Maspalomas: Beach, Nature and History

When looking for a hotel in Maspalomas, start with a question: Should your trip focus mainly on the beach and coastal route, the dunes and birdlife, archaeological history, or leisure attractions? Each of these focuses has specific points of interest. The differences below will help you sort out the topics that matter for your stay.

Beach and coastal route

Playa de Maspalomas offers almost three kilometres of fine golden sand and gentle waves. There are public toilets, showers, foot-washing stations and a beach-cleaning service. Before your trip, check locally which facilities are relevant to your time at the beach. This will help you match the stretch of coastline to the practical needs of your plans.

The Paseo Costa Canaria offers a different perspective: This coastal route, approximately five kilometres long, runs from the beaches of San Agustín, El Inglés and Maspalomas to the viewpoint in the Reserva Natural Especial de las Dunas de Maspalomas nature reserve. If you would like to include both the beach and a route in your plans, this route provides a specific point of reference. There are also designated areas for water sports at the tip of Maspalomas. Since local information on permitted activities may change, check the guidance before making your plans.

Dunes, lagoon and birdlife

The Maspalomas area includes a large dune field, a lagoon and a palm grove. Vegetation is also an important part of the area's natural environment: in Parque Tony Gallardo, it provides shelter for numerous invertebrates and bird species. These include kestrels, long-eared owls, Sardinian warblers, shrikes and Canary Islands chiffchaffs; the diversity of waterbirds is also increasing. Parque Tony Gallardo lies within the boundaries of the Reserva Natural Especial de las Dunas de Maspalomas nature reserve.

A belt of vegetation around the Maspalomas area serves as a refuge and nesting place for birds. The area is also a stopover for migratory birds on their way to the African continent. So, if you are particularly interested in observing nature during your trip, you will find a range of ecological aspects here: habitats in the vegetation and a stopover along a migration route. When visiting the dunes, you should stay in designated areas and on open paths.

The lighthouse and archaeological history

Faro de Maspalomas was inaugurated in 1890. In 2005, the Government of the Canary Islands designated it an Asset of Cultural Interest in the category of Historic Monument. These dates provide two firm historical reference points: the lighthouse's inauguration and its later designation as a monument.

The Punta Mujeres archaeological site offers a glimpse into a different period. It lies about 150 metres west of Faro de Maspalomas, in the direction of Playa de las Meloneras. Archaeological work there identified the remains of six domestic structures. Radiocarbon dating places the settlement between the 7th and 9th centuries; it may have continued until the end of the 15th century. Compared with the lighthouse, Punta Mujeres thus points to a much earlier and more broadly defined history. Maspalomas Golf is also considered Spain's first tourist golf course.

Comparing leisure attractions

If leisure activities are part of your travel plans, the named attractions differ above all in what they offer. 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 park's offerings may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before visiting.

Holidayworld Maspalomas has more than thirty attractions in outdoor and covered areas. These include rides and a children's park with ten different play areas. This describes a different offering from the water park: it includes both outdoor and covered attractions, as well as dedicated play areas for children. These attraction details may also change. Checking the latest information will help you assess the park's offerings in light of your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Trasmontaña, Mogán, Cazadores, Temisas, San Bartolomé De Tirajana, Tenteniguada, Risco Blanco, Arucas.

For the broader travel overview: Gran Canaria.