Are you up for climbing a mountain, jumping in the sea and then heading out for a few beers? Well, even if you just want to join for the last two… you can do it all in Gran Canaria!
Jam-packed with action, adventure, and natural beauty, Gran Canaria is full of dramatic volcanic landscapes, a thriving nightlife scene, and beautiful beaches.
This Spanish island has been attracting visitors for years with its consistently good year-round weather and the island having almost 320 long days of sunshine each year. Yes, that’s right – it’s a holiday destination in winter too!
Whether you’re up for lounging on beaches or hiking up mountains, Gran Canaria provides the perfect landscape for both. Packed with loads of different areas to stay – from small fishing spots to tourist resort towns, there are loads of different options to choose from.
Deciding where to stay in Gran Canaria can be a daunting task, but never fear! I’ve cherry-picked the best places to stay depending on your budget and travel style – I have no doubt there will be a spot for you.
So, let’s dive into the good stuff and find which area in Gran Canaria is best for you.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Gran Canaria?
- Grand Canaria Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Grand Canaria
- Gran Canaria’s Six Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Gran Canaria
- What To Pack For Gran Canaria
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Gran Canaria
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Gran Canaria
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are my highest recommendations for places to stay in Gran Canaria.
Santa Catalina | Best Hotel in Gran Canaria
The Santa Catalina is one of the best hotels in Gran Canaria, having been awarded Gran Canaria’s first Michelin key. An elegant hotel from an earlier era, see the Alis Rooftop terrace, a place of very particular charm with the best views of the city. A five minute walk from Las Palmas Marina, this excellent hotel is surrounded by lush, extensive gardens.
With swimming pools, a wellness center with spa treatments, and a fitness center you will be well here. It’s the place to eat too, with three supreme restaurants, and a piano bar as well as the Alis Rooftop terrace. The Restaurants are; Poemas, with the Michelin Star, 1890 La Bodeguita, specialised in tapas, and Muxgo, a restaurant with the first Michelin Green Star in Spain.
Agüita House | Best Hostel in Gran Canaria
Despite not having many hostel options in Gran Canaria, there is certainly one that towers above the rest. Aguita House is probably one of my favourite hostels in Spain and even Europe. Its incredibly social and vibrant atmosphere along with the world-class sea views out to the Atlantic Ocean makes it an awesome place to stay.
A few steps from the famous las canteras beach, you can go snorkelling with your new hostel mates all day. When you’re done with the sun, bop back to the house for the best show possible; the sunset over Gran Canaria.
Sea View Apartment | Best Airbnb in Gran Canaria
This modern and newly refurbished apartment will leave you stunned by its breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. A double bed makes it a sweet escape for a couple and there’s a sofa bed if you’ve got an extra buddy with you. This apartment building has a swimming pool with a hot tub to enjoy too, or take some sun on the private balcony overlooking the harbour.
Along with the incredible views, prime location, top-class facilities, and reasonable price, its an ideal possie for your beach holiday in Gran Canaria.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas is our topic pick for the best town to stay in Gran Canaria if you’re visiting for the first time. The lively city is one of the largest on the island and has a fun and vibrant atmosphere. Close to many of Gran Canaria’s key attractions, it’s the perfect place to base yourself to explore the island.
Playa del Ingles
Full of energetic tourists the lively neighbourhood ofPlaya del Ingles is a must-visit if you’re looking to spend your nights partying to the early hours of the morning. Packed full of buzzing bars and clubs, the resort town also has a great selection of beaches for you to take a dip in and shift that hangover.
Maspalomas
Our top recommendation for the coolest place to stay is the trendy neighborhood of Maspalomas. A small beach town on the southern coast which has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere, the area is perfect for those looking for a fun time with a bit of exclusivity.
Puerto Rico
Gran Canaria is a great holiday destination for families with so many activities to explore and Puerto Rico has to be the best of them all. It is located on the island’s southern coast and is home to a plethora of sandy beaches for visitors to enjoy. The area also has a great selection of boat trips, water parks, and water sports activities to keep the kids entertained.
