Dunes Maspalomas: An Ethical Guide to Exploring Gran Canaria's Natural Wonder

Visiting the Maspalomas dunes responsibly doesn’t require special knowledge, just a bit of awareness. The area is protected, and the landscape changes constantly due to wind and sand movement, so even small actions can have long-term impacts.

Below are a few simple guidelines that help preserve the dunes while still allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.

Walking is one of the best ways to experience the dunes, but it’s important to:

• follow marked paths where indicated

• avoid trampling fragile areas or vegetation

• resist the temptation to create new tracks in the sand

Sticking to established routes helps protect the natural balance of the dune system and keeps the area accessible for future visitors.

Our favourite access point is the large square near the Cita shopping centre, where you can park for free and which is right in the middle of the pedestrian path that runs along the entire dune area (click here to reach this access point)

Timing makes a big difference when visiting the dunes:

• early morning offers cooler temperatures and softer light

• late afternoon and sunset provide dramatic colors and longer shadows

• midday heat can make walking uncomfortable, especially in summer

Planning your visit around the light and temperature not only improves comfort but also reduces stress on both visitors and the environment.

A little tip that can really make a difference: always check the wind forecast before planning a visit to the Maspalomas dunes. Being a frequently windy area, days with strong sea winds are quite common throughout the year. In these conditions, we recommend postponing your visit: the wind risks ruining the experience (blowing sand, poor visibility, a less pleasant hike). 

For a quick check, you can use various weather apps; we use Windy, which is free and generally very reliable.

The dunes may look close to the resort areas, but conditions can be more demanding than expected.

We recommend:

• closed or secure footwear

• water, even for short walks

• sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

• light layers if visiting later in the day, as wind can pick up quickly

Being prepared helps you enjoy the visit without cutting it short or leaving the area prematurely.

As mentioned above, because it immediately evokes images of good weather, many people forget to check the forecast. And it's true: the area is sunny most of the year. At the same time, however, days with strong winds are far from uncommon.
Avoiding these days is essential to truly enjoying the experience. In this sense, the free Windy app is a very useful tool (and one we use often ourselves).

The Maspalomas dunes are a living ecosystem. To help preserve it:

• do not leave waste or objects behind

• avoid disturbing wildlife

• keep noise to a minimum

• take photos without altering the surroundings

Responsible behavior ensures that the dunes remain a place of natural beauty rather than a theme-park experience.

When there’s little noise and fewer people, the dunes feel less like a tourist spot and more like a natural landscape shaped only by wind and light.

Choosing the right time to visit the Maspalomas dunes can completely change the experience. Light, temperature, wind, and the number of visitors all play a role in how enjoyable and comfortable your walk will be.

Visiting early in the morning offers several advantages:

• cooler temperatures, especially in warmer months

• softer light that highlights the shapes of the dunes

• a quieter atmosphere with fewer people

It’s often the best time for a relaxed walk and for appreciating the natural rhythm of the landscape.

Late afternoon and sunset are popular and for good reason:

• warmer tones and long shadows create dramatic views

• temperatures become more comfortable after midday heat

• the light changes quickly, making the landscape feel different every few minutes

This is a great moment for photography or a slower, more contemplative visit.

Midday visits are possible but come with some challenges:

• higher temperatures

• stronger sun reflection from the sand

• less shade and fewer natural breaks

The Maspalomas dunes are not just a scenic attraction; they are a protected natural area with a fragile ecosystem that depends on balance and care. Wind, sand movement, and native species all play a role in shaping this unique landscape, which means preservation is essential.

Respecting the dunes doesn’t mean limiting the experience; it means understanding how to enjoy it without altering what makes it special.

The dune system is constantly evolving. Human activity, even when unintentional, can:

• accelerate erosion

• disturb wildlife

• alter natural sand movement

• damage vegetation that helps stabilize the dunes

Protective measures are in place to ensure that the landscape remains intact for future generations.

Respecting the dunes doesn’t mean limiting the experience; it means understanding how to enjoy it without altering what makes it special.

Even frequent visitors notice how the dunes evolve over time, with familiar spots slowly changing or disappearing.

Small actions have a big impact. When visiting the dunes:

• stay within allowed areas and paths

• avoid climbing fragile dune formations

• do not remove sand, stones, or plants

• leave the area exactly as you found it

These guidelines help maintain the natural rhythm of the dunes without taking away from the experience.

What I’ve noticed is that a few people ignoring the rules can affect a whole area — once new tracks appear, others tend to follow them.

The dunes are incredibly photogenic, but responsible photography is important:

• avoid stepping into restricted areas for a shot

• don’t move or alter natural elements

• be mindful of others sharing the space

Some of the best images come from patience and observation rather than positioning.

Protecting the Maspalomas dunes is a collective effort involving visitors, locals, and responsible tourism operators. Choosing to act thoughtfully ensures that this natural wonder remains authentic, peaceful, and accessible.

Living and working in Gran Canaria makes you realize how important it is to protect places like this, not just for visitors, but for the island itself.

At Discover Gran Canaria, responsible tourism isn’t a trend — it’s part of how we experience the island every day. Living and working here means understanding that places like the Maspalomas Dunes are not just highlights on a map, but fragile environments shaped by time, wind, and balance.

Our approach focuses on:

• experiences that respect protected areas

• small groups and thoughtful timing

• activities designed to minimize environmental impact

• sharing local knowledge rather than rushing through landscapes

We believe that enjoying Gran Canaria fully also means preserving what makes it unique. Responsible choices allow visitors to connect more deeply with the island — and help ensure these places remain authentic for years to come.

Guiding guests responsibly is important to us because we want them to experience the island without damaging what makes it special.

The Maspalomas dunes are best enjoyed with time, awareness, and respect. Whether you choose to walk through the sand, admire the views from nearby paths, or explore the surrounding landscapes, a thoughtful approach makes the experience richer and more meaningful.

At Discover Gran Canaria, responsible tourism also means making careful choices about what we promote. We don’t support experiences built around animal exploitation or harm — we focus on activities that respect wildlife and keep nature at the center of the experience.

If you’re looking to explore Gran Canaria in a way that values the environment, local knowledge, and ethical travel, we’re always happy to guide you toward options that align with those principles.

👉 Discover the island at your own pace — and help keep it authentic.