The hills and valleys of Dunas de Maspalomas cover an area of some
400 hectares with sand dunes such as those which surround the
Maspalomas Oasis (Charco de Maspalomas); an area of palm trees
fringing a salt-water lagoon which has recently been awarded the
status of a natural protected area. The whole area of sand dunes
provides a habitat for a number of plant species, some of which are
only to be found in the Canary Islands, and which have managed to
adapt to this harsh environment. The area is also home to several
interesting species of birds and invertebrates. In the winter
months the lagoon plays host and feeds different species of
migratory birds arriving from Europe in route to África where they
will spend the winter. The sand dunes can only be visited on foot
or by camel. Visitors to the area should be aware that like a large
number of other Spanish beaches there is an area reserved on the
beach for naturists (Zona Naturista), but it is entirely possible
to claim this cache without entering the dedicated naturist area.
The aim of the cache is to see the unique geological scenery -
you do not have to visit the exact cache coordinates to do
this.
To claim this cache please include with your log a photograph
that clearly identifies the location as somewhere in the Dunas de
Maspalomas by showing an identifiable feature such as the
Maspalomas Lighthouse (Fara de Maspalomas) or the stone circles
used by sunbathers (as in the cache coordinates). Note that the
photograph does NOT have to be taken at the location of the
coordinates. Your GPS must be included in the photograph or
your log will be deleted. But, as on any beach, please exercise
discretion if taking photographs which may include others if taken
without their permission. Most other golden-coloured beaches in
Gran Canaria are actually based on grey volcanic ash which has been
covered with imported sand to make it more attractive to tourists.
However, at Maspalomas the golden sand is entirely natural,
composed of finely ground shells, left behind when the sea
retreated at the end of the Ice Age. The dunes constantly change
shape as each new gust of wind creates intricate patterns in the
sand-scape.