Hotels in Gran Canaria

The vibrant seaside resort of Maspalomas is a family favourite on Gran Canaria’s southern coast. A laid-back alternative to the island’s party capitals, it’s perfect for families with kids, or couples who want something a little bit more relaxed. Holidays to Maspalomas are full of magnificent beaches and an upbeat town centre with a top choice of family-friendly hotels. An easy resort to get around, and well-placed for day trips, it’s surrounded by gorgeous landscapes plus water parks, nature parks and much more, which means it is the perfect setting for a relaxing, fun-packed holiday.

Things to do

Holidays in Maspalomas are ideal for the kids, so why not take the family to the Maspalomas Aquapark as a change from the beach? This family favourite is the perfect place to cool off in the summer sun. Relax in the pool, zoom down the adrenaline-boosting water slides, or meet the amazing sea lions.

Another place worth visiting during your Maspalomas holidays is Roque Nublo, a dramatic volcanic rock in the heart of Gran Canaria. 80 metres high, and more than 1,800 metres above sea level, it was created about 4.5 million years ago during a volcanic eruption, and was a place of worship in ancient times. It's also the second highest point in Gran Canaria, and is best viewed at sunset, when you can get some terrific photos.

Gorgeous sands

You can’t visit Maspalomas without a trip to the sand dunes. The nature reserve is over 400 hectares of soft sand peaks, so you could easily spend hours walking up them. If a good beach is an important part of your holiday, you’ll love the beach in Maspalomas. The Playa de Maspalomas is a Blue Flag award winner with a six kilometre stretch of golden sands split into different zones so you can find the perfect piece of beach for yourself.

Family fun

There are lots of things for kids to do in Maspalomas when on a family holiday. If your family is a fan of the water, take them to Aqualand Maspalomas, it’s one of the Canary Island’s largest waterparks with an impressive 33 slides. For family-orientated evenings that have loads of fun things for the kids to do but still have adults in mind, head for Holiday World. Kids will love all the fairground rides and soft play and you’ll be able to sit and enjoy a meal or a couple of drinks whilst still being able to keep an eye on them.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca | Playa des Ingles | Puerto Rico | San Agustin

Big and buzzing Playa del Inglés in Gran Canaria is one of the island's oldest party resorts, pulling in visitors since the 1960s to make the most of its gorgeous beaches and nightlife. There’s plenty of room for everyone, with 3km of golden sand backing into a colourful waterfront with top bars, pubs and shops, and the resort’s best hotels close by. 

It  has the ideal holiday location on Gran Canaria’s south coast, situated close to nearby water parks and sport centres. Known in English as 'Englishman's Beach', it's very popular with English-speaking tourists, and offers some of the most cosmopolitan nightlife in the Canary Islands.

Things to do

Go on an unforgettable scuba diving adventure and see the stunning marine life of the Canaries during your Playa del Inglés holidays, or explore the busy market of Puerto de Mogán, Gran Canaria's very own 'little Venice'. If you love a bit of shopping, don't forget to visit the Yumbo Centrum in Maspalomas, where you'll find over 200 shops, restaurants and bars.

Head further afield to the striking volcanic rock known as Roque Nublo, which dates back over four million years and was an ancient place of worship. Or go on a day excursion to Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, and see its enchanting cathedral and museums where you can learn all about the history of the island and the discovery of the New World.

Excellent beaches

It’s no secret that the beach is the place to be in Playa del Ingles. Its popular with holidaymakers and the long stretch of soft, golden sand shelves gently into the warm sea and has all the comforts you could need for a great day at the beach. Facilities include disability access points, showers and kiosks selling ice-cold refreshments. Whether you’re after a relaxing afternoon on the sun loungers or a thrilling water sport adventure, the beach has it all. Sporting activities include jet skis, sailing, windsurfing and banana boats, to name a few.

Culture

The resort began to develop in the 1960s to accommodate the influx of tourism to the island. Since then, Playa del Ingles has turned into the largest resort in Gran Canaria. Purpose built hotel complexes, bars and restaurants are all within walking distance to ensure that you have everything you may need for a relaxing holiday.

