most popular resort in gran canaria

Understanding the Concept of “Popular Resort”

Before diving into specific resorts, it’s crucial to define what makes a resort “popular.” Is it the sheer number of visitors? The positive reviews and ratings? The variety of activities and attractions? Or a combination of all these factors? For the purpose of this article, we’ll consider a popular resort to be one that consistently attracts a large number of tourists, receives favorable reviews, offers a diverse range of amenities and activities, and enjoys a strong reputation within the tourism industry.

Furthermore, “popularity” can be segmented. Some resorts are popular with families, while others are favored by couples, solo travelers, or groups of friends. Some might be popular for their luxurious accommodations, while others are sought after for their budget-friendly options. Therefore, we will look at multiple resorts and dissect their attributes that make them extremely popular.

Maspalomas: A Strong Contender for the Crown

Maspalomas is undeniably one of the most iconic and popular resorts in Gran Canaria. Famous for its stunning sand dunes, its vast beach, and its overall relaxed atmosphere, Maspalomas attracts a diverse crowd of visitors year-round.

The Iconic Maspalomas Dunes

The Maspalomas Dunes are a protected natural reserve and a must-see attraction. These rolling sand dunes, resembling a miniature desert, stretch for miles along the coastline, creating a unique and unforgettable landscape. Walking or cycling through the dunes is a popular activity, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area. Camel rides are also available, providing a more traditional and adventurous way to explore this natural wonder.

Maspalomas Beach: Sun, Sand, and Relaxation

Maspalomas Beach is a long, golden stretch of sand that caters to a wide range of preferences. Sections of the beach are dedicated to families, while others are popular with naturists. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and jet skiing. Numerous beach bars and restaurants line the promenade, offering refreshments and delicious meals with stunning ocean views.

The Maspalomas Lighthouse: A Historic Landmark

The Maspalomas Lighthouse, a towering structure located at the southern tip of the island, is a historic landmark and a symbol of the resort. Built in the 19th century, the lighthouse still guides ships navigating the waters around Gran Canaria. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and the surrounding coastline.

Accommodation in Maspalomas: From Luxury to Budget-Friendly

Maspalomas offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Luxury hotels, family-friendly resorts, self-catering apartments, and charming bungalows are all available. Many hotels feature swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and entertainment programs, providing guests with everything they need for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. Bungalows are a particularly popular choice, offering more space and privacy than traditional hotel rooms.

Things to Do in Maspalomas Beyond the Beach

While the beach and dunes are the main attractions, Maspalomas offers plenty of other activities and attractions to keep visitors entertained. The Aqualand Maspalomas water park is a popular choice for families, while the Holiday World Maspalomas amusement park offers rides, games, and shows for all ages. The Palmitos Park, a botanical garden and zoo, is home to a diverse collection of plants and animals. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at one of the several golf courses in the area.

Maspalomas Nightlife: A Relaxed and Sophisticated Atmosphere

Maspalomas nightlife is generally more relaxed and sophisticated than that of Playa del Inglés. Several bars and restaurants offer live music and entertainment, while others provide a more chilled-out atmosphere for enjoying a drink and conversation. The Meloneras promenade, located near the Maspalomas Lighthouse, is a popular spot for evening strolls and enjoying the sunset.

Playa del Inglés: The Energetic Heart of Gran Canaria Tourism

Adjacent to Maspalomas lies Playa del Inglés, a resort renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, lively nightlife, and extensive shopping and dining options. While often considered part of the same overall tourist area as Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés possesses a distinct character that draws a different type of visitor.

The Beach: A Long Stretch of Golden Sand

Playa del Inglés beach is a continuation of Maspalomas beach, stretching for several kilometers along the coast. This long, sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports. Numerous beach bars and restaurants offer refreshments and delicious meals, and sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent.

A Shopper’s Paradise

Playa del Inglés is a shopper’s paradise, with numerous shopping centers, boutiques, and souvenir shops. The Yumbo Centre is particularly popular, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a vibrant gay scene. The Kasbah Shopping Center is another popular destination, known for its lively nightlife and entertainment options.

