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Many people's comments about Puerto Rico and/or Playa del Ingles include the famous line "It's not very Spanish, is it?" Puerto Rico is around 30 years old and Playa del Ingles around 40 years old. Before the resorts appeared, all that exhisted was arid, barren countryside (and a nice beach in the case of Playa del Ingles). The resorts were purpose built for tourism.
To see and experience the Canarian way of life or any Canarian or Spanish traditions, you're going to have to venture out of the resorts and go and visit any one of a huge number of towns or villages scattered around the island. Head anywhere other than the south of the island and you'll find a rich culture of traditions, festivals, architecture and gastronamy. More typical Canarian towns well worth a visit...
| AGUIMES
 (population 17,500) San Sebastian Church in Aguimes houses various works of art including paintings and sculptures and is one of the most well maintained structures of worship on the island, having being completed in 1952 (construction began in the late 18th century!), and the designs are based on the Cathedral of Las Palmas. Located not far from the caves of Guayadeque
and adjacent to "Barranco de Balos". It's at this barranco (valley) that you can find the sacred Guanche site called "Lomo de los Leteros". The Basalt slope there is inscribed with pre-hispanic, geometric designs and sketches of human figures.
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ARUCAS
(population 30,000) One of the main places of interest in Arucas is the neo gothic church of San Juan Bautista (St John the Baptist), constructed between 1909 and 1977. Arucas is also the third largest town on Gran Canaria and has it's own rum distillery worth a visit (and some sampling!) too. "The Marchess's Garden" is a 10 minute walk from the church, a botanical garden with a huge collection of both local and tropical plants. If you get to the top of "Arucas
Mountain" (an old volcano), you'll find a traditional Canarian restaurant up there.
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| ARGUINEGUIN
This is one of the most populated areas along the south coast of Gran Canaria. A typical Canarian fishing village, it's home to many locals rather than being a tourist resort. Here you'll find some excellent bars and restaurants, the latter specialising in fresh fish caught that day. Tuesday is market day (the largest on the island). The harbour here hosts a ferry service to Puerto Rico and Mogán whilst another popular way to reach the town from Puerto Rico is by trecking over the
mountain between the two towns.
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| AGAETE
 
(population 5,600) Agaete is located in the far, north west of the island at the foot of the Tamadaba pine woods, also on the outlet of one of the most beautiful, fertile valleys of the island. Here they produce lemons, oranges, avocados and coffee whilst Agaete is more famous through the archipelago for its "Fiesta de la Rama", celebrated during the first week of August annually. The port of Agaete is very well known for its fish restaurants, the area being a fisherman's haven.
The port also hosts frequent ferry services to Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. One of the views from the port is "Dedo de Dios" (God's finger - pictured above) being a spectacular rock formation just a few yards out to sea. The area around Agaete is one of the most richest and fertile areas of the island. As well as traditional and tropical fruits are grown alongside the coffee plantations there and the natural mineral water produced in this area is thought to have medicinal properties!
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| BANDAMA
It's at Bandama that you'll find the most perfectly formed crater in the Canary Islands, it has a diameter of 1000m and a depth of 220m. At the bottom of the crater you will see a farm which can only be reached by a steep and narrow path and making it (so I'm told) the only inhabited crater in the world. With views to the picturesque town of Bandama along with its 18 hole professional golf course, the oldest in Spain (founded 1891), this is very much an area worth a visit.
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| FIRGAS
(population 5,750) Again one of the more picturesque towns of Gran Canaria I have found, Firgas is famed locally for it's natural mineral water. Nearby is the "Azuaje Ravine", the waters of which are believed to have curable properties and many other natural springs in this area have brought about the construction of the islands main bottling plant for mineral water.
