Puerto Rico is the place where the sun shines longest on all of Gran Canaria. The wind-sheltered valley creates a natural microclimate — even when the rest of the island hides beneath clouds, the sky here is clear. The beach in the heart of the resort is an artificial crescent of golden sand which, combined with a wide range of water sports, attracts both families and adrenaline seekers.
Beach and swimming conditions
Playa de Puerto Rico is about 350 metres long. The sand is artificial — golden and fine, imported from the Sahara in the 1960s. The beach is sheltered by breakwaters, so waves are usually gentle, though not as flat as at nearby Amadores. The entry into the water is gradual, with shallow depth for several metres from the shore — good conditions for families with children.
The beach holds Blue Flag certification. On site you’ll find lifeguards, toilets, showers, and sun lounger hire. In peak season (December to March) the beach can get crowded — the sand area isn’t huge, and the resort draws thousands of tourists, mainly from Scandinavia and Britain.
Water sports — Puerto Rico’s real draw
It’s the water sports that set Puerto Rico apart from other Gran Canaria beaches. From the harbour (right next to the beach), boats depart for dolphin and whale watching — one of the best spots in Europe to see cetaceans in their natural habitat. On the beach and in the harbour you’ll find jet ski hire, parasailing, banana boats, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Puerto Rico is also a major deep-sea fishing port — full-day trips for tuna and marlin are organised regularly. For divers, there are PADI-certified dive schools with trips to nearby reefs.
Getting there and the resort centre
Puerto Rico lies on Gran Canaria’s south-western coast, between Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogán. From the GC-1 motorway, the exit road descends steeply into the valley. The shopping centre with restaurants, shops, and nightlife is spread across the slopes surrounding the beach — stairs and lifts connect the various levels. By Global bus, line 1 takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Las Palmas or about 20 minutes from Maspalomas.
Practical information
- Beach length: approx. 350 m
- Sand: golden, imported
- Waves: gentle — sheltered by breakwaters
- Certification: Blue Flag
- Sun lounger + parasol: approx. 8-12 EUR/day
- Water sports: jet ski, parasailing, diving, dolphin cruises
- Parking: available but limited
Nearby beaches
Just a 15-minute walk along the promenade to the west lies Playa de Amadores — quieter and more intimate, with absolutely no waves. A further 10 minutes’ drive west brings you to the picturesque Puerto de Mogán with its harbour atmosphere. To the east stretches the vast Playa del Inglés with the iconic Maspalomas dunes — a completely different scale and character.
Weather at Puerto Rico beach
Puerto Rico on Gran Canaria’s south coast is one of the sunniest resorts on the island. The beach sits in a sheltered bay, guaranteeing calm conditions even when other beaches are windy. Check the weather forecast for Puerto de Mogán.