Vibrant nightlife

As well as its fantastic beaches and hot weather, Playa del Ingles is recognised as being a great place for a night out. Themed and specialised bars and clubs are extremely popular here as the streets illuminate with colour and music streams out of every bar. Fruity cocktails and dancing is in store at the many nightclubs and bars open until the early hours.

If you’re after belly-laughter and fabulous entertainment, head to Ricky’s Cabaret Bar for a guaranteed great night out. Grab a drink and settle in for a memorable performance filled with audience participation, comedy and a whole lot of song and dance.

For something with a little more style and sophistication in the early evening, head to Eiffel Bar for a truly relaxed atmosphere. The knowledgeable and friendly bar staff serve highly recommended wines and delicious cocktails made with only the finest spirits. This is a great place for drinks with friends in this trendy, French themed bar.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Maspalomas | Menorca | Puerto Rico | San Agustin

Escape to the sunny Gran Canaria resort of San Agustín, a tranquil resort with wonderful Atlantic views. A much more low-key alternative to Playa del Inglés, it's great for beach lovers and swimmers, and has long been popular with holidaymakers. Its laid-back feel makes it perfect for couples who simply want to relax on the dazzling golden beaches. Families are close to all the major attractions and waterparks, while adventurers can lace up their hiking boots and head inland or along the island’s stunning coastal paths.

Things to do

If you have time and would like to explore more historic sights, head north to the capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas. See its museum to learn about its prehistoric, ancient, medieval and colonial past. Visit the Casa de Colón museum to find out about Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the New World, then relax for a while on the golden sands of Las Canteras Beach. Las Palmas is also famous for its cathedral, which dates back half a millennium and is technically still unfinished! The church, which has a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Neo-Classical styles, is rich in artwork, and celebrates a huge feast on November 26th to commemorate its dedication.

More travel guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Maspalomas | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca | Playa des Ingles | Puerto Rico

Madeira holidays will take you to a land of breathtaking landscapes and botanical beauty. This sun-drenched Portuguese island is known as the ‘Floating Garden’, so you can expect lots of colour. From the turquoise Atlantic coastline to its year-round climate promising exotic blooms and the scarlet poinsettias that decorate its backdrop, it’s hardly surprising that Madeira is a continuous winner of the ‘World’s Leading Island Destination’. 

Holidays to Madeira beg you to explore. Get lost among the cobbled alleyways of Funchal’s Old Town and you’ll discover some of the best seafood tavernas, market stalls packed with tropical fruits and the awe-inspiring Zona Velha (a street of painted doors).  Avid hikers will love trekking through the lush mountainous scenery met with cascading waterfalls, or you can head for the beautiful beach of Porto Santo for an afternoon of sandcastle building with the kids. 

Things to do

If you’re wondering why Madeira is called the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’, it’s because of its beauty. Seeing is believing, so for unspoilt views from a 580-metre-high glass platform, check out the dramatic cliff face of Cabo Girão. And if that wasn’t high enough, gear up for a six-hour hike up Pico do Arieiro where you’ll walk above the clouds. A quicker way to reach this summit is by jeep safari, these tours not only take you 1,400 feet into the mountains, but through banana plantations and sugarcane farms. 

Looking for history? Explore Funchal’s Gothic Sé Cathedral, or travel by cable car up to the charming little village of Monte. Meanwhile, watersport enthusiasts will make a beeline for the coastline, especially Garajau National Marine Park with its spectacular scuba diving.

If you’re travelling with kids in tow, Madeira holidays serve up plenty of family-friendly attractions. And top of the list has to be the Aquaparque Waterpark. When you’re not plunging down jaw-dropping slides, see if you can spot dolphins and whales on a boating adventure in the Atlantic. 

Excellent beaches

Most of Madeira’s 150-kilometre coastline is made up of black sands due to its volcanic past. That’s why  you’ll find popular stretches accessorised with a lido promenade, which features a range of swimming pools alongside direct sea access. Ponta Gorda is one of the best with its playgrounds, snack bars, sports activities and wide selection of eateries. 

For natural wonders, Porto Moniz has a rock pool filled with seawater which was formed by lava and acts as a hot tub. Or, sail over to Camara de Lobos to discover the island's most photogenic beach and its fascinating history. It was put on the map by Winston Churchill in 1949, who set up an easel and painted this jaw-dropping sand spot - 50 years on and it’s still identical to his drawing. 