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| GALDAR
(population 21,500) Seat of the ancient Guanche rulers and the first capital of Gran Canaria prior to Las Palmas. The church of Santiago de Los Caballeros another stop-off point here, known for its 4700 pipe organ and the green font where, tradition has it, the Aborigines were baptized. It also houses one of the best collections of art on the island, both of paintings and sculptures. Also worth a visit if your in the Galdar area is "Reptilia
Park" located on the outskirts of town heading towards Agaete. Reptile park with the largest lizard in captivity and several species of (cute) monkeys too. Recently re-opened are the "painted caves", an historical site of pre-historic caves which are both preserved and restored for display to the public.
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| GUIA
(population 12,500) Birth place of the famous painter Lujan Perez, Guia is better known for the "Casa Quintana", built in the 16th century. It's also famous for its cheese and Canarian Knives. On the outskirts of the town you'll find "Cenobio de Valerón", an area of 300 or so caves once inhabited by the aboriginals. Many of their original tools, utensils and so on are to be found there on display. Close by is "EL Gallego", an area of caves where the aboriginals conducted their
funerals.
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| INGENIO
(population 21,500) "Ingenio de azucar" means sugar refinery and it was here that a sugar refinery was built when the Spanish first colonized the island. Ingenio also has a museum to visit showing how crafts have developed over the centuries. You can see the "openwork skill" that has been kept alive for centuries and is still to be displayed here. The "Sequero" district and its buildings date back to the 15th century. Not to be missed
if you're here mid October
is their festival of the billy goat (second Saturday of October) in which the whole town participates in finding the best goat and parading it around town all afternoon whilst feasting on huge amounts of food and drink! Also, close by are the caves of Guayadeque.
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| Villa |
From 890 p/w |
4 Bedroom Villa with private solar heated pool situated in Playa Del Ingles
Sleeps 10: Double Beds 2, Twin Beds 2, Single Beds 0
Playa del Ingles /Gran Canaria /Canary
Islands - Canaries /Spain /Europe / |
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| VILLA |
From 980 p/w |
Newly
renovated five bedroomed villa , private solar heated swimming pool
situated in a quiet street in central Playa Del Ingles close to the
Yumbo centre
Sleeps 12: Double Beds 1, Twin Beds 4, Single Beds 0
Playa del Ingles /Gran Canaria /Canary Islands - Canaries /Spain /Europe / |
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| Beachfront apartment, Playa del Ingles |
From 199 p/w |
Stunning
sea and dune views. Apartment in very quiet complex of only 21 private
owners, heated pool and direct access to the beach and promenade.
Sleeps 3: Double Beds 1, Twin Beds 0, Single Beds 0
This apartment offers a haven of tranquility in the
centre of a major beach resort which offers activities to suit all
tastes, keeping everyone happy through day and night. It is a perfect
option for couples who seek a peaceful and relaxing holiday, or those
who want somewhere quiet to withdraw to when beach life finishes for the
day and the cooling evening breeze blows gently from the sea, as you
sit on your balcony overlooking the pool. The building contains only
about 20 apartments, all privately owned and used by a few permanent
residents and second home owners.
The apartment stands out
because of its stunning views of the beach, sea and dunes. It is
situated directly on the quiet section of the beach promenade which
stretches from the centre of the resort to the Riu Palace. The building
has direct access from the pool and sunbathing area to the beach
promenade. This makes it perfect for a lazy evening stroll and perfect
for access to the main beach. There are steps along the promenade at
various points, some gently sloping. The steps immediately outside the
complex gate, lead down to the Custom supermarket and the beach bars and
cafes on the beach. So within minutes of leaving your apartment, you
can be on the beach or having a meal on the beach or sipping a cool beer
at a bar on the beach. After a hot day on the beach, take a dip in the
pool beneath your balcony, which is heated by solar panels to ensure a
comfortable temperature all year round.
The stunning views mark
this lovely apartment out from the rest. Dont expect the photo to do
justice to the views. It strikes you from the moment you open the front
door. People have commented that it is like having a beautiful picture
at the end of the living room, one which constantly changes, as the sky
changes colour, casting shadows on the spectacular dunes, some of which
reach 30m in height. Watch from the breakfast bar in the kitchen or
sitting in the living room, or dining out on your balcony, and towards
the end of the day look out for the parachutists landing on the beach in
front of the apartment.
