Gran Canaria
The Canary Islands
In spite of its name, Gran Canaria is actually only the third-largest of the Canary Islands, after Tenerife and Fuerteventura. But so diverse are the island's attractions, and so majestic some of the landscapes, that it is easy to see how the Spanish conquerors came to christen it the "Great Canary Island", and even today it is often referred to as a continent in miniature. Craggy mountains are cut through by deep ravines, lush vegetation in the north contrast with barren barrancos in the south, and the coast veers from towering, near-vertical cliffs to vast swathes of soft golden sand, sculpted by the Atlantic breezes into dunes of Saharan proportions. Each island in the Canaries has its own appeal, but some would argue that Gran Canaria is the most versatile of them all, offering something for virtually all tastes.
Set in the island's north-east corner, Gran Canaria's capital, Las Palmas, is the largest city in the archipelago, and one of the ten biggest in all of Spain. An important trading port since the days of the discoveries, Las Palmas today is a busy city with superb shopping facilities, a vibrant cultural scene and an excellent town beach - Playa de las Canteras - that is often likened to Rio's Copacabana.
Beach lovers from all over Europe, however, tend to head straight to the island's deep south, an area that was scarcely populated until the 1960s, as the primarily hot and dry microclimate made the land difficult to farm, but which has since become one of Spain's largest beach resorts, thanks mainly to that very climate, and to the magnificent sandy beach that runs for several miles along the south coast. Whilst this area will not suit those seeking quaint villages or historic character, the "Costa Canaria" caters to a wide range of holidaymakers, from young families to retirees spending the whole winter months evading the harsher climes of northern Europe. At the eastern end, where the beach is a little darker and narrower, San Agustin was the first area to be developed, and today mainly appeals to more mature travellers seeking a relaxed beach holiday. Neighbouring Playa del Ingles is the largest and liveliest part, renowned for its diverse nightlife, including an extensive gay scene in the area around the Yumbo commercial centre. But even Playa del Ingles has relatively peaceful neighbourhoods, and makes a convenient and affordable base from which to enjoy the beach and the famous Maspalomas sand dunes, which are as appealing to naturalists for their unique ecosystem as they are to naturists for the privacy they afford (a sizeable stretch of the beach between Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas has been designated an official nudist beach). To the west of the dunes, Maspalomas itself is the more upmarket district, consisting primarily of 4 and 5-star hotels, a promenade lined with designer boutiques, a few clusters of private apartments and two golf courses.
With the southern resorts absorbing the vast bulk of visitors, the island's mountainous interior, and the more verdant and historic north, remain relatively unaffected by tourism, thus offering interesting possibilities for walkers, relaxation seekers and more inquisitive travellers. Situated almost is the centre of the island, the highest peak, Pozo de las Nieves, rises nearly 1,949 metres above sea level, although nearby Roque Nublo, with its massive monolith, is more emblematic. From here, ravines fan out in all directions, some fertile and shaded, others striking in their sun-baked barrenness, and whilst hiking is naturally the most rewarding way to experience the ever-changing landscapes, the less energetic can enjoy a wide range of views from the comfort of their hire car. Those who enjoy pottering around local towns and villages should seek out the historic centres of Agüimes, Telde and Teror, whilst the northern town of Arucas is worthy of a visit not just for its imposing church Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, but also for its charming square Plaza de San Juan, the picturesque pedestrian street Calle León y Castillo, the rum factory (sugar cane cultivation and rum production date back to the 16th century here). The nearby gardens, Jardín de la Marquesa, together with the Jardín Botánico at Tafira Alta between Las Palmas and Santa Brígida display the local flora, whilst sites ranging from the Cueva Pintada museum in Galdar to the extensive open-air "Mundo Aborigen" in the south give insights into the lives of the Guanches, the island's aboriginal people.
For those preferring the coast but wanting to avoid the main resort areas, Puerto de Mogan is a pleasantly laid-back village in the south-west of the island, with a picturesque marina and a very sheltered sandy beach, whilst Puerto de las Nieves in the north-west remains a traditional fishing village, with several delightfully unpretentious fish restaurants overlooking the volcanic beach and the imposing cliffs of the unspoilt west coast.
Gran Canaria's superb beaches and enviable climate may have made it one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, but with few holidaymakers venturing beyond the main resorts, many of the island's charms remain surprisingly undiscovered.

The dunes and beach at Playa del Ingles
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Accommodation in Gran Canaria:
Please zoom in and click on the markers, or scroll down for a list of accommodation.
Apartments Buganvilla
- San Agustin

Fully renovated studios and apartments with panoramic sea views overlooking the beach in the quieter resort of San Agustin
16 Studios and 24 Apartments for 2-3 people; SC; Swimming pool; Transfers included; Adults Only
Hotel Casa Leon
- Monte León, near Maspalomas

An intimate and luxurious boutique hotel in a rural setting in the south of the island, offering a range of activities as well as perfect surroundings for pure relaxation, whilst being just a short drive from the sandy beach and dunes of Maspalomas
4-star boutique hotel with 25 rooms; HB; Swimming pool (heatable in winter); Air-conditioning; Car hire included; Tennis court, free biycle hire
Idyll Suites
- Playa del Cura

