Contrasts of Gran Canaria

Canarian dishes tend to be simple and elegant, owing much to sun-ripened tropical fruits such as paw-paw, prickly pear and bananas, local vegetables such as sweetcorn and potatoes and fresh fish such as moray and snapper.Specialities include conejo al salmorejo (slow cooked rabbit with garlic, paprika and chili); rancho canario (a chickpea meaty soup), ropa vieja (chicken, pork and or beef stew); chocos (cuttlefish); and crema de puerros y bubangos (cream of leek and prawn stew). The most popular fish are members of the sea bass family - cherne, cabrilla or merluza are common, and you may find grilled swordfish (espada a la plancha), as well as calamares (squid), gambas (prawns) and pulpo (octopus).

Air prices include our standard flights:TUI Airways Gatwick to Las Palmas 10:00/14:20 and car hire (air-conditioned hire car included). Drive to hotel, 30 mins. Return: Drive to airport, 1 hr then TUI Airways Las Palmas to Gatwick 15:30/19:45 Car hire is included in the price of this holiday when a flight-inclusive package is booked so will be self-drive. Directions to each hotel and to/from the walks will be provided.

HOTEL RURAL EL MONDALON, LOS HOYOS

Located on the edge of the Caldera de Bandama nature reserve and overlooking fertile vineyards is the Hotel Rural El Mondalon. Whist having a wonderfully tranquil location, it is only a 20 minute drive from the centre of Las Palmas! The hotel benefits from a heated outdoor pool with vistas onto the surrounding volcanic landscape and vineyards, whilst the bedrooms come with all the comforts you'd expect from a 4* hotel as well as a small terrace. There is a restaurant on site (closed Mondays) which serves traditional Canarian dishes with a modern twist.

Room upgrades: Superior room

Superior rooms are larger with a sitting area

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

PARADOR CRUZ DE TEJEDA, TEJEDA

The fantastic Parador Cruz de Tejeda occupies an enviable and elevated position 1500m above sea level, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, and is adjacent to the El Nublo Nature Reserve. The bedrooms are decorated in cool contemporary colours with wooden furniture and tiled floors; all have panoramic views and balcony. The hotel boasts an elegant restaurant serving traditional Canarian cuisine, spa facilities and a pool overlooking the ravine and valley.

Room upgrades: Superior room and Junior suite

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.