Is Taurito a good holiday destination for families or is it more for partying?
Taurito is generally considered a peaceful and family-friendly resort, ideal for those seeking a relaxing holiday. It's quieter than nearby resorts like Puerto Rico or Playa del Inglés/Maspalomas, which are known for more vibrant nightlife. While Taurito has some evening entertainment, it's mostly hotel-based. For a livelier party scene, you'd likely need to take a taxi to Puerto Rico, which is about a 10-minute drive away.
What is the beach in Taurito like? Is it sandy and can you swim there?
Playa Taurito is a relatively small, man-made beach with dark, volcanic sand, sometimes mixed with small stones. It's about 150-160 meters long but quite wide. The beach is generally sheltered, and the water can be calm, making it suitable for swimming. However, currents and waves can sometimes be strong, so it's advisable to pay attention to conditions and lifeguard flags, especially with children. For consistently calmer waters, especially for young children, nearby Puerto de Mogán beach is protected by a seawall.
What's the best time of year to visit Taurito for a beach holiday?
Taurito enjoys warm weather year-round. For the hottest temperatures, ideal for beach holidays and swimming, the period between May and September is often recommended, with average daily maximums between the mid-20s and mid-30s Celsius. Sea temperatures are also warmest during these months, typically between 21°C and 24°C. Winter months (December to February) are also popular due to the mild climate (16°C to 22°C), though there's a slightly higher chance of rain.
Is Taurito very touristy or is it a quiet resort?
Taurito is a tourist area, but it's generally considered a quieter and more relaxed resort compared to its larger neighbors like Puerto Rico and Maspalomas. It's characterized by a handful of large hotels and a more contained, peaceful atmosphere, making it feel somewhat exclusive. While it has tourist amenities, it's designed more for relaxation than for a bustling, high-energy crowd.
How far are the hotels in Taurito from the beach?
Many of Taurito's hotels are built up the sides of the valley's cliffs, offering panoramic views. Some hotels are located very close to the beach, while others, particularly those higher up the cliffs like the Mogan Princess & Beach Club, might be a walk of up to 30 minutes to the beach. However, some of these higher-located hotels offer shuttle services to the beach or even have their own beach clubs with facilities for their guests near the shore.
Can you walk from Taurito to Puerto de Mogán or Puerto Rico?
No, it is generally not possible to walk from Taurito to Puerto de Mogán due to a coastal road closure following a rockfall. The route now requires going back towards Puerto Rico and then onto the motorway. Similarly, walking to Puerto Rico is not a common or recommended option due to the nature of the roads (motorways) and distances. Taxis or buses are the typical ways to travel between these resorts.
What are the beaches like in Taurito compared to Puerto de Mogán?
Taurito's beach is a dark volcanic sand beach, relatively small (around 150-160m long) but wide, and can sometimes have strong currents. Puerto de Mogán's beach (Playa de Mogán) is known for being more protected by a seawall, resulting in calmer waters, which many find better for families with young children. Puerto de Mogán also has a picturesque harbour and a 'Little Venice' feel, offering a different atmosphere to Taurito's more resort-focused environment.
Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent on Taurito beach, and what about other facilities?
Yes, Taurito beach offers sun loungers and umbrellas for rent; the cost is around €3.50 per day. The beach is public and also has space to lay your own towel. Other facilities in the beach area include showers, toilets, a lifeguard service (all year round), a few bars, restaurants, and shops along a boardwalk. There's also a water sports center directly on the beach.
What kind of water sports can you do at Taurito beach?
Taurito beach offers a good range of water sports. You can find jet ski rentals, pedal boats (often with slides), banana boat rides, parasailing, and the 'Crazy UFO' inflatable ride. There's also a diving center (Canary Diving SCUBA centre) offering scuba diving lessons and excursions to sites like Taurito Reef and Taurito Caves. Kayaking and paddle surfing are also options, allowing exploration of the nearby cliffs and caves when sea conditions are calm.
Is it easy to get to Taurito from the airport using public transport?
Yes, you can reach Taurito from Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) by public bus, operated by Global. It's an affordable option, though not always direct. Typically, you would take bus line 91 from the airport towards the south of the island (e.g., to Maspalomas or Puerto Rico). From there, you may need to transfer to another bus (like line 33 or 38 from Maspalomas) to reach Taurito. Some bus routes, like the 91, may go directly to Puerto de Mogán, stopping at Taurito.
Are there many restaurants and bars in Taurito outside of the hotels?
Taurito has a limited selection of restaurants and bars outside of the main hotels. Most dining and evening entertainment is centered within the all-inclusive resorts. There is a boardwalk area along the beach with a couple of restaurants, gift shops, and a bar like Bar Terraza Taurito, known for cocktails. For a wider variety of dining and nightlife, visitors often travel to nearby Puerto de Mogán or Puerto Rico.
Is Taurito suitable for a quiet couples' holiday?
Yes, Taurito can be very suitable for couples seeking a quiet and relaxing holiday. The resort is known for its peaceful atmosphere, especially compared to more bustling areas of Gran Canaria. Many hotels cater to couples, some even offering adults-only sections or amenities. The focus is on relaxation, enjoying the beach, and hotel-based entertainment rather than a lively party scene.
What is the sand like at Playa Taurito – is it black volcanic sand?
Yes, Playa Taurito has dark volcanic sand, which is typical for many beaches in the Canary Islands. Some descriptions also mention it as dark golden or toasted brown, and it can be mixed with small stones in places. It's a man-made beach.
Are there any hidden gems or local quirks related to Taurito's beaches?
One interesting feature of Taurito beach is the presence of sea caves that can be explored in its southern area during low tide. These caves, along with the dramatic cliffs, offer unique photo opportunities, especially at sunset. The beach itself is nestled between high cliffs, giving it a secluded feel. While the resort is primarily hotel-focused, the sunsets viewed from the beach are often highlighted as spectacular.
Is there a water park near Taurito beach?
Yes, the Lago Taurito Water Park (also known as Oasis Lago Taurito) is located right behind Taurito beach. It's a significant attraction in the area, featuring saltwater pools (including the largest seawater pool in Gran Canaria), various slides, and activities for both children and adults. Many hotels in Taurito offer packages that include entry to the water park.