Puerto de Mogán
Puerto deMogán is one of the most charming towns on the island. Located on the west coast of Gran Canaria the town is perfect for couples with plenty of romantic accommodation options along with noteworthy restaurants with idyllic backdrops.
Agaete
A little traditional fishing village on the northwest coast of Gran Canaria, it’s not hard to settle in a place like Agaete.
For years, Gran Canaria has drawn in millions of travellers from all around Europe and the world over. Sometimes forgotten due to its nearby neighbours of Lanzarote and Tenerife, add this gem to your itinerary. With volcanic landscapes and exotic beaches, this destination is a year-round paradise.
While it’s not as popular as the Balearic islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, you are guaranteed sunny weather for most of the year. Luckily, this also means you won’t get hit by the steep prices you might find on these more popular islands.
Grand Canaria is full of different beach towns, fishing villages, and historic cities making it hard to narrow down the right area for your vacation. Below I’ll break down my favourite neighbourhoods and give you insider tips on where to stay and what to do in Gran Canaria.
Las Palmas is the epicentre of culture in Gran Canaria – from picturesque churches to tucked-away courtyards and a selection of remarkable beaches. Its location on the north of the island makes it perfect for first-time visitors as it is a great place to explore the northern region of the island.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
If you’re looking for a blurry weekend away, partying till the sun comes up at exclusive beach bars and incredible nightclubs, Playa del Ingles is the perfect pick for you. An electric atmosphere sees party-goers revel amongst the busy streets and the best thing? You can spend the next day shrugging off that headache in paradise as Playa del Ingles is home to an abundance of beautiful swimming spots.
Located in the southern region of the island, Puerto Rico is my top pick for where to stay in Grand Canaria for families. With tonnes of activities to keep the kids entertained, think watersports, wonderful nature and adventure parks, you can’t go wrong! Filled with Some of the best villas in Gran Canaria are also situated here.
Puerto de Morgan has a more serene and relaxed pace than many other areas in Gran Canaria making it the perfect getaway for couples. Equipped with a great selection of exclusive hotels along with a beautiful marina, it’s a godsend for couples wanting to watch the sun go down.
We’ve got the East Coast, the South Coast and now for the West Coast, Agaete is something else. Home to quaint white-washed buildings with colourful shutters and doors running down to Puerto de las Nieves, this is the spot for a quiet holiday. From Agaete, you can cruise down the coast to the black sandy beach of Playa de Güigüí and see another side of Gran Canaria.
Finally, my top pick for the coolest destination to stay in Gran Canaria has to be Maspalomas. It’s home to an astounding selection of natural beauty including the infamous golden dunes which tower over the Atlantic coastline. Its natural beauty is also accompanied by a vibrant nightlife along with a great selection of restaurants serving traditional Spanish cuisine.
Gran Canaria’s Six Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
If you’re visiting this gorgeous offshore Spanish island, then be sure to carry on scrolling to find out about the five best areas to stay on the island!
1. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Where to Stay in Gran Canaria for Your First Time
If you’re debating where to stay in Gran Canaria for your first visit, look no further than Las Palmas. A lively city, filled full of culture and local traditions it is the perfect place to locate yourself if you are looking to spend your time exploring the city’s museums, churches, and art galleries.
If exploring the city’s cultural hotspots isn’t for you, then Las Palmas is also home to plenty of gorgeous beaches with long stretches of golden sands where you can spend your days soaking up the beaming Canary sun.
It’s no secret the Canary Islands are home to fantastic beaches, and the hottest one in Las Palmas is the Playa de las Canteras. This sandy beach is one of the most important in Gran Canaria. Las Canteras Beach has an Environmental Management System and is simply stunning.
Santa Catalina | Best Hotel in Las Palmas
The Santa Catalina is one of the best hotels in Gran Canaria and is just a stone’s throw away from Las Palmas Marina. It boasts an incredible outdoor swimming pool along with three top-of-the-range restaurants cooking up a storm of gourmet cuisine.
If you’re debating where to stay in Gran Canaria for your first visit, look no further than Las Palmas. A lively city, filled full of culture and local traditions it is the perfect place to locate yourself if you are looking to spend your time exploring the city’s museums, churches, and art galleries.
