Where to stay in northern or southern Gran Canaria? What to choose for your trip
Published on 16 July 2026
North or south of Gran Canaria: one thing is certain — the area you choose really changes the vibe of your trip. Broadly speaking, the north is more urban, more local, more cultural and sometimes greener, while the south is more beach-oriented, more touristy and often sunnier. If you’re still hesitating between the island’s different areas, our complete guide to where to stay in Gran Canaria also compares the main regions. It mostly comes down to your plans, how much beach time you want, and the kind of atmosphere you’re looking for.
For a first trip focused on sun, beaches and resorts, the south is often the best option, especially around Maspalomas and the nearby major seaside resorts. You’ll find more hotels with pools, easy-access beaches and facilities designed for a classic holiday. For a more urban, more varied or more authentic stay, the north can be a great choice, especially if you enjoy sightseeing, restaurants, museums and a local feel. In that case, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is often the best base for discovering another side of the island.
Our favorite accommodation on the island
Which area to choose in Gran Canaria: North or South?
Choosing between the north and south of Gran Canaria mainly depends on how you like to travel—whether you want an easy beach holiday, a local atmosphere, cultural sightseeing, or a change of scenery during your stay.
North or south of Gran Canaria: what to choose depending on your travel style?
The south of Gran Canaria is the easiest choice if you’re mainly looking for sunshine, beaches, hotels with pools, resorts and a beach holiday that’s easy to organize. This part of the island is home to the most touristy resorts, the best-known beaches and a large share of the accommodations designed for sun-filled stays. For a first trip focused on the beach, relaxation and on-site services, the south is often the most suitable option. It’s also the area to prioritize if you want a practical setup, with restaurants, entertainment and plenty of facilities nearby.
The north is a better fit if you’re after a more local atmosphere, a lively city, restaurants, museums, historic neighborhoods and a more urban base for exploring. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is particularly interesting for a more varied stay, with real local life, a beautiful city beach and easy access to several cultural sites. Granted, the north is often less beach-focused than the south, but it lets you discover another side of the island—more authentic and lively year-round. If you want to compare the most comfortable options across the island, you can also check out our selection of the best hotels in Gran Canaria.
For a full week or more, combining a few nights in the north with a few in the south can be a great solution. That way, you can enjoy Las Palmas, the local atmosphere and sightseeing at the start of your trip, then end with a more relaxing stay around the beaches and seaside resorts. For a short stay, it’s best to avoid changing accommodations too often, so you don’t lose time traveling. If your priority is the beach, the pool and an ultra-easy setup, you can also look at our selection of all-inclusive hotels, while the north is better if you want to avoid an overly touristy atmosphere.
Recommended accommodation in both the north and the south!
Where to stay in northern Gran Canaria: for a more urban, local, cultural trip
As mentioned above, the north of Gran Canaria is a great option if you’re looking for a livelier, more local and more cultural stay, especially around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This part of the island offers a real city vibe, with restaurants, museums, historic neighborhoods and a beautiful urban beach. It’s a good choice if you want to mix up your visits and avoid a trip that’s purely beach-focused.
Hotel
Hotel Cristina by Tigotan Las Palmas
Discover this adults-only hotel right on the beachfront, with superb ocean views and easy access to restaurants, buses, and the seafront. You’ll stay in air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and private bathroom; several room categories also include a balcony with views over the city or the sea. An outdoor pool, an ocean-view restaurant, a bar, a gym, room service, and on-site parking complete the experience.
Best of all, you can walk to the beach in minutes without giving up the comfort of a city hotel. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to combine seaside time, relaxation, and easy nights out. This hotel really ticks a lot of boxes—there’s plenty to love.
Hotel
Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel - Gran Lujo
This large luxury hotel sits in a leafy park just a few steps from the seafront. You’ll stay in spacious, air-conditioned rooms with a classic, elegant style, and some feature a balcony or terrace with views over the gardens or the city. The property brings together two pools, a spa, a gym, five restaurants, a bar, a rooftop, and attractive outdoor areas. The atmosphere feels refined, peaceful, and well preserved.
You’ll especially appreciate the balance between the charm of the historic building, the tropical gardens, and the quality of the on-site services. This is a strong choice for travelers seeking comfort, character, and a well-maintained setting. The staff are attentive, breakfast is frequently praised, and the common areas invite you to take your time between outings.
