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Choose a Gran Canaria holiday and you'll get more than you bargain for. More sand at Maspalomas' impressively Sahara-like dunes, more sun (it's one of Europe's few genuine year-round sunspots), more fun at dizzying Playa del Ingles, and more variety of landscape within its fascinating interior.  

If that's not whetted your holiday appetite, nothing will! But let's look at this popular island in a little more detail - starting at the coast...

Not surprisingly, holidays to Gran Canaria invariably cluster around the beach - package holidays to the Canaries usually do. But, at Gran Canaria, the sand is softer, silkier and prettier than on some of the archipelago's other islands. This is thanks to the wind, chiefly, that's blown the yellow sands over from the Sahara, 70 miles or so to the east.  

Maspalomas is amazing - mile after mile of clean, rolling dunes, backed by a lagoon and nature reserve alive with migrating birds all year round, and washed by the surprisingly warm waters of the Atlantic. But there are other beaches - Canteras and San Augustin being two that are particularly worth seeking out, with their sheltered bays and great watersports. Surfing at Gran Canaria is a spectator sport only, unless you're sure you can handle the impressive waves which wash up against the island's dramatic northern coastline.  

Gran Canaria is a lush island - with a mountainous heart snagging many a cloud as it passes across the ocean. All these clouds create the rain which, in turn brings life and vibrancy to the valleys and folds of the island's interior. Dense forests in the north offer steamy hikes into another land while, in the arid centre, you can explore the small farms producing the spices, wines and exotic crops you'll enjoy later that evening, during another deftly created Canarian feast (unless tonight is Pizza night, of course!). 

Despite being only the third largest Canary Island, Gran Canaria can genuinely offer a resort to match all holidays. With its narrow, twisting streets and small-town atmosphere, Puerto Mogan is a delight. Puerto Rico, on the other hand, is a bustling spot, with plenty to keep even the most demanding of families happy. The young and the restless will simply adore the bars, duty free shopping centres and all-out-vibrancy of Playa del Ingles, safe in the knowledge that, when it all gets too much, the stylish enclave of Maspalomas is just a stroll away.  

Package holidays to Gran Canaria offer uncomplicated, good value fun - with more variety than you might have thought.

Maspalomas - 45 minutes from Las Palmas airport
	Spectacular sand dunes Main attractions here Large shopping ... View hotels Add to shortlist

Meloneras - 45 minutes from Las Palmas airport
	Spectacular sea views Newly built shopping centre Close to ... View hotels Add to shortlist

Playa Amadores - 1 hour 10 minutes from Las Palmas airport
	Up and coming resort Small selection of restaurants Lively Puerto Rico 2.5km ... View hotels Add to shortlist

Playa Del Ingles - 40 minutes from Las Palmas airport
	A fun-packed resort Endless choice of bars, restaurants Long palm-fringed ... View hotels Add to shortlist

Playa Taurito - 60 minutes from Las Palmas airport
	Situated in a small Bay Peace and relaxation Black sand ... View hotels Add to shortlist

Puerto De Mogan - 1 hour 50 minutes from Las Palmas airport
	Picture perfect resort Small sandy beach Suitable for ... View hotels Add to shortlist