Where to stay in Gran Canaria? The best places to stay
Published on 16 July 2026
Gran Canaria offers several different ways to stay on the island, with the vibe varying quite a bit from one area to another. To help you plan your trip, you can also read our general guide to where to stay in the Canary Islands to compare the islands based on your travel style. Back to Gran Canaria: Maspalomas is ideal for the dunes, great hotels, resorts, and a comfortable beach break. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a better fit if you want to combine city life, beach time, culture, restaurants, and easy-to-use public transport.
Playa del Inglés is best for travelers looking for a lively resort area close to the beach, the Yumbo, and plenty of adults-only hotels, while Puerto Rico is a practical choice for sunshine, pools, sea-view hotels, and family stays. Puerto de Mogán is more charming and quieter, making it a lovely option for a beach stay in a village setting. If you’re also considering other islands, you can compare with Tenerife, La Gomera, or El Hierro, which offer very different experiences. Either way, the best choice for where to stay in Gran Canaria mainly depends on how you like to travel: beach, city, resort, all-inclusive, boutique hotel, adults-only, family, or a car-free stay.
Two ways to find the ideal place to stay in Gran Canaria
Where to stay by area
Start by choosing the area that best matches your travel style.
Hotels by vibe
Know what you’re looking for? Browse our hotel selections.
Which areas should you choose to stay in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is an island of contrasts, and the area you choose really shapes the feel of your stay. Between the beach resorts in the south, the capital Las Palmas, the family-friendly areas around Puerto Rico, and the quieter charm of Puerto de Mogán, each part of the island offers a different way to travel. Here are the main areas to compare before booking your accommodation.
Maspalomas : Maspalomas is one of the best choices for a comfortable beach break in Gran Canaria. The area is known for its dunes, long beach, lighthouse, and its proximity to Meloneras. It’s a great option if you’re looking for beautiful hotels, resorts, bungalows, apartments with a pool, or a quieter atmosphere than Playa del Inglés.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria : Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the best option if you want to stay in a real city, with beaches, restaurants, museums, shopping, transport links, and a local vibe. What’s more, the Las Canteras area is perfect for combining beach and city life, while Vegueta and Triana are better suited to a cultural trip or a boutique stay.
Playa del Inglés : Playa del Inglés is the liveliest resort in the south of Gran Canaria. You’ll love it if you want to be close to the beach, restaurants, bars, shops, the Yumbo Centrum, and plenty of adults-only hotels. In other words, it’s a practical, compact, easy area to get around without a car.
Puerto Rico : Puerto Rico is a very sunny seaside resort, ideal for families, sea-view hotels, pools, and apartments. The beach is sheltered, the marina is convenient for boat trips, and Amadores is just next door.
Puerto de Mogán : Puerto de Mogán is one of the most charming areas to stay in Gran Canaria. With its marina, flower-lined lanes, whitewashed houses, and lovely beach, it’s perfect for a quieter, romantic, or family-friendly stay in the southwest of the island.
Hotel map of Gran Canaria
Here’s the hotel map of Gran Canaria! It helps you quickly spot the best areas to stay based on your itinerary. It’s handy for comparing accommodation around Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico, or Puerto de Mogán, and seeing right away which areas suit your trip best.
Our selection of the best accommodation in Gran Canaria
Our selection of the best places to stay in Gran Canaria helps you quickly spot the most interesting options based on your budget, travel style, and the area you prefer. You will also find a hotel map to easily view accommodation around Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico, or Puerto de Mogán. If you are planning a broader trip through the Canaries, you can also compare with our guides to staying in Fuerteventura, where to stay in Lanzarote, or La Palma.
The best luxury hotels in Gran Canaria
Unsurprisingly, upscale hotels in Gran Canaria are mostly found in Maspalomas, Meloneras, and Las Palmas—the island’s most popular areas. They are aimed at travelers who want a more comfortable stay, with beautiful rooms, a pool, a good level of service, and often a more refined setting than standard hotels. Depending on the atmosphere you’re looking for, you can opt for an elegant resort, a design-led city hotel, or a quieter address focused on relaxation.
