In search of a warm, cheerful, fun, affordable and family-friendly holiday destination? You might think that a place that ticks all of the boxes does not exist, but you would be wrong. Puerto Rico is a superb place for families that do not want to spend a fortune or sacrifice entertainment that will keep the kids happy (no, not the island near Cuba – those flights wouldn’t be budget friendly!).
Puerto Rico is a holiday resort located on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria. Due to its exotic location just off the coast of Western Africa, you can enjoy a fabulous climate here that is kept comfortable by the cooling sea breeze. Many holidaymakers simply flop on the beach during their stay and soak up the sun, but there is plenty to explore and a wide range of fun, safe and friendly places that are geared towards children.
Planning an island hopping adventure? Check out our guide to the Canary Islands here!
Here are a few of the exciting, enjoyable and affordable activities that your little ones are sure to love that won’t break the bank.
Angry Birds Activity Park
This lively Angry Birds themed park is bursting at the seams with activities, making it an ideal place for kids to burn up some energy whilst mum and dad find a quiet spot to relax. Crazy golf, go carts, zip-wires and trampolines are just a few of activities on offer and this is all in a friendly and safe setting with plenty of staff on hand to help out and keep everybody happy.
Insider Tip: You get a stamp that allows you to come and go as you please for the day, so get down there early so that you can make the most of your time and have the possibility of leaving for lunch and returning in the early evening.
Dolphin & Whale Watching
There is a colourful and magical world beneath the waters around Gran Canaria and particularly Puerto Rico. This includes a whopping one-third of the world’s dolphins and whales, which can be seen on an exciting tour on the impressive The Spirit of the Sea, which is moored in the harbour Puerto Base. If your kids are nature lovers then they are sure to get a real kick out of this expedition and the thrill of glimpsing a majestic cetacean in its natural habitat. They offer a 2-hour tour or a 3-hour tour that includes a swim stop in the bay. Both are €27 for adults and €14 for under 12s.
Alternatively, you could take a short water taxi/ferry ride along the south coast from Puerto Morgan to Arguineguin. This is a scenic journey where you are able to enjoy the crisp sea air, catch sight of the dolphins and take in the lovely views along the way. Under 5’s go free, making this a superb budget option.
Playing on the Beach
A classic that you can never go wrong with. For the days where you have little energy, simply take the little ones down to the beach armed with a bucket, spade and any other beach-friendly toys. The beach in front of the port is a great spot for making sandcastles thanks to the beautiful soft golden sand, plus there is plenty of space for you to relax with a good book.
Playa de Amadores is also a good choice thanks to its 800 metre stretch of golden sand, plus the fact that it is a bay means that it has peaceful and protected waters that are ideal for paddling. Ball games and music are forbidden here, but the children can play safely and you can rest assured knowing that they are safe as this beach was given a Blue Flag award back in 2004 (this means it is very high standards for safety, management and environmental education). I also suggest that you take the little ones to the rocks either side of the beach – this is a great spot for net fishing or simply watching the colourful fish swimming in the shallow waters. Finally, there are a handful bars and restaurants directly behind the beach, so finish your day off with a tasty family meal before heading home.
How to Get to Puerto Rico
Gran Canaria is just a four and a half hour flight from the UK, meaning that you can enjoy an incredible climate without having to travel too far or spend too much on flights. Thomas Cook, easyJet, Monarch and Norwegian all offer direct and cheap flights to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) from Gatwick, so it should be easy to find one that suits your needs.
Las Palmas airport is situated in the middle of the east coast of the island and roughly 40 minutes by road to Puerto Rico. A pre-booked Shuttle Direct will be the most efficient way to reach your destination and get your family trip off to a smooth start.
Where to Stay
Apartmentos Marissa & Michelle – Situated in the heart of Puerto Rico and just a mile from Playa de Amadores beach, this hotel is a good choice for families on a budget as each apartment has its own kitchenette so you don’t have to eat out for every meal. The property also features an outdoor pool, table tennis and billiards, plus there are dozens of other kid-friendly activities in the area. Its convenient location means that getting out and exploring and returning home is incredibly straightforward.
Apartmento en Primera Linea de Playa – Also right in the centre of Puerto Rico, these spacious apartments all come with a fully-equipped kitchen, a washing machine, free Wi-Fi and there is also a sun terrace which is a great spot for enjoying breakfast each day. The beach is just a mile down the road and everything you need is on your doorstep.
XQ Vistamar – These self-catered apartments are brilliantly located on the beachfront – in addition to easy access, it also means you get lovely views from your own private balcony. The property also features a shared swimming pool, sun terrace and onsite bar where you can order snacks and drinks. Previous guests have said that it is also excellent value for money.
About Shuttle Direct:
Going on holiday? Get your trip off to a smooth start with Shuttle Direct – one of Europe’s leading transfer providers. Our local drivers guarantee fast, comfortable and efficient passage between airports, cruise terminals, hotels, train stations and other areas of interest throughout the continent.
Book your transfer with our easy to use booking form and our expert team will handle the rest.
