Gran Canaria best places
Patalavaca
Patalavaca is generally a place where visitors can enjoy a quieter, more laid-back vacation, centered around the beach and the natural beauty of Gran Canaria, with the added convenience of being close to more tourist-centric areas. It's a great spot for travelers who appreciate a slower pace but still want access to the facilities and entertainment options of a larger resort area.
Highlights:
- Beach: The beach itself is a highlight with its calm waters which are ideal for swimming and water activities for the entire family.
- Scenic Views: The area offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky coastline. At certain times of the year, you might also catch a glimpse of the Teide volcano on the neighboring island of Tenerife.
- Accommodations: Patalavaca has a range of accommodations, from apartments and holiday rentals to hotels, many of which offer excellent sea views.
Tourist Attractions:
- Proximity to Other Attractions: While Patalavaca is quieter than many other tourist areas, it is conveniently located near numerous attractions in southern Gran Canaria. The bustling towns of Puerto Rico and Maspalomas, with their array of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, are just a short drive away.
- Boat Excursions: From nearby Arguineguín, visitors can take boat trips to explore the coastline, go dolphin and whale watching, or visit other destinations along the coast.
- Watersports: The waters around Patalavaca are suitable for a variety of sports, including snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing, with equipment rental and lessons often available.
- Fishing Village Charm: The traditional Canarian fishing village of Arguineguín, with its weekly market and local restaurants, offers a glimpse into the island's culture and lifestyle.
- Anfi del Mar: Also nearby is the resort area of Anfi del Mar, known for its white sandy beach and calm bay, ideal for families and water sport enthusiasts.
Experience more with this top attractions and excursions
Patalavaca Beach
Patalavaca boasts a lovely beach characterized by golden sand and clear waters. The beach is not particularly large—its length is approximately 400 meters, making it an intimate spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports. Due to its size, Patalavaca Beach tends to be less crowded than some of the larger beaches on the island, providing a sense of seclusion and privacy.
Accommodations in Patalavaca
As for accommodation, Puerto Rico provides a broad spectrum, with everything from luxury hotels to self-catering apartments, most of which are built into the hillside, offering fantastic views over the resort and the Atlantic Ocean.
Shopping in Patalavaca
Patalavaca itself has no large shopping malls, there are a few shopping centres in nearby areas such as Puerto Rico and Maspalomas, which are easily accessible by public transport or car.
Shopping Day Trip to Las Palmas :
For those who want extensive retail options, a trip to the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, might be worthwhile as it offers larger shopping areas like Triana and Avenida Mesa y López, as well as the Las Arenas and Centro Comercial El Muelle shopping centers. Las Palmas can be reached by bus or car from Arguineguín.
Patalavaca nightlife
While Patalavaca offers a quiet and pleasant night scene, it may not meet the needs of those seeking an all-night party atmosphere. For that type of experience, visitors may wish to travel to the nearby regions of Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, where they will find a wider array of nightclubs, discotheques, and lively bars that stay open until the early hours of the morning.
Patalavaca location
Patalavaca is situated on the southern coast of Gran Canaria, which is part of the Canary Islands archipelago belonging to Spain. This resort area is known for its beautiful beaches and is situated between the towns of Arguineguín to the east and Puerto Rico to the west.
The distance from Gran Canaria Airport (also known as Las Palmas Airport or by its IATA code LPA) to Patalavaca is around 45 kilometers (approximately 28 miles). By car, this would normally take about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
The most direct route from the airport to Patalavaca is via the GC-1 motorway, which is the main highway running along the eastern and southern coasts of Gran Canaria. This motorway connects the airport with the maj
Heading to Patalavaca from the airport by bus?
Traveling to Patalavaca from Gran Canaria Airport by bus involves using the island's public bus service, which is operated by the company Global. Although there is no direct bus line that goes straight to Patalavaca, you can still get there relatively easily with a transfer.
Here's a general guide on how to reach Patalavaca by bus from Gran Canaria Airport:
- Bus Route 91 or 66: From the airport, you can take either the Route 91 bus, which is an express service heading towards Puerto de Mogán, or the Route 66 bus, which also heads in the same direction but makes more stops. The Route 91 is usually quicker.
