The Playa del Inglés bus station is by the Tropical Shopping Centre right at the start of the resort: Buses from here run north towards the capital Las Palmas and the rest of the island.

The Maspalomas bus station at the end of Avenida Cristobal Colon close to the lighthouse. Buses from here go to Playa del Inglés and other resorts and towns in south Gran Canaria.

Check routes and times on the Global website.

These are the most important bus lines for day trips:

Line 18 takes you from the Maspalomas bus station (five minutes in a taxi from Playa) up into the mountains to the hill town of San Mateo via the pretty village of Fataga. It’s a spectacular route but plan your journey carefully as there are only a couple of buses going each way.

Line 29 runs from Maspalomas to Sioux City but stops in San Agustín. Sioux City is a Cowboy and Indian theme park that has seen better days but is still great for the kids. It also does BBQs for adults.

Line 30 goes from Maspalomas through Playa and then on to Las Palmas. Get off at San Telmo station in LPA for the historical district of Vegueta and the shopping street of Triana, or at Santa Catalina for Canteras Beach. Line 1 also runs to Las Palmas but stops everywhere on the way down the motorway and takes ages. It ends at San Telmo station so you need to get a taxi to the beach (about 6 euros). Line 50 goes from San Telmo to Maspalomas. It is quick but misses out Playa.

Line 32 goes from Playa del Inglés to the pretty harbour and resort of Mogán: A great place to spend a day and eat right by the sea. Line 33 does a similar route.

Line 45 runs through Playa and then up to Palmitos Park: The island’s main zoo and theme park. It has everything from parrots and flamingos to Komodo dragons and dolphins. Palmitos is set is a gorgeous valley full of palm trees and is a great, if slightly expensive, day out for kids and adults alike.

Line 66 goes to the airport from Maspalomas via Playa.