In Britain and other European countries it’s well known as an ideal tourist hideaway, and Gran Canaria continues to appeal to holidaymakers despite the recession.

The largest of the Canary Islands, often referred to as a “miniature continent,” Gran Canaria offers a lot to the visitor. The natural beauty is a mix of tropical landforms and amazing seascapes found in both tropical and cooler climates. Accommodation is available for every budget.

While the southern part of the island remains the most popular, there are things to see and do while holidaying in Gran Canaria. One of the main attractions in the south is Little Venice or Puerto de Mogan. Little Venice is a photographer’s dream, so do have your camera handy as you walk through the village.

Gran Canaria - A great holiday destination served by top companies like Thomson Holidays

Beaches

Some of the most popular are Anfi Beach, Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles and Las Canteras. Depending on where on Gran Canaria you are, the beaches have different views and sand. In some areas it is golden, while in others it has a grey-volcanic colour.

All beaches on Gran Canaria allow free access to the public. Some close to upscale Gran Canaria hotels may require a fee for using a lounge chair or beach umbrella. Visitors can opt to enjoy the water or just lie and enjoy the sea breezes. The beaches on Gran Canaria are one of the reasons visitors keep returning to the island time and again.

Things to do

A tour of the breathtaking sand dunes of Maspalomas is one of those experiences that will last a lifetime. In addition there are theme and fun parks and water parks for everyone. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the reconstructed village depicting ancient Canary life. The Mundo Aborigen is a true reflection of how the now extinct Guanche people lived. There is also a Guanche Museum in the Park for those who want to know even more.

Sightseeing

There are a number of towns and villages to meander through as you enjoy the island. Among these areirgas, with its 30 metre waterfall. The waterfall is part of Paseo de Gran Canaria where there are various interesting symbols of past Canarians life and culture.

If you love old churches and historic architecture, Arucas beckons. Here the visitors will find many old churches dating back centuries. Chief among these are the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista, Fabrica y Museo del Ron and Heredad de Aguas de Arucas y Firgas. The Fabrica y Museo del Ron is the island’s main sugar factory, which was built in 1884. Heredad de Aguas de Arucas y Firgas, where the Water Board now calls home, is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful buildings.

Activities

Water sports ranging from windsurfing to water skiing, as well as camel riding are also quite popular. Visitors can pay a small fee to trot across the sand on a camel.

Golf lovers have their pick of courses on which to practice their swing. The island has the distinction of having the oldest golf course in Spain. The 18-hole Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas was built in 1891. Other golf courses in Gran Canaria worthy of mention include Campo de Golf de Maspalomas and Anfi Tauro Golf.

Unlike many other holiday hotspots, Gran Canaria caters to members of the gay community. There are bars and exciting nightlife. Most of the activities for gays can be found in Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles.

Measures to Slow Tourism Decline

Like everywhere else, Gran Canaria is feeling the impact of the global economic slide. The powers that be are not sitting idly by while tourism dies. One measure implemented by the government of Gran Canaria is a 30 percent discount offered to wellness tourists. Combined with the discount is a drive towards painting the island as the ideal place to relax and unwind.

While visitors from the UK have declined from 2007 to 2008, there has been an increase of visitors from other European countries. To save tourism in the area, the Spanish and the Canarian governments are working on a project to improve the industry. This move should result in major development in Playa del Ingles. There was also an injection of six million euros to push start the project.

Gran Canaria continues to be a popular location for European holidaymakers, and not just because of the glorious weather in Gran Canaria - the diversity of activities makes the island perfect for families, couples or singles. There is something for those just wanting to relax and for others who want to do as much as possible. Whatever your holiday needs, Gran Canaria is a fantastic destination to look into for a holiday this year.

For Gran Canaria holidays with Thomson Holidays - Click Here

If you think of the Canary Islands and Gran Canaria, you probably think of palm trees, endless beaches and colourful gardens. The last thing that enters your mind is cheese, but that is all set to change this autumn. From September 30 through October 4, the World Cheese Convention is scheduled for the Canary Islands.

