Gran Canaria Holiday Deals

Accommodation – Where to Stay in Gran Canaria

2011-02-21T12:15:00.002Z

When it comes to the nitty gritty of booking a holiday in Gran Canaria, you have to think about two things in particular. The first is whereabouts in Gran Canaria you want to stay. This will depend on where you want to visit, which beaches you have heard about and many other factors as well. But the second thing really stays the same no matter where you will end up going. This is the type of accommodation you want to stay in – and it could depend on whom you are going with as well.

For example a big family may find it easier and more cost effective to rent a villa for the duration of their holiday. It certainly provides you with more freedom, especially if you have your own private pool to enjoy as well. As hard as it may be to believe, some people prefer lounging around a pool to going on the beach. If you are not a strong swimmer you may not enjoy swimming in the sea, and we all know that sand can get into absolutely everything! So you can see that a villa can be the best option for many people.

But what about the humble hotel – would this be a better bet for you? Gran Canaria has countless hotels, all with superb communal swimming pools, great restaurants and many other features besides. If you want a relaxing and pampered kind of holiday you will benefit from trying a hotel that has a spa included in its range of benefits. You will also feel better for knowing you don’t have to worry about mealtimes; many hotels will have all inclusive deals that make perfect sense to take advantage of.

Of course if your budget is the number one consideration you should think about staying in an apartment. You might be able to get one with a balcony that isn’t far from the beach. It all depends on where in Gran Canaria you want to stay, and how soon you can make your booking.

All in all you have plenty of great options – all it takes is some consideration and the ability to book in plenty of time.

Exploring the Streets of Santa Maria de Guia

2011-01-21T16:06:00.002Z

Gran Canaria has plenty to offer to the average holidaymaker. One great example of a town worth exploring while you are there is Santa Maria de Guia. The town can be found on the northern edge of the island, offering the chance to see this and much of the rest of the Las Palmas province as well.

This is an old town and an attractive one at that – this is one of the reasons why so many people come to see it. If all you want is beaches you may be better off going elsewhere, as Santa Maria de Guia is not particularly known for its beaches. However it does have access to three of them, even though it is tricky access at times. But this does give you the prize at the end of the journey, if it is a journey you want to take. It means you can enjoy a fairly quiet beach when you arrive, since many holidaymakers will opt for easier to access beaches elsewhere on the island.

So if you don’t go to Santa Maria de Guia for the sands, what do you go for? One good answer is the history of the place. It is amazingly beautiful and part of the reason for this is the fact that it has many old buildings which have been well taken care of. In recent years some of the buildings have been repainted and touched up where necessary and so now Santa Maria de Guia is even more beautiful than it was before.

One key building you may wish to see is the parish church in the historic centre of the town. When the Iglesia de la Santa Maria de Guia was built, the year was 1607 and in the intervening four hundred years little has changed. It is like seeing a slice of history taken out and displayed right in front of your eyes.

No doubt you will appreciate many other sights in Santa Maria de Guia while you are there. But it will certainly make you think how Gran Canaria is capable of springing a few surprises on you.

Relax On A Boat Trip In Gran Canaria

2010-12-22T08:55:00.000Z

Gran Canaria is one of the most popular Canary Islands to visit during the summer each year. Its many attractions include the fact that you can do all kinds of different things while you are there, and one of the best has to be to hop on board a boat trip.

You can get many different things out of a boat trip here. For instance there is the thrill of seeing Gran Canaria from an entirely different viewpoint. As you take your seat on your chosen boat trip you can watch as you move out from the land and see it from an entirely different angle. It gives you a whole new appreciation of the island, not to mention the opportunity to visit another area of the island as well.

The good news is that you will find all kinds of different boat trips to take while you are in Gran Canaria. The best ones are arguably those that only take very small groups out to sea. These are not overcrowded and as a result you get to take your seat on a smaller boat that is more pleasant to sail in.

Puerto Rico is the main place you will need to get to if you want to take a boat trip anywhere on the island. This is the main harbour on Gran Canaria and once you are there you should find there are several options available to you. Ideally you should book your tickets in advance as well, to ensure you are not disappointed. Your travel agent may be able to advise on the range of boat trips available, when they take place and how long you should allow for each one. One thing is for sure here – if you love getting out and about on the water, you can certainly do that once you book your spot on a boat in Gran Canaria.

From dolphin watching to glass bottom boats and everything in between, whatever you want from your boat trip you will get all of it and more, thanks to the huge range available in Gran Canaria.

Diving in Gran Canaria

2010-11-23T09:25:00.002Z

Certain holiday destinations are known for certain things. When it comes to Gran Canaria you will find it has a name for diving. There are lots of companies on the island that offer diving experiences, and it doesn’t really matter whether you are experienced or not. In any situation you will find you have a wonderful opportunity to explore the waters around Gran Canaria.

A good first step to take is to find out how close your nearest diving school is to where you are staying. It doesn’t really matter which part of Gran Canaria you are planning on visiting for your holiday, because there are several diving schools dotted around that you can visit. Wherever you stay you won’t be too far from one.

Some of the schools also offer snorkelling so if scuba diving doesn’t quite appeal for whatever reason you have this option to consider too. But whatever you decide to do you will be glad you decided to take a look beneath the depths to find the best sights in Gran Canaria. The waters are so clear that you will easily be able to see lots of marine life you would otherwise miss if you didn’t stray from the beach!

Sea horses, colourful fish and even the odd angel shark could be in wait for you as you leave the dry lands of Gran Canaria in order to see a different side of life here. Even if you are not used to going beneath the waves the waters here are so clear you will be glad you did. This is an experience you should definitely be sure you have, so you can take some underwater photos and keep them as a memory of your excursion.

Scuba diving isn’t for everyone but since you can try snorkelling as well you might find you can still see many of the delightful sights in the subtropical waters that lap around the island. Gran Canaria is worth visiting for lots of reasons but as you can see, not all of those reasons reside on dry land.

Mundo Aborigen

2010-10-22T09:36:00.002Z

Everyone knows that Gran Canaria is an ideal place to head to for all the S’s – sun, sea and sand. It’s great for a family holiday too, for these very reasons.

But it also plays host to some of the best attractions you could ever hope for. One of the most notable ones of all is Mundo Aborigen. The name of the attraction may not give you too many clues as to what you should expect when you get there, but when you do see it for real you will realise it is worth going.

