Where to Stay in Gran Canaria, Spain – 7 BEST Areas + Hotels
Gran Canaria is a Spanish island in the Atlantic Ocean and the second-most populated in the Canary Archipelago. Its impressive diversity in terms of culture, landscape, and climate attracts many travelers, so I am writing this article to give you my top recommendations on where to stay in Gran Canaria!
While you’re reading this post, you’ll find out more about the 7 best places to stay in Gran Canaria and pick the one that best suits your travel preference.
After comparing all the different areas of the island, I can tell you that the best place to stay in Gran Canaria is the island’s capital – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with its fantastic beaches, booming nightlife scene, and many shopping spots.
To make your choice that much easier, I also went through all the accommodation options in each of these areas and handpicked the best ones. All you need to do is choose one and make a booking in advance – the best hotels in Gran Canaria sell out quickly, and you don’t want to miss your chance for an unforgettable beach holiday!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here is my selection of the best hotels in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria:
Here is a handy map to help you visualize all the Gran Canaria areas featured in this post:
1. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – for beaches
If you are looking for beautiful beaches with a mix of culture, history, and plenty of shops, the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is the best area to stay in Gran Canaria. This is especially true if it’s your visit to the island.
The cosmopolitan capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria boasts plenty of beaches with extensive golden sands, making it a great choice for beach lovers who want to lay on the beach all day long. One of the most famous beaches is Las Canteras Beach (map), surrounded by discos, pubs, bars, and restaurants.
Las Canteras is also a great spot for windsurfers and kite surfers because the South end of the beach has no reefs, and the waves are ideal for surfing. Plus, the beach promenade is great for walking, so even if you’re not into surfing, you can still keep active! Apart from beaches, Las Palmas has plenty of sightseeing opportunities, such as museums, churches, and art galleries. The Casa de Colón is a history museum and one of the top attractions in the city, while Parque Doramas (map) is a great spot to unwind and relax. Plus, you’ll also find trendy bars and high-street shopping. What more could you want?
Luxury hotel
A beautiful, classy 5-star resort featuring a rooftop pool and restaurant that gives stunning views over the city of Las Palmas. Access to a wellness center and spa, as well as a gym, is also available to all hotel guests.
Other accommodation options in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
MID-RANGE
Featuring lush gardens and a restaurant, this hotel offers modern amenities like concierge services and bicycle rentals
BUDGET
A lovely guest house offering private rooms with free Wi-FI and flat-screen TVs, plus access to shared bathrooms
Things to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Visit the famous Playa de Las Canteras and walk along the promenade
- Pay a visit to the Casa de Colón museum
- Explore the botanical gardens of Jardin Canario
- Go for a walk at Parque de Santa Catalina (map) or Parque Doramas
- Visit Poema del Mar, the best aquarium in Gran Canaria
- Spend the day shopping at El Corte Inglés (map)
- Explore the collection at the Elder Museum of Science and Technology
- Walk around Plaza de Santa Ana (map) and admire the cathedral
2. Maspalomas – the best spot for a fun experience
In the Southern part of the island of Gran Canaria, about an hour’s drive away from Las Palmas, you will find Maspalomas. This popular resort town is known for its huge stretch of sand dunes, which make it stand out from the other places to stay in Gran Canaria. But Maspalomas also has a very lively vibe and offers plenty of opportunities to have some fun!
The Dunas de Maspalomas (map) is the main point of interest in the area – and for good reason! These large sand dunes will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the desert, and it’s a truly one-of-a-kind experience – you shouldn’t miss it!
Standing proud above the sand dunes, Maspalomas Lighthouse or Faro de Maspalomas (map) is another important icon of the very essence of Maspalomas that is well worth a visit. You can walk up the stairs to the viewing area to get breathtaking ocean views and snap some photos.
Maspalomas is all about fun – you can choose from plenty of activities here, such as trying some water sports or even paragliding. Or you can just sit back and relax with a cocktail in a beachside bar. If you want to eat or drink, there are some lovely places that offer international as well as local cuisine.
But that’s not all – Maspalomas has some amazing water parks and theme parks that allow you to spend fun time with your family. For the adrenaline seekers, I suggest Aqualand Maspalomas (a water park with a multitude of slides) or Holiday World (an amusement park with roller coasters, wheels, and toy cars).
