Maspalomas Beach

Set on the southern tip of the island of Gran Canaria is a little slice of the Sahara Desert. Over the centuries the fine golden sand here has been sculpted into an extensive network of dunes extending several hundred metres back from the beach. With a landscape like this you won’t be surprised to know it hardly ever rains and the temperature rarely dips below a balmy 20°C (68°F). And just to really ram home the point about the desert-like dunes you can take a camel ride.

OK, so there’s some sand dunes. There is also about three miles (5km) of wonderful (you guessed it) sandy beach here including the well known Playa del Inglés on the eastern side. With this much beach you shouldn’t have any problem finding a patch of sand to yourself. The sea here is generally fairly warm and calm, although it does sometimes provide good waves for surfing along with other watersports.

Now a nature reserve, these dunes are quite a fragile ecosystem. Along with the freshwater lagoon behind the beach which attracts any number of migrating birds this area is popular with both naturalists and naturists! Yes, Maspalomas is one of the most popular nudist beaches on the island. This is mostly confined to the western end of the beach and amongst the dunes.
Maspalomas also has a reputation as a gay-friendly beach and is a well known LGBT destination. However, you will find the beach is informally divided into distinct areas for families, nudists and the gay community.