The 2009 International Cheese Festival is open to the cheese-loving public. It will occur in southern Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas Congress Centre. Event organizers anticipate a crowd of over 10,000 visitors.

This year marks the second time the event has been held outside the United Kingdom. The convention will bring together over 400 expert judges to evaluate over 4,000 of the world’s finest cheeses. The Canary Islands alone have already entered over 60 cheeses into the competition.

The competitive part of the convention will name the winning cheese in several categories. The main international cheese buyers watch the competition closely. The judging occurs on September 30, and an awards banquet is scheduled for the following night. The rest of the festival consists of the World Cheese Congress, where international experts will discuss the future of the cheese industry.

Cheese is one of the world’s oldest foods. More than 400 varieties of cheese exist around the world. It is made from the milk of cows, sheep, buffalo, goats, reindeer, camels and yaks. Whether it is served warm or cold, it is one of the most versatile and nutritious foods.

Hundreds of special techniques create the different varieties of cheese available today. However, there are three basic steps in the making of cheese that every variety has in common. The first step is creating curds in milk. The second step is the separation of the curds from the whey, which is the milky liquid left over when curds are created. Finally, the curds are turned to a finished cheese using a variety of aging and curing techniques.

The International Cheese Festival 2009 was moved to the Canary Islands when the Canary Island government expressed an interest in hosting the convention. The event’s organizers, The British Guild of Fine Food, were happy to accept the invitation. They chose Maspalomas as their event’s destination for 2009. The weather in Gran Canaria for that time of year should be terrific.

Government officials agreed to fund all travel and accommodation costs for those invited. They intend to incur the cost of freighting all cheese entries from their countries of origin to the awards. The international economic slowdown has had large effects on tourism and travel around the globe and they want to make sure when people consider a holiday they consider Gran Canaria.

The Canary Island government hopes the event will attract international visitors. The sunny climate and weather in Gran Canaria plus the gorgeous terrain of the Canary Islands is sure to attract cheese buyers and cheese lovers from around the world. The Canary Island government recognizes the benefits of hosting the convention on their local economy. They anticipate their location will benefit area businesses and convention goers alike.

Gran Canaria is located 210 km from the northwest coast of Africa. The island is southeast of Tenerife and west of Fuerteventura. The archipelago of the Canary Islands was claimed by Spain in the 15th century.

A popular destination of the Canary Islands that cheese festival visitors are sure to enjoy is Palmitos Park. It features elaborate plants and fascinating animals. The orchid house is always a visitor favourite, as is the park’s collection of exotic birds.

For nightlife, visitors are always pleased by the Yumbo Centre. It features a wide array of bars and restaurants to suit every taste. Shopping and mall walking are popular activities at the Yumbo Centre with families. The facility also features open architecture and spacious green areas if visitors want to seek non-cheese related activities.

The 2009 International Cheese Festival is sure to please spectators and competitors alike. The variety of cheese from around the world will impress cheese aficionados from around the world. The beauty of the Canary Islands will be an added attraction for those enjoying the festival and make it one to remember.

Quite a few non Europeans hearing the name Benidorm may not recognise it right away. However, this little coastal town tucked away in Spain is a vacationer’s paradise. In fact, Benidorm, one of the many tourist towns in the Alicante province is synonymous with tourism in Spain. It was one of the first areas in Spain that developed a thriving tourism industry.

Like most towns in Europe, Benidorm is an eclectic mix of old and new. Walk down cobbled streets and get lost in time before the advent of bustling traffic and high-rise buildings. It is easy to savour the culture of a by-gone era while still enjoying all the pleasures of modern living. In the past, Benidorm was very popular with tourists because of its cheap rates. However, this has changed over the years.

Recently a newspaper article expressed concern that the current economic meltdown has pushed prices higher. Despite the increased rates, tourists, especially from the UK, still make Benidorm a part of their holiday plans.

