Where to Stay in Gran Canaria: Which Town & Hotel to Choose?
Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the west coast of Africa. This beautiful island is known for its dramatic mountains, lush forests, sprawling beaches, and vibrant towns. Because of its location, the island also has a very mild climate, with temperatures rarely exceeding 85°F or dropping below 64°F. Its stunning landscape and seemingly endless days of sun make Gran Canaria a top holiday destination for many.
But knowing where to stay in Gran Canaria can be difficult. There's so much coastline and so many great towns to choose from. Should you stay in a charming fishing village or the island's capital? What about if you're heading there with the kids?
In this guide to Gran Canaria, I've put together my favorite areas and some of the best hotels to stay in. From chic couple escapes to the ideal base for a family holiday – and everything in between!
Best Time to Go to Gran Canaria
Unlike other Spanish islands, such as Mallorca or Ibiza, the high season in Gran Canaria is December- February. Because of its amazing weather, people flock from all over northern Europe for a bit of winter sun. I once went to Gran Canaria in January and the weather was perfect and the complete opposite to Berlin!
Of course, lots of other people had the same idea, so it was pretty busy. Summer is also popular, especially amongst those who don't want the extreme heat of mainland Spain but still want warm weather.
Best Way to Get to Gran Canaria
The easiest and quickest way to get to Gran Canaria is by flying. Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) covers international and domestic flights from mainland Spain and Europe.
You can also arrive on the island via ferry from Cádiz, although it takes over a day of traveling, so it might not fit into everyone's schedule. There are also lots of boats that run from the other Canary Islands to Gran Canaria which is really useful if you're planning on island hopping.
Traveling Around Gran Canaria
There's a great bus network on Gran Canaria that runs from the airport to all the major towns and resorts. If you're planning on spending most of your time on the beach and not moving around, then it's best to get one of the inexpensive Guaguas buses. If you plan on hiking or traveling around the island, you might want to consider hiring a car. This will give you more flexibility than relying on buses.
How Long to Spend in Gran Canaria
Because of its location, it takes quite a long time to get to Gran Canaria – it's even 2.5 hours away from Seville by plane. I therefore wouldn't recommend going for a weekend. A week or more is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the beautiful beaches, explore the towns and villages, and try some local dishes.
Where to Stay in Gran Canaria: The Best Areas and Hotels
Here's an overview of my favorite places to stay on this beautiful Spanish island.
Las Palmas: Great for city vibes, wonderful beaches, and access to other parts of Gran Canaria.
Puerto de Mogan: A cute fishing town ideal for couples.
Puerto Rico Gran Canaria: A fun resort-like town, ideal for family holidays.
Maspalomas: One of the most popular places to stay thanks to its iconic dunes and vibrant atmosphere.
Agaete: A beautiful fishing town in the north of the island, surrounded by incredible mountains.
1. Where to Stay in Gran Canaria for First-Timers: Las Palmas
The cosmopolitan city of Las Palmas is perfect if you're visiting Gran Canaria for the first time. You might not think it, but Las Palmas is actually the 9th biggest city in Spain, so there's plenty to do. Something that makes this beautiful city so special is its beach. It's not that common that a city of this size has such as great beach but the famous Las Canteras Beach is stunning, with golden sand and clear water.
Las Palmas is a great location to explore other parts of the island, whilst also having plenty to do on your doorstep. The cultural and leisure activities are limitless and there are loads of nice restaurants too. If you're looking for nightlife, but not in a touristy resort kind of way, Las Palmas is the place.
Things to Do in Las Palmas
Visit The Old Town: Vegueta, the old neighborhood of Las Palmas is a must for anyone visiting the city. Make sure you go to Plaza de Santa Ana and the Cathedral of Santa Ana, as well as Plaza del Espiritu Santo, and Vegueta Market. You should also walk along Montesdeoca Street as it's one of the most beautiful.
Walk Around Triana: This is another of the most beautiful and interesting neighborhoods of Las Palmas. It's one of the oldest but there are lots of great independent businesses and shops, so there's definitely a ‘cool' vibe to it.
Go to The Beach! With such a great beach just a stone's throw away, it would be a shame to miss out on it. I'd recommend walking down the promenade that goes from the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium to La Puntilla. You get some amazing views of the ocean and there are lots of restaurants and bars to choose from.
Swim in a Natural Pool: To the south of the city, you'll find La Laja Beach. Unlike Playa de las Canteras, La Laja is a dark sand beach and there are a couple of natural seawater pools you can swim in. Kids will love splashing around in them!
Casa Museo Colon: This is a great museum that tells you all about the history of Gran Canaria as well as Columbus' (Colon in Spanish) and other explorers ‘discovery' of America and the impact it had.
Where to Stay in Las Palmas
($$$) Santa Catalina Royal Hideaway Hotel
A beautiful, classic hotel in the center of the city. It has a large outdoor swimming pool, rooftop bar, 3 restaurants, and a state-of-the-art wellness area.
