Page Text Content
Gran Canaria
N
Punta Sardina
Punta de Galdar
Punta de la Vieja
Galdar Arucas
LAS PALMAS
Monte Coello
Oc
ea
Agaete Teror
ic
n
Atlant
Punta de la Aldea
1771
Tejeda San Nicolas de Tolentino
Punta de la Soga
1426 1949 Pozo de las Nieves
Telde
Presa de Soria
Ingenio
Santa Lucia Sardina
Punta de Gando
Morgan
Gran Canaria
Puerto Mogan Playa Taurito Punta de Tenefe Playa del Cura Playa de Amadores Bahia Feliz Puerto Rico Playa del Ingles San Agustin Arguineguin Maspalomas GRAN CANARIA Meloneras
8 km
© TUI 2005
Average daily maximum temperature
Gran Canaria
Sweeping sand dunes. Neon-lit nightlife. And a surprisingly beautiful interior. Gran Canaria's got holidays all sewn up.
30
80 70 60 50 40
25 20 15 10 5
London Gran Canaria
°F
Apr 8 5 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Average daily hours of sunshine 9 10 11 11 9 6 7 6 6 5 Oct 7 3
°C
The mere mention of Gran Canaria summons up visions of sun, fun and sands. And for good reason. The south coast of this sun-shaped island is fringed with great beaches. When you're packing your suitcase you'll need little more than your cossie, suncream and shades. Think huge swathes of golden sands and Lawrence of Arabia-like dunes. And all along the coast, the sands come with something else in tow - big, buzzing holiday resorts. Take Playa del Ingles. This rip-roaring resort is a favourite with Brits thanks to its winning formula of beach, malls and bars. Up next is Maspalomas. Next door to Playa del Ingles, this lower-key resort has sophisticated eateries, emerald fairways and Saharan-style sand dunes. And then there's Puerto Rico - a family magnet with a horseshoe bay, sleek marina and waterpark. There are less hedonistic spots along this pleasureseeking coast. In pretty Puerto Mogan, you'll find whitewashed Canarian houses lining miniature canals. And in Amadores, snow-white sands perfect for getting away from it all. And stylish enclaves like Salobre Golf Resort and Campo International, where life's all about gentle sports, quiet days and starlit dinners. This may be the Canaries' most developed island, but head inland and you'll find highlands, craters and gorges painted with pine forests, cacti and Canarian villages. It's a semi-tropical paradise ripe for exploring along serpentine roads and wooded walking trails. And then there's the capital, Las Palmas. This elegant city once waved Christopher Columbus off on his transatlantic travels and is packed with churches, museums, shops and lively squares.
Maspalomas Location 2km from Playa del Inglés Transfer Time 30 to 40 minutes
The sand dunes of Maspalomas are an unmissable reminder of just how close to Africa the Canaries are. And they're so vast that even in the height of summer, you can find a secluded spot all to yourself. Yet Maspalomas offers far more besides these amazing sand mountains. You'll find a collection of low-rise, whitewashed houses, hotels and apartments spilling down to an appealing waterfront. Elsewhere, great family entertainments abound. And as for nightlife, Maspalomas offers an array of sociable bars.
Visit portlandholidays.co.uk
Bahia Feliz Location 10km north of Playa del Inglés Transfer Time 35 minutes
Bahia Feliz means Happy Bay' in Spanish, and we reckon it will get you grinning from ear-to-ear. It's small and compact - everything within easy flip-flopping distance. Daily life here focuses on a picturesque, pedestrianised village square, with cosy bars that light up at night, offering an alternative to the otherwise hotel-centred entertainment.
Playa del Inglés Location 75km from Las Palmas on the south coast
Transfer Time 35 to 45 minutes As Gran Canaria's largest resort, this big, built-up town is choc-a-bloc with amusements and diversions. From the grand sweep of sands, merging into the dunes of Maspalomas, to the great range of restaurants and even shopping malls for a spot of retail therapy.
Highlights
Sioux City
Experience a wild west adventure and get a taste of Hollywood as you walk in Clint Eastwood's footsteps and swagger through the set of the original film Fistful of Dollars'! Wander past the jail and sheriff's office in the dusty streets avoiding the crossfire of the cowboys and indians and the high kicks of the cancan girls. Tuck into a tasty barbecue just like Clint Eastwood and don't pay for a drink all night! Sing along to Kenny and Dolly with footstamping live country & western music and line dancing in the 3 Star saloon. Then be taken back in time to learn how Sioux City got its name with the famous stunt show including cowboys against knife-throwing indians, bank robbery and much more. A night of fun and laughter for all ages and great for kids. It's sure to bring out the Billy the Kid in you!
Camel Capers
Become Lawrence of Arabia for the day as you ride on Thomson's very own camels! Join us on a hilarious ride across the amazing views of Maspalomas sand dunes on these ships of the desert. Laugh and giggle at your antics on board Humprey and friends' as you see yourself on video afterwards. Exchange and compare camel stories over lunch at El Rancho Verde, where you'll also be able to take wonderful photos of the cute baby camels. A fantastic day of fun and laughter, set in some of the island's wonderful scenery. Camel Capers is sure to be an experience you won't forget in a hurry.
San Agustin Location 3km from Playa del Inglés Transfer Time 35 to 45 minutes.
If you're looking for a resort with a taste of authentic Gran Canaria, this is just the ticket. Sitting around three picturesque dark sand beaches, you'll find both a modern centre and a pretty waterfront here. You can dine at pretty al fresco restaurants or tapas bars. Browse the cluster of gift and handicraft shops. Or even have a flutter in the glittering casino.
Playa Taurito Location 9km from Puerto Rico Transfer Time 1 hour 30 minutes
One of a string of purpose-built resorts near Puerto Rico, Playa Taurito is only for people with one thing on their mind - the beach. It's truly lovely. Across from the beach, you'll find a café and shop or two. And amid tropical palms is Taurito's lido - a lagoon-style pool with bridges, terraces and bars - ideal for a switch of scenery.
Up to 15% off high street brochure prices * Call us on 08712 30 50 60
C h a r g e s a p p l y, s e e p a g e 2
89
|
Save it »
inbro