Mirador de Las Dunas
Description
It is probably the most visited tourist attraction on Gran Canaria: an elevated viewpoint over the dunes of Maspalomas, around 400 hectares of shifting golden sand at the southernmost tip of the island, one of the few true desert ecosystems in Europe. From the Mirador de Las Dunas the whole expanse is visible: rhythmic crests and hollows, the morning light tinting the sand gold, the blue Atlantic marking the southern horizon, and the Maspalomas lighthouse rounding out the scene. The reserve also includes a freshwater lagoon, a palm grove, and a band of coastal scrub.
The dunes themselves can be entered on foot from several access points — venturing in reveals a landscape of surprising silence and vastness. The nearby lighthouse area has cafes and facilities. The lagoon is a haven for migratory birds, particularly in autumn and spring.
It is a must-stop for any itinerary in the south of the island.