Sandy beaches, impressive mountain ranges and warm temperatures all year around – it’s no surprise that Gran Canaria is a popular holiday destination. But what’s the best place to stay in Gran Canaria?

Generally, Gran Canaria can be divided into the northern area and the southern area of the island. The south of Gran Canaria is the island’s main holiday destination as the most beautiful beaches are located there. Plus, it’s usually warmer and sunnier than in the north.

However, the wild north is also worth visiting, especially for those who enjoy going off the beaten track. In the north you can discover impressive coasts, seemingly untouched nature and authentic local villages.

This guide gives you an overview of the different areas so that you can find your personal best place to stay in Gran Canaria for a perfect holiday experience.

Best place to stay in Gran Canaria

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria and the island’s biggest city, is located in the north of the island. The most visit worthy areas of Las Palmas are the old town Vegueta and the beach zone of Las Canteras.

Las Palmas is your place to stay if you’re looking for:

  • beautiful architecture in the old town
  • a beach town
  • nightlife and all amenities of a capital city

Las Palmas has a big community of digital nomads and expats. Besides that, it’s a popular place for surfers because of the great waves at Las Canteras beach. There’s a lovely boardwalk next the beach with numerous restaurants and shops.

I personally like the beach area of Las Palmas a lot. It’s not too crowded, there are lots of young people and many locals. The only drawback of the north of Gran Canaria is that the weather is usually not as good as in the south.

Tip: Every Thursday evening starting at around 8 pm there’s “Tapas Night” in Vegueta, the old town of Las Palmas. Many bars offer different tapas and drinks at an affordable price. Tourists and locals mingle in the streets and hop from bar to bar.

Playa del Inglés

Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas

Lively Playa del Inglés is Gran Canaria’s biggest resort town. This is where you’ll want to stay if you’re looking for:

  • a long and wide stretch of sandy beach
  • a popular tourist area with budget-friendly amenities
  • bars and nightlife

Playa del Inglés attracts countless tourists and is known for being a mass tourism destination. There’s not much local authenticity left and the area caters mainly to tourists. If budget-friendly hotels, a spacious beach, lots of bars and restaurants as well as nightlife is what you you’re looking for, then Playa del Inglés is your best place to stay in Gran Canaria.

Tip: Visit “Tipsy Hammock Cocktail Bar” and have a drink on their rooftop terrace with sea view. They have an extensive drinks menu and they serve the best cocktails of Gran Canaria.

Meloneras

Dunes of Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Meloneras is the perfect place to stay in Gran Canaria if you’re looking for:

  • luxury accommodation options
  • high end amenities
  • a resort town with tourist infrastructure

Meloneras is the more modern and high-end response to Playa del Inglés. These two areas are located right next to each other but cater to a different group of people. In Meloneras you can find designer stores, chic bars and fine restaurants. The architecture and the atmosphere are generally more classy than in Playa del Inglés. Meloneras is also known for being a golf destination as there are several golf courts.

The most famous views of Gran Canaria are the sand dunes of Maspalomas, located between Meloneras and Playa del Inglés. 

Tip: Moonlight Cinema is Europe’s only permanent outdoor cinema. Located on a rooftop terrace, they show two movies every evening after sunset. You’ll be sitting on a comfy sofa with blankets from where you can order food and drinks to your seat while watching the movie.

(closed for now due to the pandemic)

San Augustín

San Augustín, Gran Canaria
"Just before sunrise, San Augustin, Gran Canaria" by Anja Jonsson is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

San Augustin is another neighboring area of Playa del Inglés. It’s the best place to stay in Gran Canaria if you’re looking for:

  • a wide stretch of sandy beach
  • a more quiet experience away from tourist crowds
  • all amenities and tourist infrastructure

If you want to spend a relaxed beach holiday in a central area that is slightly laid-back, look no further than San Augustín. Located on the east coast of Gran Canaria, the rather calm area is home to a large sandy beach that provides enough space for everyone. Despite its proximity to the tourist hotspots Playa del Inglés and Meloneras, San Augustín has a calmer atmosphere to it.