- Transfer at Arguineguín: Disembark the bus at the Arguineguín stop. From here, you will need to transfer to a local bus that goes to Patalavaca or, because the distance is not too far, you could consider taking a short taxi ride or even walking if you have light luggage.
- Bus Route 1: If you choose to continue by bus, look for Route 1, which travels between Las Palmas and Puerto de Mogán via the coastal road. This bus stops at various points, including Patalavaca.
Please note: Cross Check the current bus routes & schedules on the Global website below
Day trip: Family fun in Meloneras & Masopalmas
The distance between Maspalomas and Patalavaca is relatively short, as both are located on the southern coast of Gran Canaria, making them quite accessible to each other. The distance by road is approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and it usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes to travel between the two by car, depending on traffic conditions.
Hey there, fellow sun-seekers and thrill-lovers! I've been hopping around the surroundings of Meloneras and you wouldn't believe the fun-packed theme parks waiting for you close by! Each one is a little slice of paradise with its unique vibe. Let's dive into a few of my favorites:
Aqualand - Maspalomas
Are you ready to splash into fun? Aqualand is your go-to spot with an array of slides that'll make you scream with joy – from the adrenaline-pumping Boomerang to the laid-back Congo River. Located in the southern paradise of Maspalomas, it's a place where the sun always smiles, and the water sparkles, invitingly. Perfect for thrill-seekers and those needing a lazy day floating around.
Palmitos Park- Maspalomas
Tucked away in a lush valley near Maspalomas, this botanical garden and aviary is a peaceful retreat from the beach's buzz. The highlight? The dolphin show is pure joy, and the exotic birds are so colorful they'll make your camera blush! It's a day of learning, laughing, and falling in love with nature.
Holiday World- Maspalomas
Imagine a carnival that decided to settle in the Canaries – that's Holiday World in Maspalomas for ya! With an impressive Ferris wheel, thrilling rides, and an arcade, your inner child will be doing cartwheels. Don't forget to challenge yourself with a round of bowling or let loose on the dance floor at the disco!
Day trip - Worthwhile seeing: the Maspalomas Dunes Special Natural Reserve
Imagine stepping into a wonderland sculpted by the wind, a natural masterpiece where soft golden sands rise and fall like the swells of the sea. This is the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas, a unique patchwork of ecosystems locateed on the southern coast of Gran Canaria.
Spanning 400 hectares, this dynamic landscape is more than just a backdrop for sunbathing or a setting for holiday snapshots—it's a living, breathing environment protected for its ecological significance and unspoiled beauty. These shifting dunes are a spectacle of nature, constantly reshaped by the Atlantic breezes, offering a desert experience right by the ocean.
Here, you'll find yourself wandering through the sands, which seem to stretch into infinity, with the iconic Maspalomas lighthouse standing sentry in the distance. The dunes give way to oasis-like scenes, where pockets of palm trees offer shade, and temporary lagoons attract migrating birds, adding to the sense of an African safari.
This reserve isn't just for those with a deep appreciation for nature—it's also an accessible slice of wilderness that attracts beachgoers from around the world. Connecting the dunes to the lively resort of Playa del Inglés, a long stretch of beach awaits, where the golden sands are perfect for sunbathing, sandcastle-building, or simply savoring the view as the waves kiss the shore.
As a protected area, the dunes also serve as a reminder of our responsibility to preserve and respect natural wonders. They invite us to enjoy the raw beauty of our planet responsibly, leaving only footprints behind. Whether you're an adventurer ready to traverse this sandy expanse or a relaxed wanderer looking to bask in its beauty, the Dunas de Maspalomas stand as a timeless testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature, nestled right next to the vibrant energy of Playa del Inglés.
Patalavaca weather month by month
Curious about what kind of weather you'll find in Gran Canaria each month? Let's take a peek together at the sunny personality of this gorgeous island, all year round!
Hey there, sunshine seeker! 🌞 Ready for the best day ever?
Come hop along on our laid-back day trips