It’s well known that this island is a fantastic place for relaxing and having a fun holiday, but travellers often wonder about the best areas to stay in Gran Canaria. The truth is, there are many interesting areas to experience this piece of paradise, and it all depends on what you’re looking for. While it’s possible to stay in one spot and explore the entire island from there, another option is to change accommodations throughout your stay to better immerse yourself in the island’s towns, beaches, and local culture.
Keep reading to discover the best areas to stay in Gran Canaria!
Recommended areas to stay in Gran Canaria
We’ve created a list of what we believe are the best areas to stay in Gran Canaria. Preferences may vary, but these areas offer everything you could desire for your holiday: beaches, golfing ranges, charming towns, gastronomy, natural beauty, and much, much more.
Maspalomas
The Maspalomas area is undoubtedly one of the best options for staying in Gran Canaria. First off, there are the Maspalomas dunes, part of the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve, which alone justifies staying here. Additionally, there is Maspalomas Beach, an immense stretch of sand with clean and calm waters, offering various leisure activities: water sports, a quiet zone for families, and a nudist area.
With all the essential services for a perfect holiday, Maspalomas meets all the conditions to welcome visitors looking for a variety of amenities, from stunning landscapes to shopping centres, restaurants, nightclubs, and sports complexes (it’s possible to play golf, surf, dive, and much more). For a perfect end to the day, a walk along the promenade is highly recommended. For all these reasons, Maspalomas is one of the most common answers when someone asks where to stay in Gran Canaria.
Agaete
About 30 kilometres from the capital of Gran Canaria, is the small village of Agaete, built on the rugged terrain typical of some islands in the region. Its historic centre has several points of interest that justify a visit, and perhaps staying here could be a good option if you prefer tranquility over lively crowds. If you enjoy history, you can visit the Maipés Necropolis and many typical 19th-century houses with very interesting architecture.
Perhaps the main reason that justifies this being one of the best areas to stay in Gran Canaria is its lush greenery. The Huerto de las Flores, a botanical garden filled with exotic plants, and the Tamadaba Natural Park, a protected area that contains the largest pine forest in Gran Canaria, are two must-visit places on the island. In this park, you can find the Roque Faneque, one of the highest cliffs in the world!
In Agaete, you will also find many farms with tropical fruit and even coffee plantations (you can find the only coffee grown in Europe here). Lastly, Agaete is home to some of the best natural pools in northern Gran Canaria, as well as some of the best beaches.
Puerto Mogán
In any list of areas to stay in Gran Canaria, you will find at least one reference to Puerto Mogán. This village is truly beautiful, with its water canals that have earned it the nickname “Little Venice,” its white houses adorned with colourful flowers, and its beaches sheltered by the mountains.
This fishing village has many pedestrian areas that is perfect for taking a leisurely stroll, making Puerto Mogán a place to enjoy in peace.
Nature is ever-present here, with large ravines reaching the sea and the landscape of the municipality’s natural parks. Hiking is highly recommended! Additionally, the beaches are spectacular—some are ideal for water sports, while others are perfect for families with small children. There are options for all tastes, which makes Puerto Mogán possibly the best area to stay in Gran Canaria.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
No list of the best areas to stay in Gran Canaria would be complete without its capital, Las Palmas, with its relaxed atmosphere, architecture, history, and vibrant nightlife.
Here, you can enjoy urban beaches with all the amenities, stroll through traditional neighbourhoods, visit incredible museums, shop at craft markets, and taste the island’s traditional dishes.
History enthusiasts will find plenty to see and do in Gran Canaria, such as visiting the Cathedral of the Canaries, Castillo de la Luz, Casa de Colón, and the Canarian Museum. A must-do activity in Las Palmas is walking along Calle Mayor de Triana, which runs through the entire Triana neighbourhood and features many shops, restaurants, and theatres, all visually complemented by a mix of colonial and modernist architecture.
El Salobre
El Salobre is another of our recommended places to stay in Gran Canaria, as it combines tranquility, services, and proximity to areas of interest on the island, such as the Maspalomas dunes or Playa del Inglés. It’s a great area for those who want to play golf, but it also offers other options for all types of travellers, from families with children to LGBTQ+ tourists.
Reserve your perfect stay in Gran Canaria
We have shared our picks for the best places to stay in Gran Canaria, regardless of the area you choose, we are sure you will greatly enjoy this island and all its charms. Gran Canaria attracts thousands of visitors each year, who fall in love with the blend of tranquility and vibrancy, nature and urban leisure, and above all, the island life and its unique vibe.
In these areas, you will find some of the best accommodations in Gran Canaria: apartments, houses, studios, villas, and more, for small or large groups, with or without a pool, terrace, or barbecue, and many more options. Everything you need for a fantastic holiday, with peace and security. Book your holiday now and come experience Gran Canaria.
