The Canary Islands offer a special kind of holiday for visitors, one in which leisure time may be spent in a myriad of different ways. The main island is Gran Canaria and, termed a 'continent in miniature', it contains a bit of everything, one of the largest cities in all of Spain, great historic sights, a diverse and dramatic volcanic landscape and of course some of the best beaches imaginable. The capital city of Las Palmas, on the northern side of the island, is certainly where most of the population live but when people come for the beaches they head south and invariably to Playa del Ingles. Translated as the 'English beach', it is a resort city which has grown out of beach life and the local hotels are at the heart of its enduring success and popularity.
The beach itself is the longest on the island and contiguous with a 4km stretch to Melonares, a part of which is a serviced nudist beach. Maspalomas is also close by, famous for the stunning sand dunes and also home to Palmitos Park, a popular visitor experience with exotic plants and animal shows. For most people however the beach will be all about topping up the tan and cooling off in the sea though various fun activities. The beach is fully serviced with all amenities, drinks and dining opportunities without straying too far from your prized spot and there are many hotels right on the beachfront, with many more within easy walking distance.
If there is one seagoing activity which must be attempted it is surfing. The surfing in Gran Canaria is world class, especially on the northern shores but for those who want to try their hand there are surf schools and instructors on the south shore beaches. For those who find their time is spent under the water rather than riding the waves then perhaps scuba diving is the best way to make the most of the underwater sights and environments. There are dive centers and great dive locations dotted along the south coast and boat tours can be arranged for artificial reef diving, and wreck diving, with all training and equipment provided.
Other tours and excursions will be available too and a trip to Las Palmas will be top of many peoples list of things to do, if even just to sample some superb fish dishes within the best restaurants. It is a big city with plenty of shopping and cultural experiences to be had and a visitor to Vegueta will open up all the great historic architecture of the old town. The city has a beach too and this is where the hardcore surfers show off their skills, often as organized events for the benefit of the tourists. There are festivals and carnivals and a whole vibrant canvas of sights, sounds and fun ways to pass the time. For those who just want to take in the sights and the cityscape vistas there are regular tour buses providing the ideal way to spend a day out on the island.
Closer to home, in Playa del Ingles itself, there are enough shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs within the Yumbo Centrum area to keep most people happy and the local hotels will be well placed to join in the fun. Most hotels, and especially the larger resort style developments, will have their own set of entertainment options, choices of bar and lounge areas, and ample restaurant environments whether for an evening meal or a snack by the pool. Swimming pools are often just the start of the leisure features available, with many resort hotels providing a full range of kids activities and in the luxury establishments a more grown up slant in spas, gyms, sports courts and other ways to work up an appetite for some fine dining in truly superb restaurants.
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