Hotel
Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel - Gran Lujo
Set in a leafy park just a short walk from the seafront, this large luxury hotel pairs historic character with a full range of on-site amenities. Rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, and classically styled, and many come with a balcony or terrace overlooking the gardens or the city. Two pools, a spa, a gym, five restaurants, a bar, a rooftop, and beautifully maintained outdoor areas complete the picture. The overall feel is elegant, quiet, and pleasantly discreet.
You’ll enjoy the contrast between the historic building, the tropical gardens, and the hotel’s extensive facilities. It suits travelers looking for a comfortable, well-kept place to stay with real character. Reviews often mention the attentive staff and the breakfast, and the inviting common areas make it easy to slow down between outings.
Hotel
Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia
Discover this 5-star hotel set in tropical gardens, just minutes from the dunes and the beach. Accommodation is in elegant villas with a balcony or terrace, air conditioning, satellite TV, free Wi‑Fi, a minibar, and a private bathroom. On site, you can also enjoy a heated outdoor pool, a spa, a saltwater hydromassage pool, a sauna, a Turkish bath, a gym, a restaurant, a snack bar, a piano bar, and free private parking.
It’s a wonderfully quiet, refined hotel with high-quality service. You’ll appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, the beautifully kept gardens, the restaurant, the comfort of the villas, and the attentive staff. If you’re looking for an upscale stay, this is an excellent choice.
To help you compare options at a glance, here’s a summary table of the best luxury hotels to stay in Gran Canaria. You’ll find all the info you need to make your choice!
| Name | Location | Features | Reviews | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel - Gran Lujo | Las Palmas | Leafy park, historic building, spacious rooms, balcony, two pools, spa, rooftop, five restaurants, breakfast, and attentive staff. | You’ll be charmed by the historic setting, the gardens, the comfortable rooms, the generous breakfast, and the calm atmosphere. | 190€ | Book |
| Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia | Maspalomas | Luxury experience, tropical gardens, heated pool, spa, sauna, Turkish bath, restaurant, piano bar, free parking, peaceful setting, exceptional service. | You’ll be charmed by the calm of the property, the quality of the service, the gardens, the restaurant, and the very exclusive atmosphere. | 780€ | Book |
The best beach resorts and seaside hotels in Gran Canaria
Resorts and beach hotels in Gran Canaria are ideal if you are looking for an easy, comfortable stay with the sea at its heart. You will find them mainly in the south of the island, around Maspalomas, Meloneras, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico, and Puerto de Mogán, where the weather is often sunnier. Either way, these properties suit travelers who want a pool, quick access to the beach, on-site restaurants, and a setting designed for unwinding.
Hotel
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogan
This large, modern resort is set in a quiet area, close to the beach and the marina. Rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, with a balcony or terrace—often with lovely views over the pool or the mountains. On site, you’ll find two outdoor pools, a children’s pool, a spa with an indoor pool, sauna and Turkish bath, a gym, three restaurants, a bar, and a kids’ club. Tennis courts, volleyball, a running track, and a climbing tower round out the facilities.
It’s a convenient base for combining relaxation, swimming, and activities without needing to leave the hotel. It suits families who want plenty of space, as well as couples looking for a comfortable resort. Many guests also highlight the cleanliness, attentive staff, generous room sizes, and varied breakfast.
Hotel
Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel
Discover this large hotel complex set on a cliff, between two beaches within walking distance. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with a balcony or terrace, often facing the sea. Outdoor pools, a buffet restaurant, bars, entertainment, kids’ areas, and a thalassotherapy centre make it an excellent option for your stay. As a bonus, free parking is especially convenient if you’re travelling by car.
You’ll enjoy wide-open ocean views from the common areas and from many of the rooms. The pace suits both families and couples looking to mix swimming, on-site meals, and strolls along the waterfront. Staff are on hand and responsive, and the highlights include spacious rooms, cleanliness, varied buffets, and easy access to the beaches.
Hotel
Lopesan Baobab Resort
Set in tropical gardens just minutes from the beach, this large luxury resort offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms with a balcony or terrace. On site, you’ll find nine pools, four restaurants, two pool bars, a café, a gym, a kids’ club, and a childcare service. The whole place is designed around an attractive setting, with spacious interiors, generous open areas, and a real sense of escape.
