Are you going to Gran Canaria soon? You are wondering where are the best places to stay? Here is our guide to make the most of your holidays in Gran Canaria!
Gran Canaria is the second most populated island of in the Canary Islands after Tenerife and the third largest island in size. It is often compared to a mini-continent as it is home to a diversity of landscapes and climates. (Check out the top reasons why you should visit Gran Canaria)
The island is mainly known for its dream beaches, its attractive and wild coastline, but also for the Las Palmas Carnival, one of the largest in the world. To the south, beautiful sand dunes await you in Maspalomas. While in the center of Gran Canaria there are mountains and canyons of exceptional beauty that will surprise you.
To enjoy a dream holiday in this beautiful island, choosing the right accommodation in Gran Canaria is important. So where to stay in Gran Canaria? To help you prepare for your trip, we have prepared a list of the best places to stay in Gran Canaria:
1. PUERTO DE MOGÁN
When visiting Gran Canaria over a month, we completely fell in love with Puerto de Mogán. For us it is the best place to visit on the island but also one of the best places to stay during your trip.
Puerto de Mogán, with its soothing atmosphere and its small white houses wedged between the sea and the cliffs behind is just stunning. The beach at Puerto de Mogán is also very pleasant. As it is located in the south, it gets more sunny days than the rest of the island. From there, you can easily reach Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Fataga and even Pico de las Nieves.
READ: FULL GUIDE ABOUT VISITING PUERTO DE MOGÁN IN GRAN CANARIA
BEST HOTELS IN PUERTO DE MOGÁN
Cordial Muelle Viejo
At Puerto de Mogán, our favorite hotel is Cordial Muelle Viejo. This brand new hotel is directly facing the sea and is located next to the beach right beside a cliff. We highly recommend this place for a perfect holiday in Gran Canaria. Check it out here.
Hotel Puerto de Mogán The Senses Collection
Our 2nd favorite place in Puerto de Mogán is Hotel Puerto de Mogán The Senses Collection. This marvelous hotel is located right by the harbour where you will find most restaurants and just a few steps from the beach. In other word, THE perfect location! What we like about Hotel Puerto de Mogán The Senses Collection is the fantastic view from the garden, the Spanish-style buildings made with a lot of taste and the very good restaurant. Check the availability here.
2. MASPALOMAS
Maspalomas is a very famous seaside resort in Gran Canaria. It is located along the south coast. If you want to enjoy the sea above all and want to spend your holidays in a lively place with a very festive atmosphere, then Maspalomas is probably the right place to stay.
Well it’s not every day that you can stay by a desert in Europe. Indeed, the magnificient sand dunes and the sea in the background is something very unique. We absolutely loved our stay in Maspalomas.
There you will have find many options when it comes to accommodation.
READ: FULL GUIDE FOR VISITING MASPALOMAS
BEST HOTELS IN MASPALOMAS
Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras
In Maspalomas we highly recommend Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras. In fact, many hotels are located behind the dunes. So accessing the beach requires a long walk in the hot desert until you can finally reach the sea. However, Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras, is located on the side of the dunes, directly facing the sea.
And right behind the hotel, you will find many restaurants and a shopping center. Without a doubt, Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras is one of the best places to stay in Maspalomas. Book here.
Kumara Serenoa
Kumara Serenoa By Lopesan Hotels is a 4-star hotel complex which has 3 swimming pools, a large garden, a restaurant and a bar. It is located less than 1.5 km from Playa del Ingles, right next to Maspalomas golf and the shopping center, and offers beautiful rooms. The pool is just beautiful and it’s a quiet place. A very good choice if you don’t know yet where to sleep in Gran Canaria!
Check out more information here.
Caybeach Princess
Caybeach Princess has a large outdoor swimming pool, a children’s play area, garden and restaurant. You can rent an entire bungalows for yourself. If you are more on a budget but still want something nice in Maspalomas, then Caybeach Princess is a great choice.
In Maspalomas we recommend Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras. In fact, many hotels are located behind the dunes. So accessing the beach requires a long walk in the hot desert until you can finally reach the sea. However, Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras, is located on the side of the dunes, directly facing the sea. And right behind the hotel, you will find many restaurants and a shopping center. Without a doubt, Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras is one of the best places to stay in Maspalomas. Book here.
