Where to stay in Gran Canaria for first-time visitors? for couples, family, hiking, and nightlife? In this blog post, I will help to find the best areas and towns to stay in Gran Canaria for tourists (include map and video), and the best hotels in Gran Canaria for all budgets.
Gran Canaria is part of the Canary Islands off the coast of northwest Africa, yet part of Spain. Its southerly latitude relative to mainland Europe makes it an appealing destination in winter when even the Mediterranean coastline of Europe can be experiencing cold and wet weather.
Tourist numbers dramatically increase that figure with almost four times that number visiting annually, especially in the winter months when there is no European competition when it comes to warm weather, beaches, and pleasant waters. There is still a summer tourist trade, but Gran Canaria is then competing with many Mediterranean countries.
Where to stay in Gran Canaria for the first time?
The best areas to stay in Gran Canaria for first-time tourists are Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogan, and San Agustín. Each area has its own unique charm and attractions.
Maspalomas, located in the southern part of the island, is famous for its expansive sand dunes and pristine beaches. It is best overall area for first-timers and is ideal for travelers seeking a beach-centric holiday with easy access to amenities, water sports, and vibrant nightlife.
Adjacent to Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés is known for its long sandy beach and bustling atmosphere. It is particularly suited for party-goers and young travelers, as it features numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
Puerto Rico, on the southwestern coast, is popular among families and sun-seekers, and provides various water sports activities, shopping centers, and a lively nightlife.
Las Palmas is the capital city of Gran Canaria, located in the northeastern part of the island. It combines urban sophistication with beautiful beaches, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a mix of city life and coastal relaxation.
| 💖 Best Area for first-timers: | Maspalomas |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | H10 Playa Meloneras Palace |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Vital Suites Residencia, Salud & Spa |
| 💰 Best budget hotel: | Hotel THe Dunagolf Suite |
Map of areas and towns in Gran Canaria:
Best Areas to Stay in Gran Canaria for tourists are:
1. Maspalomas – best overall area to stay in Gran Canaria first time
Maspalomas is the oldest and biggest on Gran Canaria island, located in the southernmost part of Gran Canaria, 20 minute drive by car from Puerto Rico. It is famous for its sand dunes and the Nature Reserve of the same name.
The Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve attracts millions of visitors to come to visit each year. It is an area of around 400 ha and is spanning all the way from the Maspalomas’ lighthouse to Playa del Inglés.
It has several ecosystems, including Charca (pond), Dunas (dunes), and Palmeral (palms). You can take a camel trek at sunset, do bird watching, explore the little sea-water lagoon bordered with palm trees in La Charca; or enjoy the views from Dunas Mirador (a walkway and observation area)
In addition to the gigantic expanse of dunes next to the sea, Maspalomas is also known for its Maspalomas Lighthouse (Faro de Maspalomas) where you can climb up the stair and enjoy breathtaking sea views. The lighthouse was built as a guide for ships travelling between Europe, Africa, and America.
Faro de Maspalomas is now a starting point of a busy promenade that is packed with restaurants, cafes, kiosks, bars, pubs, and souvenir shops. It is a great place to enjoy a drink and a meal while enjoying wonderful sunset and ocean views.
If you continue to walk along this promenade towards the dunes, you will reach Punta de Maspalomas, and then head north to Playa del Ingles.
The Playa de Maspalomas is the main beach of Maspalomas and is the most beautiful beach on the island with the fine white sand. In its surrounding, you can find the Playa del Ingles, Playa El Veril, Playa de Las Burras, and Playa Las Meloneras, which is a long coarse sand and pebble beach.
The Maspalomas Beach area near the light house is safe for families and children as it has lifeguards and calm waters. The beach has umbrellas and sun loungers for rent.
The nudist area is found near Playa del Ingles, between beach bars 3 and 4, as well as beach bars 5 and 6. The best spot for surfing is at the corner between Playa de Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés.
The water parks and an amusement park are great places to keep kids amused while the sheltered sandy beaches are obviously a further attraction. There are:
- Aqualand Maspalomas Water Park on the Carretera Palmitos Parque, lots of slides for whole families spending a fun day out.