You’ll enjoy multiple pools, expansive outdoor spaces, and an organisation that works well for families. It suits travellers who like lively, comfortable hotels. It’s also conveniently located for walking to the seafront, the lighthouse, and the beach.
To choose with confidence, take a look at the table below. It’s a handy summary of the best beach resorts and seaside hotels to stay in Gran Canaria.
| Name | Location | Features | Reviews | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogan | Puerto de Mogán | Spacious rooms, balcony, pools, spa, kids’ club, sports facilities, breakfast, spotless cleanliness, free parking, and attentive staff. | You’ll appreciate the large rooms, the pools, the spa, the child-friendly facilities, and the very professional welcome. | 190€ | Book |
| Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel | Puerto Rico | Sea views, spacious rooms, balcony, varied buffets, pools, spa, cleanliness, friendly staff, free parking, and beach access. | You’ll love the ocean views, comfortable rooms, varied meals, and easy access to both beaches. | 200€ | Book |
| Lopesan Baobab Resort | Maspalomas | African-inspired décor, tropical gardens, nine pools, spacious rooms, balcony, restaurants, kids’ club, beach nearby, and friendly staff. | Guests love the pools, the exotic décor, the comfortable rooms, the varied buffets, and the family-friendly atmosphere. | 450€ | Book |
The best boutique hotels in Gran Canaria
Boutique and character hotels in Gran Canaria are a great alternative to large resorts if you are looking for something more personal, more intimate, and full of character. You will find them mostly in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the historic neighborhoods or near the beach, as well as in a few villages and quieter parts of the island. If you care most about atmosphere, decor, location, and a less standardized experience, this is where to look.
Hotel
Boutique Hotel Cordial Malteses
This small boutique hotel is set in a historic building that has been carefully restored. Rooms are air-conditioned, nicely decorated, and equipped with a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, and free Wi‑Fi. With a limited number of rooms, the atmosphere feels more intimate than in a larger hotel. A terrace, a bar, an elevator, a 24/7 front desk, and daily housekeeping complete the amenities.
Its biggest advantage is the central location, which makes it easy to walk to museums, shopping streets, and historic neighbourhoods. Despite the city setting, it remains pleasantly quiet, and reviews often mention the welcome, the comfort of the beds, and the quality of the breakfast. Overall, it suits travellers looking for somewhere simple, stylish, and easy to live in.
Hotel
Suites 1478
A charming hotel in the historic district, just steps from museums, bustling streets, and the cathedral. Rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, and classically styled, with free Wi‑Fi, a coffee machine, a TV, and a private bathroom. The rooftop terrace looks out over the cathedral—an added bonus when you want a breath of fresh air above the narrow lanes. A bar, private parking, and a highly rated breakfast complete the picture.
You’ll especially appreciate the intimate atmosphere, the quality of the suites, and how easy it is to do everything on foot. It suits travelers who prefer quiet, well-kept addresses close to cultural sights. Add the warm welcome, comfortable bedding, the breakfast, and the building’s charm, and it’s easy to see why this place feels genuinely one of a kind.
Hotel
Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa
This large resort is laid out like a traditional Canarian village, surrounded by tropical gardens. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with a balcony, with simple, bright décor. On site, you’ll find several pools, a spa with a hot tub and sauna, a gym, four restaurants, as well as bars and terraces. Free parking is another real plus, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding area.
Expect plenty of green space, a peaceful atmosphere, and a setup that suits families and couples alike. The setting feels more like strolling through a garden than staying in a standard hotel. Other highlights often mentioned include the staff’s warm welcome, the quality of the food, the spacious rooms, and the close proximity to the beach. All in all, it’s a great choice for travelers who want peace and quiet without being far from amenities.
