Gran Canaria

Spain

Things to do in Gran Canaria:

Gran Canaria Restaurants

Cheap (20)

Las Brasas

This family-run restaurant specialises in barbecued meats. Order the chicken with herbs, served with fresh salad and hot, garlicky bread - delicious! read more
Affordable (25)

Mama Pino

Mama Pino offers a varied international menu created with fresh local produce - order one of the delicious steaks, or try a fiery flamb�. English breakfast is served in the morning, while Spanish... read more
Good quality (23)

La Paloma

A well-established restaurant with a cosy atmosphere. Start with the smoked salmon on toast followed by the house speciality, steak provincial. read more

Gran Canaria Nightlife

Chilled (21)

La Leche

A plush cocktail bar where you can escape from the carnival madness and start your night in a more civilised manner. read more
Live Music (24)

19th Hole

A lively Irish bar where you can watch sports, have a sing-along�and catch the popular local blues singer, who performs regularly. read more
Clubbing (21)

Pacha

A hit with young, trendy locals and visitors. Expect non-stop music and energetic dancing till 5am. read more

This Month in Gran Canaria (March):

By Jan Cooney

Shopping: By March, after three months of celebrations, everybody will have perfected their carnival costumes. To look the part, head to Bazaar Ani, a fancy dress shop selling all you need to be a carnival queen (or king) (Urbanizaci�n San Fernando, tel: 928 761 093).

Sightseeing: Carnival has been making its way across the island for the past few months, but finally arrives in the south with a bang. The final procession in Maspalomas will mark the climax of three months of fun and frolicking (11-21 March).

Key areas: The small fishing village of Arguineguin has retained its Canarian feel but still boasts a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Every Tuesday there is a market centred around the Ancora shopping mall.

Day trips: Head to the hikers' paradise of Barranco de la Mina, a 30-minute drive inland. Take the signs for Cruz de Tejeda and from there you'll climb up to breathtaking views stretching as far as Mount Teide on Tenerife.

Gran Canaria Trivia

March: Ex-footballer Vinny Samways, of Tottenham Hotspur fame, used to play for Las Palmas.
February: Despite its name, Gran Canaria is actually the third largest of the Canary islands.
January: The original residents of Gran Canaria were the Tamaran, who inhabited the island in 500BC. There are more remains on Gran Canaria of the old settlers than on any of the surrounding islands.