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Gran Canaria best places

Puerto Rico


Puerto Rico, one of Gran Canaria's sunniest spots, is a lively resort nestled in a valley on the southwest coast of the island. This resort is particularly well-known for its family-friendly atmosphere and a plethora of activities suited to all ages. Thanks to the surrounding mountains, Puerto Rico enjoys one of the best microclimates on the island, offering visitors sunshine and warm temperatures almost all year round.

Location: Puerto Rico is located between the resorts of Maspalomas to the east and Mogán to the west. It's about a 50-minute drive from the capital city of Las Palmas and around 35-45 minutes from Gran Canaria Airport by car.

    Main Attractions:
  • Water Sports: Puerto Rico is a haven for lovers of water-based activities. Here, you can try out jet skiing, sailing, dolphin watching, deep-sea fishing, and more. The calm waters inside the breakwaters also make it an ideal spot for beginner scuba divers and snorkelers.
  • Angry Birds Activity Park: A family favorite, this park based on the popular game, offers a range of attractions including zip lines, climbing walls, and a mini-golf course.
  • Europa Shopping Centre & Puerto Rico Shopping Centre: Both are bustling hubs with a wide range of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and bars, and they often host evening entertainment suitable for all family members.

Puerto Rico 7-day weather


Average Temperature in Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria

© WeatherSpark.com
© WeatherSpark.com

Experience more with this top attractions and excursions

Puerto Rico Beach

  • Playa de Puerto Rico: The main beach at Puerto Rico is an artificial crescent of golden sand imported from the Sahara. This small yet idyllic beach is approximately 400 meters long and is shielded on both sides by breakwaters. This makes the waters calm and safe for swimming, a hit with families and bathers of all ages. Alongside the usual sun loungers and parasols for hire, there's also a good array of watersports on offer.
  • Playa de Amadores: A short walk away to the west, you'll find the equally appealing and slightly larger Playa de Amadores. At about 800 meters in length, this beach boasts beautiful blue waters and fine white sand, making it perfect for sunning and relaxing.

Accommodations in Puerto Rico

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 Puerto Rico


When shopping in Puerto Rico, expect a more relaxed pace compared to larger cities. But with its variety of shops and centers, you'll certainly find what you're looking for, whether it's brand fashion items, local produce, or a keepsake to remind you of your Canarian holiday.

Shopping Centers:

  • Puerto Rico Shopping Center: This is the main shopping hub in Puerto Rico and can be considered the heart of the resort's retail and entertainment scene. It has a multitude of stores selling everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and souvenirs. You'll also find supermarkets, pharmacies, and plenty of dining options. It's well-known for its open-air construction and comes alive in the evening with bars and nightlife venues.
  • The Market Puerto Rico: If you're looking for a more modern shopping facility, The Market is a newer addition situated near the Puerto Rico Marina. It offers a selection of familiar European high-street brands, boutiques, and a wide range of restaurants and cafes. It's a good place for fashion and casual shopping.
  • Mogan Mall: Located a stone's throw away from Puerto Rico, in the newer area known as Motor Grande, you'll find Mogan Mall. It's one of the newest shopping centers in the south of Gran Canaria, offering a diverse selection of international brands, a vast hypermarket, and numerous eateries.

Specialty Shops and Boutiques:

  • Scattered around the resort, especially near the marina and the promenade, you'll encounter independent boutiques and specialty shops. These locales are ideal for picking up unique gifts, handmade crafts, local products, and beachwear.

Souvenirs and Gifts:

  • Puerto Rico has plenty of stores where you can purchase traditional Canarian goods, such as aloe vera products, local rum, and mojo sauces. Souvenir shops abound, offering postcards, magnets, and various trinkets that capture the spirit of the island.

Open-Air Markets:

  • The resort area frequently hosts open-air markets, selling local artisan products, jewelry, leather goods, and an array of other items that make for perfect mementos or gifts.

Supermarkets and Convenience Stores:

  • For daily grocery needs, Puerto Rico offers several supermarkets and smaller convenience stores. You can easily stock up on snacks, drinks, beach gear, and anything else you might need for a day in the sun.


Discover the Best Experiences on Ocean 

Puerto Rico nightlife

Dining and Nightlife: Owing to its tourist-friendly nature, you'll discover a wide selection of eateries serving everything from traditional Spanish and Canarian cuisine to more international offerings. Nightlife in Puerto Rico is known for being lively yet more family-centered, with many venues offering live music and entertainment suitable for a range of age groups.

Puerto Rico location


Puerto Rico has a prime location on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, which is one of the Canary Islands of Spain. It's nestled in a valley surrounded by hills and offers a naturally sheltered environment that contributes to its reputation as a suntrap with very pleasant weather year-round.

In terms of distance from the main point of entry to the island:

From Gran Canaria Airport (LPA):

  • Puerto Rico is approximately 48 kilometers (about 30 miles) away from Gran Canaria Airport, also known locally as Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria or Gando Airport.
  • The travel time typically takes around 35 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic and the exact route taken. The most common way to get there is via the GC-1 motorway, which runs along the east and south coasts of Gran Canaria.

Day trip: Family fun in Meloneras & Masopalmas

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!

Heading to Puerto Rico from the airport by bus? 


Traveling from Gran Canaria Airport (known as Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria) to Meloneras by bus is pretty straightforward. The island has a reliable and efficient public bus system, known locally as 'guaguas', operated by Global Bus Company.

The main bus routes that directly connect the airport to Puerto Rico are:

Bus Line 91 - Las Palmas de G.C. - Playa del Cura (via Airport)

  • This bus, also known as the "blue bird", is a direct service that includes stops at Puerto Rico on its route from the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, to Playa del Cura.
  • The Line 91 is an express service, so it's one of the fastest and most convenient options, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour to Puerto Rico.
  • The stop to board this bus at the airport is located at the ground level (arrivals) zone.

Bus Line 01 - Las Palmas de G.C. - Puerto de Mogán (via Airport)

  • Although not as fast as the express line 91, this service also stops at Puerto Rico and is an alternative if the timing of the express service doesn't suit you.
  • Since it has more stops, expect a longer journey time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes or more.

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.

> Day trip to the Lago Taurito Water Park 

Also known as "Paradise Lago Taurito," this is one of the area's main attractions, especially for families. It features numerous water slides, a lazy river, and swimming pools. The water park is part of a larger resort complex that includes a variety of amenities.

The distance from Taurito to Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria is approximately 6 kilometers (about 3.7 miles) along the southern coast of the island. The journey between these two destinations is quite short, taking around 10-15 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic conditions.

Puerto Rico 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