So, if you were wondering where to stay in Gran Canaria for the ultimate fun experience, Maspalomas is your answer – and here are the best hotels for your stay:
Luxury hotel
An upscale resort with 3 swimming pools, an on-site buffet restaurant, family rooms, and a garden. Guests will enjoy an excellent breakfast and benefit from other services, such as airport shuttle transfers and free parking.
Other accommodation options in Maspalomas de Gran Canaria
mid-range
This comfortable aparthotel is surrounded by gardens and boasts 2 pools and a restaurant serving international cuisine
budget
The accommodation provides air-conditioned apartments with a terrace, a living room, a sleeping area, and a fully equipped kitchen
Airbnb
A stunning apartment located at the highest point of Monte Rojo providing spectacular sea views, plus pool access
Top things to do in Maspalomas
- Stop by the biggest attraction in the area, the Maspalomas Sand Dunes
- Go up to the Faro de Maspalomas and snap some stunning photos
- Have a fun-filled day with your kids at Palmitos Park
- Spend a day under the sun at Playa de Maspalomas (map)
- Awaken your inner child at Aqualand Maspalomas or Holiday World
- Embark on a boat tour around the Southern part of the island
3. Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria – where to stay in Gran Canaria for families
Located in the Southwest, Puerto Rico (don’t mix it up with another Puerto Rico – the country/US territory) is approximately an hour’s drive away from the island’s capital. For those of you wondering where to stay in Gran Canaria for families, Puerto Rico is the best resort town for this, with a laid-back atmosphere and a family-friendly beach.
Playa de Amadores (map) is a lovely beach that will keep your kids occupied while you enjoy the chill beach vibes. It’s a great choice for toddlers and young swimmers due to the calm waters and the soft and warm sand.
Puerto Rico has a lot of exciting activities for your children to spend their energy which is why it makes the best family holiday destination. Your kids will definitely love going on day trips to Ocean Fun Park, a water park that guarantees a fun-packed day.
Teenagers can entertain themselves with water sports, but you can also take boat trips to admire dolphins and whales.
The promenade in Puerto Rico is filled with bars, restaurants, outdoor activities such as a mini golf course and trampolines, and two public swimming pools. So it’s no wonder it’s one of the best places to stay for a family holiday.
Now, let’s take a look at the top family-oriented hotels in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria:
Luxury hotel
This all-inclusive resort in Puerto Rico offers a great pool area, a fitness center, a kids’ club that will keep the little ones busy, and evening entertainment for all hotel guests. Each morning, you’ll wake up to an amazing sea view from your balcony and you can indulge in the buffet breakfast.
Other accommodation options in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria
mid-range
This apartment complex offers well-equipped accommodations, access to tennis courts, and a nice pool surrounded by sun loungers
budget
Situated within walking distance of the beach, this budget accommodation has a pool, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi
Airbnb
Offering stunning views of the sea and surrounding mountains, this apartment provides access to a shared terrace and hot tub
Top things to do in Puerto Rico Gran Canaria
- Chill out in the sun at Playa Amadores
- Go swimming at Playa de Puerto Rico (map)
- Spend a few fun hours at Angry Birds Activity Park
- Take a day trip to Ocean Fun Park
- See amazing creatures like dolphins and whales at Puerto Rico Harbour (map)
- Visit The Market Puerto Rico (map) and buy some tasty local food
- Indulge into scuba diving or snorkeling with Blue Water Diving
4. Meloneras – where to stay in Gran Canaria for luxury
Meloneras is a resort town in Gran Canaria, 60 km (37 miles) South of Las Palmas, home to some of the most upscale Gran Canaria hotels and resorts. If you were wondering where to stay on Gran Canaria on your luxurious trip, I can’t recommend Meloneras enough – it has a vibrant atmosphere and offers plenty of comforts!
Since Meloneras is your typical resort, you won’t find too many attractions in the area, but there is a great beach – Playa de Meloneras (map) – as well as many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. If you’re looking for a good spot for a night out, I’d recommend Aqua Ocean Club (map) for dancing and drinks and La Proa Casa Reyes (map) for a nice dinner.
In case you feel cooped up in your hotel, you can always venture out and explore the adjacent resort of Maspalomas – it’s super close. I also wanted to point out that this is an amazing place to stay if you’re traveling without a car since all the important spots are within walking distance of each other!
