The Canary Islands are popular all year round because of consistent warmth, with almost no rain and long days of sunshine. With family on the island, we often head to Puerto Rico. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Gran Canaria to keep each time we travel interesting.
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What is Puerto Rico Gran Canaria Like?
While the name Puerto Rico might make you think of the Caribbean Sea, the Spanish resort with the same name has equally beautiful beaches, an exotic feel and is the ideal holiday in the sun. Puerto Rico is the perfect destination for couples, friends and families.
Beaches in Puerto Rico
The beaches in Puerto Rico are immaculate, with golden sand and blue waters. The waters are calm, making them ideal for swimming throughout the year. Children can play safely in the water while their parents relax on the sand.
Puerto Rico Beach
One of the most popular and free things to do in Puerto Rico Gran Canaria is to head to Puerto Rico Beach. Enjoy the tranquil waters, top up your tan or build sandcastles. You’ll find sunbeds and umbrellas (for a charge, and they only accept card payments) and lifeguards on duty. It has many bars and restaurants along the front, so grabbing a bite or a coffee is quick and easy.
Top Tip – Spar is very close to the beach entrance. Buy fresh baguettes, ham, cheese and perhaps a bag of crisps for a budget-friendly lunch.
Amadores Beach
The quiet beach, Playa de Amadores, is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Getting to the beach is easy, and you can walk along a beautiful paved coastal path. It may not be for smaller feet; depending on where you start, it’s 20 minutes to an hour. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the ocean along the way.
Anfi del Mar Beach
On the other side of Puerto Rico is Anfi del Mar. Walking there is not so easy, but you can take a cheap taxi or bus. It is a beautiful and relaxing place to spend the day. The beach is part of the vast resort of Patalavaca. Whilst the complex is private, the beach is public, so there’s access.
Things to do in Puerto Rico Gran Canaria for Families
Dolphin Watching
All ages will love a boat excursion to see dolphins, whales and other animals from the comfort of a catamaran. Sperm whales, orcas, humpbacks and various types of dolphins are often seen. It’s an incredible moment when a big pod surrounds you. If you’re unlucky not to spot any, you get a ticket to come again during your holiday.
Camel Riding
Tour the desert landscape whilst riding a camel. You’ll also get to know the peculiarities of camels, feeding them and kissing the famous camel Gustavo. After the ride, you can walk through the tropical gardens.
Boat Trips, Sailing and Water Sports
Various boat trips can be booked. However, visiting Puerto Mogan is a real highlight. It is known as Little Venice. The charming, romantic village has Mediterranean-style homes decorated with small gardens or beautiful flowers. All of which leads to the spectacular marina. Friday is Market Day. You’ll find stalls with linens, leather goods, food, clothes, shoes and jewellery.
Other boat trips include a glass-bottom submarine, speedboat rides, and morning and half-day cruises. Gran Canaria is great for sailing. There are six marinas and yacht basins. You can also kayak in the caves.
Fishing
Come alone or with friends, and go deep-sea fishing in Gran Canaria on a private charter. In the autumn and winter, it’s common to catch snappers, groupers, mackerel, seabass and morays. In contrast, spring and summer bring marlin, yellowfin, skipjack tunas and dorados.
Scuba Diving
Walk on the bottom of the sea! SeaTrek will allow you to discover the diversity of marine life in Gran Canaria. It is also known as helmet diving. If you are a weak swimmer, this is ideal for you. Get face-to-face with marine life. It is suitable for ages eight plus.
You can also buy snorkelling equipment in one of the beachfront shops or bring your own if you want to see the fish in the sea. My boyfriend loves to do this. Once, he found a driver’s licence that had been submerged for two years. We know because we found the owner on Facebook and sent them a message.
Unique Things to do in Gran Canaria
Buggy Tour
You’ll enjoy driving off-road along dirt and gravel roads for two hours. Which makes them more fun to drive. There’s even a panoramic view of Ayagaures Valley and the surrounding mountains, which is impressive.
Tour the Island
Get to know the story of Gran Canaria whilst visiting magical places. A one-day tour will take you to charming villages, exceptional viewpoints, valleys and impressive peaks. The guided tours are either by car or by bus.
Sioux City
Did you know you can be a cowboy for the day? Travel back to the Wild West and enter the replica town. There are demonstrations, gunfights, line dancing and a small zoo at Sioux City. Visit the church, school, prison and saloon.
Play Golf
Golfing is one of the top reasons why people visit the Canary Islands. If you fall into this category, you’ll be glad to know that Puerto Rico has a great golf course. The best 18 holes are at Anfi Tauro Golf.
Top tip – Look out for Twilight Deals, where you can get a reasonable price for playing later in the afternoon.
Visit the Volcano
Would you like to see the sunset from the highest area on the island? Start by walking through Nublo Landscape Park, see craters, and finally visit the highest point on Gran Canaria. You can even pair it with cheese and wine tasting.
