Anfi Del Mar in Gran Canaria is all about the beach. It is one of the most picturesque on the island, with soft golden sands, clear waters, gentle waves, and lots of watersports. There are also a few shops, bars and restaurants here, but the choice is somewhat limited. But this also means everything is close together, so you never have to walk far. If you do want more choice, you can easily visit nearby Arguineguin and Puerto Rico by bus or taxi. Evening and nightlife in Anfi Del Mar are mostly relaxed, with some live performances.
Beaches
The beach of Anfi Del Mar is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque on the island, and in a way, I can’t disagree. But it is also the most touristy and often can get pretty crowded. With soft white, golden sands and a few bars, shops and restaurants right next to it, it is ideal for a holiday. From here, you can also do many water sports and join boat tours along the coast.
Anfi Del Mar is by far the best beach in this area, but for some snorkelling or just for some more space and relaxation, you might also want to go to nearby Playa de la Vega. Especially a good place on windy days or days with high waves. It has a more darskish yellow beach but mostly rocky platforms to swim from that also protect you from the elements.
Playa de Patalavaca a bit further away also makes for an excellent change of scenery. The beach here has the more typical, darker grey sand that Gran Canaria is known for. There are also a few bars and restaurants next to it, but not that many. However, they are somewhat more budget-friendly than the ones next to Anfi Del Mar beach.
Where to stay in Anfi del Mar
The great thing about Anfi Del Mar is that most accommodation has excellent sea views. If you are looking for an Anfi del Mar beach experience, it is best not to book one of the holiday lettings behind the Anfi del Mar hotel complex, as it is challenging to get to the beach from there. The following places have easy access to the Playa Anfi Del Mar and fantastic sea views.
- Anfi Del Mar: A large, stunning hotel and resort with lots to see and do, but it can be hard to book a room here, as it is mainly timeshare-based. However, if space is available, these rooms can be booked.
- Aquamarina: Next to the Anfi Del Mar beach and with some excellent private holiday rental options.
- Servatur Green Beach: A budget-friendly option for those who want to be between Arguineguin and Anfi Del Mar and have easy access to the best of both worlds. While the building is a bit old and dated, the pool area, gardens and rooms are fresh and clean. All rooms have fantastic sea views.
- Radisson Blu Resort Gran Canaria: A 5-star, luxurious, relaxing, family-friendly resort.
Things to do in Anfi del Mar
- Watersports: Any watersport you find in a tourist resort, you can do from here, like parasailing and banana boats. Or hire a pedalo or kayak to explore the area.
- Snorkelling: Behind the breakwaters, it is ideal for snorkelling, especially away from Anfi del Mar beach.
- Promenade: You can follow the beach promenade to nearby beaches, Arguineguin or any of the excellent fresh fish restaurants there.
- Boats: There are plenty of boat tours that can take you from here to nearby beaches, towns, or to go dolphin and whale watching.
- Hiking: If you like something more active, you can hike to Puerto Rico or Norskeplassen over the mountain.
- Swimming: There is an open-water swimmer’s lane for strong swimmers between Anfi and Patalavaca, marked by buoys.
- Market: Visit the nearby Arguineguin market on Tuesday.
- Puerto Rico: Visit nearby Puerto Rico for more bars, nightlife, restaurants or some of the new Mogan Mall shopping center.
This list is of things to do in or near Anfi Del Mar. But there is much more to see and do on the island. You can find a full list of the top things to do and not do in Gran Canaria here.
Restaurants
Anfi Del Mar has only a few restaurants, all in the front, close to the beach, and most serve typical touristy food like burgers, snacks, pizza, and so on. Most of these I found to be rather pricey for what they offer. A bit further down, next to the Playa de Patalavaca beach, there are some more nice beach restaurants.
Nightlife
While this area is livelier than neighbouring Arguineguin, you should still not expect much. In high season, there is a mini disco for the kids and a live show in La Plaza, the main square. Out of high season, there are generally some smaller-scale live tribute acts and singers.
For clubbing and real party nightlife, you will need to take a taxi to Puerto Rico, just a few minutes away.
Gran Canaria airport to Anfi del Mar
- Public transport (4.95 €/pp): A cheap and reasonable option. Especially if you are arriving during the day.
- Shuttle bus online (13.74 €/pp): A bit pricier but with much more service. Guaranteed seat on the bus and connection when the flight is delayed. Also, you will be dropped off directly at your hotel, not a random bus stop.
- Taxi (82.20 €) or minibus (112.64 €) online: Best option for a taxi if you need child safety seats or have a lot of luggage. The cheapest option also for a taxi if you are arriving at nighttime or on Sundays.
- Taxi at the airport (70.00 €): A good option for daytime arrivals during weekdays for a maximum of 4 people. Sundays and nighttime are more expensive.
Here, you can find the timetables and prices for public transportation in Gran Canaria and easily book a minibus, shuttle, or taxi.
When to go
Because of the weather in Gran Canaria, and specifically this part of the island, you can visit Anfi Del Mar all year round and expect good weather. Yet know that it is most popular during winter and school holidays. The beach is excellent here, but not very big. Whenever possible, you might want to avoid school holidays and months like July and August, as it can feel extremely crowded here because of families with children.
May can have excellent deals in this area, while June and the end of September are also good for deals, but with better weather.
Is Anfi del Mar the best holiday destination for you?
Anfi Del Mar is best for those who love spending most of their time on a picturesque beach. Both families and couples who like sunbathing, swimming and watersports will love it here.
If you are looking for a more authentic Spanish village feel, this place might not be ideal, as the area feels quite artificial. A large variety of restaurants, bars and nightlife you will also not find here. Also, this area is quite pricey compared to nearby Arguineguin.
If you’re not sure if Anfi Del Mar is the best holiday destination for you in Gran Canaria, have a look at where to stay in Gran Canaria.
