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Gran Canaria . . .

While you can easily drive around the island of Gran Canaria in a day, there is a great deal to see and do.

The volcanic origins of the island have produced a stunning and varied landscape with many different climatic zones. There is everything from the desert-like dunes of Maspalomas to lush subtropical valleys, to the pine forests of the mountains.

On the coast there are sandy beaches and spectacular cliffs, hosting resorts large and small - or, if you prefer, remote and untouched.

The island is dotted with archaeological sites which predate the arrival of the Spanish and the capital, Las Palmas, is both an historic city (Christopher Columbus had a house here) and a bustling modern metropolis with excellent shopping.

Puerto de Mogán and Puerto Rico are two contrasting resorts - if you are looking for a quiet time then Puerto Mogan is for you, but if you want plenty to do during the day and a busy nightlife you can visit Puerto Rico which is not far away.

Puerto de Mogan . . .

Puerto de Mogán is perhaps the prettiest resort in the whole of the Canarian archipelago. The pedestrianised area of "Little Venice" is full of colour with its roof-top bougainvilleas and gardens with banana and papaya trees and the beautiful bird-of-paradise plant.

The quayside of the marina and the main street are packed with restaurants serving local specialities, especially fish landed at the fishing harbour next to it.

The older part of the village is a maze of alleys and stairs climbing the cliff, and the view from the Mirador is well worth the climb of over 150 steps - (there are seats up there for you to recover!)

The most recent addition to Puerto de Mogan's attractions is the new golden sand bordering the calm waters of the bay - perfect for a day lazing about on the beach.

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Pueblo Mogan . . .

Mogan is a typical small Canarian town and has a very different atmosphere to the resorts on the coast. At its centre is a plaza with the church and the town hall facing each other.

There are several good bars and restaurants, but of special note are the open-air Bar Laurel, which is open all day until late and the Restaurante Acaymo, which is one of the best eating places on the island. The latter serves a spectacular flaming Mexican coffee made with a liqueur that is a well-guarded secret.

Mogán is a perfect base from which to explore the interior of the island with its spectacular mountains, forests of Canarian pine trees and beautiful secluded valleys. If you are a painter or photographer you'll be spoilt for choice of subject - just don't forget your paints or camera! If you prefer something a little more strenuous you can go hiking through the idyllic landscape.

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Puerto Rico . . .

If you are a sun lover you'll love Puerto Rico, with its sheltered beach of golden sand as well as parks and gardens.

Two marinas and a lido are among the attractions and the activities on offer include boat-trips, jetskiing, parasailing, game-fishing, pedaloes, tennis, squash and minigolf.

At night the resort's two main centres come to life as the bars, restaurants and discotheques bustle with people out to have good time eating, drinking and dancing or seeing a show.