Gran Canaria caters well for villa holiday visitors with numerous sport and leisure activities. Golf on the island is popular and you can enjoy a round at either the Salobre Golf Resort or at the Anfi Golf. Take a big game fishing trip, or go cruising around the coast on a glass bottom boat – stopping off for a swim or snorkel or before you reach the shore. Whale and dolphin watching are also popular activities along Gran Canaria’s coast. Why not explore the island’s mountainous region on foot on a guided nature trail, or traverse the dunes on a guided camel tour.

With beaches to suit all tastes, Gran Canaria is an oasis of sun-drenched, golden sand. Most beaches are found in the south of the Island, where the climate is warm and dry all year round. In the larger villa holiday resorts you’ll find soft, fine sand, fantastic water sports and beachside facilities. At Maspalomas in particular the beaches offer endless expanses of white sand and sparkling seas, while beaches located close to our villas, ‘Meloneras’ for Salobre Golf and ‘Amadores’ for all Tauro villas, are ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy a day at the beach to relax in the year-round Canarian sunshine. Once you have rounded the southern west corner, the Gran Canaria coastline becomes rocky and lined with secluded bays offering spectacular views.

There are numerous cultural scenes in Gran Canaria’s architecturally rich capital Las Palmas. The historic cobblestone streets lead to the Gothic neo-classical cathedral; Columbus House, and the Canary Island Museum with its exhibitions of pre-Spanish inhabitants of the island. Smaller towns such as Telde and Teror typify the colonial past, and many old villages can be found scattered throughout the island - famous today for their crafts and embroidery. Gran Canaria boasts several religious and historical centres, housing a wide array of artefacts depicting Canary Island life over the ages.

Las Palmas is without doubt Gran Canaria’s largest commercial centre. All the major retail chain and franchise stores can be found in this cosmopolitan city centre. Local markets sell fresh produce, linen, leather and handcrafted goods such as wicker baskets. For quality souvenirs made on Gran Canaria look out for FEDAC shops – public-funded outlets where local artists sell their wares. Gift shops and boutiques are plentiful throughout the island and many goods are duty free. Cigars from the Canary Islands are also world famous.

• Visit the Dunes of Maspalomas for private sun worshipping or to have a real desert experience.

• Take a boat trip to Puerto de Mogán - and have lunch at the charming marina on the south-west coast.

• Spend a day in the capital, Las Palmas – great for shopping, head for the historic Vegueta area for delightful squares, the cathedral and fascinating museums.

• Take a guided walk along the ‘Caminos Reales’, the well-maintained paths in the mountainous centre of the island.

• Look and listen for dolphins and whales in a glass bottom boat with underwater microphones.

• Try the fantastic Golf Course at the popular Salobre golf resort. This is a challenging, 36-hole course designed by Roland Faure and Ron Kirby.

• Visit the Palmitos Park, a lovely wildlife park where you can watch birds and dolphin shows.

• Take a trip to the Botanical Gardens, dotted with magical pathways, and unusual features that will let you enjoy a great day outdoors with your children.