Rainforest Tour
A guided tour is a must for those who love to be active and are searching for adventure. The Rainforest and Swimming Tour will explore Doramas Forest. As you hike, you’ll visit an eco-farm where you can taste local products and swim in a hidden cove. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Gran Canara.
Shopping in Puerto Rico Gran Canaria
Puerto Rico Shopping Centre
The Europa Centre is packed with shops; here, you can get souvenirs to take home or Duty-Free bargains. There’s also clothing, shoes and electronics. Slightly further out is the Shopping Centre Puerto Rico, an outdoor plaza with a supermarket and stores for apparel, shoes and swimwear. Nearby is The Market Puerto Rico, a smaller complex with speciality shops and casual eateries.
Day Trips from Puerto Rico Gran Canaria
San Agustin
San Agustin is an excellent option for those who want a busy nightlife but spend their holiday in a more relaxed setting. It is part of Maspalomas, close to Playa del Ingles.
Maspalomas Dunes
One of the most loved tourist attractions is Maspalomas Dunes, which is like a miniature Sahara Desert. A short drive or bus ride from Puerto Rico, the dunes are an excellent way to spend the day. Take a stroll along the edge of the dunes, or try sandboarding. The photo opportunities are endless.
Aqualand Maspalomas
Fancy adrenaline-fuelled slides such as Snake Falls, Water Labyrinth or Anaconda, a 200-metre drop with four people to an inflatable? Cool off in the large pool or slow river. Aqualand is fun for all the family. Tickets are cheaper if you purchase them online before you go.
Holiday World
Holiday World is one of the most popular theme parks in Gran Canaria. With over 30 attractions, complemented by street food, escape rooms, karaoke, bowling, arcades, a gym and a sports bar, there really is something for everyone. The funfair is located in Maspalomas.
Angry Birds Activity Park
A favourite with families, Angry Birds Activity Park activities are based on the famous Angry Birds game. They include skating, jumping, climbing, zip lines, a racing circuit and a splash zone. If your child is celebrating a birthday whilst you’re on the island, this is the best place to book. The package includes food, soft drinks and a birthday gift.
Visit Las Palmas
Gran Canaria’s beautiful capital city, Las Palmas, is just 60 minutes by bus. It was founded in 1478. You can discover cultural and historical sites. Vegueta is the oldest part of the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is full of narrow cobbled streets and traditional houses. See the Cathedral of Santa Ana near Vegueta Market, where you can try traditional local products.
The capital also has the Museum of the Canary Islands dedicated to heritage. It has over 2000 prehistoric skulls and a library and archive dedicated to pre-Hispanic cultures. Columbus House is also worth visiting. The former Governor’s House dates back more than five centuries. It studies, researches and disseminates the history of the Canary Islands and their relationship with the Americas.
Puerto Rico Gran Canaria Nightlife
One of the main advantages of staying in Puerto Rico is that all the nightlife venues are within walking distance. Perfect for moving from place to place or doing a pub crawl.
The majority of the nightlife in Gran Canaria is found at the Commercial Centre or Shopping Centre. I’d recommend walking to it from your accommodation, and if you are based up the hill, get a taxi back. It’s between 3-5 euros. Money well spent! Though there are breach bars and buzzing hotel nightclubs too. There’s always a party nearby!
If you’re keen to hit the dance floor, the Puerto Rico nightlife starts at about 11pm. From cabaret to karaoke, pub quizzes to dart tournaments, there’s something for every taste in Puerto Rico. There may be entrance fees during the summer months.
Of course, I highly recommend Tiffany’s Music Bar, known as Tiff’s or The Zoo, by frequent patrons. The Welsh-owned bar shows live sports, hosts party games and quizzes, and has a DJ nightly. It opens at 8am for breakfast and closes very, very late. Enjoy a 1.50 pint at any time of day. The big eats and bar food is well worth the money.
Plan your Trip with Love Holidays
Using Love Holidays is a fantastic idea for your next getaway for several reasons. Firstly, their extensive selection of destinations ensures that you’ll find the perfect spot, whether you’re craving a beach escape, a cultural adventure, or a city break. Secondly, their user-friendly platform simplifies the booking process, allowing you to effortlessly plan with just a few clicks. Lastly, Love Holidays offers great value for money with competitive prices and flexible payment options – including making monthly payments.
Book with Flight Centre
There’s a deal with your name on it at Flight Centre. From ideal family holidays that you’ll remember forever to beach holidays where you can escape everyday life, whatever experience you seek.
Book with Last Minute.com
You can explore the different flights, hotels and deals on Last Minute. They are the leading company for booking European holidays. Book with a deposit and spread the cost with a payment plan.
Book a Taxi
If you’re travelling and need a reliable airport transfer, I’ve partnered with Welcome Pickups to make the process seamless. This service allows you to easily book a taxi to or from the airport, ensuring a stress-free journey. When heading out on a new adventure, this service offers convenience and comfort at an affordable price so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
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