Would you like to visit Gran Canaria and are wondering whether to go to Maspalomas or Puerto Rico?
We love both destinations. The choice is difficult, but we’re here to help you with our opinions on specific criteria.
Here’s our Maspalomas or Puerto Rico battle with tips and photos. We’ll talk to you:
- Ambiance
- Beaches
- Location
- Hotels and restaurants
- …
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Maspalomas or Puerto Rico: comparison summary
Short answer
The 2 seaside resorts are quite close to each other, yet very different.
Maspalomas is very popular. We loved its liveliness, beaches, luxury hotels, theme parks and, above all, its stunning scenery. The destination is very large and divided into several zones: the pretty seafront of Meloneras, the wild desert dunes, the lively Playa del Inglès, a town center with numerous hotels and the quieter Plage de San Augustín.
Puerto Rico is smaller but very urbanized. Imposing hotels line the beaches and coastline. The seaside resort also boasts 2 marinas and is truly sea-oriented. Ferries, kayaks, dolphin-watching boat tours and other water-based activities delight holidaymakers. We also enjoyed the shopping and amusement park.
Depending on what you’re looking for…
- to easily explore the region: Maspalomas
- for the most beautiful beaches: equality
- for young children / families: equality
- for the most beautiful hotels: Maspalomas
- for a smaller resort: Puerto Rico
- for a romantic getaway: equality
- for theme parks: Maspalomas
- for landscapes: Maspalomas
- for nautical and maritime activities: Puerto Rico
And for more ideas on where to stay in the region, see our selection of the best towns on the island.
See Maspalomas top rated accommodations
See top-rated accommodations in Puerto Rico
Access + Location to explore the region
The 2 towns are in the south of Gran Canaria. They’re both conveniently located, and each allows you to explore different parts of the island.
From Maspalomas, you’ll have easier access to the mountainous interior and north of the island, while Puerto Rico is closer to the west and the charming town of Puerto de Mogan, accessible by car and ferry!
Here’s a route map to help you get your bearings:
Gran Canaria airport is the island’s only airport. It is:
- 20min drive from Maspalomas
- 35min drive from Puerto Rico
Compare available flights.
You can also reach the 2 towns by bus on routes 66 and 91.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Hotels: Maspalomas or Puerto Rico
Hotels in Maspalomas
The range of hotels in Maspalomas is particularly varied. Palaces, resorts, sea views, spas or top-of-the-range aparthotels, the choice is yours.
We particularly recommend:
- Charm and view: Hotel Faro, a Lopesan Collection – Adults Only – See prices, photos and availability
- Luxury resort: Hotel Unique Club at Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort – See prices, photos and availability
- Family aparthotels: Hotel Palm Oasis – See prices, photos and availability
Read our article on where to stay in Maspalomas for more ideas!
Hotels in Puerto Rico
The range of hotels in Puerto Rico is also vast, although a little less so than in Maspalomas. We enjoyed the hotels we stayed in. We particularly recommend:
- Charming: Marina Suites Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
- Luxury: Hotel Gloria Palace Royal – See prices, photos and availability
- Quiet: Hotel Serenity Amadores – See prices, photos and availability
Read our article on where to stay in Puerto Rico.
Our review
We prefer the hotels in Maspalomas, which offer more choice and variety. But if you’re looking for establishments overlooking the sea, you’ll have more options in Puerto Rico.
Attractions and activities
Maspalomas attractions
Maspalomas’ main attractions are
- Admire the Maspalomas Dunes, lagoon and lighthouse
- Stroll along the pretty Meloneras waterfront
- Enjoy the beaches of Playa de Maspalomas and Playa del Inglès
- Fun at Aqualand and Holiday World theme parks
- See the ruins of Punta Mujeres and the Mirador de la Degollada de las Yeguas
- Discover the island’s flora and fauna at Palmito Park and the Botanical Gardens
- Golfing and surfing
Find out more in our article on the best attractions in Maspalomas.
Puerto Rico Attractions
Puerto Rico’s main attractions are
- Enjoy the beaches of Playa de Puerto Rico and Playa de Amadores
- Dolphin watching by boat
- Stroll along the waterfront
- Admire the boats in the marina
- Take the ferry to Puerto de Mogan, the Venice of the Canaries
- Family fun at Angry Birds Park
- Activities such as mini-golf, kayaking, snorkeling, diving or buggies
Find out more in our article on Puerto Rico’s top attractions.
