There’s more to Gran Canaria than Mas Palomas, but you can’t go on vacation on this volcanic island without a visit to this popular tourist attraction. Walk through the huge dunes to get to the white sand beach on a hot afternoon and you’ll start to feel like you’re in the Sahara – I know, because I’ve done just that.

Mas Palomas is the largest, best and most popular beach in Gran Canaria, one of several volcanic islands that make up the Canary Islands archipelago.

The beautiful white sand beach and its famous dunes stretch for 6km on the east side of the lighthouse that marks the southernmost tip of the island. It is flanked on one side by a thousand year old palm grove and natural lagoon and by the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

A drive or excursion inland, however, and you will find an environment that is in stark contrast to Las Palomas dunes. The mountainous interior with its dramatic and diverse landscapes is much greener and considerably different from the coast.

The centre of the island is dominated by a huge crater, Caldera de Tejeda that gives way to fabulous views over such landforms as the sacred Roque Bentayga (1,404 m), Roque Nublo (1,813 m) and Pozo de las Nieves (1,949 m), the highest peak in Gran Canaria that is a stunning viewpoint.

Almost 50% of this Spanish island is protected by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.

Is it any wonder that Gran Canaria is popular tourist destination for Brits? Having been to the island myself I can attest to its beauty.

Scroll though these photos to see why.