The private ownership of the complex
means that the large groups of holidaymakers that can ruin your sleep in
any of the offerings from the tour operator holiday brochures are not
found here. To maintain this atmosphere, and to respect the others who
have made this beautiful place their home for that reason, we only look
for bookings from guests that will respect the need for quiet after
11pm.
Playa del Ingles
The stretch of this expansive resort
bordering the beach promenade has a quiet charm and incredible beauty,
which is quite remote from the bustling commercial centres. They provide
fun and entertainment for all, but away from that, in this part of the
resort, the evenings are peaceful. Without doubt, the apartment is
situated in the most picturesque area, in the first line to the beach
promenade, allowing the many visitors to wonder at the beauty of the
Sahara-like dunes, for which the area is justifiably famous.
The
beautiful beach of fine, golden sand has all the facilities you would
expect from one of the largest resorts in Europe. (Geographically, Gran
Canaria is located off the coast of West Africa, but it is part of
Spain.) You can walk for miles and miles along the beach, as some do,
from Playa del Ingles to the Lighthouse of Maspalomas, passing the
oasis, a special reserve noted for its wildlife. Buses ferry everyone
between Maspalomas lighthouse and Playa del Ingles (and other parts of
the island) and the service is frequent and reliable.
Gran Canaria
The island will surprise you, if you want it to...
If
you want to do nothing more than rest and relax in the pool and on the
beach, enjoy a good meal and a drink with entertainment in the evening,
then the apartment will be perfect. The main entertainment centres of
the Cita and the Yumbo Centres are less than 10 minutes by foot. The
Kasbah, Metro and Plaza centres are 10 minutes away. The smaller La
Sandia centre is 5 minutes walk, and then there is the long stretch of
restaurants, bars (some with live music) and cafes situated on the beach
itself, below the beach promenade, so just minutes from the apartment.
But
take a bus to Las Palmas, the large capital and cultural centre of the
island and you will experience a completely different aspect of the
island. Or take a trip into the islands centre. Hire a car, or book a
trip on a guided jeep tour with an experienced driver, who will take you
up the winding roads to the top of the mountains, experiencing
spectacular views. Drive to the west of the island, the rugged and wild
side. Or take a boat trip to the south west, to Mogan. Relatively few
venture beyond the sun and sand of the resort. And who can blame them -
with the incredible microclimate enjoyed by the south-east of the island
throughout the year. But those that do venture beyond will find plenty
of rewarding sights and experiences.
On payment of the final
balance, you will be given the contact details for the local
representative and she may recommend an airport transfer service.
Alternatively,the airport bus stops near La Sandia. Details for hire of
equipment, such as cots, will also be provided after this point upon
request. Airport transfers and equipment hire do not form part of the
contract with the apartment owner of course and you must pay her or the
provider directly. Detailed arrival instructions are sent to you on
payment of the final balance. Note that car hire is really not necessary
for this apartment, although there is street parking. It is perfectly
located to walk to all amenities. Also, taxis are extremely cheap and
readily available in the streets, and the public bus network transports
everyone efficiently between the main destinations of the island.
The
cost of cleaning and laundry and the charge for a late arrival is now
included in the price you pay. So the price includes the cost of
cleaning the apartment in preparation for your arrival, cleaning after
your final departure and laundry (bed linen, bath and hand towels are
provided for your use on arrival). If you wish to have maid service, you
are able to book as many extra cleans and changes of laundry with the
local representative as you wish, subject to availability. We appreciate
that our guests appreciate the flexibility to have more or less of a
maid service during their stay. If you wish to take advantage of
additional cleaning and laundry services during your stay, you can pay
for this locally by contacting the local representative directly in
advance of your stay (15 Euros for laundry and 20 Euros for cleaning). A
washing machine is also provided in the apartment for your use.