Hotel
Boutique Hotel Cordial Malteses
This boutique hotel is housed in a historic building that has been carefully restored. The air-conditioned rooms are tastefully decorated and come with a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, and free Wi‑Fi. With a limited number of rooms, it offers a more intimate, personal feel than a larger property. A terrace, a bar, an elevator, a 24/7 front desk, and daily housekeeping round out the services.
You’ll appreciate the central location, ideal for reaching museums, shopping streets, and historic neighbourhoods on foot. Even in the heart of the city, the hotel remains calm and pleasant. Guests also often highlight the welcome, the comfort of the beds, and breakfast. In short, it’s a good fit for travellers seeking a simple, elegant, and practical stay.
Hotel
Suites 1478
This small hotel is set in the heart of the historic district, a short walk from museums, lively streets, and the cathedral. Rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, and classically decorated, with free Wi‑Fi, a coffee machine, a TV, and a private bathroom. The rooftop terrace, with views of the cathedral, is a real treat for a quiet moment above the narrow lanes. A bar, private parking, and a highly rated breakfast round out your stay.
You’ll particularly enjoy the intimate feel, the comfort of the suites, and the ease of exploring everything on foot. The address is well suited to travelers looking for a calm, elegant base close to cultural landmarks. The warm welcome, quality bedding, the breakfast, and the building’s charm are also among the hotel’s key strengths, giving it a distinctive character.
To help you decide, take a look at the table below. It sums up the main criteria for accommodation in the north of the island. One last helping hand!
| Name | Location | Features | Reviews | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Cristina by Tigotan Las Palmas | Las Palmas | Adults-only, beachfront, sea views, outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, gym, parking, breakfast, and friendly staff. | You’ll love the beachfront location, comfortable rooms, sea views, the pool, and the varied breakfast. | 170€ | Book |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Where to stay in southern Gran Canaria: for beaches, sunshine, and resorts
The south of Gran Canaria is the best area if you’re looking for a beach holiday, with sunshine, easy-access beaches and a wide range of accommodations. You’ll find plenty of hotels with pools, resorts, apartments and all-inclusive properties, especially around Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán. Overall, it’s a great option for families, couples and travelers who want a holiday that’s easy to plan, with restaurants, services and activities nearby.
Hotel
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogan
This well-regarded resort is set in a peaceful area close to the beach and the marina. Rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, with a balcony or terrace, often overlooking 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, a volleyball court, a running track, and a climbing tower complete the line-up.
You’ll enjoy this convenient setting—ideal for mixing relaxation, swimming, and activities without having to leave the hotel. It suits families looking for space just as well as couples wanting a comfortable resort stay. Guests also appreciate the cleanliness, the staff’s attentiveness, the spacious rooms, and the variety at breakfast.
Hotel
Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel
This hotel complex sits on a cliff in an ideal spot between two beaches within walking distance. The air-conditioned rooms come with a balcony or terrace and often enjoy lovely sea views. Everything is designed for an enjoyable stay: outdoor pools, a buffet restaurant, bars, entertainment, children’s areas, and a thalassotherapy centre. Free parking is a real plus, especially if you’re travelling by car.
From the common areas and from many rooms, you’ll take in beautiful ocean views. The atmosphere works just as well for families as it does for couples who want to combine swims, meals at the hotel, and seaside walks. The team is available and quick to help, and the property stands out for its spacious rooms, cleanliness, varied buffets, and convenient location near the beaches.
Hotel
Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas
This adults-only hotel offers a restful setting close to the dunes and the ocean. Rooms are modern, air-conditioned, and come with a balcony—some with sea views. The communal areas are spacious, well maintained, and geared towards relaxation. On site, you’ll also find two pools, a spa, a gym, a terrace, a bar, and three restaurants. The buffet breakfast and half-board option are a real part of the overall experience.
What you’ll appreciate most is the calm atmosphere, the nearby beach, and the wide-open views over the landscape. The hotel suits travellers who want to settle into a comfortable base without needing to travel around too much. Staff are described as attentive, the food is often mentioned in reviews, and the atmosphere feels polished while still pleasantly lively.
Hotel
Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa
This large hotel complex, designed like a Canarian village, sits in the heart of tropical gardens. The air-conditioned rooms all have a balcony and feature simple, light, pleasant décor. On site, you’ll find several pools, a spa with a hot tub and sauna, a gym, four restaurants, bars, and inviting terraces. Free parking adds real convenience, especially if you want to head out and explore the area.