($$) Boutique Hotel Cordial Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana
This hotel is beautifully decorated with a rooftop bar and a terrace with great views over the city and the ocean in the distance. It's ideally located for sightseeing and there's a great breakfast on offer too.
($) Hostel Falow
This hostel is just 100 meters from the beach and well located for exploring the rest of the city. The rooms are clean and there's a cute little terrace and garden area to relax in too.
Pros of Staying in Las Palmas
Lots of things to do!
Great atmosphere
Amazing beaches very close by
Lots of great hotels and hostels
Wonderful restaurants and bars
Good nightlife
Cons of Staying in Las Palmas
Big city vibes, which might not be for everyone
2. Where to Stay in Gran Canaria for Couples: Puerto de Mogan
Puerto Mogan is one of my favorite places to stay in Gran Canaria. Also known as Gran Canaria's little Venice, this is the perfect white-washed town to wander around. It's full of little canals, hence its nickname, and beautiful houses full of bougainvillea and flower-filled gardens.
Puerto de Mogan is located on the southeast of the island, about an hour's drive away from Las Palmas, and the perfect place for a relaxing break.
Things to Do in Puerto de Mogan
Go to Playa de Mogan: This is a beautiful, curved beach on the edge of town. Unlike other beaches in Gran Canaria, this one is much more intimate and often more quiet. The sand is golden and the ocean is beautiful turquoise. Because of its shape, the ocean is often very calm and ideal for lounging around in the shallows.
Walk The Back Streets: This town is stunning and a great way to get a feel for it is just to wander around the canals and small streets.
Mercadillo Mogan: A cute little market comes to Puerto de Mogan every Friday. It's a nice place to buy local perfumes and lava jewelry.
Go in a Submarine! There's no better or more unique way of exploring the underwater world than in a submarine! And you can take a submarine adventure from Puerto de Mogan.
Where to Stay in Puerto de Mogan
($$$) Radisson Blu Resort & Spa
Offering 5-star accommodation and services, the Radisson Blu Hotel in Puerto de Mogan has 2 swimming pools, a fitness center and spa, a hot tub, and a separate pool for kids. There are several suites to choose from, some with private pool access.
($$) Ílios de Mogán
This lovely apartment is just 200m from the beach with a large terrace with ocean views. It's fully equipped with everything you'd need and restaurants and shops are close by.
($) Las Brisas Mogan Apartamentos
These great apartments are just 2 minutes walk from the beach. You can enjoy a shared rooftop terrace with sun loungers that have amazing views over the beach and marina.
Pros of Staying in Puerto de Mogan
Beautiful beach
Lots to do
More idyllic village
Good accommodation options
Restaurants, cafes, and bars
Cons of Staying in Puerto de Mogan
Further away from the airport
Not as many cultural things to do as in the city
3. Where to Stay in Gran Canaria for Families: Puerto Rico Gran Canaria
Puerto Rico is just south of Puerto de Morgan and a popular destination for families. There are two main beaches close to the town. They are the larger Playa Amadores and Playa de Puerto Rico. Both are excellent for little ones to splash around in as the waters are generally calm and the sand fine. There's also lots to keep older ones entertained, such as parasailing and jet skiing.
The town itself is pretty built up, but there are loads for kids and adults to enjoy, including great restaurants and bars.
Things to Do in Puerto Rico Gran Canaria
Walk along The Promenade: It's lined with bars, restaurants, and cafes and is a great place to enjoy the evening.
Watch for Dolphins and Whales: It's not uncommon to see these amazing animals playing around the port of Puerto Rico!
Go to Ocean Fun Park: Older kids and adults will love this inflatable fun park at Playa Amadores. There are slides, areas to jump off, and obstacle courses to run along!
Enjoy The Sunset: You get one of the most beautiful sunsets from this resort town and the beaches surrounding it.
Eat Fresh Seafood: Grill Costa Mar is a great restaurant right on the beach. The seafood is freshly caught and the views are amazing.
Where to Stay in Puerto Rico Gran Canaria
($$$) Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa
This wonderful hotel is just 200m from Playa Amadores and has a beautiful infinity pool with views over the ocean. There's also an indoor pool, spa area, bar, and free parking.
($$) Servatur JB
Servatur JB is a well-located apartment complex with a beautiful pool with ocean views. There's a large sunbathing terrace and many apartments have private balconies. They're well-equipped and there's free parking too.
($) Montesol Atsol
This apartment has a shared pool and garden area. The apartment is clean and has a kitchenette. It's slightly out of town so is a little more relaxed but it's a short walk to shops and restaurants.
