Charca of Maspalomas: one of the most animal-diverse spots on Gran Canaria

2 min read

One thing is clear: the south of Gran Canaria is one of the most spectacular places on the island. It has wonderful beaches of all kinds, mild weather all year round, all kinds of services, great leisure and entertainment options, but also magical natural places such as the Charca of Maspalomas.

What is la Charca de Maspalomas

It’s one of the three ecosystems that make up the Maspalomas environment: the Maspalomas Dunes and the Maspalomas Palm Grove.

The Charca de Maspalomas is a salt water lagoon of inestimable ecological and biological value. It’s home to a multitude of species of botanical interest and a diverse fauna.

Birdwatching at the Charca of Maspalomas

This wetland is of high ornithological interest, since aquatic, sedentary and mainly migratory waders come here to find a suitable place for resting and nesting.

In fact, it’s one of the most important places to see aquatic birds in the Canary Islands. The walkway next to the lagoon is the perfect spot to take out your binoculars and camera and observe all the different species of birds.

With a bit of luck, and if the weather is good, you can see up to 24 species of migratory and resident birds throughout most of the year. Some of them are the following:

Grey Herons
Little Egrets
Sanderling
Yellow-legged gulls
Common moorhens
Eurasian coot
Ospreys
Barbary falcon

Where is the Charca of Maspalomas located

This lovely natural place is located in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana in the south of the island of Gran Canaria, within the Special Nature Reserve of the Maspalomas Dunes.

Of course, just a short distance away you’re at the kilometre-long Maspalomas Beach. The majestic Maspalomas Lighthousewatches over the golden Dunes of Maspalomas.

How to get to the Charca of Maspalomas

This special place is located 36 km from Gran Canaria Airport and 56 km from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

By bus

To get there by public transport from the airport, take line 66(Airport - Faro de Maspalomas) of the bus company Global to the final stop and bus station Faro de Maspalomas. From there, you can walk about 500 m to the Charca.

If, on the other hand, you’re coming from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, take line 30or 50(Las Palmas de G.C. - Faro de Maspalomas) to Faro de Maspalomas.

By car

To get there by car from both starting points, take the GC-1 motorway towards Maspalomas, take exit 46(San Fernando / Maspalomas) and follow the signs for Maspalomas, Playa de Maspalomas and Faro de Maspalomas. When you reach the last roundabout, look for parking in the area and walk towards the Charca of Maspalomas.

Accommodation near the Charca of Maspalomas

If you want to contemplate the Charca de Maspalomas and its surroundings in all its splendour, VillaGranCanaria has the ideal accommodation for you. Don't hesitate to take a look and book at the best price on the market.

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