Are the Canary Islands luring you in for some winter sun? Or maybe you’ve explored Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura and you feel like it’s time you checked out the vibe in Gran Canaria?

Whatever your reason, you’re in for a treat – WE LOVED IT!

But how do you figure out where to stay in Gran Canaria? What’s the best resort for you? Where are the best hotels? And does the weather vary across the island?

We’ve done our research, we’ve holidayed in Gran Canaria, and we’ll endeavour to answer all of these questions and more in this post.

Where To Stay In Gran Canaria

If you’re first timers to Gran Canaria, figuring out the most perfect place for you and your family to stay could become a bit of a headache – and that’s before you’ve even hit the sangria. But fear not, we’ve done the leg work for you and will hopefully help you with this travel conundrum.

In this article we’ll cover…

• An overview of the island – terrain, weather and where the resorts are.
• Our favourite places to stay – resorts and recommended hotels.
• An overview of the Lopesan Baobab Hotel where we stayed – you’re going to love it!
• Some Gran Canaria holiday tips.

But if you want to get straight to booking our recommended hotel without reading any more, here it is in brief…

An Overview Of Gran Canaria Island

I’m not going to lie, before we visited Gran Canaria we were definitely expecting a similar landscape to that of Tenerife and Lanzarote – volcanic, grey and like that bottom part of your garden that gets a little neglected and barren. Basically, not exactly a winner in an ‘islands of the world’ beauty contest if that was a thing. HOWEVER, Gran Canaria surprised us!

The raw, stark, jagged edges of some of the Canary Island’s do turn up in part on Gran Canaria, but on the whole it’s much more lush and textured. Green and inviting, and not just a bunch of sharp protruding lava-fields. We were blown away by the palm valleys, pine covered mountain ranges, and sunburnt canyons reminiscent of the Grand Canyon or even the Scottish Highlands. If Gran Canaria entered the beauty contest she’d be the girl who took her glasses off, let her hair down and wowed everyone with her natural beauty!

And around the edges of the island lie the towns and resorts.

Most of the larger built-up resorts and traditional holiday villages are on the south coast – a more reliable area of Gran Canaria for sunny weather. And whilst there are some traditional towns and smaller resorts in the north, the clouds do tend to form more over that side, and the prevailing winds of the Atlantic also hit harder as well. During summer this area is apparently more reliable for sunshine, but if you’re visiting Gran Canaria for some winter sun, stick to the south of the island.

So what are the main resorts in Gran Canaria? Here’s a quick break down;

• Playa del Inglés – best for nightlife
• Maspalomas & Meloneras – best for luxury and a chilled vibe
• Puerto Rico – best for families
• Puerto de Mogán – most picturesque

Our Favourite Resorts & Hotels In Gran Canaria

We checked out all of the resorts on the south coast, visited a number of hotels and also asked friends and family who have visted in the last few years and here’s what we discovered…

MELONERAS

Meloneras is a modern, purpose-built resort with an upmarket selection of hotels – mostly 5 star and mostly owned by the Lopesan group. There’s a stylish promenade with a number of high quality restaurants and shops, with the emphasis on designer and upscale.

PRO’S

• Quieter than the other resorts.
• Quality is consistent – I don’t think any of the hotels in this resort would disappoint.
• A really classy, chilled vibe.

CON’S

• Not many families/kids about.
• Only one sandy beach at the far end, tagged on to the dunes.

Where To Stay In Meloneras

We loved staying in Meloneras and would definitely rebook at the Lopesan Baobab – more on that later. However, we had the pleasure of spending some time at the other hotels owned by the hotel group Lopesan in Meloneras and here’s what we loved…

• Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa – ULTIMATE luxury! The best food of the Lopesan hotels, high quality entertainment, so much space, a wealthy & older clientele, beautiful manicured grounds, and stylish interiors. The spa is also exceptional too. The hotel does have family rooms but we didn’t see any children both times we visited. If I was looking for any faults it would be that it was slightly lacking in atmosphere – perhaps because of the nature of older guests. But look at that infinity pool…

• Villa del Conde Resort & Thalasso – Where the Costa Meloneras Hotel lacked in atmosphere, this hotel more than makes up for. One downside to staying in Meloneras is the lack of traditionality – this is a purpose-built resort town, and although very stylish and beautiful, it’s not very Spanish. However, the silhouette of Villa del Conde always brought a smile to my face as we drove back from our adventures each day. Both inside and out, this stunning hotel has been designed to look like a traditional Colonial residence. It felt nice to spend some time in a place that felt authentically Canarian, even though it was just manufactured to be such. Again, the grounds are perfectly preened, there’s so much space to spread out, and the facilities are pure quality. You are right at the other end of the resort to the promenade and dunes, but to be honest – it’s the kind of hotel you wouldn’t want to leave that often any way. We would probably choose Villa del Conde over Costa Meloneras purely for the authentic vibe.

PUERTO DE MOGAN

A charming harbour town with a colourful centre and cute little canals, Puerto de Mogan was the most picturesque place we visited in Gran Canaria. Bougainvillea, painted houses, and a lively harbour-front with restaurants and bars make this an appealing place to stay.

PRO’S

• Perfect for a romantic trip.
• Some high quality restaurants.
• An especially beautiful setting.
• A lovely, sheltered sandy beach.

CON’S

• If you’re looking for a base to explore more of the island, Puero de Mogan is a little out of the way.
• There’s no other town within walking distance so it could feel too restrictive without a car.
• More smaller hotels and self-catering options than all-inclusive hotels.