Agüita House | Best Hostel in Las Palmas
If you’re looking for an accommodation option with a thriving social atmosphere then look no further than Agüita House. Equipped with loving staff and an exclusive location the hostel is perfect for solo travellers and beach lovers. The hostel also has an incredible rooftop offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean along with one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Loft 25 | Best Airbnb in Las Palmas
This sleek apartment is perfect for those who are looking to stay in Las Palmas on a budget. The beautifully converted loft includes a double bed and a private bathroom and is suitable for up to two guests. Located in the heart of Las Palmas the lovely apartment is within walking distance to the city’s key highlights.
Things to See and Do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Soak up the sun and enjoy snorkelling at the famous Las Canteras Beach
- Take a trip across the northern coast of the island to Puerto de las Nieves
- Hike to Bandama Caldera to see magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes
- Explore Gran Canaria’s green heart with a guided tour of Doramas Forest.
- Absorb the culture at Catedral de Santa Ana and explore the charming square of Plaza de Santa Ana
- Uncover the secrets from grape to bottle on how to create fine organic wine as you explore an organic winery that is over a hundred years old on this Gran Canaria tour.
- Immerse yourself in the nighttime magic of Gran Canaria with a scenic sunset trek and learn the secrets of the stars on a guided astronomy hiking tour.
- Live an awesome mountaineering adventure with aprofessional local mountain guide
- Get amongst the Las Palmas art scene at CAAM – Atlantic Center of Modern Art
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI2. Playa del Ingles – Best Area to Stay in Gran Canaria For Nightlife
Internationally known as one of the tourist centres of Europe, Playa del Ingles is home to an endless range of restaurants, beachfront hotels, and countless shopping centres. Playa del Ingles is also my top recommendation for areas to stay in Grand Canaria if you’re looking to let your hair down and experience the island’s best nightlife.
Home to non-traditional clubs which consist of converted shopping centers that transform into huge nightclubs after dusk. Be prepared to stay out till the early hours of the morning, this is not the joint for a quiet holiday. Playa del Ingles certainly lives up to its reputation as the beach town that never sleeps!
The Marina Elite | Best Hotel in Playa del Ingles
The Marina Elite is conveniently located with four-star facilities. One of the best hotels due to its easy access to the beach, restaurants, and clubs. It offers a variety of impressive views of the ocean (including sea view rooms!) along with two outdoor swimming pools.
Cordial Biarritz Bungalows | Best Resort in Playa del Ingles
These beautifully decorated bungalows are primely located with the hotel only a 10-minute walk from the beach and the spectacular dunes of Maspalomas. The resort is equipped with amazing facilities making you not want to leave; tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a fitness centre to stay fit on vacay.
Sunset Maspalomas | Best Apartment in Playa del Ingles
Partying the night away in Playa del Ingles is a breeze. However, when going on holiday you will want to relax and get a good night’s sleep. This is one of the best hotels for that balance.
Located a few minutes walk away from the Ingles strip this budget-friendly apartment is set back from the hustle and bustle. Priding itself on having the best of both worlds, you can spend your day relaxing by the accommodation’s shared swimming pool… But also be close enough to the centre to enjoy the town’s main attractions and bustling nightlife.
Things to See and Do in Playa Del Ingles
- Explore the sands of Playa de San Agustín
- Zoom down the rides at Aqualand
- Absorb the atmosphere at Faro de Maspalomas Lighthouse
- Experience thrills at Holiday World Maspalomas
- Dust off last nights dancing and learn to surf in perfect weather, on perfect waves
- Explore the beauty of the southwest coast of Gran Canaria on a thrilling jet ski adventure
- Experience the thrill of a Via Ferrata climb up a rock cliff during this guided trip from Bahía Feliz
3. Maspalomas – Coolest Place to Stay in Gran Canaria
Maspalomas is one of the trendiest places to stay in Gran Canaria. Located on the island’s southern tip, the small town has a vibrant and friendly vibe. Perfect for visitors looking to splash the cash for a great mixture of natural beauty, exciting nightlife, and relaxed beaches!