So what exactly is Mundo Aborigen? And is it the kind of place the kids will love as well as the grown ups?

Well yes, they will love it and this is a very educational visit too. Mundo Aborigen shows you how the first settlers came to live on the Canary Islands, as well as how life developed for them. This attraction is set in a wonderful location as well, as the village forms part of a national park. So in reality you have more than just Mundo Aborigen to see. If you want to take a break from the beaches and sunbathing, you can head here for the day and explore what life away from the beach is like.

The great thing about Mundo Aborigen is not just the learning experience and depth of knowledge it gives you about Gran Canaria’s past. It also provides you with some sensational views out across the mountains that surround it. If you thought the only good views were found gazing across the sea, you will be proved wrong as soon as you start exploring Mundo Aborigen.

The great thing about the attraction is that it is a recreation of life as it was lived a long time ago. You will see models and tableaux that really open your eyes to life back then. The models depict daily life in all its forms, and some of them might surprise you! But one thing is for certain – the Mundo Aborigen grabs you from the moment you arrive, and fascinates you in all kinds of different ways.

Is Gran Canaria All About Nice Beaches?

2010-09-23T11:43:00.002Z

There is no doubt that Gran Canaria is a superb place to take a holiday. But although the beaches on the island are a top destination for many people, there are other areas worth exploring as well.

A good example is Tamadaba. This is a pine forest located on the north western side of the island, and it is not the only pine forest you will find in Gran Canaria either. It is extremely well preserved though and if you get the urge to leave the beach behind for a day or two so you can explore an altogether different landscape, this is the best place to go to.

In fact once you are in the thick of the forest you may completely forget where you are. If you have visited Gran Canaria before but missed out on this beautiful destination, you will be amazed at how different the island appears when you are standing in the middle of such a luscious forest.

The good thing is that you can pack a picnic and take it with you for the day. There are some nice spots worth stopping in for a break and an al fresco lunch. The deep blue sky looks very inviting as it pokes through the deep greenery above you, making you realise just how bright and dramatic some of these colours can be. Tamadaba is pure heaven on earth, and it is well worth taking time out from sunbathing to explore everything it has to show you.

Once you are in the thick of the forest you can make your way along to the coast because you can see out and down into the sea from there. It makes a superb view because it is framed by the trees and you can see the rocks below too. It certainly gives you a different view of Gran Canaria, and one that you won’t want to miss.

As you can see, Gran Canaria can pack more into a holiday than you think. If you stay on the beaches you will only be seeing half the picture.

Would You Let Your Feet Touch The Ground?

2010-08-24T14:18:00.002Z

Gran Canaria is a stunning island, but you don’t always get to appreciate it fully from the ground. It is one of the most popular of all the Canary Islands and it has a volcanic history. Indeed, if there were no volcanoes in the area, Gran Canaria would not exist at all. It has been created from volcanic eruptions many years before, which have all led to the shape it is today.

And this is where we’d like to tempt you with an opportunity to see Gran Canaria from the sky. There is a lot you can see on ground level of course, but in order to fully appreciate the unique topography of the island there is nothing better than heading up into a helicopter to see what you can see from above.

There are a couple of helicopter rides you can take if you wish, and while they are expensive compared with some other things you can do on the island, they are definitely worth spending the money on. There is a ten minute trip which takes you over areas such as Maspalomas. This would be ideal if you happen to be staying there and you want to see it from the air. It also flies over Playa del Ingles.

The other trip is much longer, stretching to thirty minutes all in all. This also flies over Playa del Ingles but it takes in Maspalomas and San Agustin too. Either way you get to see a good view of much of the land below you.

In a way it can be good to take this trip early on in your holiday. It will give you an idea of the layout of the part of the island you fly over. Conversely you may want to leave it until later on, when you have a better idea of how the land lies. This would give you the opportunity to check out which locations are where and see how much you can recognise from the air.

Either way you can see that a flight above Gran Canaria is definitely a must do event.

The Charms Of Puerto de Mogan

2010-07-26T13:20:00.001Z

There are some delightful places worth seeing in Gran Canaria, and one of the best has to be Puerto de Mogan. Many people have already been charmed by the resort, possibly because it has a bit of everything and a lot to offer as a result.

Take the marina for example. You can wander along and glance at all the delightful boats that are bobbing up and down in the water. Keep an eye out too because you will have the opportunity to climb aboard a boat trip as well. This is ideal if you fancy seeing what lies beneath the surface of the water in the area. They’ve even got a yellow submarine in the area that takes people out to the depths – and those depths are anything but murky!

But there is a lot to appreciate on shore as well. This resort has been purpose built for the holiday market and you will find lots of benefits to staying here because of this reason. There are plenty of other areas in Gran Canaria you could stay in, but there is no doubt that this one is near the top of the heap when it comes to facilities and things to do.

As you might expect from a port that has plenty of local boats going in and out, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to enjoy a taste of the local fish when you visit your pick of restaurants. There are lots of places to eat in, no matter whether you want a light snack or a more substantial fresh meal. Why not sit back and enjoy an evening meal while you watch the sun setting?

There is also a nice sandy beach to enjoy during the day, and you can take a swim without having to worry about the tide or the sea either. A dedicated area has been cordoned off for swimming purposes which means the waves don’t get to be too much for anyone – especially children.

All in all this is a favourite resort for many people in Gran Canaria, and it isn’t hard to see why.

Hop On A Camel In Gran Canaria

2010-06-24T11:45:00.002Z

Which destination do you think of first when you think of camel rides? You’ve got it – Egypt. But this is not the place to come to read about Egypt, since we’re focusing on Gran Canaria here.

So why would we mention anything about camel rides?

The answer is that you don’t have to go to Egypt to try one out, because Gran Canaria also offers them to tourists who have never tried them before. This requires a certain amount of bravery and the need to trust the guides and the camels. But if you can muster it up you can certainly think about having a once in a lifetime experience as a result.

You will need to stay somewhere close to Maspalomas if you are going to give this a try. This is because you will be in the same region as all the sand dunes, which give you a better image of what a camel ride can be like.

You might think about sitting astride a camel on your own, but in fact most of the camel rides involve sitting on the side of a camel. They have an unusual looking double seat that sits over the top of the camel, and you have one person sitting in a seat on either side.