You’ll enjoy the green spaces, the peaceful atmosphere, and a layout that works well for both families and couples. Here, it feels more like wandering through a garden than staying in a classic hotel. Standout points include the staff’s welcome, the quality of the meals, the comfort of the rooms, and the beach nearby. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for calm while staying close to everything you need.
Hotel
Lopesan Baobab Resort
Discover this luxury resort set in the heart of tropical gardens, just a few minutes from the beach. To make the most of the setting, you’ll have spacious, air-conditioned rooms. On site, there are nine pools, four restaurants, two pool bars, a café, a gym, a kids’ club, and a childcare service. The resort appeals for its polished décor, spacious interiors, and an exotic, getaway feel.
You’ll appreciate the many pools, the outdoor areas, and the family-focused layout. It’s especially well suited to travellers looking for a comfortable, lively, well-equipped hotel. It’s also conveniently located for walking to the seafront, the lighthouse, and the beach.
To take stock, you can use the table below. It lets you compare the best accommodations in southern Gran Canaria by location, comfort level, amenities, and more.
| 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 |
| Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas | Maspalomas | Sea views, dunes, calm atmosphere, modern rooms, balcony, two pools, spa, three restaurants, buffet, impeccable cleanliness, attentive staff. | You’ll be won over by the setting near the dunes, the comfortable rooms, the carefully prepared meals, and the calm, adults-only atmosphere. | 300€ | 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 |
| 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 |
Conclusion
In short, north or south of Gran Canaria, the best choice mainly depends on the atmosphere you want for your stay. The south is still the easiest option for a sunny holiday, with beaches, hotels with pools, resorts and well-equipped seaside towns. The north is better suited to travelers looking for a more urban, local and varied experience, especially around Las Palmas. For a first trip mainly focused on the beach, the south is often a better fit, while the north becomes especially appealing if you like combining sightseeing, restaurants and local life.
If you’re only staying on the island for a short time, it’s best to choose one base to avoid spending too much time on the road. For a week or more, splitting your stay between a few nights in the north and a few nights in the south can be an excellent way to enjoy both atmospheres. You can explore Las Palmas, the historic districts and the local vibe, then finish with a more relaxing stay near the beaches in the south. In a nutshell, the right balance will depend on your pace, your budget and whether you want to focus on the beach, culture or a mix of both.
FAQ - North or south of Gran Canaria?
Is northern Gran Canaria worth it?
Yes, northern Gran Canaria is definitely worth it if you like a more local, urban vibe. You’ll find more everyday life, great places to eat, museums, historic neighborhoods, and often greener scenery once you head away from the coast. It’s also a convenient area for exploring the mountainous interior and its villages. On the downside, the weather can be more changeable and there are fewer resorts. For a cultural, varied stay, it’s an excellent choice.
Where to stay in Gran Canaria for a first trip?
For a first trip, the easiest base mainly depends on what matters most to you. If you’re after sunshine, easy swimming, and hotels with pools, go for the big beach resorts on the southern coast, around Maspalomas and the nearby beaches: everything is set up for a hassle-free vacation. If you prefer restaurants, sightseeing, museums, and a more authentic atmosphere, a large coastal city in the north, like Las Palmas, works really well. Ideally, choose based on your pace: relaxing or exploring.
Is southern Gran Canaria sunnier?
In general, yes: southern Gran Canaria is often sunnier and drier. The island’s central relief frequently creates a weather contrast, with more clouds and humidity on the northern side, while the south enjoys more stable skies, especially in winter. That doesn’t mean it rains nonstop elsewhere, but if your priority is to maximize your chances of beach days, you’re more likely to get them around the beach resorts. Still, keep an eye on the wind, which can show up on some beaches.
Can you stay in the north and visit the south?
Yes, it’s absolutely doable: the island is fairly easy to cross by car, and you can stay in a more urban area while spending days on the beaches and dunes on the other side. It often takes 45 minutes to 1h15 depending on where you start, traffic, and your route (coastal roads or inland roads). To keep it comfortable, leave early, group your visits by area, and plan for parking near the beaches. Without a car, it’s possible but less flexible.
Should you switch hotels between the north and the south?
Switching hotels can be a real plus if you want to combine two different vibes: a few nights near the beaches and vacation facilities, then a few nights in a more city-like area for sightseeing and restaurants. It also cuts down on travel time and lets you enjoy the evenings where you are. If your trip is short (3-5 nights), staying in one base is often simpler, as long as you’re okay with a few day trips. From a week onwards, a 4/3 or 5/4-night split works really well.
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.