3. LA PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA
Las Palmas is a place that is central to the historical and contemporary culture of the Canary Islands. In the city, you can discover a surprisingly rich historical heritage, especially in the district of Vegueta, a colonial district which houses the Cathedral of Saint Anne and the House of Christopher Columbus.
During the first half of our trip to Gran Canaria we decided to stay in Las Palmas. As you may already know, we always look for places where we can surf nearby. And Las Palmas has 2 of the best surfing spots in Gran Canaria, which was perfect for us.
We rented a car in Las Palmas, and it was perfect to drive around the island and explore many places. So if you want something convenient during your stay in Gran Canaria, Las Palmas can be a great place to stay.
READ: FULL GUIDE FOR VISITING LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA
WHERE TO STAY IN LAS PALMAS?
ART LAS PALMAS MUR HOTEL
In Las Palmas we stayed in a brand new hotel called ART LAS PALMAS MUR HOTEL. We totally loved it. It has such a great value for money and is located close to the main beach of Las Palmas. You can book here.
SANTA CATALINA, A ROYAL HIDEAWAY HOTEL
Another beautiful hotel in Las Palmas, probably the most charming one, is Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. This luxury hotel is located near the harbour of Las Palmas in the historical center of the city. The rooftop pool is breathtaking. If your budget allows it, then don’t hesitate, this is one of the best places in Las Palmas. Book here.
4. PUERTO RICO DE GRAN CANARIA
Puerto Rico is one of the favorite tourist destinations in the south of Gran Canaria. This town was built directly on the side of the mountain right by the water. Today, many modern hotels are located in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.
Puerto Rico is a family destination, which is perfect for lovers of sea activities. You can practice diving, surfing, or even jet ski. It is also the best place from which you can explore the sea by boat and watch dolphins. For more information on dolphin watching boat trip from Puerto Rico, click here.
In the city center of Puerto Rico, you will find bars and restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines, and you will also have the opportunity to go shopping.
WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO RICO DE GRAN CANARIA?
MARINA SUITES GRAN CANARIA
For your ultimate luxury holiday in Gran Canaria, the Marina Suites Gran Canaria will delight you. The view from this hotel is phenomenal. From the infinity pool you will be directly facing the ocean.
This hotel is located only 5min walk to the beach and near the Marina at Puerto Rico. This place is very modern and has plenty of amenities.
For more information, click here.
RIU VISTAMAR GRAN CANARIA
Riu Vistamar Gran Canaria is located only 200 meters from the beach. At this hotel you will find a bar, restaurants, pool, kids club, fintness center and much more. For a pleasant stay in Gran Canaria, we highly recommend Riu Vistamar Gran Canaria. Check the availability here.
5. AGAETE ON THE WEST COAST
Agaete and the northwest coast of Gran Canaria offer spectacular panoramas and landscapes, between ocean, cliff and beach. This part of the island is ideal for travelers looking for a destination off the beaten track in a charming and authentic setting. Most accommodation is concentrated around Agaete and Puerto de de las Nieves.
READ: WHAT TO SEE IN AGAETE?
WHERE TO STAY IN AGAETE?
There aren’t too many choices in Agaete, but one place caught our attention because of its location and the great ocean view.
VILLA SICILLA
The main draw at Villas Sicilla is by far the view. You will rarely have a better view in Gran Canaria. The view of the village, the sea, the cliff and sometimes Tenerife on a clear day is absolutely stunning! More information here.
READ: 25 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TENERIFE
WHERE TO STAY IN GRAN CANARIA? – CONCLUSION
In the south of the island you will get almost guaranteed sunshine. This is indeed the sunniest place in Gran Canaria. So if you are aiming at mostly staying at the beach, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria or Puerto de Mogán are excellent choices.
If you are visiting Gran Canaria to explore the island, go hiking in the mountain or the canyon, then Agaete would be a nice choice.
Lastly if you want to mix it all then Las Palmas is the perfect place to stay in Gran Canaria.
To find out more about Gran Canaria, we listed the 20 best things to see here. If you want to explore the best beaches in Gran Canaria, here is our full guide.
If you have any questions about Gran Canaria, feel free to drop a comment below. We respond relatively quickly.
All our posts about the Canary Islands can be found here.
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