just back from my first time in Gran Canaria. i got some accommodation really cheap - so will put a bit about them in the right section - though briefly, stayed one night in the Buenaventura (very busy, not good food), three nights in the Jardin Del Sol (cheap and cheerful - perfectly respectable) and three night in the Liberty apartments (lovely)

What struck me is how far everything is from everything else and whats in between them - i.e. from one centre to another its just hotels, with the odd branch of Spar.

And how far it is to the sea from the places I stayed. Miles! and uphill on the way back. didnt realise the distance walking from PDI to the Faro, then up the street to the Faro2 centre - I must have walked miles and miles and miles!

Cost of living fairly expensive though. I did try and go to the Dino Hipermarket but it was closed! However, if you have transport or don't mind going on the bus (1 euro 85) - go the the Atlantico Centre (on the 66 airport bus) - its a great shopping centre and has a Carrefour which is so much cheaper and much better quality that Spar stuff (in my opinion)

Speaking of buses, if you havent got a transfer organised, don't be afraid of the bus. It leaves the airport at 20 past the hour during the day (not every 20 minutes as some websites tell you!) and leaves the Yumbo for the return at 27 minutes past the hour. It costs 2.95 euros - so about two quid and takes 20-25 minutes. you could even get a cab then to take you anywhere in resort for 3 euros. Rather than pay 30euros for a cab from the airport. To find the bus at the airport turn right straight out of arrivals, follow the path round and you will find it. The 66 takes you to Playa Del Ingles and Maspalomas. It is possible to get to Puerto Rico on the bus but its a bit of a complicated route, involving crossing the motorway!

I did visit Puerto Rico from PDI just for a couple of hours, and thought it was lovely. Completely opposite from PDI - more relaxed. Though if my hotel was at the top of that hill, I think I might have thought differently!

Anyway, there we go. The weather was perfect - not a cloud in the sky, all week.

If I would have one recommendation, it would be to see the show in Ricky's Cabaret Bar - i laughed and laughed and laughed - superb entertainment, and reasonable priced drinks. Go see Andi Martine, Dinah Mite etc show you what they can do.