Destinations / Gran Canaria

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Gran Canaria is an island of contrasts - the south is hot and desert-like with volcanic peaks, while the north has lush pine forests and banana plantations. Maspalomas, in the south of the island, is famed for its spectacular sand dunes and superb sandy beaches.

General information:

Gran Canaria is an island of contrasts - the south is hot and desert-like with volcanic peaks, while the north has lush pine forests and banana plantations.

Maspalomas in the south of the island, with spectacular sand dunes and superb sandy beaches is popular with visitors and locals alike, and a great place to sample typical Canarian food. The area is popular with golfers and is home to one Gran Canaria's six excellent golf courses.

Playa Meloneras is a new and developing resort next to the more established Maspalomas. The resort boasts most of the finest hotels on the island and is a good choice for a relaxing break with a small selection of shops, bars and restaurants.

Puerto Rico is on the South West coast of the island. The resort has something to offer for everyone whether you want peace and quiet, a more lively holiday or somewhere to take the kids. It enjoys its own micro-climate which all but guarantees great weather all year round, it has a central shopping centre with a myriad of bars and restaurants and boasts two golden beaches, one of which, Amadores, is among the island's finest.

Playa del Ingles is the islands largest holiday resort between Maspalomas and St Agustin. It shares an 8 km sandy beach and has lots to offer. Its reputation for nightlife means 'Playa' is a huge hit with the young in summer, and attracts a more laid back crowd in winter.

The smaller resorts of Playa del Cura and Playa del Aguila offer a nice un-crowded alternative to the larger resorts.

Getting to your hotel:

By bus:

There is a bus which can take you direct from the airport to the resort of Maspalomas, and from there it is a short taxi ride to Playa Meloneras. For Playa del Ingles take the number 66 bus from the airport.

By taxi:

A taxi direct from the airport will cost approximately 30 Euros and should take about 30 minutes.
To Puerto Rico: a taxi costs 40 to 45 Euros.
To Playa del Ingles or Maspalomas: a taxi costs 30 to 35 Euros.
Make sure the driver knows the apartments that you're going to before you set off.

Getting around:

The bus service is a reliable and cost efficient way of getting around to other resorts, towns and attractions, with frequent service. The taxi service is also efficient on the island.

Shopping:

From Monday to Friday, shops are usually open from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm (Saturdays from 9am to 1pm). The Canary islands have a special status within the European community and can sell tobacco, spirits and perfumes at extremely low prices. Designer clothes imitations at bargain prices are also a speciality.

Useful numbers:

Spanish Tourist Office in London: 020 7486 8077
Gran Canaria tourist board: 00 34 928 771 550

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