Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria: Area Guide
A well-connected area in the south of Gran Canaria, close to beaches, restaurants and the marina.
Why stay in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria?
Puerto Rico is one of the most established coastal areas in the south of Gran Canaria. Built around a sheltered beach and marina, it offers convenient access to restaurants, shops and everyday services.
The beach and marina area can be explored comfortably on foot, although some accommodation areas extend into the surrounding hills and may involve slopes or steps.
From the marina, visitors can join regular boat excursions along the south-west coast, including dolphin and whale watching trips. Water sports such as jet skiing, diving and parasailing are also available in the area.
Nearby, Amadores offers a quieter beach atmosphere with calm waters that are well suited to swimming and relaxed beach days. Together, Puerto Rico and Amadores provide two different coastal settings within easy reach of each other.
Puerto Rico also has several shopping and dining areas, including Mogán Mall and the Puerto Rico Shopping Center, with supermarkets, restaurants and essential services nearby. This makes the area particularly convenient for families and longer stays.
Key advantages of staying in this area
- Beach and marina close together in the lower area
- Wide range of restaurants, shops and supermarkets
- Good road and public transport connections
- Regular boat excursions and water sports
- Easy access to nearby Amadores Beach
- Convenient base for exploring the south of Gran Canaria
Puerto Rico beach and surroundings
Puerto Rico Beach is a sheltered, man-made beach located beside the marina. Its protected position generally provides calmer conditions than more exposed parts of the island, making it a practical option for swimming and relaxed beach days. Sea conditions can still vary, so visitors should always follow local safety guidance.
The marina is one of the main activity points in Puerto Rico. Boat excursions operate regularly along the south-west coast, including dolphin- and whale-watching trips, short cruises and routes towards Puerto de Mogán. Water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing are also available through local operators.
Discover more things to do in Gran Canaria.
Puerto Rico is also a convenient base for diving, with local centres offering introductory experiences and guided dives along the southern coast of Gran Canaria.
Nearby, Amadores Beach offers a quieter alternative, with a broad sandy bay and generally calm waters. It is a popular option for swimming, snorkelling and relaxed beach days.
The hills surrounding Puerto Rico also provide viewpoints over the marina, coastline and Atlantic Ocean. Some routes include slopes or steps, so accessibility varies depending on the location.
Shopping, restaurants and essential services
Puerto Rico offers several shopping and dining areas, making it easy to combine beach days with restaurants, shops and everyday services.
Mogán Mall is one of the main modern shopping areas near Puerto Rico, with shops, supermarkets and restaurants. The Puerto Rico Shopping Center and Europa Shopping Centre provide further options, including cafés, international cuisine and open-air terraces.
Dining options range from Canarian and Mediterranean dishes to international restaurants and takeaway options. Supermarkets, pharmacies and other essential services are also available in the area, which can be particularly convenient for families and longer stays.
You can also explore the restaurants and pool bar at Holiday Club Canarias.
Shopping, restaurants and essential services
Puerto Rico offers several shopping and dining areas, making it easy to combine beach days with restaurants, shops and everyday services.
Mogán Mall is one of the main modern shopping areas near Puerto Rico, with shops, supermarkets and restaurants. The Puerto Rico Shopping Center and Europa Shopping Centre provide further options, including cafés, international cuisine and open-air terraces.
Dining options range from Canarian and Mediterranean dishes to international restaurants and takeaway options. Supermarkets, pharmacies and other essential services are also available in the area, which can be particularly convenient for families and longer stays.
You can also explore the restaurants and pool bar at Holiday Club Canarias.
Where to stay in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria
Staying in an apartment in Puerto Rico offers more flexibility than a traditional hotel stay. Separate living areas and kitchen facilities make it easier to organise each day at your own pace, whether you prefer breakfast on the terrace, a relaxed beach day or dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
This type of accommodation can be particularly practical for families, longer stays and travellers who value extra space and independence.
Why choose an apartment stay?
- More space than a standard hotel room
- Separate living and sleeping areas
- Kitchen facilities for added flexibility
- Ideal for longer stays
Holiday Club Puerto Calma
Holiday Club Puerto Calma offers spacious apartments in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria, close to the marina, beach, restaurants and local services.
The resort combines fully equipped apartments with shared facilities such as a swimming pool, children’s pool, restaurant, pool bar, gym and sauna. Selected apartments offer sea, harbour or mountain views, depending on the apartment type booked.
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One- and two-bedroom apartments
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Fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas
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Swimming pool and children’s pool
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Restaurant, pool bar, gym and sauna
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Selected sea, harbour or mountain views
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Close to the marina, beach and local services
Getting to Puerto Rico and getting around
Getting here and around
Puerto Rico is located in the municipality of Mogán, on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria. The journey from Gran Canaria Airport usually takes around 35 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic and your exact destination within Puerto Rico.