Luxury hotel
A short distance away from the beach, you’ll find one of the best Gran Canaria resorts – the Unique Club. Offering access to 6 swimming pools, 5 restaurants, and a spa and wellness center, this hotel has all the components you need for an upscale stay.
Other accommodation options in Meloneras
Mid-range
Each of the units at the aparthotel features a seating area, satellite TV, and a well-equipped kitchen
Budget
This accommodation offers air-conditioned apartments with a balcony, a kitchen, and a private bathroom, plus access to a garden
Airbnb
A cozy apartment with a full kitchen, a bedroom, and a private bathroom, suitable for up to 3 people
Top things to do in Meloneras
- Spend your day soaking up the sun at Playa de Meloneras
- Go partying at Aqua Ocean Club
- Try your luck at Gran Casino Costa Meloneras
- Have a nice dinner at La Proa Casa Reyes
- Book a tee time at the Meloneras Golf Club
- Explore the nearby resort of Maspalomas
5. Playa del Ingles – best place to stay for nightlife
If you are a night owl looking for the best place to stay in Gran Canaria for a rich nightlife scene, then I recommend Playa del Ingles, just a 45-min drive South of Las Palmas.
During the day, this area is peaceful and relaxing, but when the night comes, it transforms into a vibrant night scene. The promenade has bars, shops, pubs, and nightclubs that produce boisterous music until sunrise. Embrace the local, popping nightlife with a cheeky cocktail at Atelier Cocktail Bar (map), or try the more laid-back Tipsy Hammock Bar (map).
Playa del Inglés is the real heaven on earth for shopaholics. Can you imagine 12 shopping centers all in one place that sell everything, from electronic goods to tacky souvenirs? Moreover, the centers, such as Kasbah Shopping Center (map), hold many restaurants for a bite to eat and trendy bars and clubs with a wide variety of drinks.
So, if you are all about dancing the night away, then Playa del Ingles is the number one holiday resort in Gran Canaria for you.
Luxury hotel
Guests at the Gran Canaria Princess Hotel can enjoy the heated pools, a restaurant, and a bar and have a refreshing workout at the on-site gym. This adults-only hotel has a full program of day and night entertainment, including live music shows, thematic dinners, and show cooking.
Other accommodation options in Playa del Ingles de Gran Canaria
mid-range
An adults-only hotel offering express check-in and check-out, an outdoor pool, a bar, and luggage storage
budget
Boasting flower-filled gardens and an outdoor pool, these apartments are a great choice for budget travelers
Top things to do in Playa del Inglés
- Go swimming at Playa del Inglés (map)
- Grab a drink at Atelier Cocktail Bar or Tipsy Hammock Bar
- Shop until you drop at Yumbo Centre (map) and Kasbah Shopping Center
- Take a break from shopping at Templo Ecumenico el Salvador (map)
- Venture out to Playa El Veril (map)
6. Puerto de Mogan – where to stay in Gran Canaria for couples
Puerto de Mogan is quite different from the other places to stay in Gran Canaria I mentioned above. It’s still a touristic place, but it’s more untouched and hasn’t lost its typical local taste. Situated on the Southeast coast of the island but still less than an hour’s drive from Las Palmas, the place has a very relaxing atmosphere and is a great choice for couples.
Puerto de Mogan, or as locals like to call it, Little Venice of Gran Canaria, is the best romantic getaway in the Canary Islands. Yeah, it really reminds me of Venice, with its series of small waterways and canals running through the place!
With its picturesque streets accompanied by historic architecture and Bougainville flowers, Puerto de Mogan invites couples for a romantic walk. Playa de Mogan (map) is a nice, quiet beach where you will always find your own remote shelter to lay down and rest.
The numerous hotels near the beach offer the most breathtaking sunset views, and the charming marina is well-known for its postcard-worthy houses, so don’t forget to snap some photos!
Luxury hotel
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogan
Spend quiet mornings at one of the best hotels in the area, with fantastic swimming pools and spotlessly clean rooms. Located within walking distance of the beach, this hotel in Gran Canaria allows you to soak up the sun in tranquility and engage in a variety of activities like tennis, volleyball, and rock climbing.