- Holiday World (Avenida Touroperador Tui), amusement park with pony rides, parrot shows, and trampoline section.
- Palmitos Park, a popular tourist destinaion for families, home to a botanical garden and a zoo, as well as animal shows such as dolphin and bird shows.
Maspalomas is also home to several green spaces and parks to take a break from the busy beaches and sand dunes. Parque Urbano del Sur and El Parque Botanico de Maspalomas are some of the most popular parks on the area to relax and unwind.
There is no shortage of restaurants and bars although the overall nightlife is quieter than Playa del Ingles. For more nightlife, many bars and nightclubs in Playa del Ingles and Meloneras can be reached within a short cab ride.
For golf enthusiasts, you have three golf courses in this area such as the Campo de Golf de Maspalomas, the Salobre Golf, with typical Gran Canaria setting among volcanic landscapes & ravines, and the Meloneras Golf.
You can experience local daily life at the local markets such as the Saturday Maspalomas San Fernando market, located in the town of Maspalomas, with a wide range of shops and restaurants.
You can find more shops along the Boulevard El Faro and Avenida de Galdar, as well as shopping centers such as the El Varadero shopping center, Bellavista shopping center, and El Tabero Shopping center.
Maspalomas is easy to reached from Gran Canaria Airport by bus, taxi, or by renting a car. Renting a car is a great way to explore the area and the island as the island’s road is good and there are many free parking in the area.
As a popular tourist destination on the island, Maspalomas is a great base to explore the South of the island. It has all kind of accommodation options ranging from luxury to budget options. There are high-end hotels, bungalows, villas, resorts, apartments, and beach houses.
Stay in Maspalomas if this is your first visit to the Gran Canaria island; you are looking for a family-friendly area to stay in; your main interest is a relaxing beach holiday with a good climate guaranteed.
Best Places to Stay in Gran Canaria in Maspalomas:
- luxury ($$$): H10 Playa Meloneras Palace
- mid-range ($$): Vital Suites Residencia, Salud & Spa
- budget ($): Hotel THe Dunagolf Suite
2. Playa del Inglés – where to stay in Gran Canaria for nightlife
This purpose-built resort in the south of Gran Canaria is famous for its nightlife twelve months a year. It’s one of the most popular clubbing spots in the Canary Islands and a favorite among European holidaymakers.
It is conveniently located between the popular Maspalomas and San Agustín, and just half an hour from Gran Canaria Airport and remains busy all year round.
The world’s most famous beach, Playa del Inglés beach, is the fine white sands beach, stretching for some 4km and backed by the Sahara-like Maspalomas dunes.
You can enjoy various ranges of watersports such as surfing, windsurfing, waterskiing, jet-skiing, parasailing, rides on speedboats, and inflatables.
Its charming pedestrian promenade, Paseo Costa Canaria, is lined with tropical flowers and whitewashed villas. It is a beautiful walk, stretches from the Maspalomas sand dunes to Playa de las Burras. You can walk all the way to San Agustin, a quieter and smaller area than Playa del Ingles.
The infrastructure of bars, restaurants, and clubs caters to those seeking plenty of action while the beach is likely to be crowded by the day. Most clubs are located within shopping complexes, including:
- The Yumbo Center, the largest commercial center and Europe’slargest gay center that has a wide range of shops, gay-friendly bars, restaurants. This resort is located on Avenida de España and is the venue of a Gay Pride parade each year.
- The Kasbah Shopping Centre, located in Plaza del Teide, packed with pubs and clubs, such as the famous Pacha and Ministry of Sound, Hippodrome, Havana.
- Centro Comercial Anexo 2, lots of bars and restaurants.
There are many other nightlife venues in Playa del Inglés around Av. de Tenerife, Calle las Dunas, Av. de Bonn, and Av. de Tirajana.
For golf enthusiasts, you have three golf courses in this area such as Campo de Golf de Maspalomas which is surrounded by the dunes, Salobre Golf with typical Gran Canaria setting among volcanic landscapes and ravines, and Meloneras Golf.
Playa del Inglés is also home to a cultural attractions called the Templo Ecuménico de San Salvador, a church where you can find some peace and admire its interesting architecture.