The area is reached mainly via the GC-1 motorway. Once there, the beach, marina, restaurants and many everyday services in the lower part of Puerto Rico can be explored on foot. However, some accommodation areas extend into the surrounding hills and may involve steep slopes or steps.
By Car
Puerto Rico is easily accessible from Gran Canaria Airport via the GC-1 motorway.
The journey usually takes around 35 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. From Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the journey generally takes around 50 to 60 minutes.
Car rental is widely available at the airport. A car can be useful for exploring other parts of Gran Canaria, although it may not be essential for guests staying close to the beach, marina and lower commercial areas of Puerto Rico.
By Public Bus
Global operates public bus services across Gran Canaria. Line 91 connects Gran Canaria Airport with Puerto Rico and continues towards Puerto de Mogán.
Journey times and frequencies vary depending on the day, traffic and service, so we recommend checking the latest timetable before travelling.
By Taxi or Private transfer
A private airport transfer can be arranged in advance for a more convenient arrival directly at your accommodation.
Holiday Club Canarias guests can review the available transfer options and book before travelling.
Puerto Rico or Amadores: which area suits your stay?
Puerto Rico and Amadores offer two different ways to enjoy the south of Gran Canaria. They are close to each other, but the atmosphere, surroundings and type of stay can feel quite different.
Choose Puerto Rico for activity and convenience
Puerto Rico is a practical choice for travellers who prefer a livelier coastal area with a marina, regular boat excursions and a wider selection of restaurants, shops and everyday services nearby.
- Marina and boat excursions
- More restaurants, shops and services
- Livelier atmosphere
- Convenient base for exploring the south
Choose Amadores for calm beach days
Amadores is better suited to travellers who prefer a quieter, more beach-focused setting, with a sheltered bay, a relaxed promenade and elevated accommodation areas offering wide Atlantic views.
- Sheltered beach and generally calm water
- Quieter, beach-focused atmosphere
- Wide Atlantic views from elevated areas
- Relaxed restaurants and promenade
Both areas are close enough to visit during the same stay, so the best choice depends mainly on whether you prefer more activity around you or a quieter beach atmosphere.
Weather and best time to visit Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is located on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria, an area known for mild temperatures and relatively low rainfall during much of the year. Its coastal location and surrounding hills can provide more sheltered conditions than some more exposed parts of the island, although weather can vary.
Puerto Rico can be visited throughout the year. Summer generally brings warmer and drier conditions, while winter remains mild enough for beach visits, coastal walks and other outdoor plans. Spring and autumn can also be comfortable for combining time by the coast with exploring the south of Gran Canaria.
The best time to visit therefore depends mainly on the type of holiday you prefer. Weather and sea conditions can change, so visitors should always check the latest forecast and follow local beach safety guidance before outdoor or water-based activities.
For up-to-date weather information before and during your stay, official forecasts are available through the Spanish meteorological agency AEMET, while live webcams showing Puerto Rico beach and marina.
Frequently Asked Questions about Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria
Is Puerto Rico a good place to stay in Gran Canaria?
Puerto Rico is a practical choice for travellers looking for a lively coastal base with a beach, marina, restaurants, shops and regular excursions nearby.
It is particularly suitable for visitors who value convenience and easy access to services rather than a quiet or secluded setting.
Is Puerto Rico beach good for swimming?
Puerto Rico Beach is sheltered and generally has calmer conditions than more exposed beaches, making it suitable for relaxed swimming on many days.
However, sea conditions can change, so visitors should always follow beach flags and local safety guidance.
Is Puerto Rico walkable, or do you need a car?
The beach, marina, restaurants and essential services in the lower part of Puerto Rico can be explored on foot.
However, some accommodation areas extend into the surrounding hills and may involve steep slopes or steps. Depending on where you stay and your mobility needs, a taxi, bus or car may be more convenient.
Is Puerto Rico noisy or very busy?
Puerto Rico has a livelier atmosphere than nearby Amadores, particularly around the marina, shopping centres and main restaurant areas.
Noise and activity levels vary depending on the location and time of day. Some parts of Puerto Rico feel more active, while other accommodation areas are quieter and more residential.
How close is Puerto Rico to Amadores and Puerto de Mogán?
Amadores is located close to Puerto Rico and can be reached easily by road, taxi or local transport.
Puerto de Mogán is further west along the coast but remains accessible by car or public bus. Journey times can vary depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
Is Puerto Rico suitable for families?
Yes. The sheltered beach, nearby restaurants and services, and range of excursions make Puerto Rico a practical option for families.
Families should check the exact location of their accommodation before booking, as some hillside areas may involve steep slopes or steps.