The experience of riding a camel is something to be enjoyed all on its own. But it will also allow you to see a side of Gran Canaria you may miss otherwise. It is very easy to do all the usual touristy things such as relaxing on the beach and visiting the water parks and so on. But it’s not every holiday that you get the chance to hop on a camel and go for a ride, so make sure you do it and get the experience that you will never forget.

It can feel a little strange to begin with when you first get settled into your seat and start moving. But once you are used to it you can sit back and enjoy one of the best ways of looking around and witnessing everything that a camel ride can give you.

Gran Canaria Meets The Wild West

2010-05-26T12:33:00.001Z

It doesn’t sound like a very likely mixture does it? And yet this is exactly what awaits you at Sioux City in Gran Canaria, one of the most popular venues in the region.

This is definitely very different from any other kind of attraction in Gran Canaria. For starters you will think you are in the wilds of America in times gone by, as cowboys and cowgirls get you into the Western mood. Basically this is a Western theme park, and it hides a very different past to what it is used as now. If you watch enough westerns you may find one or two of them start to look familiar. That would be because the park was originally intended for use as a movie set. Once it ended its life in this way it turned into a theme park instead.

You’ll enjoy the country and western music that gets you into the mood of what is happening, and there are plenty of shows and demonstrations to see as well. Fancy seeing a shootout between the good guys and the bad guys? You can see just that as they take place every single day. Bank robberies (all imaginary of course) and various other western activities will also take place on a regular basis.

The good thing about this theme park is that it provides a completely different day out for the whole family. And because it was used as an authentic film set you can see the level of detail that goes into every aspect of Sioux City. This is one attraction that really appeals to everyone. It almost feels as if you have strayed into a real Western town with real inhabitants, because life goes on all around you in typical Western style.

Careful you don’t get caught up in a bar fight, or get lassoed by one of the cowboys on their horses. There is always plenty of drama going on at Sioux City, and this is why most people who visit it remember it for a long time afterwards.

Grab your cowboy hat and make a trip there now.

Visit Holiday World For A Grand Day Out

2010-04-26T12:09:00.002Z

If you have already been to Gran Canaria you may well have visited Maspalomas, as this is one of the more popular areas on the island. This is also where Holiday World resides, and it is a perennially popular place to head to, particularly if you have a family in tow.

But what can you expect to find there if you haven’t already been?

Gran Canaria has water parks you can dive into, but Holiday World is more your fun fair type of attraction. If you get tired of the beaches head inland via one of the many bus routes available – or hop in the car – and look for Holiday World and its many rides soaring up into the sky.

The Panoramic Wheel is definitely a must if you want to see what Maspalomas looks like from the air. And you can also go for white knuckle rides like the roller coaster and the Sky Drop if you have the nerve for it.

Elsewhere there are other more sedate rides which are intended for the kids to have fun on – the ghost train and the carousel to name just two. You will also find some bumper cars to jump into if you fancy trying to bump into your friends and family, so you can see this really is built for everyone to enjoy.

Younger children will love the ball pool and there are some inflatable castles and such like to get to grips with as well, perhaps while the adults are taking a well earned sit down! And once you have done all that why not have a go at bowling on one of the sixteen lanes available to use at Holiday World? It’s not hard to see why so many people love visiting the venue to have a packed day out while on Gran Canaria.

When you are feeling peckish you can stop for a break at one of the restaurants on site as well. The range of food caters for all the family so you won’t find it difficult to feed the kids. In fact, the whole day is easy and enjoyable – just what you need when you’re on holiday.

Visiting El Museo Canario

2010-03-25T08:08:00.003Z

What better way is there to learn about a country and everything it stands for than to visit a museum dedicated to revealing its past and present in glorious detail?

Visiting Gran Canaria gives you the chance to do just this, by heading for El Museo Canario in Las Palmas. The museum itself is something of a historical item, since it first opened its doors way back in 1879. Since then it has developed into something quite amazing, featuring one specific exhibition that will always have a place in the museum.

This is where you will find out everything about the history of the people who live – and have lived – in Gran Canaria through the years. The aboriginals, as they are known, have the whole exhibition devoted to them, and it tells a fascinating story. The exhibition has eleven main sections, including one that delves into the world of magic and one which looks at aboriginal earthenware.

You can also bear witness to many different archaeological remains that Gran Canaria has to show you. Many of the items found in the museum date back many hundreds of years, giving a unique insight into a place that is and was far more than just a holiday destination.

It is the whole new perspective that El Museo Canario gives you regarding this destination that makes the trip one that is worth making. Prehispanic society is here in all its glory, and it seeks to educate and enlighten at the same time.

You will find the museum in Vegueta, which is easy to find if you happen to be in Las Palmas doing some sightseeing. This is because it is close to the old quarter of the city, so it is a natural stop to make on your explorations of what Las Palmas has to offer.

Some people may think museum visits don’t fit into a beach holiday. But you should think differently if you can. Once you have visited El Museo Canario you will be able to see this destination through new eyes. And understanding its past will lead you towards appreciating its present even more.

See Hundreds Of Crocodiles At Cocodrilo Park

2010-02-23T09:40:00.002Z

Most countries and locations have zoos or similar wildlife parks you can visit, where you can see some of the local wildlife as well as those animals you are more familiar with.

But you shouldn’t miss Cocodrilo Park in Gran Canaria, largely because of the sheer amount of good work it has done to save the lives of various animals and make them more enjoyable as well.

The word cocodrilo should give you enough of a clue to realise this is largely a crocodile park, and it came into being to help some stray crocodiles have a better life than they would otherwise have had. This all began back in 1988, and since then the handful of crocodiles they started with has grown to more than three hundred in number. So if you love crocs, this is definitely the place to come to see more of them.

Many of the animals you will see here were originally owned by circuses. Some were even owned by private citizens who then discovered they could not care for them in the right way. The owners of the park itself make it their life’s work to take them and care for them properly by introducing them to the park. Needless to say the fees they charge for visitors to come and see the animals help them to keep the park going and to provide all the care and food the animals need.

But it isn’t just crocodiles you will find here. You will also see Bengal tigers, baboons and tropical fish, so you can see there is plenty more to Cocodrilo Park than you might at first think.

One of the best things about Cocodrilo Park is that the owners are more than happy to talk to guests and visitors about any aspect of it. Since they rescue many animals from other locations some of them are looking poorly when they arrive. Concerns from visitors are always put to rest as the staff reveal the history of that animal, and share the fact that it will be in much better health soon.

