Gran Canaria

jetpantsMon 22/10/07 18:17

Hey,

I'm planning a week's break away in November. I'd like a combo of soaking up some sun, pootling around during the day, and a bit of fun at night.

What are the attractions of the island - worth getting a car? Where are the bars/clubs? Where should I stay... keeping in mind that as a poof of high standards I don't want to slum it.

Offers to come along and carry my bags accepted ;-)

Stevo xxx

barrynewlifeMon 22/10/07 18:24

Bag carrying offers ........1st cum first served, is it? ;)

x

jetpantsMon 22/10/07 18:35

there'll be some tests to pass first...... a physical examination, and maybe something oral also ;)

x

vigarsMon 22/10/07 18:45

http://www.gayiberia.com/grancanaria/home.html

http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels/en-GB/Hotels/Spain/CanaryIslandsGranCanaria/Margaritas/Home

that's a straight hotel - good quality walkable to the Yumbo......

jetpantsMon 22/10/07 18:49

Thanks quickfind:vigars

fastbikeMon 22/10/07 18:55

In short summary, the gay stuff is focussed in the Yumbo centre in Playa del Ingles. If you get a taxi (they're quite cheap), just ask for "Yumbo" and they should know.
The Yumbo appears fairly straight during the day - shops and market-style traders - but as the evening progresses you will notice the families with pushchairs scurrying away.
There's a wide variety of bars and clubs for all tastes.

When you get bored of the beach life, it's worth hiring a car or ideally a jeep-like vehicle and going up through the mountains across the island. The climate can vary hugely from side to side so be sure to take a sweater and a jacket.
Parts of the island away from the resorts can be very very different and make a refreshing change.

It's probably worth visiting the resort of "Puerto de Mogan" if you've not been before. It can be quite pretty and there are some attractions like a submarine you can go in, (but be warned that is rather expensive) however it's not all as "historic" as you might be led to imagine; nothing is really very old. The coastal bus trip from Playa del Ingles to Puerto de Mogan can be... an experience.

The only part of the island where there is really any history is the old part of Las Palmas. You can get busses to there too from many resorts. Might be worth a day trip.

- Steve

barrynewlifeMon 22/10/07 18:58

quoting > "there'll be some tests to pass first...... a physical examination, and maybe something oral also ;]"

Dats easy .....lemon sqeezee .......When????????

;)

deleted:brindleyMon 22/10/07 19:06

If you're hiring a car in Gran Canaria just be aware that the west side of the island can be very treacherous. The roads can be very narrow, extremely steep and twisting and the cloud can come in at a moments notice - and some roads have signs advising not to enter them if it starts raining! Make sure you do lots of research and preparation before you set out! Or stick to the autopista.

jetpantsMon 22/10/07 19:08

Cheers quickfind:fastbike, Playa del Ingles looks like the place. If I get somewhere local to that at least I can stagger back to my hotel if I've had a big one out.

I'd quite like to get a car and travel around the island one day - also go inland up to the peak.

Any recommendations for a nice hotel in Playa del Ingles, or just pick a nice 5-star near the Yumbo centre?

The bus trip sounds ominous.... anything you want to share there? ;-)

fastbikeMon 22/10/07 19:15

Well, take into account Rob D's comments about some of the roads, then imagine it in a bus ;-)

Anyway, Playa del Ingles is indeed the place if you want nightlife. I'm going in January, but staying in (str8)apartments near the Yumbo which are basic but clean and cheap - Probably not what you are looking for though.

Much more up-market (and more expensive) would be the Riu Palace Maspalomas in Playa del Ingles which is right by the beach promenade. Look it up on the net, but take great care not to confuse it with the Riu Gran Palace Oasis which is in Maspalomas itself (confused? you will be).

deleted:staffordtonyMon 22/10/07 19:16

Stay next door in Maspalomas rather than Playa del Ingles. Playa del Ingles is just a big concrete version of Blackpool. Maspalomas is still close by but much prettier

fastbikeMon 22/10/07 19:21

Depends what you want really, doesn't it ?
Playa del Ingles is indeed a bustling busy centre near the nightlife and Maspalomas is quieter. But as far as I can see, it's all fairly concrete !
In my opinion. no-one should go to Gran Can expecting high culture, except the kind that can be cured with antibiotics.

deleted:brindleyMon 22/10/07 19:31

Don't bother staying in the Sonnenland district as it is on top of a hill and miles from anywhere. And taxis are non-existent on sundays!