The Dunes of Maspalomas

The dunes of Maspalomas are an important nature reserve, and they're a popular place for tourists and locals alike to go walking. However, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the dunes are just a gay playground, as some areas can be very cruisy.

There's real concern about the impact of people on a such a sensitive environment, where much of the plant and insect life is unique to the Canary Islands (and in some cases, to the dunes themselves). Please take your rubbish home with you, or at least ensure that it's left in the big plastic bin liners you'll see tied to trees.

If you decide to sunbathe in the dunes, remember to make sure that you have both water and sun protection: it can get very hot, and the sun is stronger than you think.

Unfortunately, people sunbathing in the dunes are a prime target for petty thieves. In the peak season between October and April, you may well see the police patrolling on quad bikes. They're doing this for your protection. The thieves are skilled, but many tourists make things easy for them, leaving bags unattended while they go cruising. If you are planning to spend the day in the dunes, bring the minimum with you; leave large amounts of money, credit cards and passports in the hotel safe, your address book or personal organiser in your room, and think seriously about whether you really need your mobile phone with you.