In the south-west of Gran Canaria, protected from the northerly wind and blessed with excellent year-round weather, is Anfi del Mar. It is an idyllic beach in Mogan nestled between the towns of Arguineguín and Puerto Rico. Edged by white and gold sand, this top family-friendly destination boasts of calm turquoise water and a wide range of activities on offer.
History
Anfi del Mar, previously known as Playa de la Verga, is one of the three artificial beaches in Gran Canaria. Veiled with 11000 tons of sand imported from the Bahamas, the seaside Utopia, along with the luxurious namesake complex around it, was built in the 1990s by a Bjørn Lyng, a Norwegian businessman. The paradiserecreates the beauty and pleasures of the Caribbean, so European holidaymakers need not cross the Pacific for the experience.
Weather
Flying to Anfi del Mar from April to December allows tourists to maximize their vacation. This period receives minimal rainfall and is mostly pleasant throughout. August registers the highest average heat at 24°C and the lowest in January at 19°C. At the height of winter, temperatures drop to an average of 17°C, while its immaculate waters remain warm enough for swimming and other water leisure activities.
Things to Do
Beach
Anfi del Mar is the ideal seaside paradise for relaxation and family fun. Its shore has a jetty on one side and a heart-shaped island on the other, creating a lagoon that protects it from powerful ocean waves. With barely a ripple, kids can safely play and search for seashells by its calm waters as parents relax by the entire spread of sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Vacationers can also unwind with the fine view of the cove and the sea at several chill-out lounges or sweat it out in the beach volleyball court.
Water Sports and Activities
Anfi del Mar is a Shangri-la for water-based activities your entire family will enjoy. Discover the glorious scenery around the area on a jet ski, parasail, or by joining small ferry tours. Learning windsurfing, diving, or surfing in Anfi and nearby towns are also interesting options. Fun seekers and adrenaline junkies itching for some thrill, on the other hand, can ride a Flyboard, get dragged at top speed on the crazy sofa, fly over waters on 360° spins via crazy jet boat, or hang for dear life on a banana ride.
For less intense activities, holidaymakers can try paddle surfing, body surfing, kayaking, or go fishing on board a boat. The waters that surround Anfi is also rich is enchanting and intriguing marine life, making it optimal for swimming, sea trekking, and snorkeling.
18-Hole Golf Course
The Anfi Tauro Golf is an impeccably maintained 18-hole, Arizona-style course. Its innovative, highly praised design was the brainchild of premier golf course architects Von Hagge, Smelek & Baril. Set in acres of lush greenery, lakes, and waterfalls, the impeccably maintained setting also offers an awe-inspiring masterpiece of a view of the Anfi coast. It hosted the Spanish PGA Championship level test, so players of all levels are bound for an entertaining yet challenging game.
Shops and Cafés
Lined on one side of the Anfi promenade are cafes and stores. It is a popular hangout spot that is lively and vibrant, but not as packed as the shopping centers of other resorts. Still, it keeps vacationers on their toes, so this is not a place for unwinding and finding peace. You can find almost everything you need in this commercial strip – shops for clothes and souvenirs, ice cream parlors, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Tours
There are several exciting ways of discovering Anfi del Mar and its neighboring towns beyond their coastal magnificence. By land, vacationers can go on a buggy and Cabrio jeep tours, as well as horse and camel riding. They can also get a whole different perspective of the island via a helicopter ride. These excursions are ultra-popular to tourists staying in Anfi.
The buggy tour is an adventurous 2-hour drive around the impressive landscapes of Fataga. Similarly, the Cabrio Jeep Tour brings holidaymakers inland. This time exploring the most scenic routes via mountains and valleys, showcasing the other side of Gran Canaria from 1600 meters up. Included in this trip are visits to typical Canarian villages, a Canario-style picnic, and a view of the biggest basin on the island. Both excursions are available from Monday to Saturday.
