South
Maspalomas & Playa del Inglés
Next to the Maspalomas dunes, with long beaches and the widest choice of places to stay on the island.
Canary Islands · Spain
Gran Canaria
ThePlaceur’s first stop. Where to stay, what to do and the guides we’re putting together.
Gran Canaria is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, out in the Atlantic. It’s often called a “miniature continent”: in a small space you’ll find golden dunes and beaches in the south, volcanic peaks inland, a lively capital in Las Palmas and, across the north, towns such as Arucas, Gáldar and Agaete among banana plantations and Atlantic coastline.
Where you base yourself shapes the whole trip, so that’s where we start. Below are the main areas to stay, followed by our guides to help you plan your trip.
Where to stay
The most popular bases on the island, each with its own feel.
South
Meloneras
A seafront promenade by the Maspalomas lighthouse, with a calmer, more polished feel.
South-west
Puerto de Mogán
A small harbour village of canals and whitewashed houses, made for a slower pace.
North-east
Las Palmas
The capital: Las Canteras beach, the historic Vegueta quarter and city life all year round.
North
Arucas, Gáldar & Agaete
Historic towns, banana plantations and a wild Atlantic coast. Quieter, more rural places to stay, away from the big resorts.
Things to do
Dolphin watching
Boat trips along the island’s southern coast.
Roque Nublo
One of the island’s icons, high in the mountainous interior.
Jeep safari
A way to explore inland tracks and mountain villages.
Food tour
A guided taste of Canarian cooking.
Gran Canaria guides
Itineraries, where to stay and food guides to help you plan your trip.
Food & drink
What to eat in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria’s must-try food and drink: wrinkly potatoes with mojo, gofio, flor de Guía cheese, sancocho, bienmesabe, local rum and where to try them.
Hotels
North vs. South: where to stay in Gran Canaria
North or south? The weather, beaches, atmosphere and type of accommodation in each part of Gran Canaria, to help you choose the right base for your trip.
Itinerary
Gran Canaria in 3 days
A 3-day Gran Canaria itinerary — Las Palmas and Las Canteras beach, the mountain interior and Roque Nublo, then the south from the Maspalomas dunes to Puerto de Mogán.