Visit Gran Canaria's Best Water Park

2010-01-25T14:59:00.002Z

Water parks are all over the place when you hit the hotter parts of the continent. And Gran Canaria is no exception in this regard – particularly when it comes to Aqualand Maspalomas. It is set apart from many of the others though by the fact that it is huge and has an incredible range of water rides on offer. If you decide to pay a visit you should expect to set aside the whole day for it, because you won’t want to leave in a hurry.

It’s famous for its Tornado water ride among others – the ride that shoots you out into a huge bowl and sends you round before completing the splash down back to ground level. But this is only the beginning of what you will find waiting for you among the thirty plus slides and rides at the park.

One of the best rides of the lot has to be the Rapids. You start off by grabbing a big round rubber tyre, then you sit in it and hang on as you start the long journey down the Rapids themselves. Every now and then you’ll hit a pool, before starting the next leg of the long and exciting journey down to the bottom. This is unmissable and you might just find yourself queuing up for more once you do make it to the bottom.

The Mamut slide is another unmissable event though, particularly if you are on holiday with your friends or family. Since you can fit four people into one of the huge rubber rings used for this slide, you can all make it to the bottom together.

As you can see the Aqualand Maspalomas really has things under control to give you a great day out that you’ll remember for a long time to come. And when you get tired out and you want a break, head for the traditional lazy river to make your way round the park in style – and at a slower pace as well.

So which ride will you try first? And which one will you keep going back to?

Pay A Visit To Palmitos Park

2009-12-02T09:00:00.002Z

It’s always good to see the natural side of Gran Canaria. And one of the best ways to see a lot when you visit Gran Canaria is to go to Palmitos Park.

The park is easy to find and access no matter where you might be staying. And there is no doubt that the journey is worth it, as you will see when you arrive and see how much they have to show you.

Palmitos Park has three main exhibitions you can see while you are there. One of the best is the birds of prey exhibition which usually takes place twice a day. It is a great way to see birds such as falcons and eagles much closer than you would at any other time in your life.

But there is far more to Palmitos Park than just the exhibitions. They also have an interactive botanical enclosure that allows you to get closer to birds such as flamingos. Needless to say the kids tend to love this as it puts them in an environment they may never have seen before. Why not show them the emus that are located in another area of the park too?

The reptiles aren’t for everyone but you can view Komodo Dragons and caimans here as well. Caimans are basically rather angry alligators, so be sure to keep your distance! In reality it is all quite safe and you can see them without getting into any danger. You certainly wouldn’t want to see them up close in the wild.

There are also plenty of mammals to see, one of the most popular being the nosy meerkats. These are charming little animals that always seem to have an audience!

The park itself is set in beautiful surroundings so you will have a wonderful day out exploring all that it has to offer. You will probably want to arrive early so you can make the most of seeing everything. There is certainly a lot to see and do here, especially when you consider you’ll want to make time for the exhibitions and shows.

So make a beeline for Palmitos Park when you arrive on Gran Canaria. You’ll love every moment of it.

Where To Play Golf In Europe's Winter

2009-02-25T09:35:00.009Z

Cyprus offers golf and more

Cyprus is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean and its warm climate makes golfing a pleasure year-round. Scenic pine-clad mountains and a stunning coastline form a backdrop to its excellent golf courses. If you fancy a touch of luxury, stay at the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel and you'll have good access to the island's 3 golf courses as well as the charming old town of Paphos. The many local vineyards offer wine tasting and there are excellent dining options outside of the hotel.

The oldest course in Cyprus, the Tsada Golf Club, with its undulating, natural fairways, runs through fruit orchards and vineyards. It is a par 72 course set 500 metres above sea level, that would suit both high and low handicappers. nearby par 72 Secret Valley course, well-maintained fairways are well separated. The newest course, Aphrodite Hills is set on cliffs above a beach and is surrounded by forest. The par 71 course is divided by a deep ravine.

Canary Islands – a winter golfing favourite

Gran Canaria is a fantastic winter golf destination, and the historic par 72 Real Club de Golf Tenerife in the north of the most popular of the Canary Islands, Tenerife, is the second oldest golf club in Spain. club is situated at 600 metres above sea level, with well-established trees, rolling fairways and deep cliffs, and accuracy is the name of the game here. But since there are six golf courses on Tenerife, you'll have a chance to try more than one. Par 72 Abama, set amongst thousands of trees, is winding and tactical with 22 lakes to get over or around. Preference is given to residents of the Abama Resort.

Gran Canaria, known for its beaches, is evolving as an excellent golf destination and there are now five courses. The par 7 Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, in the centre of the island, is the oldest golf in Spain. Located next to the crater of an old volcano, its short course, with its narrow fairways and small greens, require accuracy more than power. Near to the city of Las Palmas, the par 72 El Cortijo Club de Campo is dotted with lakes and features views of the ocean.

Mauritius – golfing in paradise

This idyllic Indian Ocean island, with its white sandy beaches, offers golfers a choice of three courses. Belle Mare Plage a luxurious four-star golf resort, sited on a beach protected by an offshore coral reef, has two championship courses. The demanding Legend Course has two sets of 18 with fairways lined with trees, and greens with spectacular backdrops. The relatively new par 71 The Links Course includes a practice fairway and a tough uphill fairway with a water trap. The hotel also offers a variety of water sports. All the well-appointed rooms have sea views.

For more information click here

The real Gran Canaria

2008-12-01T11:57:00.004Z

It can take around 30 minutes to stroll from one end of the Paseo Maritimo in Playa del Ingles to the other.

Of course it will be somewhat longer if you tarry over a foaming stein in one of the German beer kellers, stop for a tasteful butterfly on your left buttock at a tattoo parlour and email your mum at one of the many internet cafes.

For 2km you can enjoy Happy Hour in a dozen Irish bars (each has different timings, so you could get away with 12 hours of half-price drinks) and shop for T-shirts and furry keyrings in a warren of open-air stalls.

You can blame El Conde del Castillo de la Vega Grande de Guadalupe for this. He was a wealthy Count who in the 1960s found himself owning, apart from a ridiculously-long moniker, a vast tract of coastline on the south east corner of Gran Canaria, the largest of the Canary Islands.

So the C del C de la V G de G had a brainwave. Fill it in with concrete and invite most of Northern Europe down for a spot of winter sunshine. The rest is history. In less than 50 years this sun-blessed Spanish island off the coast of Morocco has become a Mecca for the tanning brigade.

