Puerto Rico is a proper sun-trap — a compact, south-facing bay of golden sand wrapped around a lively marina, on the sheltered south-west coast of Gran Canaria. Hemmed in by tall hills that block the wind and funnel the sunshine, it's reckoned to be one of the sunniest spots on an already sunny island. Add a busy harbour full of boat trips and watersports, a calm swimming beach and a sister bay a short walk away, and you have a resort that packs a lot of holiday into a small space.
The sun-trap effect
Puerto Rico sits at the mouth of a steep valley, and those hills are the secret to its climate. They shelter the beach from the trade winds that ruffle other parts of the coast, so the bay stays warm, calm and bright even when it's breezy elsewhere. That reliability is a big part of why the resort took off, and why it's such a dependable choice in the cooler winter months when you want to be sure of your sunshine.
Two beaches, one resort
One of Puerto Rico's best features is that it comes with a second beach. The main Puerto Rico beach is the golden, family-friendly bay right by the marina and the resort centre. A scenic cliff-side promenade then leads west in about 15–20 minutes to Playa de Amadores, a larger, even calmer man-made bay with its own line of restaurants. Having both within walking distance means you can swap beaches on a whim — busy marina buzz one day, serene Blue Flag bay the next.
Do the walk between the two beaches at least once — it's a lovely cliff-top stroll with big sea views, and it lets you sample both bays without moving your car or catching a bus.
The marina, boat trips and watersports
The marina is the heart of the action. This is the launch point for many of the south coast's boat excursions: dolphin- and whale-watching trips head out from here into waters where cetaceans are often seen, and there are catamaran sails, glass-bottomed boats, fishing charters and pleasure cruises along the coast. On and around the beach you can hire jet skis, try parasailing, take a banana-boat ride or go out on a paddleboard. It's one of the best places on the island to get out on the water.
Wildlife sightings on dolphin and whale trips are never guaranteed — reputable operators say as much. Choose a licensed boat that keeps a respectful distance from the animals, and treat any "guaranteed sightings" pitch with caution.
Getting there
Puerto Rico is on the GC-500 coast road roughly 40–45 minutes from the south's airport. Local buses run frequently along the coast to Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and beyond, and taxis are easy to find. The resort is built up the sides of its valley, so be ready for slopes and steps between the accommodation higher up and the beach below — there are lifts and escalators in some complexes, but it's a hilly place on foot.
What it's like to swim
The main beach shelves gently into calm, clear water that's well suited to families and casual swimmers, and the sheltered bay keeps waves small. As always on an ocean coast, take note of any lifeguard flags and keep clear of the marked lanes where boats and watercraft come and go. For the very calmest, shallowest paddling, neighbouring Amadores has the edge.
Facilities
Everything you need is close at hand. The beach has sunbeds and parasols for hire, showers, toilets and seasonal lifeguards, and the resort behind it is stuffed with cafés, restaurants, bars, shops and a large shopping centre. Because the beach, the marina and the amenities are all bunched together, you rarely have to walk far — handy with children or a full beach bag.
Best for
Puerto Rico is great value for families and for anyone who wants an active holiday with the beach as a base — plenty to do on the water, two beaches to choose from and guaranteed sun. It suits those who like a bit of buzz and convenience over wild scenery. If you want dunes and open space, head to Maspalomas; if you want the calmest possible bay, walk round to Amadores.
Nearby
West along the coast lies the pretty marina village of Puerto de Mogán with its canals, while the whole strip of southern resorts is a short drive east. For where to stay, eating out and the rest of the south coast, see our guides to the resort of Puerto Rico and to Gran Canaria as a whole.