The third-largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria has long been a popular year-round holiday destination, with sunshine and beautiful beaches aplenty. The island’s northern portion is green and verdant, rising along forested valleys and towards a dramatic mountainous centre. The south, on the other hand, is dry and rocky, whilst the coastline promises expansive golden beaches as well as gorgeous dark pebbled bays framed by craggy cliffs. The best places to stay on Gran Canaria are similarly varied, with everything from rural fincas to glitzy beach resorts.
For a lively buzz and a sense of the island’s rich history, base yourself in Las Palmas. A hive of activity on Gran Canaria’s north-eastern coast, the city is the ninth-largest in Spain, and the joint capital of the Canary Islands. Expect cobbled lanes lined with heritage architecture, marvellous museums, and a thriving food and nightlife scene. Playa de las Canteras, the city’s main beach, is at the heart of the action.
If you’re dreaming of hiking, horse riding and mountain biking adventures, on the other hand, look to picturesque Teror, or consider remote ochre- or red-painted fincas with wonderful regional restaurants and dazzling views of the hills and valleys of the interior. The tranquil northern towns of Agaete and Arucas will delight those looking to slow down and soak up Gran Canaria’s authentic charm. For upmarket beach resorts and a late-night party vibe, look no further than the southern town of Maspalomas —a handful of our picks of the best places to stay in Gran Canaria are located there.
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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
A gorgeous little guesthouse in Vegueta close to the beach. Romantic rustic rooms have white washed walls and boutique decoration. Lovely inner courtyard, walking distance to the restaurants, and excellent value. A romantic spot for a beach holiday.
Gran Canaria (La Lechuza)
This small and charming rustic hotel has an essence of the classical and the timeless, with ethnic brushstrokes of far-away cultures. It nestles in the heart of the mountains of Gran Canaria. The perfect spot for taking in breathtaking views and outdoor activities.
Gran Canaria
Rustic hotel in countryside. Rooms have wooden beam ceilings, living areas, exposed brickwork and big bathrooms. Outdoor pool and gardens. Lovely Canarian cuisine in low-key restaurant. Grown-up, authentic and good value.
Gran Canaria
A traditional finca near a natural park with fantastic facilities. Traditional chic rooms, pretty gardens and pool, excellent restaurant, fitness areas, spa therapies, and lots of family oriented activities. A great value spot for families.
Gran Canaria (Santa Brígida)
A rural hotel close to natural parks and golf courses. Attractive traditional interiors have antique decorations and serene spaces. Bedrooms have all the mod cons and lilac hues. Beautiful garden, pool, and excellent restaurant. A great choice for peaceful relaxation and local exploring.
Gran Canaria
A hiker's haven set in the mountains with stunning valley views. Charming traditional rooms and one villa (sleeps 4) with private balconies. Gorgeous terraces, swimming pool, local restaurant, and plenty of outdoor pursuits and quaint mountain villages to explore. Ideal for families.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Bed & Chic Las Palmas is an excellent hotel in the heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria brimming with style and elegance. The rooms are sleek and spacious with tasteful furnishings and deluxe private bathrooms. Wander down to the famous Las Canteras beach or relax on the rooftop with a cocktail.
Gran Canaria (Carretera del Valle)
A traditional finca in a rural setting, but close to the beach. A gorgeous red country house with old fashioned, but elegant rooms. Lush green gardens, pool, and an excellent table d'hote. Great value and family friendly.
Gran Canaria
A large hotel surrounded by nature, mountainous ranges, and valley views. Large traditional chic bedrooms and suites with stunning views from private balconies. Excellent restaurants, bar, swimming pool, spa, and verdant gardens. A fabulous back to nature experience with excellent facilities.
Gran Canaria (Arucas)
Quiet hacienda amongst banana plantation. Elegant rooms have shuttered windows, beamed ceilings, pretty wallpapers and big bathrooms. Outdoor pool, sun terrace, wrap-around verandah, gym and hot tub. Fresh, traditional cuisine in converted barn restaurant. Pretty, authentic, outstanding views.
Maspalomas (Gran Canaria)
Set against the back drop of Gran Canaria's rugged landscape, surrounded by the Maspalomas sand dunes and overlooking the ocean, Bohemia is a modern, adults only oasis enveloped by nature. Earthy coloured, olive wood rooms & views from private balconies. Plus a spa, two restaurants, bar and pool.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
A fantastic beach resort with excellent facilities. Rooms and suites simple in style with all the mod cons and sea views from balconies. Restaurants, swimming pools, spa, gardens and access to the beach. An excellent choice for families, beach goers, or weddings.
Maspalomas
A beautiful Five Star hotel on the beach front and close to the golf course. Romantic chic bedrooms and suites with four poster beds, soft linens and private balconies. Fantastic sporting and spa facilities; tennis courts, high tech gym, swimming pools. Excellent restaurants and beaches.
Maspalomas
A magnificent seaside resort exuding an effortless aura of style and class. Luxury at every turn with highlights including its Basque-French restaurant, extensive spa and lively music venue. Relax by the one of lagoon pools or explore the surrounding coastline. Five-star excellence.