Playa del Inglés is the perfect destination for families and all age groups from young and retired people. Many themed parks can be found within a short ride away. It’s popular with European tourists like British, German, Irish, Dutch, and Scandinavian.
There is plenty of accommodation because it remains busy and noisy even late at night into the early hours. All-inclusive hotels or self-catering apartments are readily available while many tourists book package holidays from mainland Europe to Playa del Ingles.
Stay in Playa del Ingles if you are looking for plenty of nightlife, you want to be guaranteed good weather, even in mid-winter, your interest is a self-catering accommodation, the history of Gran Canaria is of little interest.
Best Places to Stay in Gran Canaria in Playa del Inglés:
- luxury ($$$): Bohemia Suites & Spa – Adults Only
- mid-range ($$): Hotel Gran Canaria Princess
- budget ($): Servatur Don Miguel – Adults Only
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3. Meloneras – where to stay in Gran Canaria for luxury holiday
Meloneras is a great base if you’re looking for an upscale resort as it is packed with designer shops, high-end boutiques, fine dining restaurants, all-inclusive resorts.
Meloneras is a resort on the south of the Island, and is conveniently located on the southern outskirts of the popular Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles.
You can find Playa de Meloneras, a 570 m beach with crystal clear water, making it a popular place for swimming and sunbathing. The beach has facilite such as the sun loungers, lifeguards, and toilets. Nearby beaches are Las Mujeres Beach, Pasito Blanco, and Playa de Maspalomas.
Stroll along Meloneras Promenade, you will find many good waterfront restaurants and bars with plenty of good shops selling everything from clothing to jewelry. There is also an outdoor cinema.
- For restaurants, check out El Churrasco for grill meat, La Toscana for Italian food, and Café del Mar.
- For shopping, go to Boulevard Faro, C.C. Boulevard Oasis, and the shopping centers in Maspalomas.
- For nightlife, check out the Chester nightclub, and the Casino de Meloneras with its Legends Cabaret Show.
Anyone interested to head out to sea on a day’s cruise can book at Puerto Deportivo. If instead you just want to relax on a sunbed, the sheltered beach is a great place to spend the day.
You can find the nearby 1890s lighthouse, Faro de Maspalomas, where many people begin walking along the headland to Playa del Ingles. If you want a good photograph, the sunset here is certainly one that will enhance your album.
Choose from a good bungalow and apartment accommodation that is scattered around the area but this modern resort is famous for its palatial style four and five-star hotels many offering all-inclusive accommodation.
Stay in Meloneras if you want a good beach holiday with a developed infrastructure; you want to stay in an upscale resort with new all-inclusive hotels; you are looking for a cruise out into the Atlantic, you enjoy good bars and restaurants.
Best Places to Stay in Gran Canaria in Meloneras:
- luxury ($$$): Hotel Riu Palace Oasis
- luxury ($$$): Lopesan Baobab Resort
- luxury ($$$): Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa
4. Las Palmas – where to stay in Gran Canaria in the capital city
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) is the popular base to stay in Gran Canaria for first-time tourists because it is the Capital of Gran Canaria, located in the island’s north-eastern part, 20km away from the International Airport of Gran Canaria.
It can also be reached by cruise ships from Puerto de la Luz and Las Palmas port; and by bus from San Telmo Park and Santa Catalina Park stations.
Founded in 1478, Las Palmas is the Island’s cultural center and is home to almost half of the population and boasts an important historical and cultural heritage.
Culture vultures can head to the historic center of La Vegueta (Vegueta Old Town), you will see historical museums, churches, squares (plazas),and important historical buildings, such as the:
- the Museo Canario (Canary Museum), an archaeological museum with a collection of of pre-Hispanic artifacts to learn about the Canary Islands.
- the Cathedral of St. Anne, the oldest church on the island, located on Plaza de Santa Ana
- the Museo Casa de Colon (Christopher Columbus museum).
- the Elder Museum of Science and Technology, in the north of the island.
- the Las Palmas Town Hall, 19th century building located close to Santa Ana Cathedral.
- the Church of San Francisco de Borja.
- the Convent of San Agustín.
