Puerto Rico is Gran Canaria's sunniest corner. This horseshoe-shaped bay on the island's southwest coast is a family favourite, thanks to its sheltered golden beach, crystal-clear water and compact layout where everything's within a five-minute stroll.

☀️ Good to Know

• ☀️ Officially the sunniest spot in the Canaries – the sheltered bay averages 320 days of sunshine a year with temps between 22-28°C

• 💶 Budget to mid-range prices – around €4-5 for a pint and €12-18 for a main course. Proper good value for the Canaries

• 🏖️ Fun fact – the golden sand was imported from the Sahara Desert, but don't let that put you off – it looks absolutely gorgeous

✨ Puerto Rico Highlights

• 🌊 Sheltered beach with calm, shallow water – perfect for kids (and adults who prefer swimming to surfing)

• 🐬 Dolphin and whale watching trips from the marina – you're almost guaranteed a sighting

• ⛵ World-class water sports in calm conditions – sailing, jet skis, kayaking and banana boats

• 🏔️ Gateway to Gran Canaria's dramatic interior – Roque Nublo, mountain villages and volcanic landscapes

• 🌅 Spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic – best watched from the harbour with a cold drink in hand

What are the best beaches in Puerto Rico?

Seaside fanatics know that some of the best beaches in Gran Canaria can be found on holidays to Puerto Rico. The resort is perfectly positioned to soak up all the afternoon heat, making these the ideal places to catch a tan, play in the sea, or renovate your sand-mansion.

• Playa Puerto Rico – the resort’s popular main beach with all the good stuff - a curve of soft golden sand, crystal-clear shallows, and lots of great bars close by.

• Playa Amadores – Amadores is the quieter resort that joins Puerto Rico. You see, beach holidays in Puerto Rico are so popular that they had to make new beaches - this is one of them, and it’s perfect for family days out.

• Playa Anfi del Mar – the best place to relax by the palm trees or get stuck into some watersports.

• Playa de Tiritaña – a short jaunt along the coast will get you to this wild, hidden beach that kayakers love.

• Maspalomas Dunes – a breathtaking natural reserve in the nearby town of Maspalomas, home to miles of desert-like sand dunes.

What are the top hotels in Puerto Rico?

Lots of the resort’s hillside hotels offer full apartments, which means you get that private suite experience whether you choose self-catering or All Inclusive holidays to Puerto Rico. Whatever your style, we know you’ll love these:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• 🌊 Servatur Puerto Azul – Water park for the kids, mini club, adults-only infinity pool for the grown-ups, plus an open-air spa. Something for everyone.

• ⭐ Riosol – Returning guests rave about this one. Rooftop pool, friendly entertainment team and proper family vibes. This 230-apartment complex sits next to the Europa Shopping Centre with panoramic views over the harbour.

• ⛵ Marina Suites – Right by the marina with a stunning infinity pool and all-suite accommodation. Kids' pool, Angry Birds park nearby, and the nautical-themed decor is properly charming.

• 🐙 Satocan Marina Suites – Octopus Kids Club keeps the little ones busy while you sip sunset cocktails by the infinity pool. Two themed restaurants and easy walkable access to the marina and beach.

• 🎯 Servatur Montebello Apartments – Just 400m from the Angry Birds Activity Park with both indoor heated and outdoor pools. Games room and mini market on site make this a proper family-friendly pick.

💑 Couples

• 🧖 Servatur Casablanca Suites & Spa - Adults Only – Four-star with free spa access including heated indoor pool, sauna and Turkish bath. The rooftop bar serves up sunset views over Puerto Rico that are worth the trip alone.

• 🏔️ Ocean Hill - Adults Only – Tranquil hillside retreat with stylish rooms, infinity pool and peaceful atmosphere. The pale wood interiors and ocean-blue colour scheme are proper calming.

• 🌅 Punta del Rey - Adults Only – Modern aparthotel overlooking the bay and marina. Just 200m from the beach with direct walkway access across the road. The biggest solarium in Puerto Rico and views from every room.

• 🍷 Satocan Marina Bayview - Adults Only – Overlooking the harbour with breath-taking views and a tranquil atmosphere. La Ballena Restaurant serves up lovely terrace dining with sea views.

🌟 Luxury

• 🏖️ Riu Club Vistamar – Clifftop four-star with panoramic bay views and proper all-inclusive credentials. Three restaurants including Asian and Canarian options, free shuttle to Amadores Beach, kids' RiuLand club and over 450 rooms spread across five levels.

• 🍝 El Greco – Beachfront apartments just 20m from the sand with two pools, an Italian restaurant, a tapas bodega and a grill that's been going since 1984. The VIP bungalows with private jacuzzis are a proper treat.

💰 Budget

• ☀️ Lara Apartments - Adults Only – Recently refurbished budget pick perched above the resort with fabulous sea views. Great value with fully equipped kitchens and a compact pool terrace.

• 🏊 Gran Amadores – Two minutes from Amadores Beach with an outdoor pool, sun terrace and easy access to both Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán. Each apartment comes with a kitchenette and lounge area.

