Where to stay in Gran Canaria? The 4 Best Areas & Places to Stay 🏖

Are you looking for the perfect place to stay on your trip to Gran Canaria? In this guide, I talk about the best areas of Gran Canaria and give tips for choosing the best hotel for different types of vacations.

Here are the best areas in Gran Canaria ☀️

If you’re in a rush, here are the best areas in Gran Canaria and a brief summary of what they offer:

• Maspalomas – best area in Gran Canaria ⭐️
• Playa del Ingles – best area for nightlife 🍻
• Puerto Rico – lovely beach & resort town in a cosy bay 🌊
• Arguineguin – best area for families & a calm atmosphere 🌅

Click the link above and see the best hotels in each area.

Gran Canaria has been a regular travel destination for many tourists for decades.

In the wintertime, many tourists travel here due to the excellent weather conditions, where you can typically experience a lot of sun and up to 20-25 degrees. 

This is similar to the surrounding islands, such as Fuerteventura.

Most of the holiday areas are located in the southern part of the island, as the weather is simply the best there.

In the summertime (July), there is an average of 24 degrees and 30 rain-free days in the Maspalomas area, which we will get to in the guide below. So Gran Canaria is pretty weather-safe regardless of the season! 

But where to stay in Gran Canaria? I will tell you that in the guide below, where I describe the best places for all the different needs.

1. Maspalomas – best area in Gran Canaria ⭐️

Yes, I just voted Maspalomas the best area in Gran Canaria.

Maspalomas is also one of the most popular holiday areas in Gran Canaria, so I’m not alone on this. 

Maspalomas is also mentioned on all lists when you read about sights and experiences in Gran Canaria – primarily because of the beautiful sand dunes you find in the extension of the city.

When I was in Gran Canaria for the first time as a child, I was highly fascinated by the sand dunes in Maspalomas. There we were, suddenly standing in a desert with sand from the iconic Sahara desert.

Maspalomas is also a popular holiday area for families with children and couples. There are quiet surroundings, many child-friendly hotels and a very relaxed atmosphere.

See the best hotels in Maspalomas here.

As a side note, Maspalomas is also extremely popular with LGBT+ people, so there are many rainbow colours in the cityscape. 🏳️‍🌈

The dunes mentioned above are located down to the water, with several kilometres of sandy beaches nearby. 

Maspalomas is also a relatively large area. For example, you can also easily look for hotels in Meloneras, which is immediately adjacent to Maspalomas.

Places to stay in Maspalomas & Meloneras

Maspalomas town is slightly “uphill” from the sea, while the Meloneras area is next to the ocean. Let me share some of my favourite hotels in both Maspalomas and Meloneras.

I’ve taken quite a liking to this hotel.

Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa is in a class by itself, situated in Meloneras, close to the beach and the famous dunes of Maspalomas.

Besides its impressive spa and wellness centre, the resort offers a fitness centre equipped with modern machines to stay fit during your vacation.

For those who love to swim, there are four large outdoor pools, including a lagoon pool and a massive infinity pool.

Additionally, the hotel has tennis courts, a mini-golf course and offers a wide range of activities and entertainment for both children and adults.

And it’s located just a spit away from the beautiful sandy beach that characterizes the area.

Previous guests particularly highlight the hotel’s facilities as one of the primary reasons to return.

With such a range of first-class facilities, Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa is an obvious choice for those looking for a diverse and luxurious holiday experience.

See more photos and book online.

Hotel Faro is a true gem of luxury, ideally located right by the beach and specially designed for older clientele – it’s an adults-only hotel.

This hotel is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a quiet, romantic, and luxurious experience without the noise and play of children.

The facilities here are really something out of the ordinary. You can expect a high-end spa and wellness area where you can pamper yourself with everything from massages to beauty treatments.

Outside, there is a beautiful pool that almost blends into the sea’s horizon, giving you a sense that you’re close to the ocean even when you’re in the pool.

Previous guests are particularly enthusiastic about the hotel’s exclusive atmosphere, excellent facilities, and close proximity to the beach.

Hotel Faro delivers abundantly if you’re looking for an exquisite adult vacation focused on relaxation and luxury.

See more photos and book here.

Let’s also look at a slightly cheaper hotel in the area.

Caybeach Princess offers a different experience than some of the more luxurious resorts in the area, making it a favourite for many travellers.

Located a bit “up” in the town, this hotel is perfect for exploring local restaurants, bars, and city life.