Where To Stay In Puerto de Mogan

If we were looking to stay in Puerto de Mogan, the area around the beach would be ideal we think. Perfect for sun-lounging days with the buzz of the beach and its bars, but also close enough to the harbour for your pick of beautiful restaurants in the evening. Here are a couple of places that caught our eye as we wandered around…

• Amarre Ocean – Right on the beach front and with a terrace large enough to dine on you could take advantage of the beautiful beach-views even at meal times. In fact, because of the way the apartment is positioned, there’s even views of the ocean from your bedroom! We were shocked at the value for money when we checked out their rates too – you’d struggle to get views like this for such good prices, in such a picturesque location anywhere else. But it is self-catering.
• V&L Beachfront Apartment by Villa Gran Canaria – another great apartment, but closer to the harbour this time, and perfect if you’re looking for accommodation for families in Gran Canaria as there are 3 bedrooms. Again, there is a large terrace to enjoy and the views are of the beach and sea.

_{Playa de Mogan}

ANFI DEL MAR

Another little beach town we would consider staying in would be Anfi Del Mar – it was just so cute! It had the beach bars, the coffee spots, the beach-loungers and the right levels of hotels and apartments, but it also had a great vibe. Not too busy and not too quiet, and the little harbour and adjacent park also added that extra aesthetic.

PRO’S

• Often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Gran Canaria. The turquoise, calm waters are a result of the man-made breakwater, making it a safe place to swim. And the imported Caribbean white sand and palm trees add to the paradise vibe.
• Very sheltered so the weather can be better here than in other more exposed resorts.
• Perfect for families because you’re so self-contained.
• A more luxury feel than other beachfront resorts in Gran Canaria.

CON’S

• Not so many hotels as there are apartments due to it being a time-share destination.
• Not as many restaurant options as other resorts.
• Parking can be difficult and the town is built into the hillside so roads are steep.

We didn’t get to explore any accommodation here but check out the range of well-equipped apartments on Booking.com…

Our Favourite Hotel The Lopesan Baobab

If you’re wondering where to stay in Gran Canaria and you’re after a beautiful hotel, with great food, good service, and in a lovely location then you’ll tick all the boxes with the Lopesan Baobab Hotel in Meloneras. The photographs really don’t do it justice and we were a little concerned before we arrived that we’d booked a gimmicky and artificial theme hotel, but we needn’t have fret.

Yes, it’s straight out of the Lion King, but it’s less Disney and more decadent, design-led luxury. The gardens are immaculately planted with native African trees and shrubs which immediately transport you to another continent. And the building itself is an impressive structure of tree trunks and glass – think giant Safari lodge meets Wakanda village.

One thing we absolutely loved about the hotel was the feeling of always being in the open air. The rooms are laid out around grand atriums filled with giant bamboo trees and nested birds – their tunes a constant reminder how out-of-doors you are. And whilst you’re protected from the elements should it rain, the gentle breeze through the corridors rustles the bamboo stems and calms the soul.

The hotel more than adequately satisfies all criteria you expect for a 5 star holiday. The food is great, the rooms are stylish and comfortable, the staff are extremely accommodating and friendly, and the entertainment was high quality.

One stand-out feature of the Lopesan Baobab however, is the vast area of outdoor space set aside for pools and loungers. It’s an extremely beautiful set of grounds, manicured daily by staff, and providing so many alternatives for a day by the pool. There are large pools, small pools, beach-like pools, and lazy rivers. There are water-front loungers, beach-bar loungers, hidden away areas and even exclusive sections for those paying a premium. None of the areas felt crowded or overdone, and everywhere was just such a peaceful haven – exactly what you require from a holiday that revives you.

It’s not very often we’re inspired to write a whole blog post on a hotel review but the Lopesan Baobab deserved it. You can read more details about all aspects of the hotel here in our hotel review…

Reviewing Our Stay At The Lopesan Baobab Resort, Gran Canaria

Some Gran Canaria Holiday Tips

If you’re planning a holiday in Gran Canaria, a few simple tips can make a big difference to your overall experience. Here are some practical things to keep in mind before you decide where to stay in Gran Canaria…

• Pick the right coast for the weather. The south (e.g. Maspalomas, Puerto Rico) is much sunnier and drier than the north, especially in winter. If guaranteed sun matters, stick to the south.
• Be aware of wind in certain areas. Resorts like Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas can get quite windy, particularly on the beaches. Sheltered spots like Amadores Beach or Anfi del Mar are calmer.

_{Playa Amadores}

• Consider hiring a car (even for a few days). Gran Canaria is known as a “mini continent” for a reason—mountains, villages, and dramatic scenery are just inland. A car lets you escape the resort bubble easily.
• Beaches vary more than you’d expect. Not all beaches are golden sand and some are quite exposed to the elements, so if the beach makes your holiday – choose wisely.
• Taxis and buses are easy and affordable. You don’t need a car—public transport and taxis between resorts are reliable and reasonably priced.
• It’s a year-round destination but winter is classed as peak season. Gran Canaria is especially popular from November to March with European travellers escaping colder weather—so book early for the best hotels.
• Shopping tip: Look out for duty-free perks. The Canary Islands have lower taxes than mainland Spain, so things like perfume, alcohol, and electronics can be cheaper.

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So, hopefully this post has helped if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Gran Canaria. As we’ve said, we cannot recommend the Lopesan Baobab hotel enough, and would definitely rebook. However, if you’re not after 5 star luxury, or even a man-made resort, hopefully we’ve provided you with some other options of great places to stay in Gran Canaria too.

Thanks for stopping by, and in the next little while we’ll be writing more posts about our recent trip to Gran Canaria so be sure to sign up to our mailing list (subscribe below) for notifications when these are released. We promise never to spam you with anything other than the latest content. – MyLifeLongHoliday.

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