If slow travel that allows relaxation is your thing, then animal rides are for you. Admire the astonishing beauty of the sea and the Maspalomas Dunes while journeying through breathtaking valleys and mountains on the back of a horse. A one-hour camel ride to the valley of the Thousand Palms in Fataga is also one of the must-tries when in Gran Canaria. It comes with a free kiss from the famous Don Gustavo (you cannot miss this!) and a delicious barbeque lunch, all while enjoying the fascinating scenery only the eastern side of the island can provide.
Getting a bird’s-eye view of the stunning Gran Canaria from a helicopter is an unbelievably extraordinary experience. By flying across the skies, you will see some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of the Spanish archipelago. This includes a seemingly endless stretch of golden sand beaches, the wondrous Maspalomas Dunes, and some of the island’s best-hidden secrets.
Hotels
Club Puerto Anfi
The very best of Gran Canaria can be seen from the windows and balconies of Club Puerto Anfi. Within the family-friendly complex is a vast array of amenities that ensure the guests’ comfort, entertainment, and satisfaction. This includes a health club, marina, pools, restaurant, snack bar, and a lot more.
Vacationers can choose from a studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom units. Each one is elegantly designed and air-conditioned for comfort. Even the marble bathrooms and panoramic balconies give a feeling of opulence. Plus, all units are also fully equipped with the typical appliances tourists may need, such as washer/dryer, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, toiletries, iPod/MP3 connectivity, LCD TV, microwave, and coffee maker.
Anfi Emerald Club
When visiting Arguineguin, holidaymakers choose Anfi Emerald Club as a temporary abode because of its mix of comfort and convenience at great value. It offers an array of amenities, which guests can use while enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains and majestic sea. The most popular features of this luxury hotel are its 18-hole golf course, squash and paddle courts, lush gardens, heated pools, and poolside bar. When it comes to the apartments, whether one-, two-, or three-bedroom, all are air-conditioned, have fully equipped kitchen, a tastefully decorated lounge, as well as a sweeping balcony.
Anfi Emerald Club is the most recent addition to the Anfi Group, and it bears the usual Anfi gold standard. Unlike its sister resorts, which are located right by the Anfi del Mar beach, this accommodationis nestled in the Tauro Valley, but they have a shuttle bus to Anfi del Mar.
Radisson Blu Resort
The Radisson Blu Resort has quick and convenient access to various beaches, including Anfi del Mar. This stunning waterfront resort offers picturesque ocean views and sandy shores on all three sides. Besides the priceless seascapes, guests can indulge in its first-class leisure facilities, which include a gym, three swimming pools, tennis and paddle courts, a beach tennis court, and a full-service spa.It also has a Kid’s Club where children play under the supervision of trained staff, making it an excellent choice for family vacations.
Holidaymakers can relax in one of the 189 rooms and suites of this high-end accommodation. The deluxe hotel caters to parties of two to eight adults and has cots available for those with little ones. Each of the units boasts of trendy decors, marble floors, an extensive balcony with sea, garden, or panoramic views. Book Now!
Aquamarina Hotel Montemarina and Hotel Aquamar
Known together as “Aquamarina,” the two seaside complexes offer everything vacationers may need. The adjoined accommodations have three swimming pools, a tennis court, supermarket, some shops,a hair salon, and a massage center. Also, guests need not go far to dine as the lodging have two in-house restaurants — La Aquarela offering international dishes and Montsemar for Spanish and Italian cuisine. Even better, the exclusive apartment and bungalow resort is only an 8-minute walk away from Anfi del Mar.
Apartamentos Mariposa Del Sol
The posh Mariposa del Sol has a prime coastal location. It has convenient access to several beaches, including the white and gold sand beach of Anfi del Mar, which is a 20-minute walk away or four minutes away by car. Additionally, it is also close to the mountains, allowing tourists to take advantage of many things Gran Canaria has to offer.
When staying within the property, guests can have a good time at the swimming pool, bar, and restaurant. They can also admire the ocean views from the rooms. Mariposa offers 40 apartments complete with free Wi-Fi and television with international channels. All units are also equipped with an in-room coffee machine and fridge. Book Now!