As from 2011, bookings of 14 nights or more include one free linen and towel change and cleaning in the middle of your stay.
Your
local rep will also be available to deal with your queries and to
arrange extra cleaning, island tours, etc, during your holiday. Her
mobile number is provided after payment for this purpose, but of course
please respect her wish that from 8pm to 9am calls should be of an
emergency nature only. Our local rep has provided a great service for
our clients throughout the last two years.
Bookings can now
be made for a minimum of 6 nights. Discounts are available for bookings
of 14 days or more: where available these discounts are shown separately
when you enter the dates selected and produce a quote through the
website.
LATE AVAILABILITY DEALS - discounts available,
applied automatically when you enter dates and request a quote through
the booking system.
WORRIED BY THE CREDIT CRUNCH AND WHO YOU YOU BOOK WITH?
People
are obviously very anxious about who to book with in the wake of the
collapse of XL Airways and various package travel companies. Why book
with a private owner directly? You deal with the owner as a private
individual, not a company. I own two properties for my own use and to
rent to guests when I am not using them. I do not depend on the income
from these properties. You can speak to me by telephone or ask questions
by e-mail (I much prefer e-mail, but I always try to make time to speak
to guests who want to speak to me in person). Messages sent through the
website are sent to my phone and I try to respond as quickly as
possible. Once in Gran Canaria, I have an excellent local rep to look
after you and the apartment, who is always on hand to help with any
questions and is keen to tell you all about the island.
You can
also trust the reviews of those who have stayed at the apartment before
you. Please consider taking the time to send a review after your return.
The apartment was recently refurbished. The changes include:-
- redecoration throughout
-
a new double bed (to replace the twin beds) with a firm orthopaedic
latex mattress (many of you requested a firm mattress in your comments
to me)
- a new flat screen LCD TV and a new collection of DVDs for your quiet nights in
- a more comfortable single sofa bed (medium-soft)
Playa del Ingles /Gran Canaria /Canary Islands - Canaries /Spain /Europe /
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| Modern Apartment Teneguia |
From 305 p/w |
A modern
style holiday apartment with a double bed and a 2 sleeps sofa on
Avenida de Tirajana, central Playa del Ingles. Great views. Renovated in
December 2009.
Sleeps 4: Double Beds 1, Twin Beds 0, Single Beds 0
The apartment is a modern style one bedroom property on the main road,
Avenida de Tirajana, in Playa del Ingles. It is just steps away from the
Yumbo shopping centre and a number of various restaurants and bars.
The
apartment is suitable for up to 4 persons. Those little extras you
always have to carry with you when staying at the typical resort should
already be in place for you.
If you rent a car free parking is available.
The Accomodation
The
bedroom is furnished with a double bed. There is a fitted wardrobe
built in too. Further sleeping accommodation is available in the living
area in the form of a sofa for 2.
The living area will seat you
comfortably and provides a television. To the other side of the room is a
dining table which is adjacent to the american style kitchen.
The
kitchen is provided with a fridge, two ring electric hob, ample storage
and crockery and cutlery for four. Additionally a kettle, toaster,
coffee maker and microwave with grill are included to help with your
self catering arrangements.
PLEASE NOTE: While the apartment will accommodate 4, you may find it more comfortable for 3.
Maid Services
As
a holiday home rather than a serviced hotel, standard maid service and
cleaning is provided once a week, and before arrival, with the apartment
fully cleaned, bed linen provided and towels changed.
Playa del Ingles /Gran Canaria /Canary Islands - Canaries /Spain /Europe /
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| Villa in Playa del Ingles |
From 890 p/w |
Recently
refurbished villa in central Playa Del Ingles, situated in quiet Cul de
Sac. 4 Bedrooms, with fully fitted kitchen and large private swimming
Sleeps 10: Double Beds 1, Twin Beds 2, Single Beds 0
A recently refurbished villa in central Playa Del Ingles, situated in a quiet Cul de Sac.
