Playa del Inglés, with its golden sands and lively atmosphere, is one of Gran Canaria’s best-known beach resorts. But what truly sets it apart from other destinations on the island is its neighbour: the Maspalomas Dunes. This protected natural reserve stretches for over 400 hectares, offering an extraordinary desert-like landscape right by the sea. For anyone staying in Playa del Inglés, the dunes are not just a backdrop – they are an essential part of the experience.
- A Landscape Like No Other
- Why the Dunes Matter
- The Lagoon and Palm Grove
- How to Explore the Dunes
- Best Times to Visit
- Practical Tips for Visitors
- Beyond the Dunes
- A Must-See for Every Visitor
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
A Landscape Like No Other
The Maspalomas Dunes are a unique ecosystem created over centuries by the action of wind and waves. Rolling sand hills meet the Atlantic Ocean, creating a scene that feels more like the Sahara than a Canary Island resort. The dunes are constantly shifting, sculpted by the trade winds into new shapes each day. As a result, no two visits are quite the same. For photographers and nature lovers, it’s a dream – the play of light and shadow across the sand is particularly striking at sunrise and sunset.
On the ocean side of the dunes, Maspalomas Beach stretches for kilometres, seamlessly connecting with Playa del Inglés. The beach is wide and sandy, with plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, or simply strolling along the water’s edge. Many visitors enjoy combining a walk through the dunes with time on the beach – a chance to cool off in the waves after trekking across the sand.
Why the Dunes Matter
The Maspalomas Dunes are a protected nature reserve: the combination of dunes, lagoon, and palm grove creates a diverse environment that supports a wide range of plant and animal life. Preserving this fragile ecosystem is vital, and visitors play a part by treating the area with respect. By staying on paths, not littering, and avoiding disturbance to wildlife, travellers can help ensure that future generations will enjoy this extraordinary landscape.
The Lagoon and Palm Grove
The Maspalomas Dunes reserve is more than just sand. At its western edge lies La Charca, a small lagoon surrounded by palm trees. This area provides an important resting point for migratory birds travelling between Africa and Europe. Herons, sandpipers, and even rare species can sometimes be spotted here, making it a rewarding stop for birdwatchers. The palm grove offers shaded areas where you can pause and enjoy the contrast between water, greenery, and the surrounding desert.
How to Explore the Dunes
The dunes are best discovered on foot. From Playa del Inglés, you can enter the reserve directly at several points along the beach. It’s suitable for families – once inside, you’ll find a series of marked paths that guide visitors across the sandy terrain without disturbing its delicate ecosystem. Walking barefoot in the soft sand is part of the fun, though sandals can be useful in the heat of the day.
For those who prefer a more leisurely approach, camel rides are available, evoking the feel of a desert adventure. These follow designated routes and offer a different perspective of the shifting landscape. Whatever way you choose to explore, the dunes offer a sense of wide-open space and tranquillity, far removed from the bustle of the promenade.
Best Times to Visit
While the dunes are impressive at any hour, the experience changes dramatically with the light. Early morning brings cool temperatures and a calm atmosphere, ideal for a peaceful walk. Sunset is perhaps the most magical time: the low sun casts long shadows across the sand, and the colours shift from golden yellow to deep orange. Midday can be very hot, so if you plan to explore then, bring water, sun protection, and light clothing.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Stick to the marked paths to help protect this fragile environment.
- Bring water, especially if you plan to walk more than a short distance.
- The sand can get extremely hot underfoot – sandals or flip-flops can be handy.
- For photographers, early morning or late evening light is best for capturing the dunes’ textures.
Beyond the Dunes
If you’re inspired by the dunes and want to continue exploring, Playa del Inglés makes a great base for discovering more of Gran Canaria’s natural beauty. Inland, mountains and ravines offer hiking opportunities, while the island’s coastline hides coves and dramatic cliffs. But even with all that on offer, many visitors find themselves returning to the dunes again and again – there is something endlessly captivating about this sea of sand beside the sea itself.
A Must-See for Every Visitor
Whether you’re visiting Playa del Inglés for a short break or planning a more extended stay, the Maspalomas Dunes should be high on your list. They are not just a natural wonder but an experience – a chance to slow down, wander, and feel the timeless rhythm of wind and sand. Standing on a high ridge of golden sand, with the Atlantic stretching before you and the resort twinkling behind, it’s easy to see why the dunes remain one of Gran Canaria’s most unforgettable sights.