Restaurants / Bars
La Aquarela
The Michelin-starred La Aquarela has been pleasuring the palate of tourists and locals alike for over two decades now. They serve international cuisine with a particular focus on Mediterranean and European dishes using mostly local ingredients. Vacationers who want to taste masterpieces on a plate must not miss this restaurant. The Our Sea, roasted quail breast, lobster ravioli, catch of the day, and suckling lamb come highly recommended. One tip – their terrace dining space by the outdoor pool offers a scenic nighttime view of seaside Anfi.
Maroa Club de Mar
Set in an artificial heart-shaped island, Maroa Club de Mar is the most massive terrace lounge in the Canary archipelago. It has direct access to the sea and is a popular venue for special events, as well as romantic dinner at sunset. Because it is extremely close to the Anfi del Mar hotel and beach, it gets really busy for both breakfast and lunch, so it may be wise to reserve a spot. Their best-sellers include sea bass, sirloin steak, goat cheese salad, and Maroa burger.
El Café
No vacation is complete without a daily dose of coffee. When in Anfi del Mar, El Cafe is the go-to place for getting a caffeine boost. This nice little coffee shop, though, is also an excellent breakfast-to-dinner restaurant with good portions and reasonable prices. Plus, it is close to the beach. The must-tries from their small menu are seafood pizza, steak with Canarian potatoes, and barbecued ribs.
Gelateria Capriccio
Enjoying ice cream is almost mandatory when on the beach, so of course, this list would not be complete without an ice cream parlor. The good news is, Anfi del Mar is home to Gelateria Capriccio, and this place will have you declaring every day is ice cream day. They offer the freshest ice cream in so many flavors and generous serving size (enough to share if you are not a sweet tooth). The most popular flavors are pistachio, snickers, Oreo, Ferrero, and vanilla. If there is space for more, do try their crepes, cakes, waffles, hot and cold teas, smoothies, and coffees as well.
Restaurantes Montsemar Montemarina
A couple of minutes away from Anfi beach is the Restaurante Montsemar Montemarina (not to be confused with its sister restaurant in Playa de Patalavaca). It is a gem that is always worth a visit if you want to try outstanding Mediterranean dishes with an Italian twist. Besides the mouthwatering food, its lovely location also provides the views to match. We strongly recommend vacationers to get their hands on the prawn cocktail for starters, Lobster ravioli, seafood pasta, pizza, filet mignon, and beef lasagna. While dining, do not forget to appreciate
222 SW Bar & Grill
Only a 12-minute walk away from the glorious Anfi beach is 222 SW Bar & Grill. The restaurant is known for its welcoming front house, top quality food, and spectacular seascape views from the rooftop of the Radisson Blu. Overall, the entire experience is an excellent value for money. The crowd-pulling dishes from its modern menu are Iberian ham croquettes and Canarian avocado guacamole for starters; sea bream filet, duck breast, and dry-aged Galician beef sirloin for grilled meat; along with wild mushroom risotto.
Getting To Anfi del Mar
Holidaymakers can easily reach the Anfi del Mar beach by car or by public transport from various locations on the island.
From the Gran Canaria Airport
The trip should only last for 30 to 40 minutes. If driving a car, get on GC-1 and follow it to GC-500. This takes around 20 minutes or so. Then, take the GC-500 exit, which is between Arguineguin and Puerto Rico, and continue to your destination.
If taking a bus, ride the number 91 bus line. It goes from the airport to Puerto de Mogan in approximately 55 minutes and leaves every hour. Get off at the Aguamarina stop, which is just a minute walk from Anfi beach. This should only set you back around 5.45€.
From Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogan
Take the number 1 bus line, which leaves every 20 to 30 minutes. It only takes 10 minutes from Puerto Rico and 30 minutes from Puerto de Mogan.
From Maspalomas or Playa del Ingles
From Monday to Friday, ride the number 39 bus line, which leaves every hour. On weekends and public holidays, take the number 33 bus line. It runs every 30 minutes. The travel time is around 30 minutes.
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