Patalavaca, Canarias, Spain
Playa de Patalavaca -
Quiet sandy beach with two bays, Playa de Patalavaca is in the south of the island of Gran Canaria. The approximately 300-meter-long beach of grayish sand consists of two bays separated by a stone plateau. Depending on the water level on the sand between the two bays, you walk end-to-end either on the sand or across the stone plateau. You can also stroll along the small promenade, which can be reached via some steps up from the beach. On the beach, you’ll find plenty of loungers and sun umbrellas, which are shared between an area for smokers and one for non-smokers.
On the right-hand side of the small promenade mentioned above, the beach has lots of bars and restaurants, plus shops where you can buy beach equipment and beachwear. The restaurants offer both Spanish and international food. You will also find a German bar, with a classic German atmosphere.
Go down to the spa and treat yourself to a relaxing massage.
There is a water sports operator, although they don’t have a kiosk here. If you want to explore the sea on a jet ski, ride on a banana boat, or rent a kayak, you will need to contact the lifeguards.
In addition to the view out to sea, to the right, you can see the marina, which looks very impressive with all the boats moored offshore. Couples and singles who want to spend a quiet day relaxing will feel at home here. The presence of lifeguards, who are there to ensure your safety all year round, also means that you need to have no worries if you bring small children with you.
The apartment is directly on the beach, but if you want to try a beautiful golden sand beach with many water sports activities, Anfi beach is a 5-minute walk, with Parasailing, Jet Skiing, crazy (acrobatic) boat rides, and banana boat rides: all for kids and adults. There is also a ferry that takes you to different places on the island as far as Puerto de Mogan. Walking trails connect many beaches from Anfi to the town of Arguineguin, a small fishing village.
In the Doñana building, there are numerous restaurants, a German bakery, small shops, a Doctor, a pharmacy, a car rental, and a mini-market as part of the building. There is even a spa with massages, manicures, pedicures, etc...(all on the 8th floor, which is the street level).
Must-visit beaches:
Patalavaca: Patalavaca tends to be quieter than many of Gran Canaria's other top beaches.
Anfi Beach: West of Patalavaca, Anfi Beach is the ideal destination for a family day out. The beach offers sandy shores, clear water, and an attractive backdrop filled with coconut palms and hibiscus hedges.
Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés: These two adjoining beaches stretch across 6 kilometers of the island’s coast, with a nudist section at the meeting point between the two. Behind Maspalomas Beach lie the famous Maspalomas sand dunes, which make a great backdrop for family photos. The sand can get very hot during the day, which is why it is best to try and get your shot in the early morning or late afternoon or wear beach shoes.
Also worth a visit: Puerto Rico Beach, Amadores Beach, and the small beach next to the Puerto de Mogán Marina.
Exciting attractions:
Maspalomas Dunes: These spectacular sand dunes have been a national park since 1994 and are interspersed with walking trails that let you explore their pristine slopes – you'll feel like you're wandering through a seaside desert.
Puerto de Mogán Marina: A charming harbor-side development with a glittering marina and friendly community feel, the Puerto de Mogán Marina is located on Gran Canaria's southwest coast. It's a wonderful place to wander, particularly on Mondays and Fridays when a local open-air market offers everything from leather goods to fresh produce.
Palmitos Park: Set in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, this fascinating botanical garden, aquarium, and aviary is home to various charismatic creatures – from playful dolphins and exotic butterflies to hummingbirds and colorful fish. Be sure to catch one of the interactive dolphin shows or birds of prey demonstrations during your visit to Palmitos Park.
Las Palmas: The capital of Gran Canaria boasts a scenic location that is surrounded by beautiful beaches a large port and a fantastic selection of shopping, dining, and nightlife. Also, the charming old town quarter of Vegueta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although, one of the most popular quarters to visit on the island is the Plaza de Santa Ana Madrid.