Where to Stay
Corallium Dunamar by Lopesan Hotels – Adults Only: Expect to be spoiled when you book a room at The Corallium Dunamar. Reserved for adults only, surrounded by tropical gardens, and boasting no fewer than three swimming pools, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to unwind. The dunes can be reached on foot with a short walk, and you can be in the heart of all the action at the Yumbo Centre within 10 minutes. Dine at the international restaurant onsite or top up at the poolside snack bars.
HL Suitehotel Playa del Inglés – Adults Only: This hotel is a haven of peace situated only 100m from Playa del Inglés beach. You can access the dunes on foot with a pleasant 20-minute stroll, and the Yumbo Centre is also a short walk from the property. Rooms include WiFi, air-con and a private balcony. Catch some rays on the rooftop sun terrace and take a dip in the outdoor pool. A large restaurant in the complex serves regional dishes, and there’s live entertainment and bar service by the pool in the evenings.
Bungalows Cordial Biarritz: If you’re coming to Playa del Inglés en famille then you can guarantee a relaxing, comfortable stay in one of these bungalows. Only 10 minutes by foot from the dunes and the beach, the convenience of the properties complements the comfort of the well-appointed, modern interiors. Each unit has a lounge and fully-equipped kitchen to give you and your family the space and flexibility that are so essential to a successful holiday. Guests have access to a large, outdoor pool, sun terrace with loungers and a playground.
How to Get There
To get to Playa del Inglés from the UK you’ll need to fly to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (LPA). There are many direct flights from all the major UK airports including Luton, London Gatwick, London Stansted and Manchester. Carriers offer multiple flights per day and you can expect a journey time of around 4.5 hours. After landing, you’ll need an airport transfer from LPA to Playa del Inglés, and you should book your Las Palmas De Gran Canaria transfer in advance.
Overview
UK to LPA Flight Time: 4 hours 30 minutes approx
LPA to Playa del Inglés: 34 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 20-30 minutes
Types of Transfer
Playa del Inglés transfers are quick and easy when you pre-book your transport with us. We have a range of reasonably priced options to make the half-hour airport transfer stress-free so that you can get your holiday started off on the right foot.
Taxi: The most popular of our services is the pre-arranged airport taxi from LPA to Playa del Inglés. Unlike the on-demand services, you won’t have to waste time in a queue or wonder how much you’re going to be charged. Your friendly driver will be waiting for you when you land.
Shuttle Bus: As it’s a short distance, you could consider booking a seat on our shuttle bus, a reliable airport transfer from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria airport to Playa del Inglés. This service is recommended for its great value for money.
Private Transfer: For those who prefer a private vehicle with a dedicated, helpful driver, we offer a comfortable private transfer from LPA to Playa del Inglés. You’ll be met in the Arrivals lounge, escorted to one of our clean and modern vehicles, then taken right to the door of your accommodation.
Minibus Transfer: Over the years, we’ve seen the rise of the group holiday and we’ve met this challenge with a minibus transfer service that can take your whole group to your final destination.
Choosing the Right Transfer
We all love to have choices, but how do you decide which of our professional services is the one for you? We’ve built our offering around the two main pressure points for most travellers: budget and convenience.
Cost: If you’re looking to minimise the cost of your Playa del Inglés transfer, we provide the shuttle bus as the most efficient service for the least cost. You’ll pre-book your seat on one of our comfortable shuttles, which depart at regular points throughout the day and serve a range of conveniently situated stops along the route of your LPA transfer.
Convenience: If scheduling and personalised service are your priorities, we recommend using the private transfer, airport taxi or minibus transfer to get to and from Playa del Inglés. By booking one of these options, you’ll be collected and delivered to the doorstep of your accommodation at a time that works for you.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is a trusted airport transfer provider offering fast, reliable transport in destinations across Europe and beyond. With friendly drivers, modern vehicles and easy online booking, we make travel simple and stress-free. Whether you’re heading to the beach or the mountains, Shuttle Direct gets you there comfortably and on time.