Resorts like Playa del Ingles, with its huge shopping centres and late-night discos are a draw for families from Dundee to Dortmund.

And while the Count counted the cash, he was shrewd enough to leave the interior alone and careful not to kill the island's golden goose - mile upon mile of undulating sand dunes.

A holiday in Gran Canaria makes for a great break from the British winter. While it sometimes gets windy, the sun shines all year round and daytime temperatures in December rarely fall below 70F.

This is all helped by days exploring little mountain villages, strolling through the capital Las Palmas, eating in great restaurants and staying in friendly, well-run hotels.

Here's A Quick Guide... Playa's Kasbah Centre at night is packed with gaucho steak restaurants, kebab takeaways, bars and underground shopping malls that would rival any London Tube station for hustle and bustle. The Yumbo Centre next door is Europe's gay winter playground and its bars and clubs are almost exclusively a gay scene at certain times of the year.

Playa del Ingles is lively for teenagers, great if you want to buy a camera and OK if you're into burgers and fish and chips.

Although the beach here is clean and sandy, there's a 70s concrete feel to Playa del Ingles. Frankly it needs a makeover.

However, I stayed just down the road in Maspalomas. And the one thing that separates these two resorts is sand.

The Maspalomas sand dunes stretch for miles around the shoreline.

And, apart from the inevitable tourist camel rides and a nudist beach, you really could believe you are in a scene from Beau Geste.

The huge rolling dunes are a perfect playground for children and although the sea is chilly - the Atlantic never really warms up around the Canary Islands - the main beach is broad and clean.

Bars and restaurants line the promenade by the old lighthouse (try the Casa Antonio for fresh fish and paella), and planners have avoided the mistakes of Playa del Ingles. There are small parks, trees and fountains and several upmarket shops.

At the centre is the Palm Beach Hotel, recently done up in a rather odd retro style but set in gardens of huge palms with a thalassotherapy spa, pool, children's adventure playground, tennis court and three restaurants. Make sure your room overlooks the sea and the dunes and, bingo, you've got a great holiday in the sunshine.

WHERE TO GO:

Hire a car (about £60 for three days all-inclusive) and head up the motorway for 45 minutes to Las Palmas. Here's a proper Spanish colonial city of 700,000 people with tapas bars, graceful old buildings, broad tree-lined avenidas and a hip beach scene at Las Canteras.

It is similar to Santa Cruz in Tenerife but there is more of a buzz to the place. At night, parts of the city can be louche and loud as Las Palmas is a huge container port which attracts ships' crews looking for a good time. By day, it is a fascinating place to stroll around.

Visit the Museo de Colon, once the home of the governors of the Canary Islands (Franco was one, and he plotted the Civil War from here) and where Columbus is said to have stayed on his way to America, the 15th-century Cathedral of Santa Ana, the museum of modern art and the attractive Cuidad Jardin, formal gardens surrounded by colonial buildings. The city hosts an opera festival at the end of March.

Head west out of Las Palmas and soon you will be in the foothills of the Tejeda region. The road winds up through olive groves, orange and almond orchards and small, unspoilt villages.

Here you will see deer and rabbits and even eagles soaring among the craggy mountain tops.

The market town of Teror is a charming spot with a town square bordered by wooden-balconied houses. Dominating the square is the 18th-century Basilica de la Virgen del Pino, with a 15thcenturywood carving of the Virgin.

There are plenty of little Spanish cafes and bars and twice a week an open-air market.

The village of Artenara is the highest on the island, with spectacular views across the valleys to the snow-capped peak of Mount Teide in Tenerife. Also worth a stop is San Bartoleme, as you wind your way down to the south, and Tejeda which has a good restaurant. Heading west along the coast road from the southern resorts you might do well to skip Puerto Rico, but a few miles further on is the rewarding resort of Puerto Mogan.

There has been some development here, but this mainly consists of Spanish-style townhouses and apartments with gardens bursting with bougainvillea, around the marina.

There's a small, dark-sand beach, but Puerto Mogan is still a fishing village at heart and there are some superb seafood restaurants and locals bars where you can relax in the sunshine. Try the Restaurante Cofradia, for the freshest fish, while the locals tend to use the Restaurante Calipso, inland from the marina area. The apartments here are mainly privately-owned but you can check out if there are any to let on the tourist board's Gran Canaria website.

For more information click here

Canary Islands host classical music festival

2008-10-27T10:17:00.004Z

Classical music lovers should head to the Canary Islands Festival on Gran Canaria and Tenerife early next year.

From January 9th until February 16th, the two Canary Islands host a number of events, and this year's festival will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the event which is popular with fans of traditional music.

As it is also the 200th birthday of Hungarian musician Franz Liszt, the party is themed around Hungary, and there will also be a focus on 250th anniversary of Handel's death.

The Hungarian National Choir will perform alongside the Tenerife Symphony in some of the events which is sure to be a treat for holidaymakers with a keen ear for classical music.

The Vienna Philharmonic also plays at the festival, as does the Philadelphia Orchestra, which contributes to the event's world-class credentials.

For more information click here

Puerto de las Nieves

2006-11-13T09:51:00.000Z

Puerto de Las Nieves, is a picturesque, little fishing village, which has become increasingly popular with the tourists since the opening a ferry line to Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

In favour of this development and to compensate for the declining fishing industry, considerable investments into tourism have been made in the past years and a new promenade - Paseo de los Poetas - lined with nice, reasonably priced seafood restaurants, craft shops and galleries, a hotel near the remains of a Guanche cemetery as well as some apartment blocks behind the harbour, blending nicely with the surroundings, have been built.

The port's rich history can be seen in the tiny chapel, known as Ermita de las Nieves, which features a real treasure - a 16th-century triptych depicting the Virgin and Child, painted by the famous Flemish artist Joost van Cleve. During the Fiesta de la Rama, a copy of this triptych is carried in a procession to the parish church of Agaete and exhibited there.

At the southern end of this village you will find its most photogenic attraction, the Dedo de Dios (God's Finger), a 30 m slender pinnacle of basalt rock protruding in front of the impressive rock formations, crowned by the Pinar de Tamadaba (Pine forest) towering over the harbour.

Sometimes - if the light is diffuse - you may even have difficulties in distinguishing this spectacular solitary rock from the cliffs in the background. If you are a lover of fish dishes you should try the Caldo de pescado, a delicious fish soup, which is served in all restaurants here.

