Gran Canaria's beaches are currently clear of fuel oil after a large volunteer-led clear up over the past two days. There is currently one confirmed oil slick 5 kilometres from the coast but no reports of fresh oil close to the island. 

Golden El Cabron's beach is famous amongst divers but only gets a few local visitors. The snorkelling is spectacular, and it was named after a bucaneer.

Arguineguín's shops sell useful stuff for residents rather than souvenirs for tourists. It's where the south Gran Canaria locals come to do their shopping. Except on Tuesdays, when the big street market comes to town.

Walk downhill in Arguineguín until you hit the sea and it's an easy place to explore; the seafront promenade runs the whole length of town. All you have to do to start is work out where you are. 

The Islas Canarias Rally this weekend means that stretches of road all over the island will be closed on Friday evening and all of Saturday. 

San Cristobal fishing village doesn't need Martha Stewart tutorials on the shabby-chic look, but it could teach her a thing or two about authenticity. With two beaches and the freshest fish in town, it a great Las Palmas spot for lunch and a wander. 

For a sardine and seafood feast, head to San Cristobal village in north Gran Canaria on the weekend of April 18-19 for the Sabor a Mar festival.

Everybody loves a plate of papas con mojo, but there's more to Gran Canaria food than salty potatoes. From great steak to cactus fruit, here's ten things that have to try before you leave.

The east Gran Canaria municipality of Telde experienced a light earthquake just before midnight on April 7 and a second on just offshore on April 9.

Gran Canaria's basketball team is in the European final after an easy win over Russian team Unics Kazán.