The third-largest Canary Island is often overlooked by the insatiably popular Tenerife, despite its impressive 400 hectare dune system. Every year, millions of Brits flock to the Spanish-owned archipelago - in desperate need of sun, sand and sangria. Located just off the coast of north-western Africa, the hotspots are renowned for their consistently sunny and dry climate - with temperatures exceeding 20C even in the winter months. Gran Canaria is no hidden gem, attracting a staggering four million international tourists and 550,000 domestic visitors last year. The island, which is actually a World Biosphere Reserve, can sometimes be viewed as a mere fly and flop destination. However, this couldn't be further from the truth...
Gran Canaria is renowned for stargazing due to its lack of light pollution, and hosts one of Europe's most favourite Pride events every year. There are luxury golf courses, stunning seafood restaurants, and some gorgeous stretches of beach too. Basically, whatever type of holiday you're after - Gran Canaria can offer. However, the Maspaloma Dune system is what really sets this island apart, and needs to be added to your bucket list straight away. "Its 400 hectares, protected by the Canarian government as a Nature Reserve of special value, include a fantastic beach, a dynamic sand dune system, palm grove and a brackish lagoon," states Hello Canaries. "This mix of desert and oasis is at the southern tip of Gran Canaria and is surrounded by the famous Maspalomas resort.".
Want the latest travel news and cheap holiday deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter. Adrenaline seekers can zoom through the Sahara-like dunes on rented quad bikes, or take a slower ride on foot (just make sure you stick to the designated paths and don't litter). Camel rides tend to be quite popular in the area too, but often attract criticism from animal-rights activists.
The dunes are also a great place for twitchers, as 24 species of migratory and resident birds are known to have been spotted in the area. "Grey herons and common egrets are resident most of the time and hunt for fish and insects, while sanderlings search the mud bottom of this quiet wetland," the island's tourist board wrote. "Yellow-legged gulls fly overhead and moorhens and coots are common. The area gets occasional visits from ospreys and Barbary falcons.".
Videos of the breathtaking views often go viral on social media, attracting compliments from a global network of tourists. "I was there and it's even more pretty in real life," one person hailed on TikTok. Another agreed, commenting: "I want to go again, it's surreal." A third added: "Wow, love it," while a fourth penned: "I'd love to be there at sunset.". What's your favourite Canary Island? Let us know in the comments section below.
