Gran Canaria Tourism Shift as Maspalomas Dunes Lose Spanish Visitor Appeal Amid Changing Travel Trends

Written By: Manab Baidya

Manab Baidya

I am currently studying for MA in English while also currently pursuing Journalism at Dibrugarh University. Passionate about storytelling, media, communication, and creative expression through words. Working as a Content Writer in the travel and tourism industry, where I transform destinations, experiences, and cultures into engaging stories. Constantly learning, exploring new ideas, and building a journey driven by creativity, curiosity, and meaningful content. Believer in growth, good vibes, and the power of words to connect people across the world.

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August 30, 2026 09:48 GMT+5:30

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Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas Dunes are witnessing a decline in appeal among Spanish tourists as the island’s tourism hotspot becomes a less popular destination for domestic visitors and the trend appears to be gathering momentum. Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas Dunes are seeing a shift in visitor patterns as the island’s iconic domestic draw loses some of its previous appeal among Spanish tourists.

For decades, the southern coast of Gran Canaria has represented the island’s classic tourism image. Golden beaches, warm weather, resort experiences and natural landscapes such as the Maspalomas Dunes have attracted millions of visitors. The protected dune system remains one of the island’s most recognisable natural attractions and a key symbol of its tourism identity.

However, recent domestic tourism figures indicate that the traditional appeal of these southern destinations is being challenged. A gradual transformation is taking place as travellers from mainland Spain appear to be shifting towards different holiday experiences, including urban exploration, cultural activities and alternative destinations within Gran Canaria.

Maspalomas Dunes See Declining Interest Among Spanish Travellers

The Maspalomas Dunes recorded a weaker performance among Spanish domestic visitors in 2025 compared with the previous year. The attraction rate among Spanish tourists stood at 52.27% in 2025, compared with 54.85% in 2024.

Although the annual decline appears limited, the detailed quarterly figures reveal a much deeper change in visitor behaviour. The reduction became particularly visible during the second half of the year, when interest in the famous southern attraction weakened significantly.

During the first quarter of 2025, the Maspalomas Dunes recorded an attraction rate of 48.95% among Spanish visitors. A small recovery followed in the second quarter, reaching 51.63%, before rising further during the summer holiday period to 62.72% in the third quarter.

The final quarter, however, brought the biggest challenge. Between October and December 2025, the attraction rate dropped sharply to 41.97%, marking the lowest level recorded during the analysed period.

This decline highlights that the issue is not simply a temporary seasonal variation. Instead, it suggests a wider change in how mainland Spanish travellers are choosing and evaluating Gran Canaria as a holiday destination.

Southern Gran Canaria’s Traditional Tourism Model Faces Pressure

The decline has not been limited to the Maspalomas area. Other major tourism centres in southern Gran Canaria have also experienced weaker domestic demand.

Puerto de Mogán, another important tourism location known for its coastal atmosphere and resort appeal, saw its attraction rate among Spanish visitors fall from 42.95% in 2024 to 42.13% in 2025.

The final quarter again showed the strongest decline, with Puerto de Mogán recording an attraction rate of only 34.35% among domestic visitors.

These figures indicate that the challenge is affecting the wider southern tourism model rather than a single attraction. For many years, destinations across the south of Gran Canaria have relied heavily on the traditional combination of beaches, sunshine and resort-based holidays.

The latest trends suggest that this model may no longer have the same level of influence among Spanish travellers as it did in previous years.

The Maspalomas area remains internationally recognised for its unique landscape, combining extensive sand dunes, beaches and natural surroundings. However, changing visitor expectations are creating new challenges for destinations that have historically depended on classic leisure tourism.

Las Palmas Gains Strength as Visitor Preferences Change

While southern destinations have experienced declining domestic interest, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has strengthened its position among Spanish visitors.

The island’s capital became the most visited location by Spanish tourists in 2025, achieving an attraction rate of 69.06%.

The city performed particularly strongly during the first quarter, when it reached 75.79%, showing that domestic travellers are increasingly attracted to a more urban style of holiday experience.

This shift reflects a broader change in tourism behaviour. Modern travellers are increasingly searching for destinations that combine beaches with culture, local experiences, entertainment, gastronomy, shopping and city exploration.

Instead of focusing only on traditional resort areas, visitors are showing greater interest in places where multiple experiences can be combined within one trip.

Las Palmas benefits from this trend because it offers a different tourism profile compared with the southern resort zones. The city provides access to beaches while also offering historic areas, cultural attractions and a more urban environment.

This changing balance between coastal resorts and urban destinations represents one of the biggest transformations currently affecting Gran Canaria’s domestic tourism market.

Why Spanish Tourists Are Changing Their Holiday Choices

Several factors appear to be influencing the changing preferences of mainland Spanish travellers.

One major factor is increasing competition from other destinations. Travellers now have more options across Spain and internationally, with many locations offering attractive beaches, cultural experiences and competitive holiday packages.

Price sensitivity is also becoming increasingly important. Rising costs linked to accommodation, transport and daily travel expenses have made many visitors more careful when choosing destinations.

Inflation has encouraged travellers to compare value more closely and search for experiences that provide greater variety for their budget.

Another important factor is the changing definition of holidays. The traditional sun-and-beach model remains popular, but many travellers are now looking for more diverse experiences.

Urban tourism, cultural travel, local activities and authentic experiences have become increasingly important parts of holiday planning.

For destinations such as Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogán, this means that relying only on their traditional strengths may no longer be enough to maintain long-term visitor loyalty.

Gran Canaria Moves Towards a New Tourism Strategy

The latest visitor trends represent a significant moment for Gran Canaria’s tourism sector. The island continues to attract international travellers, but the changing behaviour of domestic visitors highlights the need for adaptation.

The decline in interest from mainland Spanish tourists does not mean that southern Gran Canaria has lost its appeal. Instead, it indicates that visitor expectations are evolving.

Future tourism strategies may need to place greater emphasis on combining the island’s famous natural attractions with cultural, environmental and experience-based tourism.

The Maspalomas Dunes remain a powerful symbol of Gran Canaria’s identity, but the destination environment around them is changing. The challenge for tourism businesses and local authorities will be finding new ways to connect with travellers who are searching for more than traditional beach holidays.

The major threat to tourism in Gran Canaria is related to the shift in traveler preferences towards experiences in urban areas and a focus on culture, resulting in the decreased appeal of the Spanish island destination to tourists.

The future of tourism in Gran Canaria will be determined by the travelers’ response to the possibility of combining traditional aspects of the local destination with an increased demand for new dimensions of travel.