- the Pérez Galdós Theater, a modern theater in Spain.
- Plaza del Pilar Nuevo, location of the Atlantic Centre of Modern Art.
- Plaza del Espíritu Santo, a quiet and charming square.
Another attraction in Las Palmas is the Pueblo Canario (Canarian Village) with several whitewashed houses, situated within the Parque Doramas. It is home to the Museo Néstor, dedicated to Néstor de la Torre which is the modernist island artist.
The Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is world-famous while the neighborhoods of Triana and Vegueta are on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
For shopping, head to Las Arenas, 7 Palmas, La Ballena, and El Muelle. There are many other local markets to explore in the area includ a flea market every Sunday at San Telmo Park, the Central market, Vegueta market, and the Port Market.
In addition to the city’s interesting cultural and historical attractions, Las Palmas is home to many beautiful beaches, such as:
- Playa de Las Canteras, over 2 miles long. It is sheltered and popular with locals and tourists alike.
- Playa del Confital, the perfect spot for windsurfers and kite surfers. This lively beach area is packed with many restaurants and bars serving all kinds of cuisine.
- Playa Las Alcaravaneras, the best beach for practicing aquatic sports, near the sailing club.
The climate is described as desert-like, even tropical with nighttime temperatures rarely below the mid-teens Centigrade in mid-winter. The temperatures of the sea are equally impressive, ranging from 20C in mid-winter to 30C at the height of summer. As a local, you would experience rain on a few more than 20 days a year.
Travelers will find accommodation to suit every budget, hostels up to top-quality hotel rooms.
Stay in Las Palmas if you want to combine a beach holiday with plenty of theater and musical entertainment by night, you prefer to be close to the Island’s airport, you want a good public transportation system.
Best Places to Stay in Gran Canaria in Las Palmas:
- luxury ($$$): Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel 5*GL
- mid-range ($$): Occidental Las Palmas
- budget ($): Hotel Aloe Canteras
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5. San Agustín – best area to stay in Gran Canaria for quiet holiday
Located in municipality of San Bartolome de Tirajana, the most tranquil and least-visited of Gran Canaria’s resorts of San Agustín is just a few miles from the busiest part of Gran Canaria Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles.
The beaches are calmer and quiet with darker sand, and the climate is excellent. Popular beaches are Bahía Feliz, El Águila, Las Burras, and San Agustín. It is the nearest of the southern resorts south of Gran Canaria Airport.
Swimmers love San Agustín despite there being impressive waves at times. Playa de San Agustín is 600 meters in length, much quieter than the nearby Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas.
There are two shopping centers San Agustín Shopping Centre and El Portón which are home to the tourist information center, but the best retail shopping is in the north to Las Palmas.
There are a large number of Swedish shops, bars, and restaurants, a Swedish school, and a Swedish church in San Agustín.
The sleepy resort of San Agustín is well connected to the Gran Canaria airport and the other resorts of Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Las Palmas by local bus.
Stay in San Agustín if you want the atmosphere of a beach holiday but do not want too many crowds, shopping is just a small part of your holiday.
Best Places to Stay in Gran Canaria in San Agustín:
- mid-range ($$): Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel
- mid-range ($$): Abora Interclub Atlantic by Lopesan Hotels
- budget ($): Hotel New Folías
6. Puerto Rico – where to stay in Gran Canaria for families
Puerto Rico is the second-largest resort in the south of Gran Canaria and is a family-friendly resort, located 40 minutes drive from Las Palmas airport, in the municipality of Mogan.
It is a popular holiday destination for British, Irish, and Scandinavian tourist families.
The municipality of Mogan has the best climate in Gran Canaria. It is one of the sunniest spots on the island, with its winter climate being between 20 and 25C daytime temperatures and rarely more than 3 days of rainfall in any one month.
Nestled between two hills, Puerto Rico has two harbors, Puerto Escala and Puerto Base. Puerto Escala has a boat trip for deep-sea fishing and excursions to Mogan. Puerto Base is the departure of dolphin and whale watching tourss
There are two beaches in Puerto Rico, including the sandy beaches of Playa de Puerto Rico and Playa de Amadores, are both crystal clear and calm water, ideal for young children.