Nightlife: The Party Never Stops

Playa del Inglés is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and discos catering to all tastes. The Kasbah Shopping Center and the Yumbo Centre are the main hotspots, offering a wide range of entertainment options, from live music and karaoke to DJ sets and dance parties. The party often continues until the early hours of the morning.

Accommodation in Playa del Inglés: A Wide Variety of Options

Playa del Inglés offers a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly apartments to luxury hotels. Many hotels are located near the beach and offer swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and entertainment programs. Self-catering apartments are a popular choice for those who prefer more independence and flexibility.

Things to Do in Playa del Inglés: Beyond the Beach and Nightlife

While the beach and nightlife are the main attractions, Playa del Inglés offers plenty of other activities and attractions to keep visitors entertained. The Sioux City Park is a popular Wild West-themed amusement park, while the Mundo Aborigen recreates the life of the island’s original inhabitants. The Botanical Park of Maspalomas is a beautiful garden showcasing a diverse collection of plants from around the world.

Accessibility and Convenience

Playa del Inglés is well-connected to the rest of the island by public transport, making it easy to explore other attractions and resorts. The Gran Canaria Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers away, and numerous taxi and bus services are available.

Puerto Rico: The Family-Friendly Choice

Puerto Rico, located on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, is another popular resort, particularly favored by families and those seeking a more relaxed and quieter atmosphere. Known for its sheltered harbor, sunny climate, and abundance of family-friendly activities, Puerto Rico offers a different experience compared to the bustling resorts of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés.

A Sheltered Harbor and Calm Waters

Puerto Rico’s sheltered harbor provides calm waters, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is relatively small but well-maintained and offers sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Several boat trips and excursions depart from the harbor, including dolphin and whale watching tours, fishing trips, and scenic cruises along the coast.

Family-Friendly Activities

Puerto Rico is a popular choice for families, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for children of all ages. The Angry Birds Activity Park is a popular theme park based on the popular mobile game, while the Atlantida water park offers thrilling slides and pools. Mini golf, go-karting, and arcade games are also available.

Accommodation in Puerto Rico: Apartments and Aparthotels

Puerto Rico offers a wide range of accommodation options, primarily consisting of apartments and aparthotels. These self-catering accommodations are ideal for families and those who prefer more space and flexibility. Many apartments offer stunning views of the harbor and the surrounding coastline.

Dining in Puerto Rico: International Cuisine

Puerto Rico boasts a diverse culinary scene, with numerous restaurants offering international cuisine to cater to all tastes. British, Irish, Scandinavian, and Chinese restaurants are particularly popular, alongside local Canarian fare. Many restaurants offer children’s menus and high chairs.

A Quieter Nightlife

Puerto Rico’s nightlife is generally quieter than that of Playa del Inglés, with several bars and restaurants offering live music and entertainment. The atmosphere is more relaxed and family-friendly, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more peaceful evening.

Shopping in Puerto Rico: Souvenirs and Essentials

Puerto Rico offers a range of shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and essential items. The main shopping center is located near the harbor and offers a variety of stores and boutiques. Supermarkets are also readily available for those who prefer to self-cater.

Puerto de Mogán: The “Little Venice” of Gran Canaria

Puerto de Mogán, often referred to as “Little Venice” due to its picturesque canals and charming architecture, offers a unique and idyllic resort experience. Located on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, Puerto de Mogán is known for its tranquil atmosphere, colorful buildings, and stunning marina.

Picturesque Canals and Charming Architecture

Puerto de Mogán’s most distinctive feature is its network of canals, which are crossed by small bridges and lined with colorful houses adorned with flowers. The architecture is inspired by traditional Canarian styles, creating a charming and picturesque atmosphere. Taking a stroll along the canals is a must-do activity for visitors.

A Stunning Marina

Puerto de Mogán boasts a beautiful marina, where yachts and fishing boats bob gently in the water. The marina is lined with restaurants and bars, offering stunning views of the boats and the surrounding coastline. Boat trips and excursions depart from the marina, including dolphin and whale watching tours, fishing trips, and scenic cruises.

A Relaxed Beach

Puerto de Mogán has a small but well-maintained beach, offering calm waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, and the beach is conveniently located near restaurants and bars.

