Where to Stay in Gran Canaria 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map

Gran Canaria is a 'miniature continent' with diverse landscapes from Sahara-like dunes to pine forests to dramatic volcanic peaks. The south offers guaranteed sun and resort tourism; Las Palmas provides urban beach life and culture. The interior and west coast reveal authentic Canarian villages. Most European visitors choose the sunny south; travelers seeking culture and character prefer Las Palmas.

Editor's Pick for First-Timers

Maspalomas / Playa del Inglés

The famous dunes are unmissable, beaches are excellent, nightlife is legendary, and every type of accommodation exists from budget apartments to luxury resorts. Easy airport access and the tourist infrastructure is excellent. Add day trips to Las Palmas and Mogán.

Culture & City Beach

Las Palmas

Resorts & Nightlife

Maspalomas / Playa del Inglés

Romantic & Charming

Puerto de Mogán

Families & Value

Puerto Rico

Quiet & Mature

San Agustín

Authentic & Nature

Agaete

Quick Guide: Best Areas

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: City beach, culture, museums, Vegueta old town, local life
Maspalomas / Playa del Inglés: Dunes, all-inclusive resorts, LGBTQ+ scene, nightlife, beaches
Puerto de Mogán: Pretty harbor, calm beach, family-friendly, boat trips, romantic
Puerto Rico: Family beaches, water sports, sunny microclimate, budget-friendly
Agaete / Puerto de las Nieves: Natural pools, authentic villages, dramatic coast, off-beaten-path
San Agustín: Calm beach, spa hotels, quieter than Maspalomas, mature travelers

Things to Know

  • • Some Playa del Inglés apartment blocks are dated and depressing - check reviews and photos carefully
  • • The northern coast (Las Palmas) can be windy and overcast when the south is sunny
  • • Don't expect authentic Spanish culture in the big southern resorts - it's tourist-focused
  • • Some inland hotels promise 'beach nearby' but it's actually 20+ minutes drive

Understanding Gran Canaria Geography

Gran Canaria is roughly circular with the airport on the east coast. Las Palmas dominates the northeast. The tourist south (Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Mogán) catches guaranteed sun. The mountainous interior peaks at Roque Nublo. The west coast remains wild and less developed. The GC-1 motorway connects airport to south coast.

Main Districts Northeast: Las Palmas (capital, urban beach). South: Maspalomas (dunes/resorts), Playa del Inglés (nightlife), San Agustín (quiet), Puerto Rico (families), Mogán (pretty village). West: Agaete, Puerto de las Nieves (authentic). Interior: Tejeda, Roque Nublo (mountain villages).

Accommodation Map

Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.

Best Neighborhoods in Gran Canaria

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Best for: City beach, culture, museums, Vegueta old town, local life

$49+ $108+ $270+
Mid-range
Culture Urban beach Foodies Local life

"Vibrant Canarian capital with world-class urban beach and colonial history"

Bus to all island points
Nearest Stations
Las Palmas Bus Station Cruise port
Attractions
Las Canteras Beach Vegueta (Old Town) Casa de Colón Alfredo Kraus Auditorium
9
Transit
Moderate noise
Safe city. Standard urban precautions in old town at night.

Pros

  • Amazing city beach
  • Best restaurants
  • Cultural attractions
  • Local atmosphere

Cons

  • Far from airport (30 min)
  • Not resort-style
  • Can be windy

Maspalomas / Playa del Inglés

Best for: Dunes, all-inclusive resorts, LGBTQ+ scene, nightlife, beaches

$54+ $130+ $378+
Mid-range
LGBTQ+ Nightlife Beach Resorts

"Purpose-built resort zone with famous dunes and legendary nightlife"

20 min to airport, 45 min bus to Las Palmas
Nearest Stations
Faro bus station Yumbo Center
Attractions
Maspalomas Dunes Maspalomas Lighthouse Yumbo Center Aqualand
7
Transit
High noise
Safe tourist zone. Be aware of valuables on beach.

Pros

  • Incredible dunes
  • Diverse nightlife
  • All-inclusive options
  • LGBTQ+ friendly

Cons

  • Very touristy
  • Can feel artificial
  • Far from local culture

Puerto de Mogán

Best for: Pretty harbor, calm beach, family-friendly, boat trips, romantic

$65+ $151+ $324+
Mid-range
Families Couples Romantic Quiet

"Charming 'Little Venice' fishing village with flower-filled canals"

50 min to airport, 1 hr to Las Palmas
Nearest Stations
Puerto de Mogán bus stop Marina
Attractions
Mogán Beach Marina Friday market Boat trips Submarine excursion
5
Transit
Low noise
Very safe, family-oriented resort village.

Pros

  • Beautiful harbor
  • Calm beach
  • Romantic atmosphere
  • Good restaurants

Cons

  • Limited accommodation
  • Far from airport
  • Quiet at night

Puerto Rico

Best for: Family beaches, water sports, sunny microclimate, budget-friendly

$43+ $108+ $270+
Mid-range
Families Budget Water sports Sun guarantee

"Family-focused resort bay with guaranteed sunshine and activity options"

40 min to airport
Nearest Stations
Puerto Rico bus station Beach promenade
Attractions
Puerto Rico Beach Angry Birds Activity Park Water sports centers Dolphin watching
6
Transit
Moderate noise
Very safe family resort.