Pros of Staying in Puerto Rico Gran Canaria
Lots of fun activities to do
Good array of well-priced accommodation
Great beaches nearby
Nice restaurants and a nighttime atmosphere
Cons of Staying in Puerto Rico Gran Canaria
Possibly too family-orientated if you're after a quiet holiday
4. Where to Stay in Gran Canaria for Fantastic Beaches and a Great Vibe: Maspalomas
Maspalomas, which in English translates as ‘more pigeons' 🤷🏻♀️, is one of the most popular areas in Gran Canaria. It's close to Playa del Inglés, a popular beach that's known for its nightlife, as well as Playa de San Agustín. It's also close to Meloneras, another popular place to stay in Gran Canaria.
Maspalomas is most well-known for its incredible dunes which are part of an amazing oasis in the south of the island. The water here is so beautiful and nature is really something to be admired.
Things to Do in Maspalomas
Enjoy The Dunes: You have to walk around the ever-changing Maspalomas sand dunes. The golden sands are beautiful and home to some of the island's best beaches. It really will make you feel like you're in the middle of the desert!
Faro de Maspalomas: It's a beautiful walk along the path to the iconic Maspalomas Lighthouse which is between the town and Playa del Inglés. The lighthouse was originally built to guide steamboats on their way to Africa and, nowadays, you can walk up to the top for stunning views.
Enjoy an Evening Drink on The Beach: There are lots of great bars and beach bars, otherwise known as chiringuitos, where you can have an evening drink and some tapas. It's a lovely way to soak up the atmosphere.
Yoga Class. There are loads of great yoga retreats in Spain but you can also test the water with a yoga class. It's a great way to relax on your beach holiday.
Where to Stay in Maspalomas
($$$) Hotel Faro
This is a beautiful and stylish hotel, right next to the famous lighthouse. It's an adults-only hotel, with a wonderful pool and sunbathing area. There are three restaurants and it's close to local golf courses.
($$) Suites and Villas by Dunas
These charming suites are located in a large garden with a great outdoor swimming pool. There's a free shuttle bus to the airport as well as a restaurant and breakfast is included.
($) Bungalows Tisaya
Each bungalow in Tisaya has a double bedroom and a private bathroom. They're well-equipped and there's a spacious sun terrace and swimming pool. It's a short drive to Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas.
Pros of Staying in Maspalomas
The beautiful nature
Proximity to other popular areas
Great beaches and clear sea
Lots of fun activities
Cons of Staying in Maspalomas
It can get very touristy and there are some shops and arcades to cater to that
5. Where to Stay in Gran Canaria for Nature: Agaete
Agaete is a region in the northwest of Gran Canaria that's known for its long valleys, pine forests, and beautiful beaches. Agaete town is made up of white-washed buildings surrounded by the stunning Tamadaba Natural Park and citrus fruit groves. You can even find coffee growing here!
The Agaete municipality runs from the inland valleys to the coast, so you'll never be far away from stunning beaches and pristine water. Puerto de las Nieves is a cute port that's worth going to and, because it's still a fishing village, the seafood in this part of the island is amazing!
Things to Do in Agaete
Las Salinas de Agaete: These are beautiful natural pools to the north of the port. They're full of crystal clear sea water and are perfect for swimming in!
Visit the Botanical Garden: El Huerto de las Flores is home to thousands of plants from around the world. It's perfect for getting a bit of shade and enjoying nature.
Head to The Beach: There are two main beaches near Agaete – Las Nieves and Muelle Beach. Muelle is a small, rocky cove that's perfect for snorkeling.
Try Local Wine and Coffee: Bodega Los Berrazales is a wonderful vineyard to go to in Agaete that also grows coffee beans! You can try both wine and coffee and see the harvesting process.
Visit an Open-Air Archeological Park: Maipes de Agaete is an ancient burial site hidden underneath a volcanic lava plain. It's a fascinating way to see how the ancient inhabitants lived.
Where to Stay in Agaete: Best Hotels
($$$) Occidental Roca Negra
A wonderful, adults-only hotel built into volcanic rock with impressive views of the surrounding cliffs and mountains. Each stylish room has a balcony or terrace and there's a fitness center, outdoor pool, and hot tubs to enjoy.
($$) Mirador del Valle
This charming holiday home is located in the mountains around Agaete. It has a stunning terrace with sea views and is well-equipped with everything you need.
($) Casa Luna
Casa Luna is a lovely budget-friendly guesthouse just a 15-minute walk from Puerto de las Nieves. The rooms are brightly decorated and there's a large, shared terrace with great views too.
Pros of Staying in Agaete
Great for both nature and beach lovers
Quiet and relaxing
Stunning scenery
Great food
Cons of Staying in Agaete
Maybe too quiet for some
Fewer accommodation options
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Where to Stay in Gran Canaria: Final Words
Gran Canaria is an amazing island to visit. Whether you want city life, idyllic beaches, or towns surrounded by nature, you can find it all on Gran Canaria.
Some of the resorts on the south coast are a little more built up and perfect for family holidays and lots of activities. The north is slightly quieter and perfect for those looking for nature-orientated bliss. This volcanic island is a must-add to your travel destination list.
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