🏖️ Holidays to Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria - Travel Guide 2026 / 2027

Families

• 🏖️ Playa Puerto Rico is the main event – a gorgeous crescent of golden sand with calm, shallow water, lifeguards and sunbeds. The gentle slope into the sea is perfect for little ones gaining water confidence.

• 🐬 Book a dolphin and whale watching trip from the marina – most operators guarantee sightings and offer a free second go if you're unlucky. Kids absolutely love it.

• 🎢 Angry Birds Activity Park has climbing walls, zip lines, obstacle courses and laser mazes. Face painting optional but highly recommended.

• 💦 Day trip to Aqualand Maspalomas for waterslides, wave pools and lazy rivers. You can get there easily on a bus direct from Puerto Rico.

Couples

• 🌅 Watch the sunset from the harbour – grab a table at one of the marina restaurants and let the sky put on a show. Spectacular oranges, pinks and purples reflected on the water.

• ⛵ Take a catamaran cruise along the coast – most include drinks, tapas and swimming stops at hidden coves. Proper relaxing.

• 🏝️ Walk the coastal path to Playa Amadores – about 20 minutes each way with beautiful ocean views. Amadores has calmer, Caribbean-style vibes.

• 🍷 Hire a car and explore the island's interior – mountain villages like Tejeda, the volcanic crater at Roque Nublo, and wineries in the central highlands.

Groups

• 🚤 Book a boat party – music, open bar, swimming and meeting new people. Gets properly lively.

• 🎣 Deep-sea fishing trips are a local speciality – Puerto Rico fishermen hold nearly three dozen world records. Tuna, marlin and swordfish all on the menu.

• 🚙 Buggy or Jeep tours through the mountains – zoom through dramatic landscapes, get dusty, take photos. Adventure vibes.

• 🌙 Hit the shopping centre bars after dark – Piccadilly Music Pub for singalongs, Lillebror's for piano bar fun, Riders Dancing for a proper late one.

Culture Seekers

• 🏘️ Day trip to Puerto de Mogán – the "Little Venice of Gran Canaria" with flower-filled streets, colourful houses and a brilliant Friday market.

• 🏜️ Explore the Maspalomas Dunes – otherworldly sand dune landscape that feels like a mini Sahara. Best at sunrise or sunset for photos.

• 🏛️ Head to Las Palmas for the historic Vegueta quarter – UNESCO-listed colonial architecture, cobbled streets and the house where Columbus supposedly stayed.

• 🎉 Time it for Carnival (February/March) – Maspalomas hosts the nearest celebrations with spectacular costumes, parades and street parties.

Water Sports Without the Drama

For those who want to do more than just swim, the sheltered bay creates perfect conditions for water sports, especially for beginners or families. You can try everything from kayaking and pedal boats to jet skis and banana boats, all in calm, safe conditions. The local operators are excellent with kids and nervous adults, and most offer lessons that focus more on fun than technique (which is exactly how holiday water sports should be!)

The diving and snorkeling here is brilliant too - the clear water and rocky areas around the harbor are home to loads of colorful fish, and you might even spot some friendly octopi who seem quite used to sharing their space with holidaymakers wielding underwater cameras!

☀️ When to Visit Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico sits in Gran Canaria's sunniest corner, so there's no truly bad time to visit. The sheltered bay and southwest position mean it's warmer and drier than almost anywhere else in the Canaries. Here's what to expect through the year:

Spring (March – May) ☀️ 22-25°C

The sweet spot. Warm enough for the beach without the peak summer heat, and the ocean's starting to warm up nicely for a dip. Hotel prices are kinder on the wallet than summer, and the island bursts into life with fiestas and events. Brilliant for families wanting to dodge the school holiday rush.

Summer (June – September) ☀️ 26-28°C

Peak season and scorchio. This is when Puerto Rico really fills up, especially during July and August school holidays. The bay's calm waters are at their warmest, the beach is buzzing, and every bar and restaurant is in full swing. Book early for the best hotel deals.

Autumn (October – November) ☀️ 24-26°C

A proper hidden gem for Puerto Rico holidays. The ocean's been heating up all summer so the water's gorgeous, the crowds have thinned out, and the prices drop. You'll still get cracking sunshine while everyone back home is digging out their winter coats.

Winter (December – February) ☀️ 20-22°C

While the UK is freezing, Puerto Rico serves up a solid dose of Vitamin D. It's cooler than summer but still t-shirt weather most days. Christmas and New Year are popular with Brits looking for winter sun, and it's a brilliant time to explore the island's interior without melting.

🗺️ Nearby Resorts

Puerto Rico sits on Gran Canaria's sunny southwest coast, with easy access to some of the island's best spots:

• 🏖️ Amadores – The quieter neighbour with a stunning man-made beach of white sand and turquoise water. 20 minutes' walk along the coastal path or a quick taxi ride.

• 🌸 Puerto de Mogán – The "Little Venice" fishing village with flower-lined canals, colourful houses and the island's best Friday market. About 15 minutes by bus or boat.

• 🏜️ Maspalomas – Famous for its spectacular sand dunes and long golden beach. More upmarket, more spread out, great for couples. 25 minutes by car.

• 🎉 Playa del Inglés – The party capital with a massive beach, the famous Yumbo Centre and Gran Canaria's best LGBTQ+ scene. 30 minutes by bus for bigger nights out.