Dunes Maspalomas and La Charca
Even if you are not a nature lover, you will enjoy a walk through the dunes and the La Charca nature reserve. For us it was love at first sight when we discovered this beautiful place. Discover why La Charca is so special and add a unique experience to your holiday with sun and beach.
Photo Verschueren Eddy
The Dune Landscape and the Influence of Tourism
The Dunes of Maspalomas are without a doubt the biggest crowd puller for the thousands of tourists who come to Gran Canaria every year. It is a protected nature reserve of 5 square kilometers, and that is necessary because climate change, but also tourism, are drastically affecting this beautiful natural phenomenon. According to writings, the dunes obtained their current shape due to a tsunami that occurred in the year 1755 after an earthquake.
Photo Verschueren Eddy
With the arrival of Playa del Ingles, tourism in Gran Canaria has increased significantly. Although the dune landscape is partly protected to preserve its natural beauty, this also has drawbacks. Hardly any new sand is brought in to maintain the sand hills, posing a challenge to the preservation of this unique landscape.
The golden yellow sand consists of pulverized lime and shells supplemented with volcanic sand. Despite the predominance of sand, plant growth is still visible. When you see the dunes for the first time, you immediately think of the Sahara because of the beautiful high sand dunes. The view of the dunes is different every day, which is why they are popularly called the “mobile dunes”.
Today the dunes are further south than 40 years ago. At the time, the sand dunes extended much further north, which is a sign of the dynamic nature of this landscape.
If you look at the dunes from the Paseo Costa Canario, the walking boulevard, you think from here I will take a short route to the beach. I tried it once in the afternoon, and that was the last time I tried it. Appearances can be deceiving, it seems like an eternity once you have started the journey before you finally see the refreshing ocean appear on the horizon.
Book your holidays to Gran Canaria and enjoy the natural beauty. Plan a walk in the beautiful dunes – a must for nature lovers. Bear in mind that it can be an exhausting hike, but the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile. Make sure to bring plenty of water to avoid dehydration and wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet.
Don’t forget your camera and or video camera so you have great memories of this unique dune area. The dunes are located between Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles. In Maspalomas, the dunes end in a unique nature reserve La Charca.
La Charca, migratory birds use it as a breeding ground
La Charca is a brackish water area between the sea and the dunes, where migratory birds rest during their journey from Europe to Africa. Maspalomas is home to three unique ecosystems: El Palmeral (the Palm Tree Forest), La Charca (the Lake) and Las Dunas (the Dunes). The dune area (Las Dunas de Maspalomas) is a special and protected nature reserve that can only be found on the island of Gran Canaria.
Lizards and insects in La Charca de Maspalomas
Also abundant are insect species, including some endemic, related to African wildlife, known only in this area, such as the giant lizard of Gran Canaria ( Gallotia stehlini ) that can be spotted in abundance. There are eight species that are endemic on the Canary Islands off the southern coast of Morocco.
If you meet these animals for the first time during a walk, it is a bit of a shock when they suddenly walk in front of your feet. They are very roughly built, have a large head and stocky body. This lizard can grow up to 80 cm. You can also spot the creatures at the “Punta de Mujeres” on Boulevard El Faro.The area has an important ecological value and is also a perfect bird breeding ground.
Photo Verschueren Eddy
However, the area is significantly affected by the presence of mass tourism, causing serious damage to it. Research has shown that if no action is taken, the dune landscape will change into a barren area within ninety years. A good reason to visit the sand dune landscape as soon as possible
Unlimited Enjoyment: Naturism in the Free Nature
When you think of nude sunbathing in our countries, we think of a demarcated strictly guarded zone. naturism in Maspalomas is legally allowed within a certain zone and is defined by national and regional legislation. The naturist zones are public and therefore not closed off from others who just want to enjoy themselves in swimming costumes or trunks.
Photo Verschueren Eddy
You will therefore regularly encounter naked people during your walk through the dunes or along the beach. This may indeed take some getting used to for some of you, but remember that we were all born this way.
These nude zones are also a meeting place for gays and lesbians. Maspalomas is known worldwide as the Gay Paradise. But don’t worry, these people won’t bother you at all.
Mirador de las Dunas, a viewpoint on the dunes
A stunning viewpoint or panorama of these Maspalomas dunes can be had from the “Mirador de las Dunas” created in 2015. This viewpoint can be found at the hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas( map ). This renovated viewpoint is a large square built in tiers just like an arena. You can enjoy the dunes in peace while sitting or lying there
Other panoramas of the dunes and Oasis de Maspalomas, you have from Avenida de Estados Unidos and Avenida de Francia in the territory of Playa del Inglés. The Mirador de las Dunas can also be reached on foot from Paseo Costa Canaria, the promenade along Playa del Inglés beach. By the public transport from Global, bus no 33 and 90 will also get you close to the viewpoint.
Perhaps another tip, the La Charca reserve can be viewed live via the webcam Maspalomas. There is a choice between Webcam Beach and Webcam La Charca.