Las Nasas restaurant on the beachfront at Puerto de las Nieves has a stunning terrace and a huge artwork by the Canary Islands' most famous living artist.

Gran Canaria's homegrown coffee is the world's most northerly crop and the best place to try it is in Agaete's secret garden.

Gran Canaria's sun is African and in the summer it fries pale northern bodies in minutes. If you want a tan, take it easy for the first couple of days until your skin has a chance to adjust.