There’s a lot more to Gran Canaria than purpose-built hotel resorts and tacky bars. From subtropical forests, to rugged mountains and the epic sands of Maspalomas in the south, Gran Canaria boasts a rich array of landscapes seldom found elsewhere. Hiking and outdoor tours are big here, with endless trails and a popular walking festival a big draw card for adventurous souls. For the travel-weary, the beguiling town of Las Palmas offers much-needed respite, where white-sand beaches meet a historical centre abrim with world-class restaurants and a dynamic nightlife scene.