One big party in the sun (Gran Canaria)

Member Name: cjholgreaves

Product:	Gran Canaria
Date:	26/01/02 (544 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, Good nightlife

Disadvantages: None

Gran Canaria is described as a miniature continent because of its amazing variety of landscape. In the north there tends to be more rain and is it lush; the south is dry and barren by comparison, but does get more sunshine. The centre of the island is a cluster of jagged mountains.

We stayed in the Sonemar Bungalows in the Sonnenland region of Gran Canaria which is on the south of the island. The complex where we stayed had more than 200 apartments with the choice to go all-inclusive or self catering. We went all-inclusive.

The apartments were quite basic. There was an incorporated lounge-kitchen downstairs with a small terrace; upstairs there was a bedroom, bathroom and a balcony. The apartments were quite comfortable for two people but would have been a little cramped for 4 people with two sleeping on sofa beds downstairs. The complex had three pools and exotic planting around the grounds.

Going all-inclusive we got buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had locally produced drinks including alcohol (of which there was a wide selection) included between 11am - 11pm and snacks from the bar midmorning and mid-afternoon. The food was good and there was a large variety, so it would suit everyone.

There was an extensive entertainment program with a special kids club which held volleyball, tennis tournaments etc. In the evening there were shows and discos although even this was more geared towards the children, many of whom would be up after 11pm. However, from the rooms the noise was not intrusive.

Just 5 minutes drive away from Sonnenland (30 minute walk) is Maspalomas - best known for its sand dunes, which can be explored on a camel trek. Maspalomas has its own shopping centre - C.C. Faro 2. Designer clothes can be found here and also a number of bars and restaurants which stay open till about 11pm.

Walking along the beach (which includes a naturist section) you will come to Playa del Ingles which is a good
place for duty free shopping, with 13 shopping centres. These are some of the best:
Plaza Maspalomas- upmarket designer clothes
Gran Chapparal- British centre
San Fernando- typical canarian centre

If you want to stay up late Playa del Ingles is the place for you. Most of the evening entertainment- bars, discos, cocktails bars etc. are found in the shopping centres. Plaza Maspalomas is the place to go in the evenings- you will be offered a variety of deals with free shots or two cocktails for the price of one, and these places are open till 3am. There are two night-clubs around here and you can usually get in free if you go to another bar first and get a stamp on your hand. Clubs are open till 6am.

Eating out on the island is relatively cheap and there is everything from typical canarian food to fish and chips.

Car hire is available, but taxis are cheap and there is always one free. Bus services are also good if you want to travel further afield cheaply.

One place is particular which I must recommend you visit if you stay in this region is Puerto de Mogan. It is a small fishing port full of yachts and has managed to stay less touristy. It has been referred to as mini Venice because of the maze of water ways through the little village. It is also full of little shops which are perfect for getting special souvenirs from.

I must also recommend a jeep safari to anyone who is not able to hire a car, as a great way of seeing a bit of the island. We went on a day tour, off road to see some fascinating scenery and also had lunch at a very typical restaurant. We ate the fruits from a prickly pear, and most of all it was good fun.

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