Free walking tours in Maspalomas and what to see

Must-sees

The Maspalomas dunes are the main reason to visit. They form a nature reserve of golden sand that runs down to the sea, and you can walk across them on marked paths. Go early or at sunset, when it is less hot and the light is at its best. Next to the dunes is the Charca, a small lagoon where migrating birds stop.

The Maspalomas lighthouse marks the southern tip of the area and is where the Meloneras promenade begins, lined with terraces and shops. To the east stretches Playa del Inglés, long and lively. For something quieter, Maspalomas beach, beside the dunes, is usually less crowded outside high season.

Free tours and guided visits

Maspalomas is a beach destination and there are few free walking tours in the area itself. The usual options are guided walks across the dunes, on foot or by camel, and boat trips along the south coast, sometimes with dolphin watching. They are easy outings that suit almost everyone.

Where a guide really pays off is on trips around the island. The most popular head up into the mountains to see Roque Nublo and the village of Tejeda, or tour Teror and other inland villages. There are also visits to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where you will find free walking tours of Vegueta and Triana, and outings to Puerto de Mogán.

How long to spend

A couple of days are enough to get to know the area: one for the dunes, the lighthouse and Meloneras, and another for Playa del Inglés and some rest. If you want to see more of Gran Canaria, allow a week. That gives you a day for the mountains, one for Las Palmas and one for the Mogán coast, while keeping your afternoons for the beach.

Where to stay

Meloneras is a good option if you want peace and seafront walks, with the lighthouse and the dunes close by. Playa del Inglés has more places to stay, more nightlife and better bus links with the rest of the island. If you plan to explore a lot on your own, a hire car gives you freedom from either area.