Here, you’ll find a large outdoor pool, surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas, and a separate children’s pool—a good match for families or couples looking for relaxation and the option for activity.

There is also a mini-golf course and a small fitness centre for more active guests.

Previous guests often highlight the good value for money and the hotel’s excellent location.

It’s especially popular among travellers who want a base for exploring the surrounding area without sacrificing comfort and necessary facilities.

See more photos and book here.

2. Playa del Ingles – best area for nightlife 🍻

In continuation of Maspalomas to the east, we find the area simply named after the beach: Playa del Ingles.

Where Maspalomas is 100% child-friendly and very quiet, there is more activity in the streets of Playa del Ingles. The area is often referred to as the best place to go to on Gran Canaria if you want to party.

But like Ayia Napa in Cyprus and many other destinations also touted as party destinations, these cities are often overlooked for other elements, which make them great.

And the same goes for Playa del Ingles.

See the best hotels in Playa del Ingles here.

I mention the holiday area especially because you can easily travel here, stay in a great hotel and enjoy one of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful beaches.

At the same time, you have many restaurants and shopping opportunities, and you can also swing past a bar (or two) in the evening.

However, there will be better areas in Gran Canaria for families with children.

Places to stay in Playa del Ingles

Therefore, my first recommendation for a nice place to stay in Playa del Ingles is one that is adults-only: the extremely luxurious Riu Palace Hotel.

I stayed at one of these adult-only hotels (in Crete) recently with my girlfriend, and it was nice that we could just lie by the pool with a book in silence, whereas a family-friendly hotel might have been more hectic. 

As the picture above shows, this hotel is located right next to the famous sand dunes in the Maspalomas/Playa del Ingles area.

See more photos and book online here.

Corallium Dunamar by Lopesan Hotels is another incredibly luxurious and adults-only hotel.

With a prime location in the heart of Playa del Ingles, just a short walk from the beach, this hotel combines convenience with luxury to capture the essence of Gran Canaria.

The hotel has a unique pyramidal structure, which is aesthetically pleasing and ensures that many rooms have a fantastic sea view.

The hotel also has several pools, one of which is an infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Close to shopping, dining, and nightlife, this hotel is the perfect launchpad for exploring everything that Playa del Ingles offers while still being able to retreat to luxurious comfort.

In short, if you’re after an all-around luxury experience in Playa del Ingles, Corallium Dunamar by Lopesan Hotels is the place for you.

See more photos and book here.

And let’s also look at a more budget-friendly hotel in Playa del Ingles.

Servatur Waikiki is a great place to stay in Gran Canaria for travellers who want to balance price with quality.

The hotel is located in Playa del Ingles, although it’s a bit farther away from the beach than the previously mentioned hotels.

You’ll find everything from tennis courts to a well-equipped fitness centre, making it an ideal choice for the active traveller.

Rooms are modern, clean, and spacious, and the staff is always helpful and welcoming – something you can see if you read reviews from previous guests.

See more photos and book here.

3. Puerto Rico – stay here for the beach & a city in a cosy bay 🌊

Puerto Rico is, in many ways, the obvious choice of area when travelling to Gran Canaria – whether as a single person, on a couple’s holiday or travelling with children.

It is a very classic holiday area that is particularly family-friendly.

See the best hotels in Puerto Rico here.

If you have tried travelling to places like Protaras/Fig Tree Bay in Cyprus, Platanias and Agia Marina in Crete and Alcudia in Mallorca, then you also know the atmosphere that also exists in Puerto Rico.

In other words, it may not be in this area that you get the completely authentic Canarian experience, where you only mingle with locals – but that is also otherwise difficult to find anywhere in Gran Canaria.

In Puerto Rico, we have an excellent sandy beach, many restaurants, a shopping centre and many hotels to choose from.

It is a good area for you looking for a holiday town where you only need to think about your commute between the hotel swimming pool, the beach and one of the many restaurants.

Places to stay in Puerto Rico

If I had to choose a hotel in Puerto Rico, I would go for this one.

It is located between Puerto Rico itself and the neighbouring Playa de Amadores, so you have 2 good sandy beaches to choose from 😉

See more photos and book online here.

Continuing, let’s delve into some more hotels in Puerto Rico’s heart.

Marina Suites in Puerto Rico is the epitome of luxury and comfort.

The hotel sits right next to the charming harbour, offering a fabulous view of the bay and the beach. 