Maspalomas draws visitors in with its phenomenal selection of golden Maspalomas Sand Dunes. These dunes tower over the Pacific coastline and are perfect for kids (and adults!) to enjoy climbing and rolling down. Maspalomas has a noteworthy nightlife scene – from trendy beach bars to a great selection of nightclubs.
When it comes to the town, Maspalomas offers a diverse range of restaurants and cafes which provide the perfect hangover cure for those sore heads.
Maspalomas Resort | Best Hotel in Maspalomas
This luxurious four-star resort is the perfect accommodation if you’re looking for a mixture of relaxation and adventure. It has spacious and well-decorated rooms and boasts a luxury terrace and bar along with two outdoor swimming pools.
Bonus if you’re an avid golfer – the hotel is only a few minutes away from one of Gran Canaria’s best courses: Maspalomas Golf Course.
Inez & Flor’s Nice Rooms | Best Apartment in Maspalomas
Perfect for those looking to save those pennies, Inez & Flor’s Nice Rooms provides basic and clean rooms on a shoestring budget. Its sought-after location means guests can enjoy activities in and around Maspalomas easily including hiking, windsurfing, and swimming.
Sea Lookout | Best Airbnb in Maspalomas
This minimalistic and modern apartment is located on the Maspalomas clifftops and boasts breathtaking sea views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its prime location is only 100 meters from Pirates Beach, perfect for those looking for a quick dip. It’s around a 15-minute walk from Maspalomas restaurants and bars so you can enjoy the busy atmosphere when you please.
Things to See and Do in Maspalomas:
- Hold on tight and go buggy riding in Maspalomas Sand Dunes.
- Discover the distinctive Canarian wines and their uniqueness
- Make a day trip to Playa de San Augstin.
- Explore the wild side of Gran Canaria, enjoy hiking, a suspension bridge, and even a swing hidden inside of a cave
- Go paragliding along the main promenade.
- Visit Aqualand.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!4. Puerto Rico – Best Neighborhood in Gran Canaria for Families to Stay In
Puerto Rico is a resort town on the southern tip of the island that provides a quieter environment than many other places in Gran Canaria. Not many clubs and bars are open to the early hours making it the perfect destination for those who come to the island with young families.
However, Puerto Rico is full of activities to keep the kids entertained during the day on your family holiday. From gliding down waterslides at Ocean Fun Park to exploring the stunning beaches while you relax in the calm waters.
You also won’t be short of accommodation options the area is well-equipped with hotels, Airbnbs, and apartments that can cater towards larger groups and families.
Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa | Best Hotel in Puerto Rico
This charming hotel is a peaceful oasis on Puerto Rico’s coast. A stone’s throw away from the beach the hotel is equipped with air-conditioned rooms. Some of which offer fantastic sea views along with a spectacular infinity pool oozing over the Atlantic Ocean. One of the islands’ best hotels, the Gloria Palace Royal draws in visitors with its authentic natural stone build.
Servatur Terrazamar Sun Suite | Best Apartment in Puerto Rico
Terrazamar Sun Suite offers a variety of different sized apartments making it my top choice for accommodation in Puerto Rico for families on a budget. Built on a valley side, you’ll feel as if you’re amongst nature with great rocky views of the valley and the Atlantic Ocean on your family holiday.
Sea View Apartment | Best Airbnb in Puerto Rico
This modern and newly refurbished apartment will leave you stunned by its breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. A double bed makes it a sweet escape for a couple and there’s a sofa bed if you’ve got an extra buddy with you. This apartment building has a swimming pool with a hot tub to enjoy too, or take some sun on the private balcony overlooking the harbour.
Along with the incredible views, prime location, top-class facilities, and reasonable price, its an ideal possie for your beach holiday in Gran Canaria.
Things to See and Do in Puerto Rico
- Relax at the main beach of Playa de Amadores
- Play a round of golf on the hilltops at Anfi Tauro Golf Course
- Spend your day zooming down waterslides at Ocean Fun Park
- Cruise along the southwest coast of Gran Canaria on this catamaran day trip
- Take in the natural beauty at one of Gran Canaria’s best beaches: Playa Anfi del Mar
- Go wakeboarding and waterskiing with Wake Board Gran Canaria
- Discover the waterfalls of Gran Canaria on this hiking tour, follow a mountain guide as you explore the island’s flora and fauna.
