Puerto Rico

The vibrant, modern holiday resort of Puerto Rico, on the island of Gran Canaria, revels in excellent weather year-round, being situated on the island's southern tip just across the ocean from the Sahara. Puerto Rico is encircled by hills, its white-washed holiday accommodation clinging to steep cliff sides above two golden beaches. It includes three large commercial centres overflowing with shops, bars and restaurants, and is flanked by a marina packed with luxury yachts where it is possible to indulge in every kind of water sport imaginable. Puerto Rico has something for everyone: sunny corners for seekers of peace and tranquillity, or a lively venue for a family holiday.

Puerto Rico boasts three large shopping and entertainment malls, the largest being the Centro Civico, where visitors can buy literally anything. There is everything from banks to boutiques, florists and fishmongers, and dozens of duty-free stores selling electrical goods, photographic equipment and perfume at great prices. The other two centres are Agua La Perra and Europa, and both have good selections restaurants, souvenir and beachwear shops, and at least one supermarket. Opening hours for shops and supermarkets in the centres are from 9.30am to 10pm. The largest market on the island is at Arguineguin, only 10 minutes away by taxi, and is open every Tuesday. This is a good place to test your bargaining power; hagglers should start negotiating at about half the asking price.

Like most holiday resorts on the Canary Islands, Puerto Rico has various top-rated eateries, including Caballito de Mar, Le Petit Lyonnais, Ma Bakers and El Brasero. The restaurants and fast food outlets cater for a wide range of tastes. Here you can dine on anything from fish and chips to haute cuisine. Most of the restaurants are in the Centro Comercial and those who like to dine overlooking the beach will find some good restaurants on the west side of the bay.

Puerto Rico is one of Gran Canaria's hottest nightspots where visitors can party the night away. Happy hour starts as early as 4pm in many bars and pubs, and the clubs don't close until around 4.30am. Popular clubs include Disco Joker and Tango. Centro Comercial is the hub of the action and where most nightspots are found.

Puerto Rico is the perfect resort for a sporting holiday, offering numerous active diversions, not least of which are a wide range of watersports available at the marinas at each end of the bay, including windsurfing, jet skiing and banana rides. Out of the water visitors can enjoy tennis; the courts are in excellent condition and lit at night, and rackets and balls can be hired. There are squash courts at the Europa Centre and a gym in the Centro Comercial. Youngsters particularly enjoy the amusement arcades in the three shopping centres, and the mini-golf is popular. A variety of excursions are available to various attractions around the island, while for the adrenaline junkies there is paragliding, skydiving and scuba diving.

Puerto Rico is built on steep cliff sides and most apartment blocks are reached via long stairways. Those with difficulty walking should ensure they find accommodation on the level. The holiday resort is full of touts and 'promotions staff' from various restaurants and shops vying for business. They can be overly insistent and should be dealt with firmly but politely. Entry into nightclubs is usually free, but drinks can be expensive.