Crocodile Park

2006-10-31T16:54:00.000Z

A full day is recommended to enjoy everything here including the journey time. 'Corralillos' is located a couple of kilometers away from the town of Aguimes.

The park has over 300 crocodiles, tropical and Canarian fish, other reptiles, tarantulas and a parrot show are some of the things on offer here. Not surprisingly, this is a park that specializes in crocodiles, all shapes and all sizes from all over the world. They start by displaying the egg stage and newly born in various tanks then take you up a size to the half-grown stage. Next a size larger to the smaller breeds from places such as Florida, housed in outdoor facilities and on to the larger breeds such as a pool full of Nile crocodiles. Kids will be safe.

Staying with the crocodile section of the park and there's three shows daily whilst they feed the Nile crocodiles, mainly to demonstrate their strength and agility. The shows are daily at 12:00 14:00 and 16:15. A restaurant divides the park into two halves. It's in the restaurant that you can also catch their parrot show. Something more for the kids. The second half of the park is a zoo with chimpanzees and tigers to name but a few of the animal life on offer.

Spanair Promotes Bilbao as an Important Part of its Extension Plan

2006-10-24T15:45:00.003Z

19 October 2006

Spanair's expansion plan establishes the airline as an important and ever continuing source of growth in Bilbao, with an increased market share, positioning them as the best alternative, especially orientated towards the Business sector, and all thanks to their flight timetables adapted to frequent flyer passengers, flexible fares, an increased number of daily frequencies, VIP lounges, etc.

The Company will offer four new routes during summer 2007, which will link the Vizcaino capital with the cities of Jerez and Munich, with one daily frequency respectively, as well as two daily frequencies to Valencia and Malaga, thus adding to the existing routes between Bilbao and the cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Ibiza, south Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Palma de Mallorca. As well as this, the opening of two more routes to La Coruna and Zurich planned for 2008.

Moreover, with their flight network, it is possible to connect to a wide range of intercontinental destinations from the Star Alliance hubs; Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Zurich and Munich, allowing access to 841 airports in 157 countries, and to more than 660 VIP lounges, through the 18 Star Alliance member carriers, of which Spanair is also a member.

'Spanair has its eyes set on Bilbao as one of its key focal points in its expansion plan, contributing to its development and stimulating demand, by the means of competitive prices, and offering better quality and services' assures Lars Nygaard, CEO of Spanair, adding 'As a result of this, we will consolidate as the first alternative for business passengers from Bilbao Airport'.

The start of this project coincides with the 10th anniversary celebration of Spanair's first flights in the Vizcaino capital, which took place on the 27th of October, 1996, with the Bilbao - Madrid - Malaga route. Over these ten years, the Company has progressively evolved in Bilbao, and now has more than one hundred employees and fifteen daily flights.

Jet Ready to Win Free Flights With Monarch

2006-10-17T09:42:00.000Z

Low fares airline Monarch continues to fly the flag for quality low-cost travel from Luton Airport, and as we approach the winter months, now is the time to think about escaping for some winter sun.

With destinations in the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal available, Monarch is one of the biggest players in European travel from Luton.

As well as low fares, which include complimentary daily newspapers and a refreshing hot towel service, Monarch offer a unique range of tasty hot and cold meals available with prices from 3 pounds.

Seats can be pre-booked at 5 pounds per one-way flight to avoid the last minute free-for-all, or you might prefer to try one of the 48 extra-legroom seats which offer up to six inches of extra space for just 15 pounds each way.

Regular travellers are rewarded too, with a range of benefits through the airline's loyalty scheme, Vantage Club.

Monarch flies up to 60 times per week from Luton Airport and fares start from just 40 pounds and 99 pence one way (67 pounds and 99 pence return), including all taxes.

The Croydon Guardian has teamed up with Monarch to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of return flights to any of the destinations served by Monarch from Luton Airport, which include Alicante, Faro, Gibraltar, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Malaga, Menorca, Palma and Tenerife!

Culture in Gran Canaria

2006-09-12T08:44:00.000Z

Gran Canaria has become a cosmopolitan island with numerous cultural events throughout the year, including international music, dance, theatre and cinema festivals and the many carnival celebrations, plus a long list of festive activities and religious feasts that take place all over the island. As the inhabitants of the Canary Islands are deeply devoted to tradition, the origin of some of these fiestas goes back as far as Guanche times.

The majority of these fiestas being associated with the cult of saints, in particular patron saints, or - in agricultural regions - marking the end of harvest, they are often celebrated with large and colourful processions or fancy-dress parades and some of them even last from one to three weeks. Besides much entertainment and fun for young and old, these fiestas always offer a full programme of traditional activities, folklore performances, sporting events, such as lucha canaria wrestling and stick fighting competitions, and much more.

With all these fiestas happening around the island, you would be very unlucky if you didn’t come across at least one or two while touring the island – especially if you’re coming in summer time!

Scuba Diving in Gran Canaria

2006-08-14T10:35:00.000Z

There are many diving schools situated on the Canary Islands which cater for diving enthusiasts of differing abilities. The Canary Islands are perfect for diving since you can explore the stunning subaqua scenery of the marine park with it's caves, arches, swim-throughs and walls. Schools of barracuda, a giant fish ball, the sedate glide of a sting-ray or angelshark, the unique beauty of a seahorse or a cuttlefish effortlessly changing colour are all wonderfully beautiful possible sightings when diving.

Every guided dive in the El Cabron Marine Reserve will enhance your understanding of the complex ecosystems in marine environments. Deep dives, wreck dives, night dives and special dives for underwater photographers are also available.

Gran Canaria Information Fact File

2006-07-11T08:40:00.000Z

Gran Canaria location: Gran Canaria is the third largest island of the Canary Islands, an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean 210 km from the northwest coast of Africa and belonging to Spain

Gran Canaria population: 800,000

Gran Canaria population density: 465 inhabitants per square kilometre

Gran Canaria time difference: GMT

Gran Canaria international dialling code: + 34

Gran Canaria official language: Spanish

Spanish currency: Euro

Camel Safaris in Gran Canaria

2006-05-28T11:06:00.000Z

No, this isn't a mistake and yes, you are still visiting the Gran Canaria blog! And there are camel excursions available here! The famous Sahara-like sand dunes of Maspalomas, forming part of a nature reserve, are - for example - one of the places on Gran Canaria, which can be explored by foot or on the back of an exotic dromedary!