5. Puerto de Mogán – Where to Stay in Gran Canaria for Couples
Puerto de Mogan can be best described as the ‘Little Venice’ of the Canary Islands making it no surprise that it’s my top pick for couples heading to Gran Canaria. The small town is dotted with small waterways and canals along with cute courtyard restaurants decorated with beautiful bougainvillea flowers.
Despite there still being a tourist scene in the town, Puerto de Mogan has remained relatively untouched, creating a more traditional and authentic atmosphere.
Puerto de Mogan is the perfect destination for you and your significant other to absorb the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of other towns on the island.
Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa | Best Hotel in Puerto de Mogan
The Hotel Cordia Mogan Playa is my top recommendation for hotels in Playa de Mogan due to its stunning mountain views and incredible amenities.
One of Gran Canaria’s best hotels, this is built in the style of a traditional Canarian village. Equipped with tropical gardens, authentic restaurants, and spa treatment rooms, you will love Hotel Cordial.
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa | Best Resort in Puerto de Mogan
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a luxury romantic getaway, look no further than the stunning Raddison Blu Resort & Spa. The five-star hotel offers an exclusive and world-class service for guests.
This excellent hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms or suites along with a top-class à-la-carte Filini restaurant. If you’re looking to explore, the Raddison is perfectly located only a few minutes walk from the main marina.
Mogan Beach Blue Sky | Best Apartment in Puerto de Mogan
This beautiful apartment is located in the port of Puerto de Mogan it has sensational sea views from the balcony. This two-bedroom home has stunning indoor-outdoor flow and can be enjoyed both inside and outside all year round. Offering all the comfort you could expect, with the beach on your doorstep.
Things to See and Do in Puerto de Mogan:
- Take in the views at Mirador De Puerto De Mogan
- Soak up the sun at Cordial Muelle Viejo
- Visit the Banana Museum, the Rum Factory and a wine cellar!
- Take a trip to Playa del Cura
- Explore the volcanic coastline on a guided snorkeling and kayaking tour
- Journey to the heart of Gran Canaria with the Volcano Heart Tour
- Stroll along the town’s many canals
- Take a sailboat trip from the marina, relax and enjoy the cruise, or be a crew member and learn how to steer the boat.
6. Agaete – Where to Stay in Gran Canaria for a Quiet Holiday
A little traditional fishing village on the northwest coast of Gran Canaria, it’s not hard to settle in a place like Agaete. With an outrageous seafood scene and the Agaete Valley, the only place in Europe where coffee is grown, I’d post up here for my Gran Canaria beach holiday.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Agaete is part of the Tamadaba National Park – protected pine forests and breathtaking cliffs, and offers something different from the best hotels in Las Palmas… Las Salinas, accessible on foot via Puerto de las Nieves, these three naturally formed volcanic pools filled by the tide and connected by submarine tunnels. Las Salinas are ideal for lounging like a mer-babe and spotting marine fauna and life that comes in and out with the tide.
Ready for some shade? Make sure you get to Huerto de las Flores while you’re here. You’ll find flower filled gardens with species brought from all over the world, dating back to the 19th century. The De Armas family would bring tree seeds and cuttings home and have established this tribute to their passion for travelling and botany.
As you can imagine with all this stunning natural beauty, Agaete is where to stay in Gran Canaria to unwind.
Mirador de la Suerte | Best Homestay in Agaete
I’ve given you a run-through of the best hotels in Gran Canaria, but Agaete offers something different. Stay at this exquisite home nestled in the Agaete Valley for a cooler, quieter holiday resting space. An epic spot to base yourself if you want to travel all over the island and see the hotspots like the Maspalomas Sand Dunes.
Mirador de la Suerte has shady gardens to relax and read a book and a large rooftop terrace for catching the sun and outdoor dining. Barbecue on the balcony and make this three-bedroom house your home for your stay in Gran Canaria.
