Gran Canaria is, without a doubt, one of the most diverse islands of the archipelago. On this varied island you’ll find beautiful beaches of black, golden and white sand, spectacular landscapes, fishing villages, charming towns and villages, as well as some towns in the interior of the island that form part of the most beautiful villages in Spain.
North of Gran Canaria vs. South: which is better to stay in?
The island has a huge range of tourist accommodation, from large hotel complexes and resorts to tourist flats, bungalows with swimming pools, villas to enjoy peace, exclusivity and privacy, or rural accommodation in the middle of nature.
Discover where to stay best according to your interests: are you looking for sun, beautiful beaches, nature, fun or relaxation? From tourist areas such as Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, urban destinations such as Las Palmas or inland options such as San Mateo, let's find out!
↠ Northern Gran Canaria
If you want to explore the island in depth and prefer a more rural environment, the best option is to stay in the north of Gran Canaria. The summit of the island and the midlands with charming villages such as Artenara, Tejeda, Firgas or Moya are ideal for disconnecting and feeling at one with nature. Stay in one of our rural secrets and let yourself be amazed.
Moreover, the island's capital is very well-connected by public transport and is close to the best places to see in Gran Canaria. So, if you're looking for a local seaside atmosphere, you might be interested in the old town of Vegueta or Triana in Las Palmas, the Las Canteras area or the fishing village of Agaete.
Beaches in the north of Gran Canaria
The north of Gran Canaria is known for its wild, rocky or windy beaches, ideal for sports such as surfing. Las Palmas is home to Las Canteras beach, one of the best urban beaches in the world, perfect for sports lovers. In addition, the north is also noted for its popular natural swimming pools that can be found all over the north coast.
What to see in the north of Gran Canaria
Here you’ll find a wide range of hiking routes for nature lovers. Also, worth visiting are the island's capital, Las Palmas, villages such as Arucas, Firgas, Gáldar, Agaete, the summit and its Sacred Mountains (Montañas Sagradas) of the emblematic Roque Nublo, the Pico de Las Nieves, the village of Tejeda, Artenara... However, these emblematic sites are accessible from both the north and the south of Gran Canaria.
Festivities in the North of Gran Canaria
In the north of Gran Canaria, the party is concentrated in the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Here you’ll find many bars and terraces, as well as nightclubs and discotheques such as Sotavento, Urban, Chester…
↠ South of Gran Canaria
If you’re looking for sun, beach and relaxation, the best option is to stay in the south. Here you’ll find the best beaches on the island, with fine sand and turquoise waters. Areas such as Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico, Meloneras, Mogán and Anfi del Mar are ideal for a relaxing holiday with the family and children. Although, it’s also a good option for couples who want to lie on the beaches and sunbathe. Here you’ll find black, golden or white sandy beaches.
The weather is also better in the south. The weather is sunny, basically 365 days a year. So if you’re looking for sun, you’ll find it in the south of Gran Canaria.
We have accommodation in the most important places in the south of Gran Canaria, with holiday rentals with private pool or on the beach front. If you want to know the best areas in the south of Gran Canaria, visit our blog article: where to stay in Gran Canaria.
What to see in the south of Gran Canaria
In the south, apart from the spectacular beaches, you’ll find the Maspalomas Lighthouse and the Paseo de Meloneras, the natural lagoon Charca de Maspalomas, the famous Maspalomas Dunes, villages such as Fataga, as well as a wide range of leisure activities such as Palmitos Park, Aqualand, Holidayworld Maspalomas... You won't get bored!
There are also incredible hiking and cycling routes, amazing ravines and dams and much more.
Gran Canaria with children
For a family holiday in Gran Canaria with children, we recommend staying in the south, as this is where you’ll find the safest beaches for the little ones. In addition, there are more leisure activities in the south.
Party in the south of Gran Canaria
Playa del Inglés is the place to go out and party, with nightlife 365 days a year. In places like Meloneras or the Kasbah Shopping Centre (Plaza) there are numerous pubs, bars, terraces and discos for all tastes. If you’re looking for lively areas and a good atmosphere, the south is your destination.
Conclusion: North vs. South Gran Canaria
If you’re looking for sun and beach, if you’re going on a family holiday with children, if you want golden or white sandy beaches and if you want to go out for a drink, then you should stay in the south of Gran Canaria. The south of the island is the ideal destination for those who love sun and sea or swimming pools.
On the other hand, if you want to explore the wild, green and natural side of the island, you might be more interested in the north. However, you'll find tourist attractions in both the north and south of the island, so you'll love both areas.
And because it takes less than an hour to get there by car, you can easily make your way around the island by car. Conclusion: Which is better, Gran Canaria North or South? It depends on what you’re looking for, but at VillaGranCanaria we have accommodation all over the island - choose yours!
