If you are planning your vacation in the Canary Islands and are wondering where to stay overnight in Gran Canaria, this article is for you. Gran Canaria is one of the most popular islands in the Canary Islands archipelago. The island is beautiful and diverse, with each area offering slightly different experiences. That’s why, even before your vacation, you should consider where to choose your accommodation.
Choosing the right location is of paramount importance for a comfortable vacation. Some resorts are ideal for families with children, others for those looking for nightlife, and still others for nature lovers and quiet relaxation.
In this guide we will show you:
- Where to stay overnight in Gran Canaria depending on your travel style
- best tourist resorts on the island
- quiet places to stay
- Where is the best place to stay for your first vacation in Gran Canaria
- Where to stay overnight if you want to enjoy tours and attractions
In addition, we will suggest which excursions and attractions in Gran Canaria are worth booking during your stay, many of which you will find directly on our website olecanarias.com.
Why is it important to choose a place to stay in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is called “the continent in miniature.” On the relatively small island you will find: desert dunes, green valleys, high mountains, cliffs, bustling cities or quiet fishing villages.
Therefore, the choice of accommodation should depend on how you want to spend your vacation.
Fortunately, Gran Canaria offers a great base for sightseeing, and you can see many of the island ‘s most interesting sites on organized guided tours (you can find tour offerings 👉 here).
Maspalomas – the best place to stay in Gran Canaria
If someone asks: where is the best place to stay overnight in Gran Canaria, very often the first answer is Maspalomas.
It is one of the most famous resorts on the island and an ideal place for tourists who want to combine:
- beautiful beaches
- fine restaurants
- tourist attractions
- quieter atmosphere than in typical party resorts
The biggest attraction is, of course, the Maspalomas Dunes Reserve, a huge area that resembles the Sahara desert.
Why stay overnight in Maspalomas?
✔ close to one of the most beautiful beaches in Gran Canaria
✔ great base for excursions around the island
✔ large selection of hotels and apartments
✔ lots of activities for families with children
From Maspalomas it is very easy to go on popular excursions in Gran Canaria, such as:
- Island tour with the guide – https://olecanarias.com/en/tours-gran-canaria/
- and cruises – https://olecanarias.com/en/boat-trips-gran-canaria/
All of these attractions can be conveniently booked in advance at olecanarias.com, avoiding queues and often getting a better price.

Playa del Inglés – the perfect place for those looking for nightlife
Right next to Maspalomas is Playa del Inglés, one of the most famous tourist resorts in Gran Canaria. It’s a particularly popular destination for those who enjoy:
- nightlife
- bars and clubs
- restaurants from around the world
- active vacations
During the day you can enjoy the huge beach stretching all the way to the Maspalomas dunes, and in the evening you can move to entertainment centers such as Yumbo Center and Kasbah.
Why stay overnight in Playa del Inglés?
✔ huge selection of restaurants and clubs
✔ great transportation
✔ proximity to the beach
✔ many tourist attractions
We will also pick you up from this location for our attractions and tours.
Puerto Rico – a tranquil resort ideal for those who appreciate peace and quiet
Puerto Rico is much quieter than the previously mentioned locations. It is about a 20-minute drive from Maspalomas. This is one of the sunniest resorts on the entire island, located in a natural valley that protects you from the wind. Here you’ll find beautifully rocky vistas and lovely beaches (about a 10-minute walk from Puerto Rico is one of the most beautiful beaches – playa de Amadores). However, be aware that hotels in Puerto Rico are located on the rocks. Even short distances from the beach can be a bit challenging.
Puerto Rico offers:
- beautiful sandy beach
- numerous restaurants
- Port with tourist cruises.
We will also pick you up from the port of Puerto Rico for roundtrips and water attractions, some of the most popular attractions on the island.

Puerto de Mogán – the most beautiful town in Gran Canaria
Puerto de Mogán is often called the “little Venice of Gran Canaria.” It is one of the most atmospheric places on the island – with small bridges, colorful houses and a charming harbor.
Why stay overnight in Puerto de Mogán?
✔ romantic atmosphere
✔ peaceful surroundings
✔ beautiful marina
✔ excellent restaurants
It is an ideal place for:
- par
- people looking for a quiet vacation
- lovers of beautiful views
Every Friday, it also hosts one of the largest markets in Gran Canaria, which attracts tourists from all over the island.
Puerto de Mogán is also a great starting point for:
- One-day bus trips around the island
- jet skis
Las Palmas – the best place to stay in the city
If you prefer a large city with a local flair instead of a typical resort, a great choice would be Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island’s capital. It is located in the north of Gran Canaria and offers a completely different climate than the southern resorts.
You can find here:
- one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe – Playa de Las Canteras
- the historic district of Vegueta
- museums and galleries
- great restaurants with local cuisine
Why stay overnight in Las Palmas?
✔ authentic Canarian atmosphere
✔ great cuisine
✔ lots of cultural attractions
✔ ideal place for a city break
Where to stay in Gran Canaria if you want to explore the island?
If your goal is primarily to explore Gran Canaria, the best choice would be:
1️⃣ Maspalomas / Playa del Inglés – great tourist infrastructure
2️⃣ Puerto Rico – good base in the south
3️⃣ Las Palmas – ideal place to experience local culture
From these locations it is easy to join many popular attractions such as:
- Gran Canaria tour
- cruises
- skydiving
At olecanarias.com you will find a wide selection of tours and attractions in Gran Canaria that will allow you to see the most beautiful places on the island without having to organize everything yourself.
Best attractions and tours in Gran Canaria
Regardless of where you choose to spend the night, Gran Canaria offers a huge number of attractions.
Among the most popular are:
Cruise along the coast
One of the most exciting attractions on the island. The waters around Gran Canaria are home to many species of dolphins and you can often see them up close.
Round trip in Gran Canaria
The ideal option for those who want to see the island’s most important sites in one day. In our offer you will find several options with different routes.
All of these attractions in Gran Canaria can be conveniently booked online at olecanarias.com, where you will find:
- current prices
- details of tours
- appointment availability
Is it worth booking tours in advance?
Definitely yes.
The most popular tours in Gran Canaria often sell out especially during the winter season and vacations.
Booking in advance:
✔ you are guaranteed a seat
✔ you can choose a convenient date
✔ you have the option of cancelling your reservation free of charge
At olecanarias.com you can easily check the availability of the attraction and make reservations online in minutes.
Summary – where is the best place to stay overnight in Gran Canaria?
The choice of accommodation depends mainly on the style of vacation.
The best places to stay in Gran Canaria are:
Maspalomas – the perfect combination of beach, attractions and tranquility
Playa del Inglés – great for those looking for fun
Puerto Rico – a sunny resort for those looking for tranquility
Puerto de Mogán – romantic atmosphere and beautiful views
Las Palmas – a city with a local vibe
No matter where you choose to stay, Gran Canaria offers a wealth of activities and unforgettable experiences.
If you want to make the most of your stay on the island, check out the best tours and attractions in Gran Canaria available on our site.
You can there:
- book tours online
- check out the details of the attraction
- plan the perfect itinerary for visiting the island
If you have questions or need help choosing an attraction -. contact us, and we will be happy to help you plan an unforgettable vacation in Gran Canaria.