PUERTO RICO & AMADORES GRAN CANARIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Puerto Rico and Amadores are coastal resort areas on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria, known for their sheltered beaches, year-round sunshine, and wide range of holiday accommodation. Amadores is a man-made sheltered bay with fine golden sand imported from the Sahara, calm clear water, no waves, and full beach amenities including sunbeds, restaurants, and lifeguards. The calm water makes it one of the best beaches in Gran Canaria for families with young children and non-swimmers. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands.
Things to do in Puerto Rico & Amadores
Discover the main things to do in Puerto Rico and Amadores, from beach days and family activities to nightlife and dining. Puerto Rico marina is the primary departure point for the majority of Gran Canaria's boat excursions, including dolphin and whale watching, catamaran cruises, glass-bottom boat trips, fishing charters, and coastal routes to Puerto de Mogán. Most tours depart multiple times daily year-round. Advance booking is recommended from June to September.
ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS
From Puerto Rico’s marina and nearby harbours you can join boat trips, coastal cruises, dolphin and whale watching, fishing excursions and other water-based activities. Inland and coastal walks, cycling routes and island excursions offer different ways to explore the south-west of Gran Canaria. Many experiences last a few hours or a full day, with meeting points in the resort and transfers often available. Check sea conditions, sun exposure and what to bring in advance, and consider booking ahead in busy seasons.
GASTRONOMY
Around Puerto Rico and Amadores you’ll find everything from casual cafés and tapas bars to seafront restaurants and contemporary international dining. Marina areas tend to feel livelier, with a mix of Spanish, Canarian and international food, while Amadores has a more relaxed beachfront atmosphere focused on long lunches and sunset meals. Fresh fish, seafood and Mediterranean-style dishes are common, alongside family-friendly options and simple takeaway choices for beach days.
BARS & NIGHTLIFE
Evenings in Puerto Rico and Amadores range from relaxed sunset drinks to more energetic nights out. Around the marina and main resort areas you’ll find cocktail bars, sports bars, venues with live or acoustic music and places open later into the night. Amadores is generally quieter and more focused on seafront dinners and evening walks along the promenade. Overall, the area offers a mix of family-friendly evenings and livelier spots without feeling like a single-party destination.
BEACHES & BEACH CLUBS
Puerto Rico Beach is a sheltered sandy bay backed by a promenade, with calm waters that are often suitable for swimming, sunbathing and family beach days. Water activities and boat trips typically depart from the nearby marina. Amadores Beach is a broad, curved bay with golden sand, a long promenade and wide Atlantic views, known for its relaxed atmosphere and sunset colours. Along the wider coastline you’ll also find rocky sections and viewpoints suited to coastal walks and ocean watching. Beach clubs and premium venues in the area may offer sun loungers, day beds, shade, food, drinks and table service. Always pay attention to beach flags, UV levels, sea conditions and access points, and consider suitable footwear where the shore is rocky.
GOLF COURSES
Puerto Rico and Amadores are not primarily golf resorts, but they are a convenient base for reaching golf courses elsewhere in southern Gran Canaria. These courses often feature coastal or semi-desert landscapes, open fairways and the influence of Atlantic winds, with some holes framed by mountain scenery. Practice areas, equipment hire, tuition and clubhouse facilities are commonly available. Golfers usually need transport from Puerto Rico or Amadores to reach the courses, so check current options, booking arrangements and dress expectations before you play.
SCUBA DIVING
Scuba diving accessible from Puerto Rico and Amadores takes place along the south coast of Gran Canaria, where volcanic reefs, rocky formations and Atlantic marine life create varied dive sites. Depending on conditions, dives may use shore entries or boats from local harbours, with options for both beginners and certified divers. Depths, currents and visibility can change with weather and swell, so always dive with qualified professionals, follow recognised safety procedures and respect depth limits. Allow enough time between your last dive and flying, and check current sea conditions before planning any underwater activity.
SHOPPING & MARKETS
Shopping in and around Puerto Rico focuses on resort-style commercial centres, promenades and streets with fashion, beachwear, souvenirs, gifts, jewellery and everyday essentials. Supermarkets and convenience stores serve day-to-day needs, while tourist-oriented shops offer items for the beach and holiday mementos. Visitors looking for a larger choice of brands or larger shopping areas may travel to other parts of Gran Canaria, but Puerto Rico and Amadores provide enough options for most holiday requirements without leaving the area.
BUYING PROPERTY
Property in Puerto Rico and Amadores includes apartments close to the marinas and beaches, hillside homes with sea views and properties in residential streets and complexes. Buyers can choose between holiday homes, permanent residences and investment properties, each with different costs and responsibilities. It is important to consider purchase taxes and fees, community charges, maintenance, insurance and local property taxes. Obtaining an NIE number, arranging Spanish banking, using an independent lawyer and understanding notary and registration processes are all key steps. Anyone planning tourist rentals should check current accommodation regulations, licensing requirements, community rules and tax obligations before buying.
GETTING AROUND
Getting around Puerto Rico and Amadores combines walking, public transport and private options. Within Puerto Rico itself, many areas around the beach, marina and commercial centres are walkable, although some streets and paths involve hills and steps. A coastal promenade links Puerto Rico and Amadores, making it possible to walk between the two bays. For longer journeys or steeper routes, visitors often use taxis, public buses, hire cars, bicycles or scooters. Before travelling, check local transport information, parking options, gradients and accessibility, especially if you have mobility needs or are travelling with children or luggage.
HEALTH & EMERGENCIES
Puerto Rico and Amadores have access to medical centres, clinics and pharmacies serving residents and visitors. In an emergency, call 112, the general European emergency number, for police, ambulance or fire services. Pharmacies (farmacias) can advise on many minor health issues and provide prescribed medicines, while farmacias de guardia offer out-of-hours pharmacy cover on a rotating basis. A parafarmacia usually focuses on non-prescription health and wellness products. Visitors should travel with appropriate insurance, and European residents should check current guidance on the European Health Insurance Card or its replacement before travelling.
PUERTO RICO & AMADORES FAQs
What is Amadores beach like?
Amadores is a man-made sheltered bay with fine golden sand imported from the Sahara, calm clear water, no waves, and full beach amenities including sunbeds, restaurants, and lifeguards. The calm water makes it one of the best beaches in Gran Canaria for families with young children and non-swimmers. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands.
Where do most boat trips in Gran Canaria depart from?
The majority of Gran Canaria's boat excursions depart from Puerto Rico marina, in the south-west of the island. This includes dolphin and whale watching tours, catamaran cruises, glass-bottom boat trips, fishing charters, and coastal routes to Puerto de Mogán. Multiple operators run daily departures year-round, with advance booking recommended in summer.
Is Puerto Rico good for families?
Yes. Puerto Rico and Amadores are well suited to families. Amadores bay is calm and sheltered, making it one of the safest swimming beaches on the island for young children. The marina area has family-friendly restaurants and a lively, safe atmosphere. Excursions including dolphin watching and glass-bottom boats depart nearby and are popular with families.
STAY IN THE LOOP PUERTO RICO & AMADORES
Sign up to receive practical local tips, area news and new guide content about Puerto Rico, Amadores, south-west Gran Canaria and the wider Canary Islands. Occasional updates only, focused on useful travel information.