Tucked away on the southern coast of Gran Canaria, Bahía Feliz is a compact yet charming holiday resort within the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. Situated in the sheltered bay of Playa de Tarajalillo, this seaside enclave boasts a population of just 213 residents (2019) and is prized for its tranquil ambience, natural shoreline, and proximity to the more bustling resorts of Playa del Inglés and San Agustín 

Historical Highlights

While Bahía Feliz lacks the centuries‐old heritage of inland Canarian villages, it has played host to several notable events. In 1985, the bay welcomed competitors for the Mistral Windsurf World Championship, underscoring its excellent wind and water conditions. Two years later, the romantic comedy Zärtliche Chaoten II filmed scenes along its promenade. More recently, on 16 May 2021, the Hotel Orquídea in Bahía Feliz served as the venue for the Miss Grand Spain pageant, an event that solidified the resort’s reputation as a backdrop for high‐profile gatherings

Geography and Climate

Bahía Feliz fronts a natural beach of dark volcanic sand and pebbles, framed by a small palm garden and gentle rock formations. It enjoys a subtropical climate typical of the Maspalomas corridor, with an annual average temperature of 23.5 °C—21 °C in winter and 30 °C in summer. Rainfall is scarce, averaging under 100 mm yearly, with just 10–15 rainy days and around 259 sunny days per year

The Beach: Playa de Tarajalillo

Stretching along a gently curving shoreline, Playa de Tarajalillo (often referred to as Bahía Feliz Beach) is prized for its calm Atlantic waters and moderate swell, making it suitable for families and novice swimmers. The shoreline’s dark volcanic sand provides a striking contrast to the deep blue sea, while lifeguard stations, foot-showers, and rentable sunbeds and parasols ensure visitor comfort. A continuous promenade links Bahía Feliz with adjacent beaches—Playa del Águila to the northeast and Pirate Beach further along the coast 

Accommodation and Dining

Despite its modest size, Bahía Feliz offers a range of lodging options. The 4-star BlueBay Beach Club provides 158 fully equipped apartments in a lush, palm‐dotted setting overlooking a large pool and the sea . The nearby Hotel Orquídea and Grupotel Orquídea offer traditional Canarian architecture with private balconies and on-site dining. Self‐catering apartments, family‐friendly resorts like Monte Feliz, and boutique bungalows complete the picture. Culinary offerings range from local Canarian specialties—such as papas arrugadas with mojo sauce—to international fare in seaside cafés and bars located within the resort’s compact shopping centre 

Activities and Leisure

Water sports abound, with equipment rentals for snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and beginner diving excursions available along the beach. On land, the seafront promenade is ideal for leisurely strolls or jogging, while nearby cycling routes showcase the region’s volcanic terrain. Adventure seekers can embark on cliff-climbing via ferrata trips in Maspalomas or join catamaran dolphin-watch cruises departing from nearby ports.

Shopping and Nightlife

Bahía Feliz’s central shopping centre houses supermarkets, boutiques, souvenir shops, and a handful of cafés and pubs. Though nightlife remains subdued compared to neighbouring Playa del Inglés, a few bars host live music and themed evenings. For those craving a livelier scene, short bus rides or coastal walks connect to the bustling entertainment districts of San Agustín and Playa del Inglés 

Transport and Accessibility

Positioned just off the GC-1 motorway, Bahía Feliz is approximately 26 km from Gran Canaria Airport—a coach transfer takes around 35 minutes. Regular public buses link the resort to Las Palmas, Maspalomas, and beyond, with single‐fare tickets typically under €4. On-site parking is generally free, and the area’s flat terrain enhances accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility.

Day Trips and Excursions

As the eastern gateway to the Maspalomas resort corridor, Bahía Feliz is perfectly placed for local adventures. A coastal walk leads westward past Playa del Águila and Pirate Beach, continuing on to San Agustín and Playa del Inglés. Inland excursions can venture into the mountains to viewpoints like Roque Nublo, while the nearby Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve offers unique sand-sea-lagoon landscapes to explore 

Conclusion

Bahía Feliz encapsulates the essence of Gran Canaria’s southern coast: a peaceful bay, volcanic sands, and a friendly resort atmosphere. Whether you seek relaxed beach days, waterside promenades, or easy access to the island’s signature attractions, this diminutive haven delivers a refreshing alternative to larger holiday centres. Embrace the slower pace, soak up the year-round sunshine, and discover the understated charms of Bahía Feliz.