Canary Islands
On Gran Canaria you choose your holiday when you choose where to stay. Dunes and a promenade in Maspalomas, fishing boats and canals in Mogán, or city life by Las Canteras. Here are the areas, and the hotel we would pick in each.
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In short: where should you stay on Gran Canaria?
The south coast has the most sunshine and most of the hotels. Maspalomas and Meloneras suit those who want long beaches. Families do well in Puerto Rico and Amadores, and Mogán is for those who want a small harbour town. Las Palmas in the north is the choice for a city and a city beach. Our first choice is Seaside Palm Beach in Maspalomas.
Our first choice: Seaside Palm Beach in Maspalomas. Check availability and prices
Picolo has been to Gran Canaria many times, and the selection below is our own.
How to choose an area on Gran Canaria
Maspalomas and Meloneras: dunes and a long promenade. Quieter and slightly pricier than the neighbours.
Playa del Inglés: the liveliest, with a short walk to both the beach and the dunes.
Puerto Rico and Amadores: sheltered bays and calm water, popular with families.
Mogán: a small harbour town with canals and fishing boats, often called Little Venice.
Las Palmas: Gran Canaria's capital, with the Las Canteras city beach and the Vegueta old town.
Maspalomas and Meloneras
Maspalomas
Maspalomas, on the southern tip of Gran Canaria, gets the most sun all winter.
Seaside Palm Beach
Palm Beach sits in a palm garden by the Maspalomas lighthouse, with two outdoor pools and a short walk to both the beach and the dunes. Guests rate it 9.4 and especially praise the staff. Best for couples who want somewhere green and quiet, but close to the promenade.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras
Riu Palace sits on the Meloneras promenade, with five outdoor pools and a balcony on every room. Breakfast is included, and guests rate it 9.2. A good choice if you want to walk along the sea to restaurants in the evening.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Lopesan Baobab Resort
Baobab has an African theme, with nine outdoor pools and four restaurants. More than a thousand guests rate it 9.0. Best for families who want plenty to do without leaving the hotel.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Playa del Inglés
Seaside Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach sits in the middle of Playa del Inglés, a few minutes from the Yumbo centre and a short walk to the beach. It has a spa, and guests rate it 9.2, praising the staff. Best if you want life around you but a calm hotel to come back to.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Puerto Rico and Amadores
Gloria Palace Amadores
Gloria Palace stands on the hill above Amadores, with sea views from the pool and its own seawater thalasso centre. More than a thousand guests rate it 8.8. Puerto Rico beach is a few minutes away, and the bays here are among the calmest on Gran Canaria.
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Mogán
Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa
Cordial sits close to the beach in Mogán, built like a small Canarian village around two pools. Nearly a thousand guests rate it 9.4, and many mention the staff. Best if you want to stroll to the harbour and canals in the evening.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogán
Radisson sits in the valley behind Mogán, with three outdoor pools and its own spa. More than a thousand guests rate it 9.2. A good choice for couples who want calm with the mountains as a backdrop.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Las Palmas
Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
Santa Catalina sits in Doramas Park in Las Palmas, with three restaurants and three bars. Guests rate it 9.4. This is where to stay if you want to combine a city break, museums and the old town with days on Las Canteras.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
For the most exclusive hotels, see our guide to luxury hotels in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Travelling without children? See adults-only hotels in the Canary Islands.
Tips before you book
Book early for Christmas and February half-term: the best hotels fill up well in advance.
Car hire: to see the mountains and the north coast, a hire car is easiest. See our guide to car hire on Gran Canaria.
Wind and cloud: the south coast gets the most sun, while the north is cloudier in winter. See the Canary Islands weather month by month.
Frequently asked questions about Gran Canaria hotels
Where is the best place to stay on Gran Canaria?
Maspalomas and Meloneras for beach and promenade, Puerto Rico and Amadores for families, Mogán for a quiet harbour town and Las Palmas for a city break.
Where is the sunniest part of Gran Canaria?
The south coast, from Maspalomas to Mogán, gets the most sun. The north and Las Palmas are cloudier in winter.
Which area of Gran Canaria is best for families?
Puerto Rico and Amadores have sheltered bays and calm water. Lopesan Baobab in Meloneras has plenty of pools.
Is Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas better?
Playa del Inglés is livelier with more restaurants. Maspalomas and Meloneras are quieter, with a long promenade.
What is the best hotel on Gran Canaria?
Seaside Palm Beach in Maspalomas is our first choice, rated 9.4. For luxury, see our guide to luxury hotels in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.