If you want to visit Gran Canaria without a car, Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas, and Meloneras are the most complete holiday destinations, with lots to see and do, like Palmitos Park and Aqualand Maspalomas. Las Palmas is also great for those who want to use public transport to explore the island, and Puerto Rico is a great area for those who want to explore many different beaches without a car.
Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas and Meloneras
Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas, and Meloneras are all located next to each other, and even the local population finds it hard to tell where one ends and the other starts. That is why I cover all three together as one area, which is ideal for visiting without a car.
- Many popular attractions are nearby, such as Palmitos Park Zoo and Aqualand Maspalomas Waterpark and other attractions like jeep, buggy, and camel safari.
- Several bus lines also serve those who like hiking on the mountain or exploring inland.
- This area is the best connected to public transport after Las Palmas, with numerous bus lines connecting you to nearby coastal destinations.
- Its central location, between all tourist destinations on the islands, ensures nothing is far away.
- Multiple bus tours leave from here each day, and you can easily join one by buying a ticket online, at your hotel reception, or in one of the local tourist shops.
- Taxis are on almost every street corner.
- Cheap local buses and shuttle buses can get you here from the airport.
Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas offers everything you would expect in a big and popular tourist destination. They are well known for the nightlife and the massive beaches here. If bustling and lots of choice is what you want, this is the best area for you to stay without a car in Gran Canaria.
Sol Barbacan and HD Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria are great options for a family holiday. Playa del Sol is great for adults-only holidays on a budget, and Bohemia Suites & Spa is good for a more luxurious holiday.
Meloneras is the newer and more luxurious area located near Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas. If you are looking for a more relaxed and luxurious holiday, closest to the bus terminus on this side of the islands, this is your best choice.
All 3 of these areas are great for families, groups of friends, solo travellers and couples.
The Lopesan Baobab Resort is excellent for families, and the Hotel Faro is excellent for adults and couples. Both are in a good location for the bus and beaches.
Las Palmas
Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, is still one of my favourite holiday destinations on the island. It is very budget-friendly, and with a great beach, lots of shopping, many coastal restaurants, and a more authentically Spanish setting, it is also an excellent place for holidays without a hire car.
This area is not the best place to visit with babies and toddlers. It is better for solo travellers, couples, or families with older children and teenagers.
- Las Palmas has the most bus connections on the island, so you can go almost anywhere from the Las Palmas bus terminus without having to transfer to another bus.
- The amazing Aquarium Poema del Mar is located here.
- Vegueta is easy to get to by bus.
- Lots of natural parks, nature and history to explore nearby.
- Separate cycling lanes throughout the city for those who like to explore by bicycle.
- There is a good connection to the airport by public transport.
Bull Reina Isabel and Cristina by Tigotan Las Palmas are great options if you want to be close to the beach. If you are more of a city explorer and like to be close to the bus terminus, Hotel Boutique Bed and Chic is excellent and just a short walk from the beach.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is excellent for the fantastic views from the many hillside hotels. The town centre has a large shopping centre with many stores, bars, restaurants, and nightlife. If you don’t have a car, this is a great place to stay, but try to avoid staying in a place high up the hillside.
Puerto Rico is best for groups of friends, couples and solo travellers but is also a good option for families with older children and teenagers.
- Many beaches nearby you can easily explore on foot or by bus.
- Angry Birds Activity Park is located here.
- You can easily walk to the nearby Playa de Amadores.
- Multiple boat tours leave from the central marina each day to take you dolphin and whale watching, snorkelling, and exploring the coastline or nearby beaches and towns.
- The public bus quickly connects you to nearby beaches and resorts like Puerto Mogan, Playa del Cura, Taurito, Arguineguin, and Maspalomas. To reach further destinations, you will have to transfer in the Faro Maspalomas bus terminus.
- Since everything you need in the resort is located in the middle of the valley, it is easy to get around on foot unless you stay high up the hillside.
- For getting here from the airport it is best to book a shuttle bus before arriving.
Gloria Palace Amadores is a great place to stay for a family holiday without a car, even though it might not look like it at first. But a lift will take you down quickly from the hilltop, drop you off directly at a bus station, and take you quickly to nearby towns and beaches. Marina Bayview is a good place for couples and adults, about 150 meters from the closest bus stop, the marina, and the beach. So everything is within walking distance.
