Gran Canaria holidays

A few steps away from Maspalomas, the area of luxury resorts called Meloneras sits at the southern-most tip of Gran Canaria. Full of five-star retreats, thalassotherapy spas and high end shopping, this is the newest hot-spot for the more affluent visitor to the island. Expect fine dining and quality entertainment at these resorts, such as the fantastic Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort Spa & Casino, where you can sip cocktails in the tropical gardens.

Both Puerto Rico and Amadores are purpose built resorts on the south-west of Gran Canaria. Puerto Rico is built on top of the volcanic cliff faces, creating an amphitheatre descending into the bay, and has some great water sports options. Amadores, just further along the coast, is perfect for couples looking for a romantic retreat – it is no coincidence that Playa de Amadores means ‘lover’s beach’. Stay at the wonderful Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel to indulge in a hydrotherapy retreat.

Down at the southern coast of the island, you find the big resort towns and Playa del Ingles is the largest. This famous holiday resort is home-away-from-home to many European visitors during the winter months, aiming to escape the cold conditions of Britain and Germany, among others. Great for nightlife, you will find the best bars around the Yumbo Centrum and during the day some of the best cafes too. Stay at the wonderful Bohemia for a luxury stay in a beautiful spa.

Known as Las Palmas, this bustling city is the largest in the Canary Islands and is Spain’s ninth largest. You will find everything you expect from a major port city, with cultural highlights like the beautifully refurbished Pérez Galdós Theatre and the modernist Auditorio Alfredo Kraus. You will find some of the best shopping in Triana – one of the city’s oldest districts. Stay at the iconic Santa Catalina, which sits in the majestic Doramas Park, in the heart of Las Palmas.