Nightlife on the Town

If you’re wondering what to do in Benidorm, there is no shortage of nighttime activities and entertainment for visitors to Benidorm. There is a large selection of clubs and bars to choose from. Throw in the free cabaret acts to be found in many establishments, and you get a picture of what type of fun this town has for the adult tourists who just want to unwind. There are countless bars and nightspots for all incomes and age groups.

This is one Spanish holidays town that is known for the number of fiestas it produces year round. Reports indicate that over 50 fiestas are held annually, many of which are free. Both Christians and non-Christians can find some fiesta or other gala to meet their entertainment needs.

The Benidorm Palace is an entertainment package that must be seen to be believed. After a scrumptious meal, you will be entertained by beautifully clad dancers.

Where to Eat

Finding somewhere to sample some of the best in Mediterranean cuisine is easy. Choices abound from the classier restaurants in four-star hotels to cozy little eateries around town. The choice of menus reflects a global trend with Chinese, Indian and other nationalities readily available. Of course, popular Spanish fare is also on hand for those who want the real deal.

Some popular restaurants in Benidorm are the Duomo, home of great Italian food; the Agir Restaurant; and the Queen Vic, known for its English fare. Authentic Spanish food is best had in the older part of Benidorm, which is known for preserving the past of this thriving resort town.

Best Beaches on Benidorm

As to be expected in a Mediterranean paradise such as Benidorm, the beaches are beautiful. The top three beaches are Llevante (or Playa Levante), Playa Poniente and the small, out-of-the-way Playa de Mal Pas. They have all received the European Union’s standard for quality: the Blue Flag.

Quite a few tour operators like Thomas Cook and Thompsons Holidays offer excursions to their clients once they are in town.

In addition to the beaches, there are also some fantastic water parks in Benidorm. Two of them are Mundomar Marine Exotic Animal Park and Aqualandia Water Amusement Park. These parks appeal to adults and children alike with their colorful animal life and attractions. At Mundomar be sure to look out for the dancing with dolphins show.

Shopping Opportunities

There is no shortage of shopping opportunities in Benidorm. Those wanting to take home a little reminder of their trip can do so without spending an arm and a leg. Popular items for sale include leather goods, jewelry and shoes. The prices are not prohibitive either.

In fact, when people say there is something for everyone, it’s definitely true for Benidorm. Apart from the attractions listed above, there are top class golf courses for golf lovers, with some just a few hours drive outside of Benidorm itself.

Of course no visit to Benidorm can be complete with at least one visit to “Peacock Island.” The rocky outcropping got its name from the peacocks that have made it their home.

So, the next time you plan on having your holidays in Europe, add Benidorm to your itinerary. While it may no longer offer the cheapest holiday package in the region, it more than makes up for this with all it has to offer in other ways for 2009.

Holiday island Gran Canaria has much to offer tourists looking for warm balmy days on pristine sandy beaches to break up the Northern European winter weather.

Just off the coast of Africa and the third largest island in the Canary Islands chain, Gran Canaria is not far from better known Tenerife. Though it is the third largest of the islands, Gran Canaria is the most populated. But don’t let that discourage you from choosing it as your vacation getaway. Of the island’s 230 kilometers of coastline, over 60 consist of exquisite beaches.

Tourism on the island has been increasing over the last few years - large numbers of holidaymakers from the Spanish mainland return year after year. The Germans and Swiss make up a big percentage of the tourist population, with the British and Irish not far behind. It’s a terrific family holiday destination with something for everyone to enjoy.

The beaches are noted for their white sand and crystal clear waters. Especially notable are the massive Maspalomas beach with its seaside sand dunes and the marvelous hidden beach of Guigui. Las Canteras beach is located in the capital of Las Palmas and tends to be much livelier, though still family friendly.

Some tourists prefer to stay put at their favourite beach, while the more adventuresome will seek out a variety of beaches during their stay. Either way the number of activities and water sports available keeps everyone happy and relaxed. It’s worth remembering that because of the great all year round weather in Gran Canaria holidaymakers can enjoy the beautiful beaches whatever month they year around.

Accommodation can be found near almost every beach on the island. Whether your taste runs to luxury hotels or a self catering apartment or villa, you will find what you are looking for.