The other place, where camel rides are available, is located near the attractive village of Fataga. After a brief introduction about the life of a camel you will enjoy a ride through the beautiful valley of Fataga, a camel show and finally a delicious lunch. The leisure company that offers this service is located within a park, where you will find a wide variety of flowers and animals as well as a nice swimming pool.

Holiday World near Playa del Ingles

2006-05-06T09:43:00.000Z

The Holiday World leisure and amusement park has been completely rebuilt and since it was reopened, it has already become very popular with both visitors and locals, especially at weekends.

The new Holiday World boasts a traditional fun fair featuring numerous exciting attractions such as a classic 27 meters high Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, a laserdrome, shooting stalls, seal and parrot shows and many more things to entertain the kids. It also comprises a leisure centre including a bowling alley, amusement arcades, a 'wellness centre' with a health spa and a high-tech gym, various cafes and restaurants as well as two night clubs (one of which is a salsa club), which already attract huge crowds at the weekends. More for daytime use, you'll find a five-minute walk away a large park featuring a boating lake, children playgrounds, pony riding, and a karting track… only to mention some of the attractions offered there.

Opening hours: Major attractions from 18.00 to 24.00 hrs; 'wellness centre' also during daytime; park during daytime; night clubs open up to early morning hours.

Location: Campo Internacional in Maspalomas ( a mile or two from the resort of Playa del Ingles)

Gran Canaria International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

2006-04-07T15:10:00.000Z

The first Gran Canaria International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival took place between the 17th and the 22nd of January 2006.

The Festival was open to everyone; it was a window, with marvellous views on the seventh art, showing the plural reality of gays and lesbians from all over the world to the entire society. Comedy, drama, thriller... all kind of genres, a great variety of movies related to homosexuality, from different countries.

On the beautiful island Gran Canaria, world wide gay paradise during 12 months a year, the film competition wanted to state these differences, instead of moving us away from each other, should bring us closer. Through the also called Festival del Sol we will get to know stories full of emotions, sensations and feelings of people from here and there, and may access the views of different film makers looking at gay and lesbian life.

The first International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival offered twenty five films. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Club Tucanes at Playa del Ingles on Tuesday 17th at 20.00. Between Wednesday 18th and Saturday 21st, there were two daily screening sessions (19.30 and 21.00.) at the Centro Cultural of La Caja de Canarias - CICCA (C/ Alameda de Colon, 1 - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria). A jury made up by people from the movie industry and different cultural environments awarded the prizes to the 'Best Feature Film' and the 'Best Short Film', which was handed over at the end of the closing session (Saturday 21st, 21.00.).

Festival del Sol wants to keep on opening Gran Canaria towards different life styles. The film competition aims to be a relevant international reference. Promoting independent movie productions and backing up cultural live, the festival offers an excuse to visit the island and another reason to stay.

Accommodation in Playa del Ingles

2006-04-03T10:19:00.000Z

There are a wide range of accommodations to choose from in Playa del Ingles. Apartments range from budget style to larger with more facilities suitable for either the club 18-30 crowd to families or older groups further away from the nightlife. Hotels are less in number but still with a good variety from 2* up to higher quality. Practically all the accommodations have pools to realx and enjoy.

Getting around Gran Canaria

2006-03-09T16:00:00.000Z

Buses run frequently around the islands and are relatively cheap though can be slow and can refer to the Spanish 'Manana' (tomorrow) view on things - if you're in a rush, don't bother!!
Taxis are cheap and easy to get, if you are staying in Playa del Ingles and don't fancy the walk down to the next resort, Maspalomas, then simply hop in one of the taxis located all around the resorts and it shouldn't end up costing too much at all.
But of course the easiest way to get around is to hire a car which proves not only cheap but easy too, some of the resorts are quite a distance from Playa del Ingles so it really is best to hire a car as it will work out far cheaper and you needn't worry about having to be picked up by taxis or excursion coaches, you can take your time.

Weather in Gran Canaria

2006-03-08T11:07:00.000Z

Gran Canaria enjoys a spring climate all year round with average annual temperatures that fluctuate between 18 and 25 degrees centigrade. Indeed, the international scientific community recognises this as one of the cities with the best climate in the world - a thorough study conducted by the University of Siracusa led the US newspaper, USA Today, to highlight Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, one of the cities with the best climate in the world.
The sea is equally as warm with temperatures fluctuating between 18C in the winter months and 22C during the rest of the year. This, together with the estimated annual rate of 2,700 hours of sunlight in Gran Canaria allow you to make the most of the day, whether you are on the beach, playing a sport, on a day trip or enjoying an outdoor activity.

Gran Canaria - Facts and Figures

2006-03-06T13:12:00.000Z

The third largest but most developed of the seven islands in the Spanish administered Canary archipelago, Gran Canaria has been billed as a 'miniature continent' because of the variety of climates and landscapes that it offers, from the big city bustle of the capital, Las Palmas, to the serenity of its lush woodlands.
The Canaries lie in the Atlantic Ocean, about 125 miles (200km) from the African coast and almost 800 miles (1,250km) from the closest European port of Cadiz. Gran Canaria is almost circular, with a diameter of about 32 miles (50km), and is characterised by deep ravines which radiate out from the centre down to the coast. The north of the island is humid, boasting green valleys and volcanic craters, while the south is arid and desert-like with vast stretches of beach. The capital, Las Palmas, lies on the northeast tip of the island, between two long beaches, Las Caletas and Alcaravaneras. The interior of Gran Canaria hosts steep highlands dotted with small villages, sporting white houses with red roofs, banana plantations and orchards bursting with tropical fruits.
Tourists generally favour the southern coastline, flocking to the well-known beaches of Playa del Ingles or Maspalomas, where the sea washes soft sands and empty dunes stretch for miles.

