Playa de Amadores is all about the white, golden sand beach with calm, turquoise water, ideal for snorkelling, swimming, and families with children. Next to the beach, you will also find lots of different bars, restaurants and some small shops. The rest of the area is mostly big hotels with fantastic views from their hillside location, but there’s not much to see or do except for the beach. However, Puerto Rico is nearby, for those times you want a change of scenery or a more lively setting.
Beaches
Playa de Amadores is by many tourists considered to be the ideal beach. With white golden sands, a floating bouncy castle for the kids and plenty of watersports, it is understandable why so many people love it. Directly next to the beach, you will also find a large selection of restaurants, bars and shops. For those who want it a bit more luxurious, there is also a beach club next to the beach with Balinese beds. However, if you are visiting Playa de Amadores for the beach, it is essential that you can easily get to it, as many hotels are located high up the hill. Some hotels have lifts going down to the beach, others have a shuttle service, but some have neither of those.
For a change of scenery, it is possible to reach the Puerto Rico beach by walking along the footpath next to the sea. But in my opinion, the Playa de Puerto Rico beach is not as good as the Playa de Amadores beach.
In the other direction, the Playa de Tauro offers a more relaxed beach with much fewer crowds and only one small beach bar nearby. The sand is lovely, soft and golden.
Where to stay in Playa de Amadores
Playa de Amadores is all about the beach and the fantastic views that you have from most of the hotels here. Yet that also means that all of them are pretty high uphill to achieve these views. While some have lifts and shuttle services to get you down to the beach, others do not.
- Riu Vistamar: All-inclusive holiday hotel, ideal for families, with lots to do in the hotel, plus entertainment and activities for all ages. It is located high up on the hill, offering incredible views, but the shuttle bus can easily take you down to the Playa de Amadores beach.
- Gloria Palace Amadores: Hotel for families with fantastic views. There are different pools, a kids’ pool, an extensive spa, and lots of activities and entertainment. The elevator from the hotel can easily take you to the footpath that connects both Playa de Amadores and Puerto Rico.
- Terraza de Amadores: A budget-friendly option in easy walking distance from the beach and restaurants. Best for a beach holiday.
Things to do in Playa de Amadores
- Puerto Rico beach: Take the coastal path to nearby Puerto Rico beach.
- Snorkelling: Near the breakwaters, it’s ideal for snorkelling.
- Watersports: All types of watersports are available here, including kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, and more.
- Water obstacle course: This big floating obstacle is the only one, as far as I know, in Gran Canaria and has been great fun for kids and teenagers here for years.
- Puerto Rico: For more nightlife, bars or restaurants, you can always visit nearby Puerto Rico.
- Sunsets: Playa de Amadores beach is ideal for watching the sunsets, or you can go up higher on the hill and watch from your hotel if you prefer.
- Tauro beach: You can easily walk over to Tauro beach if the Playa de Amadores is too busy.
- Angry Birds Activity Park: Just a few kilometres away and definitely worth a visit with kids.
- Mogan Mall: The modern Mogan Mall is located in Puerto Rico and is especially great for shopping and dining at night or in the evenings.
- Tourist boats: Many tourist boats have tourist pick-ups at Playa de Amadores to go to nearby towns or beaches, or to go whale and dolphin watching.
- Amadores Beach Club: An excellent place for a more luxurious setting with Balinese beds. Most fun and lively during weekends and during holidays.
- Gloria Palace Amadores: They have a great saltwater spa complex where you can relax.
- Golf: If you like to play golf, the Anfi Tauro Golf course is just a kilometre away.
This list is of things to do in or near Playa de Amadores. 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
A variety of many restaurants are located along next to the beach. Depending on where you are staying, you might also have the Europa Shopping Centre near you, with a few restaurants in it. For the most variety and choice, you will, however, have to go to Puerto Rico. But for most people here for a week or less, Playa de Amadores has plenty of restaurants. Most of the tourists staying in this area prefer to eat at the hotel, as getting to the beach for dinner each time can be difficult.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Playa de Amadores is very relaxed. There are a few bars and restaurants open near the beach, but that is about it. So an ideal place for relaxing, peace, quiet and early nights. Most people stay in the hotel and enjoy the evening entertainment there or visit nearby Puerto Rico.
However, if you do want a more lively night out, nearby Puerto Rico is just a short taxi ride away.
Gran Canaria airport to Playa de Amadores
- Public transport (5.90 €/pp): Not a good option for the vast majority of people, as the bus stops only on the main road near the beach, and most of the hotels are located uphill.
- Shuttle bus online (17.74 €/pp): A bit pricier, but a much better option. Guaranteed connection when your flight gets delayed, guaranteed seat on the bus and you are drop off directly at your hotel on the hill.
- 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. Book a minibus if you are more than 4 people.
- Taxi at the airport (73.00 €): Good option for arrivals during weekdays and during the day. Sundays and nighttime are more expensive. Maximum 4 people.
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
Playa de Amadores can be visited year-round thanks to Gran Canaria’s good climate. Winter months and school holidays are generally the most expensive and busiest. Especially during school holidays it can get very busy on the beach.
May is generally the cheapest month to go, but since most people come here for the beach and sunny, warm weather, you might want to go at the end of September or June to get good deals and hot weather without the beach being too crowded.
Is Playa de Amadores the best holiday destination for you?
Playa de Amadores is ideal for those who love the beach, if you make sure you can get there easily from your hotel. Families with small children, but also couples, will enjoy the beach atmosphere here, with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. Also, people who like all-inclusive hotels and the ability to stay in the hotel the entire time, will find their ideal hotel here.
If you want lots of nightlife, clubbing or a town to explore, this area is not ideal for you. If your hotel does not offer a shuttle service or an elevator down to the beach level, and you like beach holidays, you will most likely not enjoy this area much either.
If you’re not sure if Playa de Amadores is the best holiday destination for you in Gran Canaria, have a look at where to stay in Gran Canaria.