Vilna House | Another Great Homestay in Agaete
Breathtaking views from that swimming pool as you lounge in the Gran Canaria sunset over the valley? Say less.
This home is stunning, built into the hillside in typical Gran Canaria white washed architecture. You’ll find plenty of quirky pockets to lounge privately if you can bear to tear yourself away from the clifftop swimming pool and hot tub.
Villa de Agaete | Best Airbnb in Agaete
A whole casa to lounge in the heart of Agaete. A five-minute walk will have you at the beach and another ten minutes will take you to Puerto de las Nieves to enjoy the seafood at a local restaurant.
Large enough for a family of five, and has a big outdoor swimming pool if you can’t quite make it to the beach. This home is a classic Gran Canaria style and a wonderful location to stay in town and explore the village on foot.
Things to See and Do in Agaete:
- Stroll around the flower filled gardens at Huerto de las Floras
- Visit the pilgrimage village of Teror, known as the Jewel of the North
- Learn about the Gran Canaria’s traditional herbalism
- Wander the Puerto de las Nieves and taste the fresh seafood delights of Agaete
- Enjoy this unforgettable canyoning experience with jumps, rappels, or natural slides
- Venture for a tranquil swim in the natural pools of Salinas de Agaete
- Drive among the cactuses and mountains of Gran Canaria on this off-road jeep safari
- Discover places such as La Concepción church and the La Rama Ethnographic Museum in Agaete
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Gran Canaria
Here’s what people usually ask me about where to stay in Gran Canaria.
What To Pack For Gran Canaria
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
What about Tenerife?
Party on party on babayyyyy! Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and the most visited and definitely worth exploring. Renowned for nightclubs and more epic volcanic nature, Tenerife is well worth the easy trip over the Atlantic.
Where to stay in Gran Canaria to visit Playa de Guigui?
Agaete is the spot to be. Just up the coast, stay in the fishing village around Puerto de las Nieves and visit the sandy black beach of Playa de Guigui just down the coast.
What’s the haps in North Gran Canaria?
Bordered Las Palmas in the North East and Agaete in the North West, the north coast is full of little villages to stop and explore. The capital city of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, one of the oldest quarters in the city, has charming squares, such as Plaza Santa Ana. On the other hand (and coast), Agaete is a 500-year-old fishing village around Puerto de las Nieves… Here you will find the lovely little chapel Ermita de las Nieves and the breathtaking natural rock formation Dedo de Dios (God’s finger).
Where to stay in Gran Canaria for walking?
Gran Canaria’s neighbourhoods are all lovely to wander around but do get into the heart of the island for some hiking if that’s your thing. The summit of Gran Canaria is one of those spots which makes the island a Starlight Tourism Destination. Stars in your eyes, literally!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Gran Canaria
Although the danger of falling off the island into the Atlantic Ocean is pretty minimal, everyone needs good travel insurance.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of the most compact places to stay in Spain but jam-packed with diversity and easy to get around. With its dramatic volcanic landscapes, beautiful sandy beaches, and an amazing selection of hotels, Gran Canaria surely has to be added to your travel bucket list.
I hope this guide has helped you figure out which area will best fit your stay. The best place for you completely depends on what you want to get out of your travels. If you’re looking for a quiet holiday, stay in Agete and get to know the local village life. If you’re wanting a Michelin star experience, you can have that too at The Santa Catalina in Las Palmas.
If you’re still unsure about where to stay in Gran Canaria I’d book at Hotel Riu Gran Canaria in Maspalomas. Here you’ll be able to venture out and discover more of the island and have plenty of attractions in the neighbourhood to keep you entertained.
If you’re on a tighter budget (I feel ya), I’d highly recommend Agüita House. The owners are super cool and their shared spaces make it easy to meet like-minded travellers.
Wherever you end up staying I’m sure you’ll love Gran Canaria!
Is there something on your mind that you want to add to my guide? If you have any questions about where to stay in Gran Canaria, please share your thoughts with me in the comment section below.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Spain.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Spain.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Spain instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Spain to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Spain.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