Activities in and around Playa del Ingles

2006-03-06T13:07:00.000Z

If you are looking for more of an active holiday there are plenty of places for you to visit and things to do in and surrounding Playa del Ingles. These include the water parks, of which there are two located in the south of the Island and close by to the resort; Aquasur, Ocean Park and Aqua Park in Puerto Rico. There are also theme and amusement parks, which include Palmitos Park which is a subtropical oasis, Zoo Holiday World which is a leisure and amusement park and Mundo Aborigen Located overlooking the Barranco de Fataga, which is the biggest and most dramatic gorge on the island. The Mundo Aborigen is a reconstruction of an ancient Canary village devoted entirely to the Guanche way of life.
Other tourist attractions in the resort of Playa del Ingles include the botanical gardens, water sports including; Deep Sea Fishing, Sailing, Surfing, Body Boarding and windsurfing, and also Whale and Dolphin excursions like many of the other Resorts in Gran Canaria!
When visiting Playa del Ingles it is a must to go exploring the rest of Gran Canaria's island. You will see many wonderful views and scenery, in the mountains, forests, coastal and spectacular beaches or sand dunes! These are all easily accessible from Playa del Ingles, whether you hire a car and explore in your own private group or perhaps take an excursion, which you can organise through a tour operator or it is easy to find a company that does this in the centre of the resort.

Gran Canaria - Duty Free Bargains!

2006-03-06T12:59:00.000Z

Gran Canaria along with the other Canary Islands has managed to keep their status of lower import tax and VAT rates duty free - and that includes Playa del Ingles! So if you are looking to buy tobacco, wines, spirits, perfumes and maybe some electrical goods, look no further as they are much cheaper here than in other EU countries!
In Playa del Ingles in the South of Gran Canaria you will find along with the other coastal tourist resorts in the area the usual electrical goods and popular souvenir shops, as well as clothes and imported food and drink. Here you will also find a lot of local craft shops selling the local pottery and hand made banana leaves baskets, embroidery and pottery. Also here you will find the shopping centres of Playa del Ingles, the best known are probably Yumbo and Kasbah, but the biggest is Cita, these are busy seven days a week! You will be able to find cheap goods here but they are not always of high quality!
If you are looking to do some serious shopping whilst staying in Playa del Ingles on your holidays then you will have to leave the resort and go to the Capital of the island, Las Palmas is without a doubt Gran Canaria's largest commercial centre.
If you, like me like the markets for a good haggle and great bargain there are plenty across the island of Gran Canaria...Make sure you try to barter as it makes that bargain even more satisfying!!! Markets that are found in Playa del Ingles and other tourist areas in the South are normally aimed at the tourism market selling souvenirs and gifts, but around the island you will also find markets that provide for the local inhabitants, with the local farmers and produce makers selling their trade, such as local cheeses and confectionery! The markets are always a great day out to have a wander around and look even if you aren't planning on buying anything!

Beaches in and around Playa del Ingles

2006-03-06T12:55:00.000Z

Bordered by the beaches of San Agustin in the east and Maspalomas in the west, the 3 kilometres long Playa del Ingles is probably the most famous beach in Europe and also one of the most crowded throughout the year. Located in the largest tourist area of the island together with Maspalomas and San Agustin it is also the biggest holiday complex in all Spain, this fun-and-sun beach offers all sorts of leisure and sports activities such as jet-ski, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and many many more providing fun things to do. Basically, whatever you feel like doing... you'll find it here! Be aware that some areas of this beach are popular with nudists. Should you get tired of the beach, there is an attractive pedestrian promenade for a nice and distracting stroll. The Paseo Costa Canaria is lined with lush tropical flora and luxurious villas and it runs all along the beach linking the Playa de las Burras further east with the point where the natural park of the Maspalomas dunes begins.

Playa del Ingles - the resort for everybody!

2006-03-06T12:51:00.000Z

Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas in Gran Canaria is still one of the top holiday destination for Gay people, it caters for day and night! Maspalomas during the day and Playa del Ingles for the night making it the biggest gay resort in Europe! At night the Yumbo centre in Playa del Ingles is the place to be! During the day and early evening this centre is alive with families and tourists shopping and eating, but at about 10.30pm there is a noticeable change round where those families retire to bed and the gay community settle in! Although a few straight people stay and mingle and watch the drag shows at Cafe Labelle. Or you may prefer the action at Centre Stage where every night is Julie Andrews night! At about 4am the bars upstairs start to wind down this is when the large disco bars kick in, XL and Kings - you really haven't done gay Gran Canaria until you partied the night away at Kings until 6am!

Clubbing in the Canaries

2006-03-06T12:44:00.000Z

If its partying you want then there's nowhere better than one of the main Gran Canaria's resort hotspots, Playa del Ingles, this resort comes to life at night. You'll find everything here from dance bars, piano bars and cocktail bars to lively discos that throb until breakfast time.
If you are looking to paint the town red, the look no further, in true Spanish style once the sun goes down the restaurant, bars and nightclubs come alive!! If you like the hip-swaying salsa music, Live bands, Cover bands, jazz, or anything else then you will find it here! Irish bars and English bars galore!! Head for Kasbah, Playa del Ingles where you can take your pick of hundreds of bars, disco pubs and nightclubs. There are gay bars and clubs, cocktail bars, Irish bars, sports bars, cafe bars with live music and almost every other kind of bar imaginable. Two of the more popular clubs in town are Joy, here it plays pop and commercial music, and Cream, here it plays more hardcore dance music.
Holiday World which is a late night amusement park, is in Playa del Ingles it is brilliant for families and later on partying the night away with it's many bars and 2 discos in too! It is free entry to most of the nightclubs but you can spend a lot on drinks as they can tend to be a lot more expensive! The bigger clubs don't really get going until around 1am but then they can party well into the early hours!

About Playa del Ingles

2006-03-06T12:40:00.000Z

Beach and nightlife is probably the best way to describe Playa del Ingles (Beach of the Englishman), the biggest holiday complex in all of Spain together with Maspalomas and San Agustin. This is a fun-and-sun resort of high-rise hotels, shopping malls and fast-food restaurants. Created in the 1960's on what was up to that point barren land - it is now a 'tourist hyper-centre' and famous throughout Europe. In between Indian bazaars, with all sorts of goods from rags to radios, innumerable restaurants compete for your attention with international dishes, traditional breakfasts from half a dozen countries and anything else they can think of. Playa del Ingles is also the place where you find several huge commercial centres, the biggest of which are the Yumbo Centre (in Avenida de Espana next to the Tourism Office) and Kasbah (in Plaza del Teide) with all kinds of boutiques and shops. If you are looking for monuments or other cultural sites, this is not the place for it! Daylight hours are for the beach or shopping and with the nightfall the scenery changes completely when the bubbling family atmosphere disappears as discos and nightclubs swing into action until dawn. Also, what you will surely find here are plenty of English, German, Dutch and Scandinavian restaurants and bars!