Gran Canaria is a friendly island

Absolutely perfect. With a north African climate, amazing scenery and wonderful fishing if you want to tackle a tuna, come to Gran Canaria. Cosmos offer apartments at the Rio Club Maspalomas which is a nice spot for a family holiday and with year round heat and sunshine you can go at any time of year. Of course you could sit on the beach for your whole holiday, but we advise you to hire a car and head out into the mountains for some amazing views and a bit of adventure. There is so much to see and do for wildlife fans. The islands are far more richly inhabited by birds, plants mamals and reptiles than mainland Europe or even Africa.

After a walk you should revive yourself with the wonderful local cuisine. Excellent fresh ingredients with herbs from the med provide flavours that will prove unforgetable. Favourite dishes include roast shoulder of lamb, cooked with a rich sauce. It is particulary delicious washed down with the local red wine.

Las Palmas is the capital city with its casbah and the lovely cathedral of Santa Anna. Close by is the CAM modern art museum which is excellent and a genuine surprise.

If you like your culture a little more lowbrow, take the kids to Soux City for a wild west experience. It is housed on a real spagetti western film set. You can dress up, ride horses and practice your gun slinging to your heart's content.