Tip: Take a stroll along the beach from San Augustín towards Playa del Inglés. There’s a lovely coast walk and you’ll pass by some smaller beaches on the way.

Puerto Rico

Playa de Amadores, Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

Puerto Rico is the best place to stay in Gran Canaria if you’re looking for:

  • carribean-like waters
  • the sunniest spot on the island
  • a resort town with all tourist amenities

Puerto Rico is famous for Playa de Amadores, an artificially created beach that reminds of the Caribbean. Turquoise and crystal clear waters attract lots of tourists and the beach is often quite crowded. This area is especially family friendly as the water is calm and shallow, perfect for children.

Puerto de Mogán

Puerto de Mogán

Known for its picturesque houses, Puerto de Mogán is the best area to stay in Gran Canaria if you’re looking for:

  • a cute village with numerous photo spots
  • a small sandy beach
  • one of the most popular villages on the island

Puerto de Mogán is a resort town and a fishing village with a small beach and a port. The town features cute houses and small canals that remind of Venice. In summer, the sandy beach can be quite crowded and the village is bustling with people who visit Puerto de Mogán on a day trip. Together with Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogan is one of the island’s sunniest places.

Tip: Visit Puerto de Mogán in the morning before it gets crowded. The calm atmosphere makes the village even prettier.

Agaete

Piscinas Naturales de Agaete

Agaete is a great place to stay if you’re looking for:

  • a place far away from tourist crowds
  • wild coasts and impressive landscapes
  • authentic local villages

You want to be near the coast but far away from resort towns and tourist crowds? Then Agaete is your place to be. Not many tourists make it to Agaete because it’s basically on the opposite side of the island’s resort towns. If you don’t mind the slightly rougher climate with stronger winds then this area holds several amazing natural gems for you to discover. Agaete is home to one of the best hidden gems of Gran Canaria, the natural pools of Agaete.

The only passenger port of Gran Canaria is located in Agaete. From there you can take a ferry to the surrounding Canary Islands. If you have time, I highly recommend visiting Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Tenerife as well.

Tip: Eat in one of the traditional fish restaurants in Puerto de las Nieves. The food is amazing and the prices are rather low compared to more touristy areas.

Tejeda

Mountains Tejeda Gran Canaria

Nestled among mountain peaks in the center of the island you’ll find the small village Tejeda. Tejeda is the best area to stay in Gran Canaria if you:

  • seek to experience an authentic local mountain village
  • are a nature-lover
  • enjoy tranquility

Stay in Tejeda if you want to experience the authentic local side of Gran Canaria. There are numerous hiking trails starting in Tejeda and its surroundings. Those who make their way up to the mountains are rewarded with stunning views and seemingly untouched nature. The rural area of Gran Canaria is a great place to stay if you seek to spend a calm retreat in nature.

Tip: Watch the sunset at Pico de las Nieves, Gran Canaria’s most elevated point. You need a car to get there but the sunset view over the mountains is breathtaking.

North or South Gran Canaria?

If you’re looking for good tourist infrastructure and mainly want to spend time on the beach, the south of the island is probably most suitable.

However, if you’re an outdoor-active person or looking for a calm and authentic local area, the north of the island and the rural areas are a better option for you.

Personally, I enjoy a mix of both mountains and beaches. No matter where you stay, I recommend exploring other areas of Gran Canaria as well. There’s so much to see on the island. Make sure to check out the hidden gems of Gran Canaria when you visit the island.

Hopefully, this guide helps you to plan a memorable holiday in Gran Canaria! 

North Gran Canaria or South Gran Canaria – what’s your best area to stay in Gran Canaria?

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Best place to stay in Gran Canaria
Best place to stay in Gran Canaria

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