Maspalomas
Maspalomas is best known for its magnificent sand dunes, protected as a nature reserve. Part of the original expanse was destroyed in a flurry of construction in the 1960s and 1970s; many plant and animal species were lost: at that time, but the authorities are working to reintroduce them. Today Maspalomas is one of the Canary Islands' largest resorts, butt it's still easy to find a peaceful spot in which to enjoy the sun away from the tourist crowds.
Maspalomas's distinctive 19th-century lighthouse
Q Small kiosks called chi ringuitos are dotted around the beach, should you need a sandwich or a cold beer. A better plan might be to take a picnic and eat lunch on a bench next to the lagoon, where you can look out for bird life and avoid getting sand in your sandwiches!^
Top 10 Features
Maspalomas's distinctive 19th-century lighthouse
Q Small kiosks called chi ringuitos are dotted around the beach, should you need a sandwich or a cold beer. A better plan might be to take a picnic and eat lunch on a bench next to the lagoon, where you can look out for bird life and avoid getting sand in your sandwiches!^
©Walk through the dunes in the early morning or late evening to avoid burning your feet.
• Information centre: open 9am-9pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm Sat
• Golf green fees: €50.00 (summer), €75.00 (winter)
• Camel rides: 9:30am-4pm daily. €10.00 (adults), €6.00 (children)
1 Sand Dunes
2 Information Centre
3 Maspalomas Beach
4 Lagoon and Palm Grove
5 Bird-watching
6 Lighthouse
7 Golf Course
8 Camel Rides
9 Mirador 0 The Resort
!Sand Dunes
Contrary to popular belief, these 400 ha (988 acres) of golden sand (right) didn't blow across from the nearby Sahara Desert; they washed up from the ocean. While a large part is constantly on the move, there is also a stable section, home to a variety of flora and bird life. Stick to the signed routes to protect the ecosystem.
@ Information Centre
The small information centre explains the origins of the dunes, and the plant and animal life you can expect to spot. Find out about the conservation efforts and environmental problems, or arrange to join a guided walk.
# Maspalomas Beach
This (below) is Gran Canaria's supreme beach. Families favour the calmer seas near the lighthouse. The section closest to Playa del Inglés is used by nudists.
$ Lagoon and $ Palm Grove
A few palm trees and date palms remain of a grove all but destroyed by construction. Keep an eye out for mullet, guppies and bream in the murky waters of the small lagoon alongside it.
Be aware that the dunes are a renowned cruising area for gay men.
% Bird-watching
As well as local species, a wealth of migrating birds use the site as a pit stop. In spring and autumn look out for kingfisher, heron, curlew and egret, along with the usual nesting birds - kestrel, plover and moorhen. Less common species include osprey, courser and grey duck, all of which are close to being wiped out here by man's activities.
Maspalomas
* Camel Rides
Pretend you really are in the desert as yoi ride through the dunes on the back of a dromedary. Trips leave from the east side of the ravine, just to the north of the lagoon. A half-hour ride takes you through areas thick with daisies anc tamarisk, and is one way to avoid burning your feet.
H Lighthouse
Standing in a square lined with palm trees is one of the island's most striking landmarks. The 55-m (180-ft) lighthouse was built in the late 19th century by local engineer Juan de León y Castillo.
Mirador
You'll get a fine view and some super snaps from the mirador, or viewing point, near the information centre. This is where the nature walks through the dunes start.
) The Resort
The area is still best known as a major tourist resort favoured by northern Europeans. Maspalomas is constantly growing as construction-fever fails to wane, but it is a far more exclusive resort than its raucous, party-all-night neighbour Plays del Inglés.
Golf Course
Unrivalled weather and vistas of the dunes and ocean beyond make Maspalomas's golf course (abovej special. Non-members are welcome to tee off here.
Conservation, not Construction
Today, local government is attempting to repair the havoc wreaked by mass construction, with schemes to reintroduce bird and plant species once common in the area. Not so long ago, the priority was to profit from the dunes at all costs, even if it meant giving planning approval to projects that would inevitably damage the fragile ecosystem. The demolition of a half-built hotel in the dunes in 1989 was a turning point in saving Gran Canaria's most notable landscape from total destruction.
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