Accommodation in Puerto de Mogán: Boutique Hotels and Apartments

Puerto de Mogán offers a range of accommodation options, primarily consisting of boutique hotels and apartments. These accommodations are often located in the heart of the village, offering easy access to the canals, marina, and beach. The emphasis is on providing a more intimate and personalized experience.

Dining in Puerto de Mogán: Seafood and Local Cuisine

Puerto de Mogán is renowned for its seafood restaurants, which serve fresh catches of the day. Local Canarian cuisine is also widely available, offering a taste of the island’s culinary heritage. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, allowing diners to enjoy the stunning views.

A Quiet Nightlife

Puerto de Mogán’s nightlife is generally quiet and relaxed, with several bars and restaurants offering live music and entertainment. The atmosphere is more sophisticated and intimate, making it a popular choice for couples and those seeking a peaceful evening.

A Weekly Market

Every Friday, Puerto de Mogán hosts a bustling market, where vendors sell a variety of goods, including clothing, souvenirs, and local crafts. The market attracts visitors from all over the island and is a great opportunity to experience the local culture and find unique souvenirs.

Other Popular Resorts and Areas of Interest

While Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico, and Puerto de Mogán are arguably the most popular resorts in Gran Canaria, other areas also deserve mention and contribute to the island’s overall appeal.

San Agustín

Located between Playa del Inglés and Bahía Feliz, San Agustín offers a more relaxed and residential atmosphere. Its beach is quieter than those of its neighboring resorts, making it ideal for those seeking peace and tranquility. San Agustín also features a casino and a shopping center.

Bahía Feliz

Bahía Feliz is a small resort known for its windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions. The area offers several windsurfing schools and equipment rental shops. Accommodation options primarily consist of apartments and bungalows.

Meloneras

Located west of the Maspalomas Lighthouse, Meloneras is a relatively new and upscale resort area. It features luxury hotels, a casino, and a stylish promenade lined with restaurants and boutiques. The atmosphere is more sophisticated and relaxed than that of Playa del Inglés.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The capital city of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich history and culture. Las Canteras beach is one of the best urban beaches in the world, offering calm waters and golden sand. Las Palmas also features numerous museums, art galleries, historical landmarks, and shopping streets.

Factors Contributing to Resort Popularity

Several factors contribute to the popularity of a resort in Gran Canaria. These include:

Beach Quality: A clean, sandy beach with calm waters is a major draw for tourists.
Accommodation Options: A wide range of accommodation options, catering to different budgets and preferences, is essential.
Activities and Attractions: A variety of activities and attractions, both on and off the beach, keeps visitors entertained.
Dining and Nightlife: A diverse culinary scene and a lively nightlife contribute to the overall resort experience.
Accessibility: Easy access to the airport and other parts of the island is important.
Weather: Gran Canaria’s year-round sunshine is a major attraction.
Safety and Security: Tourists want to feel safe and secure in their chosen destination.
Value for Money: A good balance between price and quality is essential.
Marketing and Promotion: Effective marketing and promotion can attract more visitors.
Positive Reviews and Reputation: Positive online reviews and a strong reputation within the tourism industry are crucial.

Conclusion: Which Resort Reigns Supreme?

Determining the single “most popular” resort in Gran Canaria is challenging, as each resort offers a unique experience and appeals to different types of travelers. Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés attract large numbers of visitors with their stunning beaches, diverse activities, and vibrant nightlife. Puerto Rico is a popular choice for families seeking a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. Puerto de Mogán offers a more intimate and picturesque experience.

Ultimately, the “most popular” resort is a matter of personal preference. What appeals to one traveler may not appeal to another. However, by considering the factors discussed in this article, visitors can make an informed decision and choose the resort that best suits their needs and preferences.

Regardless of which resort you choose, Gran Canaria offers a fantastic vacation experience with its stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the iconic dunes of Maspalomas to the charming canals of Puerto de Mogán, Gran Canaria has something to offer everyone.

So, pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready to experience the magic of Gran Canaria!

Most Popular Resort in Gran Canaria