Don’t worry, it's not all about pebbles and dark grains, Praia da Calheta Beach in Machico is made up of Moroccan imported sands and the only artificial shoreline on the island.

History and culture

The botanic island of Madeira is in the autonomous region of Portugal and first became a popular tourist destination in the 1850s. In the 16th century, Madeira was Portugal’s top producer of wheat and sugar cane, which brought in more wealth for the region. This started a variety of trade in the 17th century, including today’s most exported product, the famous Madeira wine.

Madeira is still rich in traditional culture that can be witnessed throughout its architecture and delightful customs. Recited by writer Ernest Hemingway as the ‘most exhilarating experience’ of his life, one of its most famous traditions is a toboggan ride down the hill from Monte to Funchal. Take a ride in wicker baskets pushed by a team of Carreiros de Monte, who will fly with you down the paved streets at 30mph and break using only their rubber-soled shoes.

Food and drink

This culinary gem is famous for its rustic food and delicious wine. Funchal’s Farmers Market has been around since the 1940s, here you can sample exotic fruits such as guava or sleeve (which is part of the mango family), herbs and spices alongside fresh fish. Speaking of fish, Madeira is famous for its Black Scabbard which is seasoned with garlic and served with banana. 

See what all the fuss is about at So Far Bistro & Steakhouse, this fine dining spot in Funchal is not only famed for its tuna steak, but its wagyu and passion fruit pudding dessert. Other traditional favourites include hearty meals like espetada, which is marinated garlic and beef cooked with bay leaves on skewers. And look out for a yellow drink named Poncha, which is commonly found all over the island. There are several variations, but Taberna da Poncha is the most authentic batch. Combining honey, lemon, sugar and distilled alcohol (usually rum) produced from sugarcane, this zesty concoction is a delicacy. 
  
Nightlife

Madeira’s nightlife is said to be quieter than those found on the mainland. That being said, you can still enjoy a late evening meal and a few cocktails in an array of waterfront bars accompanied by live music and entertainment. If you do want to party, the island really comes alive at the weekend. If you want to dance the night away, there are several nightclubs that stay open until the early hours. In Funchal, the atmosphere is more contemporary with an abundance of upbeat night spots to enjoy throughout the week.

Places to stay

Madeira’s thriving capital, Funchal, is located on the south coast of the island. Known for its stylish tapas eateries, chic rooftop cocktail spots and charming Old Town, this city pulls out all the stops. If an authentic Madeiran experience is high on your to-do list, the sleepy town of Machico guarantees traditional stays. Back in 1420, the first explorers settled on the island in this very location and it’s now teeming with history. Alongside its fascinating past, this hotspot is known for being a natural paradise.

Canico is dotted with fancy accommodation, but its dramatic surroundings and underwater world are its biggest draws, especially the stunning protected area  - Garajau's Nature Reserve. As for sand spots, Canico’s shores are a far cry from your average beach days with pebbly and rocky options offering unique sunbathing opportunities.
 

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Fuerteventura holidays are just the thing to fix those beach break cravings! With miles upon miles of black and white sandy shores, your wind-down options are endless. And then there are the stunning Corralejo dunes, peaceful resort towns, a must-explore volcanic landscape and that year-round flip-flop weather to make your getaway a total treat.

Why you’ll love Fuerteventura holidays

• Beautiful beaches: There’s no other Canary Island with more! Home to the famous Popcorn Beach and the stunning black sands of Playa de Ajuy.
• Corralejo sand dunes: A breathtaking 11 km of fine white grains piled in soft dunes, just south of Corralejo. Plus you’ll get fantastic views of nearby Lanzarote and Los Lobos islands.
• Making memories with the kids: Visit the animals at Oasis Wildlife Park, make a splash at Acua Water Park and unwind at your pick of Fuerteventura’s fantastic family boltholes.
• Watersports for days: Go surfing in Lajares or catch the windsurfers’ fave breeze off the Jandia Peninsula. And there’s plenty more too, from paddleboarding to scuba diving.
• Year-round adventures: Explore the mountainous landscape on a Jeep safari or jump on a horse and let your steed take you through the jaw-dropping volcanic scenery.