Consider the more rustic accommodation too. They can range from quaint country houses to 18th century estates to colonial mansions and should not be overlooked. They are accentuated by the natural settings, whether on high cliffs or in the middle of a forest preserve with a panoramic view, these off-the-beaten-track facilities offer unforgettable experiences.

For the sports minded holidaymaker, many of the hotels in Gran Canaria offer a variety of sports activities, including golf, tennis, paddling, sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

If you have a hankering for something a little less genteel and a bit more risky, go with the pros and enjoy gliding, paragliding, hang gliding and solo rock climbing. The instructors are experts, and while they take most of the risk out of these sports, it will definitely feel adventuresome and probably leave you wanting another go around defying gravity.

In recent years Gran Canaria has become a mecca for sports teams seeking exactly the kind of climate the island supports. As a result it is not unusual to see professional sports teams and sports clubs training their members for competitions. Many national, international and regional events are held on the island each year. If you just like to watch sports, Gran Canaria also hosts a number of spectator sports including soccer, basketball and racing.

If golf is your thing, you can play literally year around. Gran Canaria’s golf history goes all the way back to 1891 when its first golf course was opened. It was built in what is now the central zone of the capital city of Las Palmas. In 1957 the course was relocated to Bandama, but still retains the name of Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas. Gran Canaria really is a pioneer when it comes to golf and can claim to have introduced the sport to Spain. Today there are numerous golf courses and endless sunny days to enjoy them for holidaymakers.

The annual Canary Islands Music Festival event has been drawing the world’s best classical musicians since 1985, and helps to attract thousands of tourists to both Tenerife and Gran Canaria, producing extra tourist Euros for the islands.

The Canary Islands Music Festival boasts events stretched over a period more than a month. Concerts and cultural events take place on both the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife from January 9 to February 16, 2009.

Festival organizers are recognising some important milestones that will influence the festival’s theme. This celebration of classical music has reached the quarter-century mark. The 25th anniversary will be marked with much fanfare amongst organisers, visitors and local business owners.

Many of the works of classical pianist and composer Franz Lizst will be featured. The Hungarian musician would be nearing his 200th birthday. Lizst was highly regarded during his lifetime, even by his own contemporaries. He is still considered by many to be the greatest pianist in the history of the world. Festival organizers have chosen to focus on his work during its 2009 series.

The upcoming New Year also marks the 250th anniversary of the death of Georg Friedrich Handel. The Canary Islands Music Festival will pay fitting tribute to the German Baroque composer.

Handel is probably most well-known for his oratorio ‘Messiah.’ Handel’s ‘Messiah’ is a holiday favourite the world over. Handel wrote over 40 operas, more than 25 oratorios and hundreds of songs, cantatas, duets and other musical works.

The Canary Islands Music Festival has grown since its debut in 1985. It was begun by likeminded avid classical music lovers. They wanted the Canary Islands to be recognized as a symbol of culture. They recognised the rich history of the islands as a magnet for tourists seeking culture in addition to sun and surf.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists have flocked to the festival since it opened its doors and boosted the number of holidaymakers taking Gran Canaria holidays.  It boasts some of the finest performances by modern classical musicians in one grand event. It has featured in past years names such as Claudio Abbado, Carlo Maria Giulini, Sir Colin Davis, Frans Bruggen and many more.

Events take place in various venues in the capital cities of the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Concerts and cultural happenings are spread over more than 35 days. Tickets for various events range in price from 20 to a hundred Euros, depending on the artist and the venue.

Music loving tourists can come for part or all of the festival. Local hotels, apartments and bed-and-breakfasts are booking quickly. Tour packages are also available through a number of travel agencies. Many include hotel stays, concert ticket bundles and admission to other local attractions for one inclusive price.

The Canary Islands may still be best known worldwide for sand and sun. However, the Canary Islands Music Festival has done much to promote the region as a place rife with culture. Thousands of tourists have come to appreciate the islands for the history they boast. Getting a little bit of winter sun with the music is a bit of a bonus too!