El Pajar village is literally in the shadow of Gran Canaria's cement plant but once you're on the sand you can't see the factory and the little golden beach is calm and pretty.

While Puerto Rio and Playa del Inglés hardly existed before tourism, Arguineguín has always been a local town first and destination second. It's Las Marañuelas beach is the only easily-accessible one in south Gran Canaria with a real local feel.

Arguineguín's Scandinavian winter residents hang out La Lajilla beach and natural swimming pool and are quite happy that nobody else knows where it is.

Pico de last Nieves. Uniquely today is zero to hero, we can see our start beneath our feet in the surf of the Atlantic Ocean and our destination above us in the roof of the world at 1951m.

So you're in Gran Canaria and wondering what to drink. If it seems a shame to fly to a volcano and stick to British lager and Spanish wine, then read on and take your pick of the best local booze. 

A green meteor streaked across the Gran Canaria sky on Sunday 8th March 2015 at 20.00, before landing just kilometres from the north coast.

The world's largest marine wind turbine will be put up in Arinaga on the east coast of Gran Canaria.

You find them in caves, hanging out over the sea and clustered together in shopping centres but most Gran Canaria restaurants belong to one of these eight kinds.

It's easy to find great spots to eat nowadays. You just go to Tripadvisor, pick one close to the top of the list and fine dining and satisfaction are guaranteed. Or not ...

Most of the restaurants in Puerto Rico resort are in the colossal shopping centre but there are options by the marinas and the beach, and good spots for dinner tucked away amongst the apartments.