For a long winter stay in Gran Canaria, the best areas are Las Canteras in Las Palmas if you want city life and a beach in town, San Agustín if you want a calm, sunny base, and Playa del Inglés if you want services and things to do on your doorstep. Puerto Rico and Mogán are the warmest but the hilliest.
Areas compared
| Area | Winter sun | Walkability | Atmosphere | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Canteras (Las Palmas) | Medium | Excellent | Urban, Spanish | Remote workers, city lovers |
| Triana and Vegueta | Medium | Excellent | Historic, cultural | Culture, food |
| San Agustín | High | Good | Quiet, residential | Retirees, couples |
| Playa del Inglés | High | Good | Busy, international | Services, social life |
| Maspalomas | High | Good | Resort, dunes | Walkers, beaches |
| Arguineguín | Very high | Good | Fishing town | Value, local feel |
| Puerto Rico and Mogán | Very high | Hilly | Sheltered resort | Maximum warmth |
Las Palmas: Las Canteras and the old town
Las Canteras is one of the best city beaches in Europe, protected by a natural reef that keeps the water calm. The neighbourhoods behind it have supermarkets, gyms, coworking spaces and restaurants for every budget. Triana and Vegueta, a short bus ride away, offer colonial streets, the cathedral and the Vegueta market.
The downside is winter cloud on some mornings. Many people solve it with day trips south.
The south: San Agustín to Mogán
San Agustín is the quiet end of the southern resort strip, with a seafront path that links to Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. Playa del Inglés has the most shops and services. Arguineguín mixes locals and long-term Scandinavian visitors and has a popular Tuesday market. Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán are the sunniest and most sheltered, but involve steep streets.
Monthly costs
Las Palmas usually gives better value for rent and food. Southern resorts charge peak-season prices from December to March. See our cost of living guides.
Getting around
Global buses run frequently along the south coast and between the south and Las Palmas; city buses in Las Palmas are cheap and frequent. You can live in any of these areas without a car.
Our verdict
Want to live like a local: Las Canteras. Want sun and calm: San Agustín. Want both: split your winter between the two. Read the full Gran Canaria guide.