Playa de Puerto Rico is the first of the artificial beaches in Gran Canaria. Itt is 250 meters long and 90 meters wide, it has a wide range of water sports to experience. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops behind it.
The marina of Puerto Rico is the docking point of many yachts and sailboats. There is a sailing school in summer where hundreds of youngsters are taught how to sail. You can also take a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales, keep an eye on boat trips on offer in the harbor!
Angry Birds Park is a great place to spend a day with your children, while golf lovers have Miniature Golf and an 18-hole championship golf course at Tauro Golf.
If you are looking for high-quality goods, Puerto Rico has large shopping complexes with a few smaller clusters of bars, restaurants, and shops spreading around the resort. Bars and restaurants are plentiful, and the resort stays open into the early hours all year round.
There are Europa Shopping Center, the Centro Comercial, and the Mogan Mall, which is one of the largest and most beautiful shopping centers in Gran Canaria.
Apartment complexes are the most popular form of accommodation in Puerto Rico, many hugging the sides of the volcanic cliff sides. The views from such apartments out to the Atlantic are stunning.
Stay in Puerto Rico if you are happy with apartment accommodation, and you seek a balance between beach and sea activities with good nighttime facilities.
Best Places to Stay in Gran Canaria in Puerto Rico:
- mid-range ($$): Riu Vistamar Gran Canaria – All Inclusive
- mid-range ($$): Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa
- budget ($): Bahia Blanca
7. Puerto de Mogán – where to stay in Gran Canaria for couples
Puerto de Mogán offers a little more than many of Gran Canaria’s popular tourist destinationsHistorically, it was a charming fishing village in the southwest of the Island and that activity is still important even as tourism grows.
Located 93 kilometers from the island’s capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, some travelers just come for the day, often for its famous Friday market, but there are good accommodation alternatives as well.
Its nickname is Venice of the Canaries because of its canals linking to the harbor. Its charming and romantic atmosphere makes it a perfect place to stay for couples.
Puerto de Mogan beach is surrounded by a secluded bay, with golden sands and calm, safe water, ideal for families with kids. There are also many watersport activities for you to enjoy. Bars and restaurants line the beachfront and marina.
Buildings of more than two-storey are not permitted and there are many two-storey apartment buildings built around a marina and fishing harbour.
Nearby you can find some important archaeological sites. Canada de los Gatos (Valley of the Cats), Canada de la Mar and La Cogolla de Veneguera each attract visitors keen on more than just sun and sea.
The windmill built in 1893, Molino Guemado is found just over 4 miles to the northeast in the Mogán Valley.
Stay in Puerto de Mogán if you are interested in the cultural and historical aspects of Gran Canaria, and you would like to see local life and enjoy the daily catch straight from the harbor.
Best Hotels in Gran Canaria in Puerto de Mogán:
- luxury ($$$): Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogan
- mid-range ($$): Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa
- budget ($): Apartamentos Puerto de Mogán THe Home Collection
8. Arguineguin – authentic quiet local town
Arguineguin town on the southwest coast is a typical old fishing village long before there was mass tourism to Gran Canaria. Arguineguin is the most authentic local town on the south coast of Gran Canaria.
One of the main attractions in the restaurants of Arguineguin is the fish caught that day, and these days there are plenty of bars as well. Arguineguin also hosts Arguineguin Market, the largest market on the Island east Tuesday.
You will find a beautiful beach with a lovely sunset at Playa de las Marañuelas; quiet, dark sand, and pebbles beach of Playa Arguineguín, Playa Santa Agueda with its Ermita Cueva de Santa Águeda, and a secluded beach Playa La Carrera.
You can stroll around the Arguineguín seafront promenade, which runs the length of the town and also connects to Patalavaca and Anfi beaches to the west.
Arguineguin is not as popular as places such as Playa del Ingles or Maspalomas but there are a number of resort hotels and the beaches are good. In wintertime, there is a significant Norwegian population, keen to avoid Scandinavia’s cold winters.
A ferry service runs to Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán while hikers regularly seek the same destinations by walking over the mountains.
