Gran Canaria is home to an incredible number of accommodations, one more charming than the next. On my most recent trip to the island, three places really stood out. All of them are located in the interior of Gran Canaria, either surrounded by nature or nestled in the heart of a historic village. Since Gran Canaria isn’t that large, it’s easy to reach the coast from these locations; for example, if you want to visit the beautiful dunes of Maspalomas. If you’d prefer to avoid the massive resorts and big hotel chains along the coast but aren’t quite sure where to stay instead, keep reading.
Villa Nestor, Ingenio
If you ask me where to stay in Gran Canaria, I would immediately recommend the charming bed & breakfast Villa Nestor in the centre of Ingenio. This beautiful accommodation is set in a tastefully renovated building full of original character. Think authentic floors, doors and window frames paired with stylish, modern decor. I love that combination!
Villa Nestor has a spacious rooftop terrace where the Dutch owners serve delicious breakfasts while you enjoy sweeping views over Ingenio and the surrounding landscape. And if you’re an early riser, you’ll even get to catch the sunrise while you eat. On Booking.com, guests give Villa Nestor an average rating of 9.7, which is well deserved. The bed & breakfast is located just 10 km from the airport, 35 km from Maspalomas and 33 km from Las Palmas. So, if you’re looking to stay inland while still being close to the coast, Villa Nestor in Ingenio is a top pick.
Hotel Rural Hacienda del Buen Suceso, Arucas
Looking for more space or a lush, green setting? Then Hotel Rural Hacienda del Buen Suceso in Arucas is the place to be. This hotel is located in a former hacienda, surrounded by banana plantations. The rooms are spacious and full of authentic details. To be completely honest, some of the rooms could use a little refresh here and there, but that doesn’t take away from the overall experience of staying on this beautiful estate. The breakfast is excellent and can be enjoyed either indoors or outside on the charming courtyard. At this accommodation, you’ll find peace, space, nostalgia and bananas!
Rural Suite Santiago de Tunte, San Bartolomé
In the charming historic village of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, a lovely place to stay is Rural Suite Santiago de Tunte. There are several accommodations available; I stayed in a four-person unit with two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom and a living area. At the back of the accommodation, a door opens onto a cute little courtyard. From Rural Suite Santiago de Tunte, it’s just a short walk into the village center. Start your morning with breakfast on the terrace of La Panera de Tunte (C. Reyes Católicos), then take a stroll through the town. A highlight is Plaza de Santiago, a beautiful square with the town hall on one side and the church on the other. For sweeping views, head to Mirador La Orilla. Rural Suite Santiago de Tunte makes a great base for exploring the interior of Gran Canaria.
Where to stay on Gran Canaria; booking in advance or not?
I hope the tips above have given you some inspiration and made it a little easier to decide where to stay on Gran Canaria. During high season, I would definitely recommend booking your accommodation in advance. In the off-season, however, going with the flow is usually not a problem. We visited in early September and had no issues finding accommodation on the island, even when we only started looking in the afternoon. We often search via Booking.com; it’s super convenient to view the map and see all available accommodations in your area. Ideal!
Exploring Gran Canaria with a rental car
Planning to explore a lot of the island? Then you’ll definitely want to rent a car. It’s important to choose a rental car with comprehensive insurance, so you won’t be faced with unexpected costs on the spot. If you’re fully insured, there’s no need to accept extra coverage from the local rental company. And if anything happens, you’ll be reimbursed for the excess. It’s a comforting thought when hitting the road. Allowing you to fully focus on what you came for: discovering Gran Canaria!
Booking a Gran Canaria fly & drive package
Prefer booking everything at once, accommodation, flight and rental car included? Several travel providers offer fly & drive packages, which can make your trip planning a lot easier. One booking and you’re all set!
