Puerto Rico holidays

Why go to Puerto Rico

Hugging a small spot on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, Puerto Rico has everything you’d expect from a classic beach break destination, with enough extra activities to satisfy all types of travellers.

Beaches are the standout attraction of any Puerto Rico holiday – and you’ll have two sandy stretches to lay your towel on here. The main Puerto Rico Beach is protected by a marina on either side, and is ideal for families. Amadores Beach, on the other hand, is an 800m arc of sand and a hotspot for watersport enthusiasts.

Kids will relish jumping aboard a banana boat and trying to cling on, and parents will find plenty of other options to entertain younger ones. When swimming and building sandcastles gets old, head out to spot dolphins or try one of three amusement parks within easy reach.

When you’re seeking some shade, head indoors to Puerto Rico’s shopping centres. Passarella Shopping Centre, which backs onto the marina near Puerto Rico Beach, has a collection of classy boutiques and bars. A fifteen-minute walk away, the two-storey Shopping Centre Puerto Rico has more than a hundred stores, covering everything from electronics and jewellery to designer fashion and souvenirs.

The centre is also Puerto Rico’s nightlife hub. You’ll be able to dine at restaurants serving food from all over the world, but save room for some local specialties including lapas (limpets with garlic, white wine, olive oil and parsley). If you want to keep the night going, you can party at the centre. Take your pick from dozens of lively venues, including everything from Irish pubs to nightclubs with renowned DJs.

When to go to Puerto Rico

The Canary Islands claim to have “the best climate in the world” – and it’s certainly true that sunny days and blue skies are the norm for much of the year.

August is the hottest month in Puerto Rico, with average temperatures of 24C. You’ll find the resort most crowded then, as well as during the months either side. But the island’s “eternal spring” climate means summer isn’t the only season that you can enjoy a beach day.

If you want to avoid the biggest crowds (and perhaps bag a cheap holiday), consider travelling in the off-season. In May, it is dry and warm, with average temperatures of 20C, while in September the sea is at its most pleasant, averaging 23C.

You can generally pick up a cheap holiday in the cooler months too, making Puerto Rico a great destination for affordable winter sun. In November, for example, the average temperature hovers in the early-20s, and warm breezes from Africa keep things balmy.

What to do in Puerto Rico

A Puerto Rico holiday can be whatever you want it to be. Feeling active? Jump aboard a jet-ski; get lost in the history of island capital Las Palmas; or have an up-close encounter with the local marine wildlife. Would you rather just relax? The beach sands are soft and the water’s warm.

Beaches

With soft sand imported from the Sahara, Puerto Rico’s beaches are straight from a postcard. The main stretch, snuggled in a horseshoe-shaped harbour, is Puerto Rico Beach. Here you’ll find sun-loungers and cool, calm waters for the kids to paddle in.

The resort’s other beach is easy to fall for too. Amadores Beach – “lover’s beach” – is a 20-minute walk from Puerto Rico centre along a coastal path with views of the ocean. You’ll find silky white sands as well as restaurants and shops.

Dolphin and whale watching

Dolphins frolic in the waters around the Canary Islands year-round so you have a great chance of seeing them in their natural habitat. Tours leave from Puerto Rico harbour in search of the playful marine mammals, which include the bottlenose, kingfisher and common species.

If you’re lucky, you might also spot whales. The experience of watching a 20-metre-long sperm whale alongside the boat isn’t one you’ll forget in a hurry.

Las Palmas

For a day trip – and to see a different side to Gran Canaria – visit the island’s capital, Las Palmas. The city is Spain’s ninth largest and buzzes with a cosmopolitan energy.

The Santa Ana Cathedral, which took nearly 400 years to complete, is an introduction to the city’s history, while the historical quarter, Vegueta, has fashion boutiques and bars alongside attractive colonial buildings. One of the most famous is Casa de Colón (Columbus’ House), where there are letters from the legendary explorer, as well as 15th-century map.

Amusement parks

Angry Birds Activity Park is a fun-filled adventure playground for little ones. Themed around the popular game, kids can bounce on a “super trampoline”, get dizzy in pedal cars, or take on the “big piggy bag jump”.

Older kids can get their adrenaline fix at Oasis Lago Taurito Water Park, around a 15-minute drive away. Rides include the fearsome “kamikaze” slide and the swirling “space bowl”. A 30-minute drive the other side of Puerto Rico is Sioux City, a Wild West theme park.

Watersports and fishing

Warm winds and a warm sea temperature – barely below 20C in winter – make Puerto Rico a top watersports destination. Gran Canaria is one of the world’s best places to windsurf, and Puerto Rico’s sheltered harbour is great for beginners. You’ll also find sailing clubs and opportunities to surf, parasail or jet-ski.

Puerto Rico also claims more than 50 world records for deep-sea fishing. In the main season – May to September – expect to reel in varieties of tuna, marlin and swordfish.