To go a step further, you can use the table alongside. It’s a handy summary of the best boutique hotels to stay in Gran Canaria.
| Name | Location | Features | Reviews | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boutique Hotel Cordial Malteses | Las Palmas | Central location, restored building, comfortable rooms, quality bedding, terrace, bar, breakfast, friendly staff, and free Wi-Fi. | You’ll be charmed by the walkable location, the warm welcome, the well-kept rooms, and the pleasant terrace. | 190€ | Book |
| Suites 1478 | Las Palmas | Historic district, spacious suites, rooftop terrace, cathedral views, comfortable bedding, highly rated breakfast, warm welcome, and private parking. | You’ll be charmed by the spacious suites, the rooftop terrace, the generous breakfast, and the ideal location for exploring on foot. | 240€ | Book |
| Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa | Puerto de Mogán | Tropical gardens, spacious rooms, balcony, pools, spa, restaurants, free parking, breakfast, friendly staff, beach nearby. | You’ll be won over by the gardens, the pools, the varied meals, the attentive staff, and the resort’s calm atmosphere. | 420€ | Book |
The best aparthotels and practical accommodation in Gran Canaria
Finally, aparthotels and practical accommodation in Gran Canaria are especially worth considering if you want more independence during your stay. In general, they offer a kitchenette, more space, and a more flexible setup than a classic hotel. In other words, this type of place is ideal for families, slightly longer stays, or travelers who want to keep costs reasonable while staying in the island’s most convenient areas.
Hotel
Palm Oasis Maspalomas
This peaceful resort, set amid tropical gardens, is centred around large pools with waterfalls, hot tubs and a waterslide. The studios and apartments are spacious and come with a terrace, a fully equipped kitchen, satellite TV, free Wi‑Fi and a whirlpool bath. Air conditioning is available in summer.
On-site facilities include a restaurant, a pool bar, a lobby bar, a gym, mini-golf, tennis courts, a small convenience store and limited private parking.
Expect a comfortable, family-friendly stay with plenty of space and a real holiday feel without having to go far. Guests particularly appreciate the heated pools, well-equipped accommodation, well-kept gardens and the friendly, helpful staff. If you’re looking for peace and good value for money, you can book with confidence.
Hotel
Apartamentos Cordial Mogán Valle
Take a look at this spacious apartment residence, designed for a flexible, self-catering break close to the beach and the marina. The apartments are bright and well equipped, with a kitchenette, private bathroom, a balcony or terrace, and—depending on location—attractive views over the valley. To give you an idea, standard apartments come with ceiling fans, while higher categories add air conditioning for extra comfort. The grounds also include several pools, a spa, a gym, two restaurants, a snack bar, a mini-club, a children’s paddling pool, and well-kept gardens.
You can settle into your own rhythm here—simple meals on the terrace, swims, and walks on foot to the shops or the sea. Staff are quick to respond if you need anything, the shared areas are kept clean, and the overall feel suits families who want comfort without losing the day-to-day convenience of an apartment.
Hotel
Marina Suites Gran Canaria
Discover this modern aparthotel near the marina, with large suites designed for a comfortable, independent stay. You’ll be staying in air-conditioned accommodation with a private balcony, a fully equipped kitchen, a seating area, satellite TV, free Wi‑Fi, and a private bathroom. On site, you can enjoy an outdoor infinity pool with ocean views, an adults-only area with two jacuzzis, a fitness room, three restaurants, a bar, and a 24/7 reception.
On site, the atmosphere is practical, bright, and welcoming—between the port, the beach, and relaxing moments by the water. Guests particularly appreciate the spacious suites, the heated pool, the varied breakfast, and the attentive staff. All in all, it’s a great base for families and couples alike.
To make it easy to compare your options, we’ve put together a summary table of the best aparthotels and practical accommodation for staying in Gran Canaria.
