Ok, sorry, who are we kidding?

Patalavaca is a gorgeous sandy beach between Arguineguín and Anfi. It gets all the sunshine of south Gran Canaria but is rarely crowded. With calm water, a few sun loungers and several restaurants overlooking the sand it's right at the top of our underrated south Gran Canaria beach list. You can even park just behind the beach.

Somehow the Scandinavians have kept Patalavaca to themselves since the area was first developed back in the 1970s. They bought all the property and book the hotels before anyone else gets a look in. This Scandy dominance means that food prices are slightly higher than in nearby Puerto Rico but then so are standards.

Patalavaca is actually two separate little sandy beaches divided by a patch of smooth rock. There's nothing to choose between them so just pick a spot. Children love the arch and tiny little beach right in the middle of the rocks (you can see it from the walkway along the back of he beach).

As well as bars and restaurants there's a massage place, a dive shop and a supermarket just behind the beach. The only odd thing about Patalavaca is that the water taps on the beach switch off at 17.00. We have no idea why.

For a quiet day on the beach, there's nowhere else in south Gran Canaria like Patalavaca. Just don't tell too many people about it.