Other accommodation options in Puerto de Mogan Gran Canaria
Budget
This comfortable apartment provides access to a pool and a bar, mountain views, and free Wi-Fi
AIRBNB
This is a lovely little apartment in Puerto de Mogan, very close to the beach and perfect for older couples
Top things to do in Puerto de Mogan
- Spend a quiet and relaxed day at Playa de Mogan, Gran Canaria
- Enjoy a full view of the marina at Mirador de Puerto de Mogan (map)
- Visit Mercado Mogan (map), one of the largest markets in the Canary Islands
- Recharge your batteries at Mogan Mall Shopping Center (map)
- Go out to Playa Perchel (map) and enjoy the stunning views
7. San Agustín – for a quiet holiday
Just a short drive from both Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles, you will reach San Agustin, the best holiday choice if you want to relax and escape the big crowds on the island. This town has a much calmer and quieter atmosphere and a beach with unique, darkly colored sand.
At Playa de San Agustín (map), you will not struggle to find an empty spot, as it provides plenty of room both for tourists and locals. Since the beach is very well protected from the waves, it’s one of the best places for scuba diving and snorkeling. Along the promenade, you will also find a wide selection of bars, cafes, and seafood restaurants.
San Agustin offers the best of both worlds – the very much-needed relaxing holiday with the opportunity to discover the best nightlife, only a few minutes away. Despite being a popular tourist hotspot, it has remained a pretty relaxed area both for those who want to have some time alone and enjoy someone else’s company.
So, if you are looking for something more laid-back, San Agustin is the place to stay in Gran Canaria, and better yet, you’ll be able to choose from a great selection of hotels!
Luxury hotel
Overlooking San Agustin beach, this hotel is set in large gardens with palms and a swimming pool that contribute to a calm and charming atmosphere. This is one of the best places to stay in Gran Canaria if you want to recharge and enjoy fantastic sea views.
Other accommodation options in San Agustin de Gran Canaria
mid-range
A waterfront, adults-only hotel offering bike rentals, luggage storage, self-parking, a pool, and a delicious buffet breakfast
budget
These bright, air-conditioned apartments feature a balcony, a kitchenette, and a living room with a flat-screen TV
Airbnb
A 1-bedroom apartment that also has a living room with a comfortable sofa and can accommodate up to 3 people
Top things to do in San Agustin
- Have a romantic seaside picnic at Playa de San Agustín
- Head to Playa de Las Burras (map) for the best surfing waves
- Experience the Wild West at Sioux City Park
- Have a drink at the Relax Beach Club (map)
- Go up to the Mirador San Agustín (map) and admire the view
FAQs about where to stay in Gran Canaria
💯 Which side of the island is best in Gran Canaria?
If you’re looking into Gran Canaria and the best places to stay, then you should head to the South side of the island. Here you’ll find the best beaches, such as Playa de Maspalomas and Playa de Meloneras, as well as some of the top hotels in Gran Canaria.
📍 Where to stay in Gran Canaria for the first time?
The best spot for first-time visitors to the island is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital city of the island and home to the famous Las Canteras Beach and great hotels like Santa Catalina Royal Hideaway and Hotel Catalina.
🤔 Is Gran Canaria or Tenerife better?
Gran Canaria is the better choice if you want a calmer, more laid-back holiday, while Tenerife is the more popular tourist destination, so it’s always bustling with people and you have to deal with the crowds.
💰 Which is the cheapest Canary Island?
Even though Gran Canaria provides some affordable choices, Lanzarote is the cheapest of all the Canary Islands in terms of accommodation, activities, and food. You can check out our full Lanzarote guide here.
📅 How many days do you need in Gran Canaria?
To fully experience Gran Canaria, I recommend spending between 7 and 10 days on the island, so you can visit some of its most popular beaches, but also check out some cool attractions.
Final thoughts on where to stay: Gran Canaria
We’re at the end of our guide on where to stay in Gran Canaria! I hope you found this useful and that you’ve already picked out a hotel for your upcoming stay.
But just in case you’re undecided, here are the 2 best hotels in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria:
Regardless of what you decide, make sure you book your hotel in advance! Gran Canaria is a very popular destination and hotels sell out quickly!
Also, don’t forget to comment if you want to share your thoughts or if you have any questions – I’ll be happy to get back to you!
Enjoy your journey to Gran Canaria,
Yulia
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