Maspalomas Lighthouse

Maspalomas Lighthouse stands at the southern tip of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, on the island of Gran Canaria. Built in the 19th century and still active today, it marks one end of Maspalomas beach, roughly 4 kilometres south of the resort's town centre, right next to the famous Maspalomas Dunes — one of the most recognisable landscapes anywhere in the Canary Islands.

Where exactly is the lighthouse?

The lighthouse sits on the very southern coastline of Gran Canaria, within the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. It borders the Maspalomas Dunes directly and juts out toward the ocean at the edge of the beach. It works as a natural landmark for anyone walking the coastal promenade that links Maspalomas with Playa del Inglés — the tower is visible from a distance and has become one of the visual symbols of this stretch of coast.

How do you get there?

Walking or cycling is the easiest option, following the beach and the promenade that runs through the dune area — the stroll from central Maspalomas usually takes a few dozen minutes. It's also a convenient destination if you're staying in hotels on either side of the resort, since the lighthouse sits right on the boundary between Maspalomas and the neighbouring tourist zones. The terrain around it is flat and well-trodden, so no special preparation is needed to reach it.

What will you see there?

The lighthouse itself is a working navigational aid rather than a museum, so its appeal for visitors lies mainly in its setting. From its base you get open views across the ocean, the long stretch of Maspalomas beach, and the rolling dunes that extend inland behind it. It's a popular spot for sunset, when the late-afternoon light throws the shape of both the dunes and the tower into sharp relief. Nearby, a seafront walkway with cafés and viewpoints gives good vantage points for photos of the lighthouse against the dunes.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning or shortly before sunset are the calmest and most comfortable times — around midday, especially in summer, the beach area gets hot with little shade available. Since the whole area is fully exposed, it's worth bringing water, sunglasses and a hat regardless of the month, as the south of Gran Canaria has a dry, sunny climate almost year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? Maspalomas Lighthouse is a working navigational structure rather than a visitor attraction with regular public access — the main draw is the view from outside and the surrounding scenery, not climbing the tower.

Can you walk there from Playa del Inglés? Yes, the seafront promenade connects Playa del Inglés with Maspalomas and leads straight toward the lighthouse and the dunes — it's one of the most popular walking routes in this part of the island.

Are the Maspalomas Dunes right next to it? Yes, the lighthouse stands directly beside the Maspalomas Dunes, so most visitors combine both sights in a single walk.

Is it a good spot to watch the sunset? Thanks to the open outlook, the proximity of the ocean and the dunes, the area around the lighthouse is one of the more popular sunset viewpoints on the south coast of Gran Canaria.