Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria is one of the more lively holiday destinations on the island. The beach is very safe for families with small children, and the picturesque Playa de Amadores is also nearby. From the beach area, you can do all kinds of watersports and join many boat trips. Next to the beach, as well as in the shopping centres in the valley, there is a large variety of bars, pubs and restaurants to choose from. Nightlife is bustling with karaoke, live performances, quizzes, bingo, clubbing, and much more.
Beaches
The Playa de Puerto Rico beach is excellent, with nice, light-brown sand. Especially for families with younger children, as the waves stay very small due to the breakwaters surrounding the harbour and beach. Also, next to the beach, you will find some excellent bars and restaurants. You can also join many different water sports activities and take all kinds of boat tours. Also, there are plenty of sun loungers on the breakwater next to the sea for those who like to swim and sunbathe, but not to get the sand everywhere.
If you want a change of scenery, the Playa de Amadores beach is reachable by walking the elevated footpath next to the sea. It’s not far but not short either. Best not to do it in the hottest part of the day, even tho there is a sheltered ice cream and drinks bar halfway. Playa de Amadores, in my opinion, is an even nicer beach with more white golden sand and lined by a large variety of bars, restaurants and shops. Also, here you will find a floating, inflatable bouncy castle and beach club with Balinese beds for those who want a more luxurious setting. Also, here you can enjoy many different water sports.
Where to stay in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria
Puerto Rico has many hotels and accommodations. One thing to keep in mind, however, is the location, as many of them are located higher up against the hillside, and walking to or from the hotels can be hard for some people, especially when it is very hot. You can, of course, always take a taxi, or some hotels offer shuttle service to the beach.
- Marina Bayview Apartments: For an adults-only holiday with a relaxed, fresh, and breezy vibe. If you have difficulties with the stairs you need to take to get there, opt for Marina Bayview Apartments instead for an adults-only holiday.
- El Greco and XQ Vistamar: The best hotels for a beach holiday in Puerto Rico.
- Servatur Castillo del Sol and Servatur Terrazamar & Sun Suites: Excellent budget-friendly options.
- Servatur Puerto Azul: All-inclusive family hotel with lots of waterslides, pools, playgrounds and entertainment high up on the hill between Puerto Rico and Playa de Amadores with absolutely stunning views. If you want to go down to town or to the beach, there is a shuttle service from the hotel.
Things to do in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria
- Watersports: One of the best places to do watersports on the islands, with a large selection like jet ski, parasailing, paddle boards, kayaks, boat rental and much more.
- Boat trips: Most of the tourist boats depart from Puerto Rico for snorkelling, dolphin or whale watching, or similar activities. You can also take boats to nearby towns and beaches.
- Playa de Amadores: Take the coastal walk to Playa de Amadores beach for a change of scenery.
- Angry Birds Activity Park: Fun and affordable park with plenty of activities for kids.
- Mogan Mall: The newest and most modern shopping centre on the island is right here in Puerto Rico.
- Mini golf: There is a mini golf course, ideal for evenings.
- Hiking: There are plenty of hiking options for those who want to climb some nearby hilltops or visit nearby towns like Arguineguin or Playa de Amadores.
- Fishing tours: For people who enjoy fishing, there are many excursions.
This list is of things to do in or near Puerto Rico. 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
In the older Puerto Rico Shopping Centre, you will find pretty much every type of restaurant you can imagine. If you want to eat next to the beach, then there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from. For those who wish for even more choice or a more upscale dining experience, the new Mogan Mall is ideal.
So if you really like to dine out almost every evening and want lots of choice and variety without going too far or searching much, Puerto Rico is ideal for you.
Nightlife
Puerto Rico has, in my opinion, the most lively nightlife area on the island. Playa del Ingles might have more bars, pubs and clubs but Puerto Rico has them all together in the Puerto Rico shopping centre in the heart of town, which makes it much easier to find the most lively ones.
Do keep in mind that the nightlife is at its busiest in high season and during school holidays. But also in the winter months. During other times, it will feel emptier and quieter.
You can find everything here, from karaoke to quizzes to musicians to cocktail bars to bingo, even a bit of clubbing. Making it ideal for everyone from couples to teens and families with children. While many of these places are aimed at British and Irish people, more and more Scandinavian-focused bars are opening.
Gran Canaria airport to Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria
- Public transport (5.45 €/pp): Cheap, but not a good option for most people. The bus stops in the valley of the resort, and for most people, this means you have to climb uphill with your luggage or take a taxi.
- Shuttle bus online (13.74 €/pp): A much better option with a drop off at your hotel, guaranteed seat on the bus and connection when the flight gets delayed.
- Taxi (82.20 €) or minibus (112.64 €) online: If you want a taxi but are travelling with small children who need child safety seats or have a lot of luggage, this is the best option. Also, if you are travelling on Sundays or nighttime, this might be cheaper than just taking a taxi at the airport. If you are more than 4 people, you should book a minibus.
- Taxi at the airport (72.00 €): Good option for a taxi during weekdays and daytime. 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
Puerto Rico has a lot to offer, but many come here for the nightlife. Know that this changes a lot over the year as the resort changes from lively to somewhat quiet a few times a year. For younger people, it is best to visit during school and university holidays. But these are also the more pricey times to go. Older couples will really enjoy the winter nightlife outside of these times.
If you don’t care too much about nightlife, May is the cheapest month to go, but it’s also generally the quietest. The end of September is an excellent time for great weather, reasonable prices, and a lively atmosphere. School holidays, August, Christmas, and New Year are the busiest and most expensive times to go.
Is Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria the best holiday destination for you?
Puerto Rico is ideal for those who want a lively holiday destination with lots of nightlife, bars and restaurants to choose from. Since almost all of this is located in the centre of the valley, everything is easy to find and navigate compared to some other bigger places like Playa del Ingles. Also, if you love shopping, Puerto Rico is ideal with the recent addition of the Mogan Mall. This area is popular for adults, couples and families with teenagers and children.
If you have difficulty walking uphill or want to spend most of your time on the beach, this area is not ideal because most hotels are located uphill.
If you’re not sure if Puerto Rico is the best holiday destination for you in Gran Canaria, have a look at where to stay in Gran Canaria.
