Discover Playa de Amadores: A Beach Lover's Paradise in Gran Canaria

If Playa del Inglés is Gran Canaria with the volume turned up, Playa de Amadores is the island reaching for the volume control.

Tucked into a sheltered bay on Gran Canaria's sunny south-west coast, between Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán, Amadores was designed with relaxation firmly in mind. Its broad sweep of pale golden sand curves around remarkably clear, turquoise water, protected by breakwaters that help keep conditions relatively calm.

There are no crashing Atlantic rollers here and precious little need to rush. Instead, expect sunbeds, parasols, leisurely lunches and the occasional difficult decision over whether it's too early for another cold drink.

Top Attractions
The main attraction is unquestionably the beach. At around 800 metres long, Playa de Amadores offers plenty of room to spread out, while the sheltered bay and generally gentle water make swimming one of its biggest pleasures.

A wide pedestrian promenade runs behind the sand, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. It's wonderfully convenient: you can swim, shower, find lunch and buy the suncream you inevitably forgot without wandering far.

For a change of scenery, follow the coastal walkway around the cliffs to neighbouring Puerto Rico. The roughly one-kilometre stroll serves up cracking Atlantic views along the way.
Amadores also faces west, making sunset something of a nightly attraction. Grab a drink, find a seat and watch the sky change colour over the Atlantic. No admission ticket required.

Activities for Families
Amadores is particularly well suited to families. The sheltered shape of the bay generally means calmer water than many exposed Canarian beaches, although parents should always check beach flags and conditions before children enter the sea.

The sand is broad and spacious, while toilets, showers, shops and places to eat are close by. That convenience can make all the difference when your peaceful beach afternoon suddenly requires an emergency ice cream.

Swimming and snorkelling are obvious choices, particularly around the rocky edges of the bay when conditions allow. Children can paddle, build sandcastles or simply enjoy having plenty of space to play. And should all this wears thin and cartoon thrills and spills are demanded instead, the Angry Birds Activity Park is not too far away.

For older children and teenagers wanting more action, nearby Puerto Rico offers a wider selection of boat trips and water-based activities.

Dining and Accommodation
Nobody goes hungry for long in Amadores.

The promenade is lined with restaurants and cafés covering everything from pizza and burgers to seafood, Spanish dishes and international favourites. For suitably Canarian to eat, order grilled fish with papas arrugadas and mojo sauce, ideally accompanied by an uninterrupted view of the Atlantic.

Accommodation is dominated by hotels and apartments climbing the hillsides behind the bay. Properties higher up often compensate for the uphill journey with magnificent sea views.
For a touch more indulgence, the area also offers luxury accommodation and the stylish Amadores Beach Club, where pools, loungers, food and cocktails provide an alternative to a straightforward day on the sand.

When choosing accommodation, study the map carefully. A hotel that looks tantalisingly close to the beach may be considerably higher than it appears.

Getting Around
Amadores is approximately 50 kilometres from Gran Canaria Airport. Driving usually takes around 35–40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Taxis and buses connect the resort with Puerto Rico and other destinations across southern Gran Canaria. Hiring a car is useful if you intend exploring mountain villages, beaches and the island's interior, but certainly isn't essential for a relaxing week around Amadores.

The beachfront itself is wonderfully walkable and traffic-free. The coastal path to Puerto Rico provides an enjoyable alternative to taking a taxi or bus.

Be warned, however: away from the waterfront, Amadores becomes decidedly hilly. Those spectacular balcony views often come with a calf workout.

Accessibility
Playa de Amadores is one of the easier Gran Canaria beaches to enjoy if mobility is limited. The promenade behind the sand is broad, paved and largely level, with restaurants, cafés, toilets and other facilities conveniently close to the beachfront. Accessible routes onto the beach are also provided, although facilities and assistance can vary, so check locally on arrival.

The bigger challenge is the resort itself. Amadores climbs steeply into the surrounding hills, and some hotels and apartments involve slopes, steps or lengthy uphill walks. If you use a wheelchair, have limited mobility or are travelling with a pushchair, look for accommodation close to the beachfront and confirm step-free access before booking.

Taxis are a useful alternative for reaching hillside accommodation, while the coastal promenade towards Puerto Rico offers a relatively easy and scenic way to explore the immediate coastline. As always, check current beach accessibility services before travelling if you require specialist equipment or assistance.