Each suite is designed with a sense of elegance and comfort, many featuring balconies with breathtaking ocean views.

The facilities are also top-notch, from the elegant infinity pool to the well-equipped fitness centre and spa area.

See more photos and book here.

Switching gears to a more budget-friendly option in Puerto Rico, Grupotel Revoli is a wonderful place to stay for those looking for quality without breaking the bank. 

Centrally located in the heart of Puerto Rico, the hotel is just a short walk from the beach and downtown. 

One of the hotel’s most popular facilities is its large swimming pool, surrounded by sun loungers and parasols – a perfect place to unwind and swim.

If you’re travelling with kids, Grupotel Revoli is also a hit.

It offers rooms designed to accommodate up to two children, making it an extremely family-friendly lodging option. 

While Grupotel Revoli may not have the luxurious feel that some of the pricier hotels in the area offer, it doesn’t compromise comfort or service. 

The rooms are clean well-furnished, and include basic amenities to ensure a pleasant stay.

See more photos and book here.

4. Arguineguin – best area for families looking for a calm atmosphere 🌅

If you are looking for a town on Gran Canaria that is smaller and with a slightly more relaxed pace, then Arguineguin is an excellent choice.

Here we are talking about an old fishing village, which has also experienced a boom in tourism, but in a different way than, for example, Maspalomas and Puerto Rico, which for many decades have lived 100% from tourism.

In Arguineguin, it is quieter, but still plenty of hotels, restaurants and shops.

Se the best hotels in Arguineguin here.

Get an impression of the city here:

So it’s not because you won’t meet other tourists here, but it’s a good choice for those of you who might just want to stay at the hotel, go for a few walks in the city or rent a car and drive to the other areas on day trips.

We stayed here as a family when I was a child one winter, and it was an excellent experience.

Places to stay in Arguineguin

Let’s explore some of the best places to stay in Arguineguin. I’ll start with a resort perfect for those who want to fully relax on their trip to Gran Canaria.

Bull Dorado Beach & Spa in Arguineguin is the obvious choice for those looking to kick back and enjoy their vacation without hassle. 

This all-inclusive hotel ensures you have everything you need from the moment you check-in. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your stay.

The hotel is renowned for its high level of service, comfortable rooms, and top-notch facilities.

And with the all-inclusive concept, you won’t have to worry about daily meals or activities; everything is included in the price.

Bull Dorado Beach & Spa is an effortless and convenient place to stay in Arguineguin, especially for those who desire a hassle-free vacation.

Another vital advantage is the hotel’s spa facilities, where you can indulge in various treatments that make you feel like a new person.

And for those who wish to stay active, there are plenty of options, from the fitness centre to various water sports activities.

See more photos and book here.

Arguineguin Park by Servatur is an excellent choice for families and those wanting comfort and space during their stay. 

The hotel stands out with its large rooms, many of which have their own kitchens. This gives a sense of homey comfort and is incredibly practical, especially if you’re travelling with children.

But fear not if you’d rather skip cooking; the hotel also has restaurants.

The hotel offers a range of activities and facilities that appeal to both adults and children. 

There are swimming pools, playgrounds, and entertainment options to ensure that the younger family members always have something to do, while the adults can enjoy a drink by the pool bar or relax in the hotel’s well-maintained garden areas.

See more photos and book here.

Servatur Green Beach is an excellent place to stay for those looking for a budget-friendly hotel without compromising on location or comfort.

The hotel is beautifully located by the sea, allowing you to enjoy the sound of the waves and the fresh sea breeze from your balcony. 

However, you’ll need to walk a short distance to get to the nearest beach.

Even though the hotel is budget-friendly, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to forego good facilities. 

There is a large swimming pool, a snack bar (and restaurant), and even a small gym if you want to stay active during your vacation.

So, this is a good choice for those who want to be close to the sea and don’t require the luxury that pricier hotels offer but still want a comfortable and pleasant stay in Arguineguin.

See more photos and book here.

I hope you can use this guide to find the best areas of Gran Canaria for you to stay.

I have tried to mention places that could be something for all types of travellers and include my personal experiences.

If you’re looking for classic sightseeing and perhaps don’t want to lie by the pool as much, consider also staying in Las Palmas, the island’s “capital”.

If you are looking for nature experiences, Tejeda in the middle of the island up in the mountains is recommended.

Feel free to comment below if you are looking for tips on a specific area that suits your needs.

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