High quality self-catering suites with large, sea-facing terraces in a quiet resort on Gran Canaria's sunny south-west coast, with easy access to the beach and excellent bus links for exploring further afield.
3-star Aparthotel with 49 suites for 2-3 people; SC or BB; Swimming pool (heated to 24C in winter); Transfers included, or reduced car hire rates; Adults Only
Riviera Vista
- Playa del Cura

Modern suites in a cliff-side setting with direct lift access to the beach in a small, quiet resort on the south-west coast.
Aparthotel with 94 rooms and suites for 2 to 5 people; RO, BB or HB; Swimming pool (heatable in winter); Air-conditioning; Transfers included, or reduced car hire rates
Sol Mogan Suites
- Near Puerto de Mogan

A small complex of modern, well-appointed apartments for adults only in the Mogan valley, an ideal area for keen walkers and within easy reach of the charming beach resort of Puerto de Mogan
20 studios and apartments for 2-4 people; SC; Swimming pool; Air-conditioning; Transfers included, or reduced car hire rates; Adults-only (min. age 16 years). Free bicycle hire.
Casitas Tía Carmen
- Near Puerto de Mogan

Two charming country cottages offering simple accommodation in the picturesque Mogan Valley, just a short drive from the pretty marina and sandy beach of Puerto de Mogan.
Two detached cottages for 2 people; SC; Outdoor swimming pool; Air-conditioning; Car hire included
Hotel Puerto de las Nieves
- Puerto de las Nieves/Agaete

Set in an authentic fishing village, this small but comfortable hotel offers excellent spa facilities
4-Star Hotel with 30 rooms; BB; Heated indoor swimming pool; Air-conditioning; Transfers included, or reduced car hire rates; Spa
Hotel & Spa Cordial Roca Negra
- Puerto de las Nieves/Agaete

Peacefully situated just outside a small fishing village, this modern cliff-top hotel offers stylish accommodation, excellent spa facilities and panoramic ocean views
4-Star Hotel with 142 rooms; BB or HB; Swimming pool ; Air-conditioning; Transfers included, or reduced car hire rates; Spa centre (local charges apply) and gym
Hotel Rural Finca Las Longueras
- Valle de Agaete

This beautifully restored old manor house is peacefully situated in the Agaete Valley, just a short drive from the authentic fishing village of Puerto de las Nieves
Rural Hotel with 9 rooms and 1 suite; BB; Outdoor swimming pool; Car hire included
La Hacienda de Buen Suceso
- Arucas

Tucked away in a vast banana plantation, this rural retreat offers stylish accommodation and graceful colonial architecture
Rural Hotel with 18 rooms and junior suites; BB; Outdoor swimming pool (heated in winter); Car hire included; Indoor jacuzzi
Hotel Melva Suite
- Firgas

A small, newly built hotel with just eight spacious and comfortable suites, in an excellent location for keen walkers
4-star Rural Hotel with 8 rooms; BB; Air-conditioning; Car hire included
Hotel Doña Luisa
- Las Palmas

A charming city centre hotel offering modern accommodation just a stone's throw from the beach
3-star hotel with 35 rooms; RO or BB; Air-conditioning; Transfers included
Hotel Reina Isabel
- Las Palmas

A comfortable four-star hotel with an excellent roof-top spa and pool in a privileged beachfront location in the vibrant island capital Las Palmas.
4-star Hotel with 224 rooms; BB or HB; Roof-top Swimming Pool; Air-conditioning; Transfers included; Spa (free of charge except treatments)
Luz Playa Studios
- Las Palmas

Ideal for independent-minded travellers, these newly renovated studios offer bright and modern accommodation with superb views over the beach of Las Canteras in the island capital Las Palmas.
20 Studios for 2-3 people; SC; Transfers included
Hotel Escuela Santa Brigida
- Santa Brigida

This charming hotel is attached to the island's hotel school and will suit explorers keen to base themselves amongst the local population.
4-star Hotel with 40 rooms; BB or HB; Air-conditioning; Car hire included
Casa El Balcon
- El Madroñal near Santa Brigida

A detached house full of old-world charm in a secluded farmland setting, yet within walking distance of authentic local restaurants.
3-bedroom cottage for 2-6 people; SC; Car hire included
Casa El Alpendre
- El Madroñal near Santa Brigida

A restored country cottage full of character with its own small pool, set within a large farming estate just outside a small village and well placed for exploring the island's mountainous interior and the bustling capital
1-bedroom cottage for 2 people; SC; Small private pool; Air-conditioning; Car hire included
Casa Cueva
- Barranco de Las Goteras

Partially created from an old cave, this rural house is a very comfortable base from which to explore the surrounding area on foot or by car.
2-bedroom cottage for 2-4 people; SC; Car hire included
Parador Cruz de Tejeda
- Cruz de Tejeda

Part of the prestigious Paradores group, this stylish and comfortable hotel is perched high up in the mountains, making it an ideal choice for walkers and nature-lovers
4-Star hotel with 43 rooms; BB or HB; Spa centre with indoor/outdoor spa pools (payable locally); Air-conditioning; Car hire included