If you’re looking to get away for a romantic weekend and grab some much needed winter sunshine then the warm temperatures and romantic atmosphere of Puerto Rico, on the island of Gran Canaria, might just be exactly what you’re looking for.
Part of Spain’s Canary Islands, located just off the west coast of Africa, Gran Canaria is an ideal winter sun location thanks to its short flight time from the UK and its mild, inviting winter weather.
Average winter temperatures of 19ºC, combined with a generous six hours of daily sunshine, make Gran Canaria a popular weekend break destination. And the very best of all that sunshine is to be found in the southern resort of Puerto Rico, which experiences more hours of sunshine than anywhere else on the island. Spend the weekend together relaxing, lazing in the sun and swimming in the ocean, with sea temperatures during the winter remaining at an inviting 20ºC.
Once you’ve spent several hours relaxing on the beach, why not venture into town to enjoy a romantic meal for two at one of the resort’s cosy eateries or get adventurous with boat trips, couple’s spa treatments or even a night out at a moonlight cinema. There’s plenty here to keep you both entertained here.
Inviting Beaches
Puerto Rico is a resort built onto the slopes of the volcanic landscape of the south west of Gran Canaria. The town with its modern hotels, bars, clubs and shopping arcades runs down towards the sea and its two sand beaches: Amadores and Puerto Rico Beach.
Amadores Beach
While both of the resort’s beaches are inviting, with rows of sun loungers and plenty of bars and restaurants offering sun worshippers the opportunity for refreshment, for couples Amadores is the perfect place for a more intimate sunbathing experience.
Away from the family-focused central beach of Puerto Rico, the horseshoe-shaped Amadores has a more grown-up feel. A Blue Flag winner, the 800-metre stretch of sand has a combination of sun loungers and watersports, perfect for couples looking to have some fun on the water.
Romantic Activities
When you’re not lying on the beach there are plenty of other activities for couples in the resort to make this a romantic weekend to remember. Take a stroll through town to some of the pretty boutiques, watch the sun set from one of the beachside bars or take an excursion together to create memories which will last a lifetime.
Moonlight Cinema
Could there be anything more romantic than cosying up under a star-lit sky and watching a romantic classic unfolding on the big screen? Puerto Rico has the only permanent open-air cinema in Europe and romance is definitely on the cards here. You’ll watch the movie from the comfort of sofas-for-two, waiters are on hand to bring you drinks throughout the movie and you can even order food or snacks while you watch. And if the nights are chilly, they’ll even provide a blanket for the two of you to snuggle under.
The price for an adult ticket to the Moonlight Cinema is £12.99.
Thalassotherapy for Two
Thalassotherapy became popular in the nineteenth century as a spa treatment which uses different temperature pools of salt water to improve health and wellbeing. There are two thalassotherapy spas in southern Gran Canaria: the Thalasso Gloria Palace San Agustín and the Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso.
The largest of the two is along the coast at San Agustín. The Thalasso Gloria Palace San Agustín has 7,000 square metres of thalassotherapy facilities including a fitness pool heated to 33-34ºC. The pool features multiple hydromassage stations, counter-current swimming, microbubble seats and water jets. There’s also a cold water pool and a hot 40ºC pool. Massage and wellbeing treatments are also available.
The Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso, close to Puerto Rico, offers a more luxurious service with stylish, elegant pools and relaxation areas looking out over the ocean at Costa de Mogán. The seawater ‘circuit’ here is one of the most complete in Europe and will take you through a range of different temperature pools with a variation of hydromassage options. Take time while you’re here for a hydrotherapy session or a relaxing therapeutic massage for two.
The price for an adult ticket for entry to one of the thalassotherapy spas is around £20 (spa treatments are extra and should be booked in advance).
Meals for Two
Turn your backs on the pizza and chips options at some of the more garish eateries and you’ll find a number of traditional restaurants serving delicious local cuisine on sun-dappled terraces or in cosy candlelit locations.
- Amadores Beach Club Restaurant
After a romantic day on the Amadores Beach, why not go and watch the sun set over the ocean from the terrace of the Amadores Beach Club Restaurant. After dark the restaurant owners light up the terrace with its stylish white tables and chairs with atmospheric Moroccan lamps creating a truly unique romantic ambience. And the gourmet food is really good too.
- La Taberna
If you are looking for some authentic Gran Canarian food and character then look no further than the cosy La Taberna. Full of hidden alcoves, low ceilings and candlelit charm, this is the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two.
How to Get to Puerto Rico
The quickest way to get to Puerto Rico for a weekend break from the UK is to fly directly to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria airport. Regular flights leave from Gatwick, Heathrow or Stanstead by airlines including Thomas Cook and Ryanair.
Rather than waste any of your precious weekend in queues for taxis or buses at the airport, book a Shuttle Direct transfer online before you set off and a driver will be waiting for you when you arrive to drive you directly to your accommodation.
Where to Stay:
Bahía Blanca – This stylish modern apartment complex offers self-catering apartments with private terraces looking out over stunning ocean views. Enjoy use of Bahía Blanca’s communal pools, fitness area, hot tub and sauna and a range of evening entertainment. Just six minutes walk from the beach.
Gloria Palace Amadores – This four-star luxury spa hotel offers fantastic ocean views, two outdoor swimming pools and access to the hotel’s thalassotherapy spa. There are also plenty of leisure activities at the Gloria Palace Amadores including tennis courts and a gym.
Villas Opal Anfi Tauro – Enjoy your own private luxury villa at the Villas Opal Anfi Tauro. Each villa has its own pool, hot tub and garden with a private terrace as well as a spacious, open-plan kitchen. But if you’d rather not cook on your weekend away then you can visit one of the resort’s three restaurants.
About Shuttle Direct:
Since 2002 Shuttle Direct has been a leading provider of convenient, friendly transfers from destinations across Europe and North Africa. The easy to use online booking system means that you are in complete control of your airport transfer and can choose between a shared group service or a personal vehicle with your own driver.
