So you've arrived in Maspalomas, the sun is shining (hopefully) and you want to get your bearings. Here's how to explore the resort on your first day.

So you've arrived in Puerto Mogán checked in, located the hotel bar and now you want to go out and explore the resort. We've got good news: You've picked a gorgeous spot and it's easy to get to know.

Gran Canaria sells itself as a Miniature Continent, but this can make the place sound like one of those model villages that nobody visits. Be in no doubt that Gran Canaria's top sights are epic in scale and well worth visiting. 

Gran Canaria wines are just like the island: Intense and with real character. The more you try them, the more you love them. 

Whether you surf, swim, run or drive, there's a Gran Canaria competition that you have to watch or try to win. Here are the Top Ten annual sporting events in Gran Canaria. 

With everything from drag queen galas and wailing widows to tapas stands the Las Palmas carnival is an epic fiesta. It's got be Europe's biggest outdoor party and stretches out over three weeks, four if you count the times it takes to clear up the sequins.

With warm, clear water and a huge range of African, Atlantic and Mediterranean fish Gran Canaria is a top class snorkeling spot. However, you need to know where to go because the sandy beaches, where most people jump in, aren't the best place to meet the marine life. Here's our guide to the best places to snorkel in Gran Canaria.

Some people say that Las Canteras is one of the top city beaches in Europe. We say it's number one. In fact, we'll go further and say that Las Canteras deserves to be at the top of any "best city beaches in the world" list.

You can't visit the white village of San Pedro, about half way up the Agaete Valley, without looking up: it's right under the highest cliffs in the Barranco and looks more like an alpine village than a Canarian one.

Bloggers and travel writers obsess about the real Gran Canaria. They write about exploring hidden beaches and finding secret villages. It's silly, to be honest.