| Name | Location | Features | Reviews | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Oasis Maspalomas | Maspalomas | Heated pools, hot tubs, waterslide, gardens, spacious apartments, fully equipped kitchen, restaurant, bar, mini-golf, tennis, spotless cleanliness and friendly staff. | You’ll be happy with the large pools, tropical gardens, spacious accommodation and the staff’s warm welcome. | 130€ | Book |
| Apartamentos Cordial Mogán Valle | Puerto de Mogán | Spacious apartments, large terraces, pools, spa, gardens, friendly staff, impeccable cleanliness, beach within walking distance, and dedicated children’s areas. | Guests appreciate the spacious apartments, the pools, the walk to the beach, and the practical, family-friendly feel. | 150€ | Book |
| Marina Suites Gran Canaria | Puerto Rico | Spacious suites, ocean views, infinity pool, jacuzzis, fully equipped kitchen, balcony, restaurants, bar, breakfast, spotless cleanliness, and attentive staff. | You’ll love the ocean views, the large suites, the infinity pool, and the wonderfully attentive welcome from the staff. | 270€ | Book |
Conclusion
To conclude, Gran Canaria offers plenty of practical options for travelers who want more independence than a classic hotel. Aparthotels, serviced apartments, and well-equipped accommodation often give you more space, a kitchenette, and a more flexible routine. This is a great option for families, stays of several nights, or travelers who want to manage their budget more closely. Areas such as Las Palmas, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, and Puerto Rico generally offer the widest choice.
Choosing aparthotels and practical accommodation in Gran Canaria can really simplify planning your stay, especially if you are traveling with children or spending several days on the island. You can mix meals out with breakfasts at your accommodation, and keep your days more flexible depending on what you feel like doing. This type of accommodation is also useful if you want to be close to beaches, shops, or transport without relying on resort services. Last tip: before booking, double-check the location, amenities, whether there is parking, and how easy it is to reach the areas you want to visit.
FAQ - The best hotels to stay in Gran Canaria
What’s the best area to stay in Gran Canaria for a first trip?
For a first trip, we recommend the south around Maspalomas: you get spectacular dunes, long beaches, comfortable hotels, and easy logistics (taxis, excursions, services). It’s ideal if you want a beach holiday without overthinking it, with resort, spa, half-board, or all-inclusive options. You can also mix it up with an evening in Playa del Inglés for the nightlife, then come back to peace and quiet. If you prefer a more authentic vibe, Puerto de Mogán is an excellent alternative—more charming and relaxing.
Where to stay in Gran Canaria without a car?
Without a car, choose a well-connected base in the city: you’ll have frequent buses, easy access to restaurants, museums, shops, and a city beach. The Las Canteras area is especially convenient for doing everything on foot, while still keeping a real holiday vibe. For beach days, you can reach other areas by public transport or via organized excursions. If your priority is pure relaxation, pick a hotel close to a beach and a bus stop to keep getting around to a minimum.
Where to stay in Gran Canaria with family?
For a trip with kids, Puerto Rico is often the easiest choice: plenty of accommodation with pools, practical apartments, sea views, and very sunny weather. The beaches there are generally sheltered, which feels reassuring for swimming, and you’ll easily find supermarkets, restaurants, and activities. If you’re looking for more space and a very comfortable setting, the large resorts in the south offer kids’ clubs, entertainment, and all-inclusive packages. For a calmer atmosphere, a coastal village like Puerto de Mogán works really well.
Where to stay in Gran Canaria for the most beautiful beaches?
To make the most of the most beautiful beaches, base yourself in the southwest: you’ll enjoy often calmer water, lovely coves, and consistent sunshine. The Puerto de Mogán area is perfect if you like seaside walks and a village atmosphere, while Puerto Rico is a good fit if you want an easy-access beach and hotels with pools. For an iconic wide beach and unique scenery, the coastline near the dunes is just perfect, with long stretches that are ideal for walking.
Is it better to stay in Las Palmas or in the south of Gran Canaria?
It depends on your travel style: Las Palmas is ideal if you want a mix of city life, culture, restaurants, local vibe, and an urban beach, with easy transport and a more Canarian atmosphere. The south of Gran Canaria is a better fit if your priority is sunshine, resorts, pools, rest, and effortless beach days—especially around Maspalomas or Puerto Rico. For a good compromise, you can stay in the city for a few nights and then finish in the south. If you’d like a single place to stay, choose based on your pace: urban or seaside.
Written by the Les Deux Pieds Dehors team
The entire Les Deux Pieds Dehors team has scoured the web from top to bottom to find the best accommodations for your budget and travel style, and offer you this wonderful selection.