Best places to stay in Fuerteventura

It’s one of the hottest places in Spain, with some of Europe’s most gorgeous beaches, so holidays to Fuerteventura are a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Here’s our pick of where to stay:

Corralejo: Fuerteventura’s biggest resort, with a choice of beaches – a must-visit for everything from tucked-away tapas spots to adrenaline-pumping watersports. Make it a holiday to remember at the 4 star Pierre & Vacances Fuerteventura Origomare.

Costa Calma: Come here for family-friendly Sotavento Beach and a fab location just 15 minutes from Oasis Park, where your little monkeys can look out for camels, lemurs and wallabies.

Jandia: Seeking pure escapism? Get this little beauty on your radar pronto! An authentic fishing village with Caribbean-like sand spots and tropical-style reserves.

Caleta de Fuste (aka Costa Caleta): A playground for all ages! Awesome activities in Puerto Castillo. Glam yachts. 18 top-notch holes at Fuerteventura Golf Club. Kicking nightlife – from harbourside eats to classy beats. And glorious silky sands.

Costa de Antigua: Kick back and relax in one of Caleta de Fuste’s smaller neighbours. Think tranquil seafront walks, white sands, village vibes, and romantic evenings. Quaint sightseeing tip: it’s just 15 km from the former island capital, Antigua town.

More about holidays to Fuerteventura
All the info you need to plan your getaway to these top resorts: Caleta de Fuste | Corralejo | Costa Calma | Jandia

Lanzarote holidays sitting in your ‘maybe’ pile? Well, with stunning stretches of sand, gorgeous weather and all-singing-all-dancing beach resorts, you’ll want this highlight of the Canary Islands on your ‘book it’ list instead! And when you look beyond the coastline, you’ll discover a landscape so unique you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.

Why you’ll love Lanzarote holidays
• Beach life to suit your style: Whether you stay for five days or two weeks, chances are you’re heading to Lanza for the beaches! Get away from it all at Papagayo, throw yourself into Famara’s surf scene, or unwind on Playa Blanca’s white sands with everything you need in easy reach.
• The jaw-dropping scenery: Lanzarote’s so special that the whole island is protected by UNESCO! Check out the Fire Mountains of Timanfaya National Park, the weird and wonderful lava tunnels, and the dramatic views from the Mirador del Rio lookout.
• Exciting waterparks: Swoosh down adrenaline-pumping chutes and paddle in tot-friendly splash zones. Stay at the Relaxia Lanzasur Club and Aqualava Waterpark will be next door!
• Buckets of local flavour: Lanzarote’s got plenty of authentic character, from its pretty sugar-cube buildings to family-run restaurants. Explore the quaint village of Yaiza, take a stroll around Puerto del Carmen’s Old Town harbour, and amble along the narrow streets in La Puntilla, Arrecife.
• The art: Yes, really! Renowned artist-architect César Manrique lived here, and you can see his legacy everywhere from the famous El Diablo volcanic restaurant to the beautifully designed cactus garden – and even the cave-based nightspot, Los Jameos del Agua.

Best places to stay in Lanzarote
Holidays to Lanzarote pack a punch with a tempting array of beach spots, watering holes and awesome hotels. Not sure where to make your base? Get started with our quick guide to the top destinations on this little island.
Costa Teguise: Winning the hearts of those in search of the ultimate combo of chill time and playtime. Think gentle waters for safe family days by the sea, the fantastic Aquapark Costa Teguise and Lanzarote Aquarium, plus a laid-back nightlife scene.
Playa Blanca: Lanzarote’s south coast crowd-pleaser! Adored for its Blue Flag sands and modern marina, no wonder it remains a sunseekers’ favourite. Make yourself at home at the 5 star H10 Rubicon Palace for a top spot on the seafront.
Puerto del Carmen: Once a fishing village, now a thoroughly vibrant beach town with plenty of waterfront restaurants. At its edge are swish Puerto Calero, charming Matagorda and the laid-back delights of Playa de los Pocillos.
Arrecife: the capital of Lanzarote. Pick an Arrecife hotel and get your history fix from the town’s old fortresses and museums or enjoy a shopping spree, all on your doorstep. Don’t worry, Arrecife has beaches too!

More about Lanzarote holidays
Thirsty for more info? Check out our guides to Lanzarote’s main resorts: Costa Teguise | Playa Blanca | Puerto del Carmen