Only 2 to 3 minutes walk away from the Yumbo centre wityh all its bars and restaurants. The beach is only 15 minutes walk away.
Villa has own private pool and private sunn terrace, and communal pool can also be used if available
Playa del Ingles /Gran Canaria /Canary Islands - Canaries /Spain /Europe / |
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| Fully Eqipped Apartment |
From 350 p/w |
Fully
equipped top floor apartment with roof terrace in the heart of Playa del
Ingles, a short walk to the beach (sea view), shopping centers and
nightlife.
Sleeps 4: Double Beds 0, Twin Beds 2, Single Beds 0
Top Floor Apartment on two levels, upper level being a large, private
roof terrace. The apartment is located in the center of Playa del
Ingles, 5 minutes stroll to the main nightlife of the resort in one
direction and 200 meters from the beach. The Yumbo center is also just
over 5 minutes walk away. In this complex we have 1 top floor fully
equipped apartment:.
Apartment
The
newly refurbished apartment sleeps up to 4 adults and has a main twin
bedroom with a second sleeping area/room with double sofa-bed. The
spacious lounge has a corner sofa, dining table and chairs, flatscreen
high definition TV with DVD player and multimedia drive (bring your
favourite TV series or movies on disks or pendrive and we will loa d
them on to the multimedia drive to watch on TV!) & stereo. At the
far corner is the fully equipped kitchenette which includes conventional
oven/grill with 3-ring hob (electric stove), large fridge-freezer,
kettle, toaster, coffee maker, microwave oven and washing machine and
ample equipment for preparing a meal for 6 people. There is also an iron
and ironing board.
Building
The
bathroom has twin sinks, bath and shower. The balcony off the lounge
can be closed off with patio doors and glass windows to create the
second bedroom/sleeping area (double sofa bed) and offers panoramic
views of Playa del Ingles, the ocean, beach and sand dunes. Stairs from
the corner of the balcony take you up to a private roof terrace
belonging to the apartment with space for sunbathing, there are sunbeds,
shower and additional table and chairs in case you wanted to take lunch
or dinner whilst enjoying the 360º panoramic views of the resort from
the 10th floor/roof of the building.
This independently cared
for apartment is in the 3-key Koka apartment complex which offers a bar,
restaurant, pool bar restaurant, internet access, large freeform pool
and independent childrens pool. Being on the 9th floor the apartment
enjoys peace and quiet by day and night yet is a short walk from the
main nightlife of the resort and various commercial centers including
the Yumbo. The beach is ten minutes stroll away. On arrival there will
be a welcome pack so you can ma
Playa del Ingles /Gran Canaria /Canary Islands - Canaries /Spain /Europe / |
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| MAS 116, 2 bedroom bungalow close to the beach |
From 0.0000 p/w |
2 bedrooms bungalow 100 m from a wonderful beach
Sleeps 4: Double Beds 0, Twin Beds 2, Single Beds 0
Playa del Ingles /Gran Canaria /Canary Islands
- Canaries /Spain /Europe / |
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| VILLA WITH PRIVATE SOLAR HEATED POOL |
From 0.0000 p/w |
Beautiful
4 bedroom villa and a private solar heated pool, situated in a quiet
location but close to the centre of Playa Del Ingles.
Sleeps 10: Double Beds 2, Twin Beds 2, Single Beds 0
Playa del Ingles /Gran Canaria /Canary Islands - Canaries /Spain /Europe / |
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| MAS 139 2 bedrooms apartment near the beach |
From 490 p/w |
Nice and simple two bedroom apartment near the Beach in Playa del Inglés
Sleeps 5: Double Beds 0, Twin Beds 2, Single Beds 0
Playa del Ingles /Gran Canaria /Canary
Islands - Canaries /Spain /Europe / |
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