Gran Canaria

Having been invited by the Spanish Tourist Office to visit Gran Canaria along with 10 other Travel Counsellors on an exclusive 4 day visit - I was really looking forward to seeing this particular island. Travelling down to Gatwick from the frozen north is never a pleasant experience! But having worked in London I am used to the travel system, having left Scarborough at 8am for Kings Cross, underground to Victoria then overground on the Gatwick Express it was much easier than I had anticipated, arriving into South Terminal at 11:30.

Our flight with Norwegian Air was comfortable with free Wi-Fi available and plenty of food and drink to buy en route. Upon arrival, we were whisked off to our home for the next 4 nights - the 5* Seaside Palm Beach Hotel in Maspalomas. I was allocated a 4th floor pool view room, very spacious contemporary bedroom, modern bathroom with walk in shower and large balcony which favoured the evening sun. Dinner was splendid - an a la carte choice with very attentive waiters - I love to dine al fresco!

After a good nights sleep, we were ready for Day 1 and our rep handed out travel sickness pills....this was because we were going to be travelling the length of the island up 'above the clouds' on a mountainous road towards the north of the island. Breathtaking views of the dramatic volcanic landscapes and deep crater Tejeda. We stopped off at the lovely Parador Cruz de Tejeda for a quick pitstop, then onto the Finca La Laja in Agaete. A Finca is definitely worth a visit during your stay; welcoming hosts, coffee, cheese and wine all made locally onsite along with an orange grove set in a spectacular location. Dinner that evening was back in Maspalomas at the 5* Seaside Grand Residencia, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, a very boutique and gracious hotel with excellent food.

Day 2 saw us visiting the historic town of Vegueta, just south of Las Palmas where we visited the Columbus House Museum and the local food market. Here we had lunch at Experienca Gastronomica - Smile Cooking, where we learnt how to make Mojo Rojo and Verde and cooked our own cod for lunch! We also visited the beach at Las Palmas and saw some of the lovely hotels along the promenade. Great place for a city break. Dinner this evening was at the ultra modern 5* Sheraton Salobre Hotel set inland with outstanding views of the mountains and its own two 18-hole golf courses. A sunset terrace with cabanas completes the picture of this lovely resort.

Day 3 took us to Anfi with its micro-climate and Caribbean style white sandy beach. We boarded our boat for the 1 hour journey to Puerto Mogan or 'Little Venice' as it is known - a super little port with lots of fish restaurants and bars along the harbour. Lunch was at the 4* superior Gloria Palace Royal with its stunning views over the bay of Amadores - perfect for a family holiday. Dinner was taken at the 5* H10 Playa Meloneras Palace, another very modern hotel in a great location close to the Meloneras promenade with excellent food.

Onto Day 4 and a stroll from our Palm Beach Hotel in Maspalomas to the 2km long promenade of Meloneras with its designer shops, fabulous sea view restaurants and 4 & 5* hotels. We visited the 4* Lopesan Costa Meloneras and the 5* Lopesan Villa del Conde both different types of hotels but a very high standard and great locations. Finally we had some free time spent in our hotel, the Seaside Palm Beach. We took advantage of the saltwater hydrotherapy swimming pool with massage jets and had a lovely farewell lunch.

I can certainly recommend Gran Canaria as a holiday destination for families, couples and golfers alike. It has an average annual temperature of 24 degrees, lots of watersports and more fabulous hotels being added as they continue to improve the area for tourists. Please get in touch if you are considering Gran Canaria for your next holiday.