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PolskiPuerto Rico, on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria, is one of the warmest and sunniest places in Europe in winter, which is why so many Scandinavians and Britons spend months there. It is a purpose-built resort in a sheltered valley, with a calm beach, a marina and plenty of services. The big drawback is the hills: most apartments sit on steep valley sides, so where exactly you live decides how easy daily life will be.
Puerto Rico at a glance
| Puerto Rico | |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Mogán, south-west Gran Canaria |
| Winter weather | Among the sunniest and most sheltered on the island |
| Typical rent, furnished one-bedroom, peak winter | About €1,100-1,900 a month |
| Terrain | Flat valley floor, very steep sides |
| Airport | About 45 minutes by car or express bus |
| Best for | Sun lovers, swimmers, Scandinavian community |
Rents are indicative ranges from listings for one to three months. See monthly rental prices in the Canary Islands for how they compare.
Why people choose Puerto Rico
The valley faces south and is protected from the north-east trade wind by the mountains behind it, so it often stays sunny when Las Palmas or even Playa del Inglés are cloudy. The beach is small and sheltered by breakwaters, which makes swimming easy even in January, and the water is calm most days. A ten to fifteen minute walk along the coastal path takes you to Playa de Amadores, a pretty, sheltered beach with cafes and restaurants.
There is a large, long-established community of winter visitors from Norway, Sweden and Denmark, as well as many British and Irish. You will find Scandinavian food in some shops and plenty of activities and social groups through the winter.
The hills: the main thing to check
Puerto Rico was built up the sides of a ravine. The beach, the marina, the main shopping centre and the bus stops are on the valley floor, while most apartment complexes are stacked on the slopes above. Some are a gentle walk from the beach; others involve hundreds of steps or a steep road.
Before you book a long stay:
- Look at the complex on a map and check the walk to the beach and the shops.
- Ask whether there is a lift, a shuttle, or a short cut down.
- Remember that the walk back up after shopping is the one that matters.
- If mobility is an issue, choose a complex near the valley floor, or consider flatter Arguineguín or San Agustín instead.
The upside of the hills is the view: apartments higher up often have wide sea views and sunsets over the Atlantic.
Daily life for a long stay
- Shopping: supermarkets and smaller shops in and around the shopping centre in the valley, with bigger supermarkets a short bus ride away.
- Health: pharmacies and private clinics with English- and Scandinavian-speaking staff; the nearest public health centres are in the surrounding Mogán towns, and the main hospitals are in Las Palmas.
- Eating out: many restaurants and cafes aimed at visitors, with more local options in Arguineguín and Puerto de Mogán.
- Internet: most complexes offer Wi-Fi, but speeds vary; ask for a speed test if you work online. See internet speeds in the Canary Islands.
Getting around
Global buses run along the coast to Puerto de Mogán, Arguineguín, Playa del Inglés and Las Palmas, and there are express services to the capital and the airport. In season, tourist boats link Puerto Rico with Arguineguín and Puerto de Mogán, which is a lovely way to visit the Friday market in Mogán or the Tuesday market in Arguineguín. A car is useful for exploring the mountains, but not essential if you stay put.
Weather through the winter
Puerto Rico is usually a degree or two warmer and sunnier than the airport figures used in our monthly guides. Expect around 24 to 26°C in November, 22 to 23°C in December and around 21 to 22°C in January and February, with very little rain.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Among the sunniest spots in Europe in winter | Steep walks to many apartments |
| Calm, sheltered beach and Amadores nearby | Purpose-built resort with little local life |
| Big Scandinavian and international community | Rents among the highest on the island |
| Good buses along the coast | Can feel crowded in peak weeks |
Who Puerto Rico suits
Puerto Rico is ideal if your priority is sun, warmth and swimming every day, and if you are happy with a resort atmosphere. It is less suitable if you have mobility problems and cannot find a low-lying apartment, or if you want a real Canarian town; in that case look at Arguineguín or Las Palmas. Compare all areas in the best area in Gran Canaria for a long winter stay.
Non-EU visitors planning a stay of more than a few weeks should check their dates with the Schengen 90/180 calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria good in winter?
Yes. It is one of the sunniest and most sheltered places on the island, with daytime highs of around 21 to 26°C from November to March.
Is Puerto Rico hilly?
Very. The centre is flat, but most apartments are on steep slopes. Check the walk before booking.
Is Puerto Rico better than Playa del Inglés?
It is usually sunnier and calmer, but hillier and more expensive. Playa del Inglés has more services and flatter walking.
How far is Puerto Rico from the airport?
About 45 minutes by car or express bus.