Where to Stay in Gran Canaria: A Guide to the Best Areas in the South of the Island
When planning a holiday in Gran Canaria, choosing where to stay may seem like the easiest part: you look for an apartment close to the beach, compare a few photos and check the price. In reality, the area you choose can have a significant impact on the overall pace and experience of your trip.
The south of the island offers a wide variety of destinations, each with its own character. Some are ideal for strolling around and enjoying evenings out, others are better suited to those looking to relax and unwind, while some make an excellent base for exploring the island by car. Before booking, it is therefore worth considering how you would like to spend your days.
Most of the south's best-known tourist destinations are located within the municipalities of San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Mogán. On one side, there is the Maspalomas area, which includes destinations such as Meloneras, Sonnenland, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Bahía Feliz and Playa del Águila. Further south-west, you enter the municipality of Mogán, home to destinations such as Arguineguín, Patalavaca and Puerto Rico.
Each area has its own atmosphere and distinctive features. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the main destinations to help you find the one that best suits your needs and the type of holiday you have in mind.
Maspalomas: One of the Main Tourist Destinations in the South of Gran Canaria
When people talk about Maspalomas, they are often referring to a fairly large tourist area that encompasses several destinations in the south of the island. It is one of Gran Canaria's best-known holiday destinations, popular for its beaches, the famous sand dunes, year-round sunshine and the wide range of apartments and accommodation available.
Within this area, you will find destinations with very different atmospheres: some are livelier and offer a wide range of amenities, while others are quieter and more residential. Understanding these differences is important when deciding where to stay.
Meloneras: Elegance and Seafront Promenades
Meloneras is one of the most elegant and well-maintained areas in the south of Gran Canaria. It is best known for its seafront promenade, lined with restaurants, boutiques, bars and high-end hotels. It is particularly popular with those who enjoy strolling along the oceanfront, dining out and soaking up a relaxed atmosphere.
Nearby, you will find the Maspalomas Lighthouse and Maspalomas Beach. Meloneras is an excellent choice for those looking for an enjoyable holiday, with amenities and entertainment options all within easy reach.
Book Our Holiday Home in Meloneras Hills
Playa del Inglés: Amenities, Beaches and a Lively Tourist Atmosphere
Playa del Inglés is one of the best-known and most popular tourist destinations in Gran Canaria. It offers a wide variety of restaurants, shops, shopping centres, bars and accommodation options. Its long sandy beach and easy access to a wide range of amenities make it an ideal choice for those looking for an active holiday, without necessarily having to rely on a car to get around.
It is particularly appealing to groups of friends, couples and travellers who enjoy having plenty of options for spending their days and evenings. However, the location of your apartment is still important: some areas are quieter, while others are closer to the main nightlife spots.
Apartment in the Heart of Playa del Inglés
Sonnenland: Peace and Quiet in a Convenient Location
Sonnenland is a predominantly residential area located inland from the Maspalomas coastline. It is popular with those who prefer a quieter environment, away from the busier tourist areas.
The area mainly features apartments and bungalows within residential complexes, often equipped with swimming pools and outdoor spaces. Its location is particularly convenient for those travelling by car, making it easy to reach Meloneras, Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés.
It is a great option for those looking for relaxation and a convenient base from which to explore the south of the island.
Our Bungalow in Sonnenland
Bahía Feliz and Playa del Águila: A Peaceful Holiday Away from the Crowds
Bahía Feliz and Playa del Águila are two neighbouring areas, particularly well suited to those looking for a peaceful stay, away from the busier tourist resorts. Life here tends to move at a slower pace, with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Bahía Feliz offers a selection of restaurants, amenities and tourist facilities, while Playa del Águila has a more residential and secluded feel. Both are appealing options for those who want to relax, enjoy the sea and have a convenient base from which to explore the rest of the island. It is still worth considering the exact location of your accommodation and the availability of nearby amenities.
Sea Views in Bahía Feliz and Peaceful Surroundings in Playa del Águila
San Agustín: Relaxation and a Family-Friendly Atmosphere
San Agustín stands out for its generally quieter atmosphere compared to Playa del Inglés. It is particularly well suited to those looking for a relaxing holiday, with the opportunity to reach the beach and enjoy the sea without necessarily staying in the heart of the busier tourist areas.
The availability of restaurants, supermarkets and other amenities makes it easy to organise your stay. San Agustín is an appealing destination for couples and families looking for a good balance between peace and quiet, convenience and proximity to the coast.
Apartment on the 8th Floor Overlooking the Sea
Mogán: Beaches, Scenic Views and Destinations with Distinctive Characters
Heading south-west, you enter the municipality of Mogán, an area that includes some of Gran Canaria's most popular coastal destinations. This part of the island offers beautiful scenery, with bays, beaches and residential complexes overlooking the ocean.
Arguineguín, Patalavaca and Puerto Rico are three destinations located close to one another, yet each has its own distinctive character. The best choice ultimately depends on the type of holiday you are looking for.
Arguineguín: Authenticity and Local Life
Arguineguín is a coastal town that has retained a more authentic character than many other tourist destinations in the south of the island. Here, you can experience an atmosphere more closely connected to everyday local life, with restaurants, bars, shops and a small harbour.
It is an interesting destination for those who want to discover a different side of Gran Canaria, stroll along the seafrontand enjoy a stay that is less focused on traditional resort tourism.
The availability of amenities and transport connections also makes it easy to reach other destinations along the south-western coast.
Patalavaca: Beautiful Beaches and Breathtaking Views
Patalavaca is a coastal destination known for its beach and beautiful ocean views. It generally has a peaceful atmosphere and is particularly popular with those who enjoy spending their days by the sea, relaxing and taking in the scenery.
The area offers a range of apartments and residential complexes, some of which are set in elevated locations with panoramic views. For this reason, before booking, it is important to check the actual distance to the beach and take into account any hills or steps along the way.
Patalavaca is a great alternative for those looking for a peaceful stay without being too far from the amenities of Arguineguín and Puerto Rico.
Ocean Views in Patalavaca
Puerto Rico: Sunshine, Beaches and an Active Holiday Experience
Puerto Rico is one of the most popular destinations in the south-west of Gran Canaria, appreciated for its sunny climate, sheltered beach and wide range of tourist amenities.
Here you will find restaurants, shops, shopping centres, water sports activities and boat trips. It is an ideal destination for those who want to combine days at the beach with outdoor activities and evenings out.
Many apartments are located on the surrounding hillsides and offer beautiful ocean views. However, it is worth bearing in mind that some properties may be quite far from the beach and involve uphill walks. Checking the exact location before booking is therefore particularly important.
Our Apartment in Puerto Rico
The Best Area Is the One That Suits You Best!
To choose where to stay in Gran Canaria, start by identifying your priorities and then compare two or three destinations that match what you are looking for. If you have any doubts about the location or distances, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Getting to know the area and the features of your accommodation can help you avoid unexpected surprises.
Desideria Consulting offers a range of accommodation options in the south of Gran Canaria, across destinations with different characteristics and atmospheres. Browsing the available apartments and comparing their features is a great starting point for finding the accommodation that best suits your holiday.
After all, a great island getaway starts with choosing the right place to stay.