Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria
Puerto Rico, meaning “The Rich Port”, is located in the south of Gran Canaria. Although there is little culture and architecture, Puerto Rico offers a modern holiday destination with a beautiful marina and an artificial beach. This resort is located between Puerto de Mogán and Arguineguín, near the beach of Playa de Amadores. Built in the 1970s in the valley between the Barranco del Lechugal and Barranco de Puerto Rico, it annually attracts many Scandinavian and English tourists who enjoy the tranquillity and palm trees.
Enjoy your Holiday in the Sun
On holiday you want to relax and enjoy. People have different wishes for their holidays. Whether you are looking for the beach, nature or culture, Puerto Rico is ideal for relaxation. The location between high rock walls ensures a warmer climate than places further north such as Playa del Inglés or San Agustín. The trade winds have less influence here.
Puerto Rico can count on an influx of thousands of tourists every year, the vast majority of whom are Europeans. Norwegian tourists in particular know this seaside resort like the back of their hand. Proof of this is the presence of a Norwegian school, a Norwegian health center and a club where meetings and conferences for the Norwegian community are organized.
Hotel or Apartment in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico offers a wide range of accommodation, including hotels and apartments. The white walls and terraces climbing up against the rocks are immediately noticeable. This means that you can enjoy stunning views of the bay from many flats. However, bear in mind the many stairs to these flats, which can be challenging for older people or those with limited mobility. For young people, this is usually not a problem, but older people or if you are less physically fit, it is. When booking, check the location of your accommodation. The Marina Suites Hotel is a good option with breathtaking sea views.
What visitors also appreciate as good accommodations include Servatur Puerto Azul, Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa, Servatur Casablance Suites & Spa Adults Only, IG Nachosol Atlantic & Yaizasol by Servatur and Ocean Hill Adults Only. These are just a few recommendations based on what visitors have experienced.
Beach Holiday in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria
You won’t find historic buildings in Puerto Rico. You will find a beautiful beach, shops, bars, restaurants and two harbours, Puerto Escala and Puerto Base. Along the marina you can admire luxury yachts and enjoy a walk. The artificial beach in the bay offers calm, clear blue sea water, perfect for a family holiday. If you don’t like sand, you can rent loungers on the stone wall near the beach. In the nearby parks you can relax in the shade of palm trees and flower beds.
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Taking a stroll along Gran Canaria’s first artificial beach can be done via the short Paseo Maritimo. Located in a bay, the beach is shielded from high wave action. As a result, like Playa de Amadores, the seawater is calm and clear blue, and thus very suitable for a family holiday with children.
If you are a sun worshiper who likes to dream of a tanned body all day long, then the soft sand is definitely worth considering. Now I can imagine that you are not a fan of the sticky and hot sand. That’s no problem, near the beach there is a stone wall on which sun loungers are placed. You can rent these loungers on site. Near the beach there are a few small parks where you can relax under the shade of the palm trees and enjoy the flower beds.
Perhaps another tip for a healthy morning trip is a walk along the coast to the beach of Playa de Amadores. It’s a bit of a walk but definitely worth it along this 1 km long promenade.
Puerto Rico Shopping and Entertainment Options
In addition to sun and beach, Puerto Rico also offers plenty of shopping and entertainment options. The main shopping center is Centro Comercial Puerto Rico Mogán, with a wide range of products. Other smaller shopping centers are Agua La Perra and Europa, where you will also find supermarkets.
However, it remains a good idea to compare prices. Agua La Perra and Europa are the other smaller shopping centers where you also have a supermarket for the purchase of food products and soft drinks. The shops are usually open from 9am to 10pm.
The post office ( Oficina de Correos ) for any money matters can be found at the Avenida de Mogán.
Puerto Rico itself does not have a weekly market, which you can possibly find in Arguineguin. The market in Arguineguin is every Tuesday morning, and is only 10 minutes away. Optionally, you can make the trip to this public market by public transport or by boat from Lineas Salmon S.L.
The shipping company Lineas Salmon S.L, which has existed since 1969, provides daily excursions by boat or in combination with the bus. The boats are also adapted for disabled people and wheelchair users. A boat trip to Puerto de Mogán or Arguineguin will only cost you €11 per person for a round trip. (Prices are indicative and subject to adjustment after publication)
Every fortnight there is a small market close to the shopping center on Sundays. Here more local regional products are offered for sale from local farmers or farmers. Organic fresh products, delicious Canarian cheeses, bread, vegetables and fruit are the crowd pullers at this market.
Gran Canaria is also known by golfers. There is a golf course a short distance away.
The nightlife is concentrated around the shopping centers. Bars are open daily until the early hours, often with happy hours. Piccadilly’s is a popular night bar with music and karaoke.
A Paradise for Water Fanatics and Anglers
Sports activities and fishing for water sports enthusiasts and sea trips abound near the marina. At the numerous excursion stands, sellers try to convince you that their sea trip in search of dolphins and whales is the best. You have to be lucky to see dolphins or whales, but they are definitely there. In the water around you can spot 29 species of whales and three species of dolphins. This nature reserve therefore has great ecological value for Europe.
Sport fishermen at sea are definitely going to find their fill. Every year, the Fishing Championship is organised and recognised by IGFA ( International Game Fishing Association ), which is attended by anglers from the Canary Islands but also from all over the world. If you are an active and avid water sportsman, I can definitely recommend the jet ski rental or windsurfing possibilities.
If you prefer to just enjoy the sea and let someone else do the work, a trip on a super-sized catamaran is definitely a must. While we are at sea, there is a sailing club and sailing school for tourists, so you can learn to sail during your holiday. Deep-sea divers can visit the diving centre Puerto Rico Diving Center.
You can reach Puerto Rico from Playa del Ingles or Puerto de Mogán via the coastal road the GC-500. Via the GC-1 motorway, you can also reach this resort at exit no 62. By public transport from the Global bus service, take bus No 33 ( Playa del Ingles – Puerto Rico – Playa de Mogán ). A ride from Playa del Inglés to Puerto Rico costs €2.75 per person. If you have an AB or Cabildo Pass, it is cheaper.
If you leave from Telde or Las Palmas airport, bus no 90 ( Telde – Faro de Maspalomas ) will take you to Maspalomas bus station where you need to change to bus no 33. Taking a trip to Puerto de Mogán or Arguineguin is possible via a boat from Lineas Salmón S.L. This line is widely used by tourists as you get an exceptional view of the rocky coastline from the Atlantic Ocean.
The End Result
Puerto Rico on Gran Canaria is an ideal holiday destination for relaxation, with a warm climate, beautiful beaches, various accommodations, and plenty of shopping and entertainment options. Water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers will certainly enjoy themselves here.
Share your Experiences
Have you ever spent a holiday in Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria? We are curious to hear about your experiences and tips! Share your suggestions and stories with us. Send an email to verschueren.eddy@gmail.com and help other travellers get the most out of their stay. Thanks for your contribution!