Arguineguin offers a wide range of accommodation options including hotels, apartments, and villas. You can find accommodation on the beach front, and in the Loma Dos area with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
If you come during the Fiestas del Carmen, I suggest Staying right by the sea. In the celebration, the local boats will sail from the harbor to El Pajar, Anfi, Puerto Rico, and Puerto de Mogan.
Stay in Arguineguin if you enjoy getting a feel for local life, and you plan to do some hiking.
Best places to stay in Gran Canaria in Arguineguin:
- luxury ($$$): Radisson Blu Resort Gran Canaria
- mid-range ($$): Arguineguín Park By Servatur
- budget ($): Servatur Green Beach
9. Taurito – great for couples and families for relax holiday
Located between Puerto Rico and Peurto Mogan, a 40-minute drive from Gran Canaria Airport, Taurito is a small elegant resort with many all-inclusive hotels. It is not a suitable walk incidentally because of the terrain.
This is an ideal place for couples and families who looking for peace and tranquillity away from hustle and bustle of larger resorts.
Taurito Beach is a pleasant artificial man-made beach with dark sand and not as busy as some others in the main tourist region. you can hire parasols and sun loungers on the beach.
Snorkeling is a popular activity in its waters with tours providing all the necessary equipment as well as lunch readily available. Quad bikes are available for hire and jeep tours into the interior as well as out to sea in search of whales are popular.
Another attraction is the Lago Taurito Oasis, a small waterpark near the Paradise Lago Hotel. It is home to a large saltwater pool, where families of all ages can spend a fun day out.
Stay in Taurito if you want easy access to tours both into the interior and out to sea, and you are happy in a large hotel with plenty of good features and services
Best places to stay in Gran Canaria in Taurito:
- budget ($): Apartamentos Cordial Magec Taurito
- budget ($): Apartments at Cala Blanca by Diamond Resorts
- budget ($): Villas de Taurito
10. Fataga – very popular day trip on south of Gran Canaria
Located just 30 minutes from both Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas, this settlement in the interior at an altitude of almost 2000 feet is an agricultural community that has existed for 2000 years.
Significant growth happened in the 19th Century with the population growing but work available in the tourist areas has taken many away. Its good water source means that crops and livestock are suitable on a largely dry island.
It is not really a place where you would stay but certainly a good place for a day trip for those staying on the coast.
Visitors will enjoy the narrow streets in a typical old island village as well as traditionally built housing. The church, San Jose Church, was built in 1880 with a simple design that matches the old Canarian houses fully.
You can check out Fataga Viewpoint with views of the Valley of the Thousand Palm Trees and Degollada de las Yeguas Viewpoint with views of the Fataga Ravine, Arteara, Amurga Massif.
The Arteara village is a beautiful village with old white houses where you can find the necropolis of Arteara, an archaeological site. it is the largest Aboriginal cemetery on the island with 900 tombs.
If you are family visiting with children, you can book a camel ride in Fataga valley. It’s a great experience in the Camel Safari Park!
The Finca Canarias Aloe Vera on the way from Arteara to Fataga is also worth stop checking. It’s an aloe vera ecological farm.
In Fataga village you will find an old bakery, windmill, artisan shops, and three restaurants.
Other places of interest are the Mundo Aborigen inside the Ayagaures Natural Park; Galeria de Arte which is the art gallery of Friedhelm Berghorn; Presas de Chira and Las Niñas reservoirs which are in San Bartolome de Tirajana; and a restored ancient water mill.
Stay in Fataga if you want budget accommodation offered by a local householder and you want to get away from the coast and experience the history and culture of the interior.
Best Hotels in Gran Canaria – Fataga:
- budget ($): Casa Elisa Canarias
- budget ($): Angels Pathway
- budget ($): Casa Rural Palomar – Adults Only
11. Tejeda – where to stay in Gran Canaria for hiking
Located 44 kilometers from the capital of the island, Tejeda is 1,050 meters above sea level, in the central highlands of Gran Canaria. it is a great place to absorb the true essence of Gran Canaria.
The town can easily explore on foot. You will find the Church of Nuestra Señora del Socorro, the Tejeda Town Hall, and pedestrian alleys. There are many whitewashed houses with red tile roofs and small gardens full of potted flowers.
