Amadores, Gran Canaria: Life’s a Beach (Literally)

If resorts had personalities, Amadores would be the laid-back friend who always shows up sun-kissed and wearing flip-flops,. Sitting snugly on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, Amadores is a purpose-built slice of paradise with one aim in life, to help you relax. No thumping nightclubs, no neon overload, just a powder-white beach, calm turquoise waters, and more sunbeds than you could shake an inflatable crocodile at.

The beach is the calling card here, a broad crescent of imported Caribbean-style white sand that glows gold under the Canarian sun. Breakwaters hug the coast, keeping the Atlantic swells at bay, which makes the water as calm as a giant infinity pool. It’s one of the safest beaches on the island, perfect for paddling toddlers, first-time snorkellers, and grown-ups who’d rather float than flail.

Truth be told, Amadores isn’t about action-packed days, it’s about slowing down. The beach is the star, and many visitors spend entire holidays flitting between sunbed, café, and sea. The most energetic activity is usually deciding whether to have another dip before your afternoon siesta.

That said, a short stroll or taxi ride delivers more buzz. Puerto Rico, Amadores’ livelier neighbour, has marinas full of boats offering dolphin-spotting cruises, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing. From there, you can also hop on a ferry to Puerto de Mogán, a postcard-pretty fishing village often dubbed “Little Venice” for its canals and flower-draped balconies.

Back in Amadores, a neat promenade runs the length of its bay, lined with bars and cafés serving everything from frosty beers to ice-cream sundaes that would topple small children. Keep walking beyond the bay and you’ll be rewarded with one of the highlights of the south. The 15-20 minute stroll along the cliffs to Puerto Rico offers jaw-dropping sea views, especially at sunset when the Atlantic turns orangey pink as the sun slides behind Tenerife’s Teide volcano on the horizon.

As for food, Amadores caters for international tastes, think burgers, pizzas, steaks, and full English breakfasts. But there are also some excellent seafood restaurants along the bay where you can tuck into freshly grilled fish or garlic-sizzled prawns with your toes practically in the sand. Pair that with a jug of sangria and you’ve pretty much nailed the Amadores dining experience.

After dark, things stay mellow. There’s no clubbing scene here, just a collection of beach bars and hotel terraces where you can sip cocktails, listen to live music, and let the waves provide the background soundtrack.

Amadores isn’t for adrenaline junkies or nightclub warriors. It’s for those who think holidays should be about sun, sea, and serenity. With its calm bay, dreamy sunsets, and neighbourly access to Puerto Rico’s action, Amadores has the best of both worlds, peace when you want it, buzz when you don’t.