Pros

  • Sunny microclimate
  • Family-friendly
  • Water sports
  • Good value

Cons

  • Crowded beach
  • Package tourist feel
  • Limited culture

Agaete / Puerto de las Nieves

Best for: Natural pools, authentic villages, dramatic coast, off-beaten-path

$38+ $86+ $194+
Budget
Nature Authentic Off-beaten-path Foodies

"Dramatic northwest coast with fishing villages and volcanic landscapes"

45 min to Las Palmas
Nearest Stations
Agaete bus stop Ferry to Tenerife
Attractions
Dedo de Dios (Finger of God) Natural pools Agaete Valley (coffee!) Ferry to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
4
Transit
Low noise
Very safe. Be careful at natural pools in rough seas.

Pros

  • Authentic Canarian life
  • Stunning scenery
  • Coffee plantations
  • Ferry to Tenerife

Cons

  • Limited accommodation
  • Need car
  • Rocky coastline

San Agustín

Best for: Calm beach, spa hotels, quieter than Maspalomas, mature travelers

$59+ $140+ $346+
Mid-range
Couples Quiet Spa Mature travelers

"Relaxed, upscale alternative to party-focused Playa del Inglés"

25 min to airport
Nearest Stations
San Agustín bus stop
Attractions
San Agustín Beach Spa hotels Walking promenade to Maspalomas
7
Transit
Low noise
Very safe, relaxed resort area.

Pros

  • Quieter atmosphere
  • Good spa hotels
  • Walking distance to dunes
  • Mature vibe

Cons

  • Less nightlife
  • Dated architecture in parts
  • Rockier beach sections

Accommodation Budget in Gran Canaria

Budget

$49 /night
Typical Range: $43 – $54

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$111 /night
Typical Range: $97 – $130

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$229 /night
Typical Range: $194 – $265

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Our Top Hotel Picks

€ Best Budget Hotels

Aloe Canteras

Las Palmas

★ 8.6

Modern apartments steps from Las Canteras beach with kitchenettes and sea views. Best value on the city beach.

Budget travelersSelf-cateringBeach access
Check Availability

AxelBeach Maspalomas

Playa del Inglés

★ 8.4

Stylish adults-only hotel with LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere, rooftop pool, and excellent location near Yumbo Center.

LGBTQ+ travelersSolo travelersSocial atmosphere
Check Availability

€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels

Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort

Maspalomas

★ 8.8

Massive beachfront resort with multiple pools, spa, and direct access to Maspalomas promenade. All-inclusive paradise.

FamiliesResort loversAll-inclusive
Check Availability

Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa

Puerto de Mogán

★ 9

Canarian-style village resort with pools, gardens, and excellent restaurants. Walking distance to the pretty harbor.

FamiliesCouplesVillage atmosphere
Check Availability

Radisson Blu Resort Gran Canaria

Puerto de Mogán (Arguineguín)

★ 8.7

Modern beachfront resort with excellent pool area, water sports, and family facilities on a quieter stretch of coast.

FamiliesWater sportsBeach access
Check Availability

€€€ Best Luxury Hotels

Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel

Las Palmas

★ 9.3

Gran Canaria's most prestigious hotel in historic building with tropical gardens, spa, and city's best restaurant. Colonial elegance.

Luxury seekersHistory loversSpecial occasions
Check Availability

Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia

Maspalomas

★ 9.4

Elegant colonial mansion with palm gardens, adults-only policy, and serene atmosphere near the dunes. Gran Canaria's most refined.

Adults onlyCouplesRefined luxury
Check Availability

Bohemia Suites & Spa

Playa del Inglés

★ 9.2

Adults-only design hotel with rooftop infinity pool, excellent restaurant, and chic boutique atmosphere in the resort zone.

Adults onlyDesign loversFoodies
Check Availability

✦ Unique & Boutique Stays

Parador de Cruz de Tejeda

Interior (Tejeda)

★ 8.9

Mountain parador with stunning Roque Nublo views, hiking access, and authentic Canarian cuisine. Escape the coast crowds.

HikersNature loversUnique experience
Check Availability

Smart Booking Tips for Gran Canaria

  • 1 Book 2-3 months ahead for Christmas/New Year and German school holidays (Feb)
  • 2 November-February offers warmest winter in Europe - prices 20-30% higher
  • 3 Many hotels are all-inclusive but Las Palmas restaurants are worth exploring independently
  • 4 Rental car useful but not essential in south - good bus network exists
  • 5 Pride events (May) and Carnival (Feb-Mar) see significant booking spikes
  • 6 Southern resorts can be 5-8°C warmer than Las Palmas - choose based on preferences

Why you can trust this guide

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Jan Krenek

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Gran Canaria?
Maspalomas / Playa del Inglés. The famous dunes are unmissable, beaches are excellent, nightlife is legendary, and every type of accommodation exists from budget apartments to luxury resorts. Easy airport access and the tourist infrastructure is excellent. Add day trips to Las Palmas and Mogán.
How much does a hotel cost in Gran Canaria?
Hotels in Gran Canaria range from $49 per night for budget accommodation to $111 for mid-range and $229 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Gran Canaria?
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (City beach, culture, museums, Vegueta old town, local life); Maspalomas / Playa del Inglés (Dunes, all-inclusive resorts, LGBTQ+ scene, nightlife, beaches); Puerto de Mogán (Pretty harbor, calm beach, family-friendly, boat trips, romantic); Puerto Rico (Family beaches, water sports, sunny microclimate, budget-friendly)
Are there areas to avoid in Gran Canaria?
Some Playa del Inglés apartment blocks are dated and depressing - check reviews and photos carefully The northern coast (Las Palmas) can be windy and overcast when the south is sunny
When should I book a hotel in Gran Canaria?
Book 2-3 months ahead for Christmas/New Year and German school holidays (Feb)

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