Imagine a breathtaking place where the desert meets the ocean! This place, much appreciated by photographers, seduces more than one tourist.
Upon arrival at the site, a vast field of golden sand dunes is offered to the eyes of tourists. The landscape is so captivating that you would think you were in the heart of the Sahara. Yet you are a few hundred kilometers from the African coast!
Now turn around and admire the spectacle that awaits you: the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean stretches to the horizon. From the summit, you overlook a fine sandy beach. This surprising destination offers a complete change of scenery thanks to its famous dunes, a true protected natural gem.
Covering nearly 400 hectares, some of these dunes reach up to 10 meters high. This unique ecosystem is home to rare flora and fauna, such as a giant lizard or bird species. Nature lovers will be delighted by the diversity landscapes, between the Charca lagoon, a refuge for migratory birds, and the small palm grove which brings an additional touch of exoticism.
Every year, this exceptional spot attracts many visitors, captivated by the beauty of the place. This enchanting place is Maspalomas, a seaside resort located on the island of Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands archipelago. But Maspalomas is not just about its fascinating “Maspolamas dunes”. It is also a popular seaside destination, which enjoys generous sunshine all year round.
With its 25°C in the middle of winter, it is the perfect place to escape and recharge your batteries, far from the greyness and the cold with its dream beaches that invite you to relax and laze around. The famous Playa del Inglés seduces with its expanse and fine sand. Continuing west, you will discover the Playa de Maspalomas, bordered by the majestic dunes, then the Playa de Meloneras, surrounded by luxury hotels with pharaonic architecture. If you prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere, opt for the Playa de San Agustán, to the east of the resort.
Nature lovers will be delighted by the diversity landscapes that Gran Canaria offers, between steep mountains, lush forests and volcanic sand beaches. However, this fragile ecosystem is now under threat. For several decades, the dunes of Maspalomas have been suffering alarming degradation, mainly due to urbanization and human impact.
Every year, nearly 45,000 cubic meters of sand disappear, carried away by the waves. This massive erosion is changing the dynamics of the wind and the dunes, jeopardizing the unique biodiversity of this nature reserve. If nothing is done, this jewel could be extinct within a generation, warn the island's authorities, taking with it a whole part of the beauty of the Canary Islands…