If you are interested in history, you can visit the Abraham Cardenes Sculpture Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Medicinal Plants Centre.
There are a lot of almond trees in Tejeda village. It has Almond Blossom Fest that attracts a lot of visitors during white and pink blossom in February and March.
For photo opts, check out the traditional giant basket at Roque Bentayga which is a 10-minute drive from Tejeda town. Here you can visit its Interpretation Center and the Sierra de Bentayga archaeological complex.
Archaeological remains include burial caves, rock paintings, and carvings. If you go to the Centro de Interpretacion Degollada de Becerra or the Bentayga Archaeological Park, you will also enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding area.
There is also the Roque Nublo, an enormous basalt stone, and the monolithic rock called El Fraile (The Friar) to explore!
Hikers love the whole area, and a state-run hotel is an accommodation option for those not wishing to stay on the coast. Remember however that the weather is colder at altitude.
Stay in Tejeda if you are a keen hiker, you have an interest in archaeology, history, and culture, you are not interested in the coastal resorts, you enjoy traditional local cuisine wherever you travel.
Best places to stay in Gran Canaria in Tejeda:
- mid-range ($$): Hotel Rural Fonda de la Tea
- budget ($): Vivienda Vacacional La Portada
- budget ($): Mountain Hostel Finca La Isa
12. Agaete – great place to stay in northern coast of Gran Canaria
Agaete is a coastal resort and fishing village in the northwest of Gran Canaria. It does not attract the tourist numbers who head for the warmer south but many sea tours from other parts of the Island head in for day trips.
Its major attraction, El Dedo de Dios (Finger of God), is a natural structure, that was destroyed by a tropical storm in 2005.
The Puerto de las Nieves, also known as Puerto Agate is a fishermen district of Agaete. Here you will find Ermita Nuestra Sra. De las Nieves, and Playa de Las Nieves which is some of the famous beaches in the region with calm waters.
There are small shops and restaurants along the beaches. There are ports where you can catch the ferries to Tenerife.
Within 15 minutes waking from Puerto de Las Nieves, in Agaete’s old town, you will find the Botanical Garden, the Museo de La Rama, and the Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción.
Las Salinas Natural Pools is a well-known natural pool of Agaete. it’s formed by three pools of volcanic rock with seawater. great place to spend a bath with the whole family.
Valle de Agaete (Agaete Valley) is an off-the-beaten-path attraction in Gran Canaria, but here you can find the coffee plantations, farm, or wine cellar such as Los Berrazales.
If you like hiking, head to the Tamadaba Natural Park with numerous hiking routes to Charco Azul, Guayedra beaches, Faneque El Risco, and El Risco.
The main landmark these days is the necropolis, Maipés Archaeological Site, just outside the small town whose population is just under 6,000. The trip west to Agaete from Las Palmas is around 20 miles and takes about 30 minutes.
The immediate area is very scenic. so it is an ideal base for those enjoying hiking and the great outdoors rather than busy tourist resorts.
if you are visiting in August, you can have a chance to take part in La Rama de Agaete, one of the most popular festivals in the Canary Islands.
Stay in Agaete if you enjoy the natural environment; you want to disconnect with the world and refresh yourself;
Best Places to stay in Gran Canaria in Agaete:
- mid-range ($$): Occidental Roca Negra
- mid-range ($$): Hotel Puerto de Las Nieves
- budget ($): Seaside Villa – Agaete
Check out my virtual tour about the best places to stay in Gran Canaria in this video:
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- Where to Stay in Marbella
Travelers who are simply looking for a beach holiday should look at the resorts to the south of the island, many of which are sheltered from the prevailing winds coming from the north.
In conclusion, Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogan, and San Agustín are the best places to stay in Gran Canaria for tourists. They provide safe locations with easy access to attractions, beaches, and wide range of hotels for all budgets.
Overall, I recommend to stay in Maspalomas as the best base to stay in Gran Canaria for first visit. It has all the tourist amenities that you need for you holiday from shopping, dining, beaches, nightlife, and all kinds of accommodations!