Where to stay in Gran Canaria?

Accommodation in Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria

Although it doesn't have the main airport, it is the island's largest city. As such, it's a great place to stay on Gran Canaria.

Beyond its size, its other particularity is that it is spread out between 2 seafronts, starting from the La Isleta peninsula. It is therefore lined with beaches on both its western and eastern sides. There are stretches of sand more or less close to the center. The most famous is Las Canteras, undoubtedly the largest and most pleasant. But there's also Alcavaneras, near the marinas and port. Or, further south, La Laja, which is much less popular.

Las Palmas is also the ferry's arrival and departure point. This is where you'll find the landing stage for the ferries to Tenerife and Fuerteventura. This makes it an ideal stopover for those wishing to visit several islands on a Canary Islands itinerary, and travel between them by boat.

Whether you choose to spend the night here or not, Las Palmas is the place to be during your stay if you plan to explore the region at all. Indeed, thanks to its colonial past, Las Palmas boasts many points of interest, such as :

• the Végueta district, famous for its Santa Ana cathedral and archaeological museum
• the shopping street of Triana, and the district of the same name
• the Castillo de la Luz fortress
• the large, modern Poema del Mar aquarium

In terms of accommodation, there are numerous hotels, especially in the Végueta and Triana districts to the south, which form the historic heart of the city. There are also many along the Playa de Las Canteras to the northwest. Apartments are also available for rent.

These areas are also home to numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs. As you can see, if you're looking for a lively city to stay in Gran Canaria, which also combines proximity to stretches of sand, Las Palmas is the place to be. And if you visit in February, you'll even have the chance to enjoy its carnival!

Southern Gran Canaria: accommodation near the Maspalomas dunes

The southern tip of Gran Canaria is a particularly pleasant place to stay in Gran Canaria. With its beautiful beaches, a number of seaside resorts (the best-known of which is Maspalomas) and a lively atmosphere, it's a guarantee of an entertaining stay.

But beyond that, Maspalomas is also known for its impressive dune landscapes. You're bound to come and see them during your stay in Gran Canaria! And for those who wish to do so, and whose budget can keep up, it's even possible to stay as close as possible to these dunes, in this top-of-the-range establishment.

The main beaches in the area are playa:

• del Inglés, the most famous and renowned. It is located on the edge of the dunes, but benefits from the presence of a seafront with a number of restaurants and bars.
• las Burras to the east and Meloneras to the west, both smaller but equally popular.

As a seaside resort, there are numerous resort-type hotels to choose from, more or less close to the ocean and dunes. They generally feature a swimming pool, fitness center and spa, and offer full- or half-board packages. They also often offer apartments for rent.

In short, you come here for a few days to enjoy a good hotel with all the necessary amenities. And all this in the immediate vicinity of the ocean and sand. Some establishments are adults-only, others are not, making this a destination for couples, groups of friends and families with children alike. In any case, book as early as possible, as they fill up quickly and well in advance. Despite the sometimes high prices!

Staying in Gran Canaria's southwest resorts

Still on the south coast, but moving further west, there are even more resorts to stay at in Gran Canaria. These range from Puerto de Mogán to Arguineguín, via Puerto Rico.

Staying here is synonymous with beautiful beaches and amenities dedicated to tourism (large hotels, swimming pools, restaurants, stores, etc.). It's also easy to enjoy water sports, including jet skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Boat trips are also available, including dolphin watching off the coast.

Puerto Mogan is an old fishing port. No large buildings here, but rather townhouses and small residences. The accommodation on offer here is mainly apartment rentals. Quieter, it's more of a family destination.

Puerto Rico is more lively. Rentals as always, but also resorts with swimming pools like those found in the big seaside resorts. You'll easily find restaurants of all kinds, as well as bars and nightlife. All this makes it, after Maspalonas, the most popular oceanfront location on Gran Canaria. And the prices reflect this.

A little further south is Arguineguín. Comparable in size to Puerto Mogan, people come here to enjoy the ocean and the beach. The accommodation on offer here is mainly apartment rentals.

Gran Canaria's east coast: a good place to stay?

The east coast boasts numerous seaside villages. Although tourism is not particularly developed here, it is possible to stay in this area, generally in rentals. You won 't find many hotels here.

However, the advantages of staying here include

• a central location, about halfway between the beautiful beaches of the south, the Maspalonas dunes, the capital Las Palmas and the heart of the island. Places you're likely to visit during your stay.
• more attractively priced accommodation than in tourist areas.
• proximity to Gran Canaria airport.

Apart from that, if you're looking for a seaside resort with a minimum of hustle and bustle, avoid this area.

Staying inland: for authenticity

Most people come to Gran Canaria to enjoy its seaside. But the more authentic inland is also worth discovering, and it may be worth staying there, even if only for part of your stay.

With the Pico de las Nieves volcano at its center, this volcanic island is almost entirely mountainous outside the coastline. There are no large towns inland, but rather villages that get smaller the further you get from the coast. Among the most important are

• Agüimes, in the east, with a pretty historic center and a beautiful church
• Telde, a former colonial town also to the east, with colorful houses
• Tejeda, in the center, rural and traditional

A few hotels in places, but mostly B&Bs, self-catering cottages and tourist rentals. In the more remote villages, you'll often find more affordable accommodation, but it's best to stay with full knowledge of the facts. There's hardly any entertainment, and you'll always have to drive to get to the coast.

As you can see, staying inland on Gran Canaria gives you a wider choice. But above all, it's an option for travellers who want to go hiking and are prepared to change their place of accommodation regularly. Or for those whose budget is more important than proximity to the sea!

The wilder northwest, towards Agaete and Puerto de Las Nieves

Not very touristy due to its more volcanic and rocky aspect, this area does have a few places to stay. The main ones are Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves.

The former is a pleasant little town slightly inland from the volcano. With its narrow streets and white houses, it's an authentic place to stay in Gran Canaria.

Nearby Puerto de las Nieves is also home to a number of accommodations, including hotels. Although far from exceptional, it also boasts a pebble beach. It's a pleasant place to stroll around the fishing port, or to dine in one of its seafood restaurants.

Nearby points of interest include natural ocean-side pools and the Punta Sardina lighthouse. Nothing, however, to justify staying in the immediate vicinity.

As you'll have gathered, you'll be staying here mainly as a stopover on your road trip. Located at the opposite end of Gran Canaria's most beautiful beaches, and far from the hustle and bustle you'd expect from a tourist destination like this, this area isn't suited to a relaxing or hiking-oriented vacation.