the roughly five kilometres refer to the route—two different measures for the beach and the coastal path.

Landscape and birdlife

The Maspalomas area includes a large dune field, a lagoon and a palm grove. When visiting the dunes, follow the clear guidance: stay in designated areas and on permitted paths. This way, the natural environment remains part of your trip planning, rather than just a backdrop for a beach day.

Parque Tony Gallardo lies within the boundary of the Reserva Natural Especial de las Dunas de Maspalomas. Its vegetation provides shelter for numerous invertebrates and bird species. These include kestrels, long-eared owls, Sardinian warblers, shrikes and Canary Island chiffchaffs; the diversity of waterbirds is also increasing. A belt of vegetation around the Maspalomas area serves as a refuge and nesting site for birds. The area is also a stopover for migratory birds on their way to the African continent.

History between the lighthouse and the archaeological site

Faro de Maspalomas was inaugurated in 1890. In 2005, the Government of the Canary Islands designated it a Site of Cultural Interest in the category of Historic Monument. The archaeological site of Punta Mujeres lies about 150 metres west of the lighthouse, in the direction of Playa de las Meloneras. Archaeological work there identified the remains of six domestic structures.

Radiocarbon dating places the settlement of Punta Mujeres between the 7th and 9th centuries; it may have continued until the end of the 15th century. This dating is deliberately qualified: the earlier period is specified, while the later continuation is a possibility. Maspalomas Golf also has a historical distinction: the course is considered Spain’s first tourist golf course.

Leisure activities with different profiles

Aqualand Maspalomas is a water park with around twenty attractions suitable for all age groups. Named attractions include Hurakan, Tukakame and Misol-ha. As the offering may change, check the current attractions before visiting. Holidayworld Maspalomas has more than thirty attractions in outdoor and indoor areas, including rides and a children’s park with ten different play areas; this selection may also change.

Palmitos Park offers the educational programme “Encuentro con delfines” (“Encounter with Dolphins”). Participation details may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before visiting. The activities differ in theme and scope: a water park, rides, children’s play areas and an educational programme about dolphins are not interchangeable experiences. Consider which ones really suit your trip instead of trying to fit them all into the same day.

Choose accommodation based on your travel priorities

If you are comparing holiday apartments in Maspalomas, a short list of priorities can help: should your trip focus mainly on Playa de Maspalomas, the dunes and their birdlife, historical sites or leisure activities? Your priorities do not all need to fit into a single day’s itinerary. Choose accommodation to suit your own travel plans and leave room for breaks between different activities.

Discover more destinations: San Lorenzo, Arinaga, Gáldar, Tejeda, Guía, Firgas, Teror, Tenteniguada

For the overview of the wider destination: Gran Canaria.