Gran Canaria's resorts are popular places, but if you can't find a good hotel deal, don't give up until you've had a look at the alternatives.

A week in many 4-star Gran Canaria resort hotels currently goes for over €1500 (based on two people sharing a room with breakfast included). In the capital Las Palmas, a beachfront room for two with breakfast goes for around €800.

The price difference for apartments close to the beach is about the same. 

Now Las Palmas may not get as much sunshine as the south of the island, but it is still a fantastic place for a city break holiday and does have a world-beating urban beach. There's also plenty of galleries, museums and shopping to keep you busy and you are 40 minutes away from the resort beaches by bus or car. 

Intrepid types and walks could also consider other Gran Canaria destinations like the sunny and wildly-underrated Agaete Valley where rural houses are in high demand but rent for under €100 per night.