Our review
The offer is different in the 2 destinations. Maspalomas is home to more varied landscapes and more theme parks. Equally pleasant with its marinas and beaches, Puerto Rico is more focused on water sports and the sea.
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
Most beautiful beaches
Maspalomas beaches
In Maspalomas, you’ll find beautiful beaches. Facing the dunes, the immense Playa de Maspalomas and Playa del Inglès are ideal for strolling or swimming and are among the most beautiful beaches on the island. Playa de Meloneras, del Veril and San Augustín are smaller but equally attractive. The program includes golden sands, long walks and optional deckchairs and parasols.
Beaches of Puerto Rico
In and around Puerto Rico, we also enjoyed some superb beaches. Right in the heart of the resort, Playa de Puerto Rico is one of the sunniest and most crowded beaches on the island. Further west, we liked Playa de Amadores, which lies at the foot of a cliff. On the coast, Playa del Cura or Playa de Tauro are wilder.
Our review
We enjoyed the long walks and sunsets on the great beaches of Maspalomas, which are perhaps less crowded. Puerto Rico is home to smaller beaches ideal for swimming, with calm seas and gentle slopes.
Excursions around the cities
Excursions from Maspalomas
From Maspalomas, you can easily visit the interior of the island:
- Discover the island’s peaks at Roque Nublo and Pico de las Nieves with an organized tour
- Visit charming inland villages such as Teror, Firgas, Artenara, Agüimes or Arucas
- Marvel at the breathtaking scenery of Rainbow Rock and Barranco de las Vacas
- Explore Gáldar and Agaete
See our article on the best excursions from Maspalomas.
Excursions from Puerto Rico
From Puerto Rico, you can:
- Visit the pretty town of Puerto de Mogan and get there by ferry
- Explore the coast by boat and try to spot dolphins
- Venture to nearby towns such as Taurito or Arguineguín
- Discover the interior of the island, its landscapes and villages
Our review
Maspalomas is the ideal starting point for exploring the island, and many tours can pick you up directly from your hotel. Puerto Rico benefits a little less from these services, but allows you to explore the coast by sea.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
Best gastronomic offer
Restaurants in Maspalomas
Maspalomas is home to plenty of restaurants, although gourmet dining is not widely available. By the sea, in town, in a hotel, local and international cuisine, there’s something for everyone! Here are some of our suggestions:
- Restaurant 360° in Playa del Inglès, on the top floor of theHotel Bohemia Suites & Spa, with a panoramic view over the bay.
- Restaurant La Terrazza by El Oasis for its classic cuisine.
- Restaurant El Churrasco in Meloneras for its view of the promenade and the sea.
Restaurants in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico doesn’t have the best selection of restaurants on Gran Canara Island, but we still enjoyed some good options.
Among our favorites:
- Restaurant El Puerto, near the port – shareable dishes with Asian and Mexican influences
- Tipsy Bee restaurant, inside the city – cocktail bar
- Restaurant Kaia, on the Playa Amoradores side, in the Gloria Palace hotel with a beautiful view
Our review
Gastronomy is not the specialty of these 2 destinations. You’ll have more choice in Maspalomas, and some bars and restaurants have breathtaking ocean views.
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Easy to get around these cities
Getting around Maspalomas
Maspalomas stretches for over 10km and includes different sectors: Meloneras, downtown, Playa del Inglés and San Augustín. Travel by car may be necessary.
There is also a bus network serving the whole of Maspalomas. Otherwise, to be free and not have parking problems, you can walk or:
- Rent a bike to get around easily.
- Use your scooter or e-scooter to go faster and be 2!
Getting around Puerto Rico
Mind you, the town is in a valley. It’s easy to get around the city center on foot. But many of the hotels are on the high sides of the city. We had to climb up and down slopes and stairs.
Our review
Maspalomas is more spread out, and renting a bike or scooter makes it easy to get around the entire resort, which is fairly flat. And if you’re staying close to your hotel near the beaches, walking will do just fine.
Puerto Rico is smaller but steeper. You can get around on foot, but be prepared for some uphill climbs, or take the car.
And why not other cities or regions?
In Gran Canaria, there are other towns and regions of the island to discover. You can read our comparison:
- Las Palmas or Maspalomas (article coming soon)
- North or south of Gran Canaria (article coming soon)
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
