Gran Canaria THE ISLAND’S STUNNING INTERIOR IS AS MUCH OF A DRAW AS ITS SANDY BEACHES before he returned it to the reservoir – much to the bewilderment of locals, who are used to catching edible sea life and are amazed at Carp Gran Canaria’s catch-and-release philosophy. Though locals would never think of eating carp, David points out that it is eaten in eastern Europe. Would he ever tuck in, I ask? David pulls a mock-offended face and replies: “I couldn’t! That would be like eating family.” All the alarms keep turning out to be false and our family falls into the unfortunate 25 per cent bracket who don’t catch a thing. But the luck of the Irish seems to be on our companion Dave’s side, who nets a pair of 11.34kg mirror carps, named after their shimmering scales. Dani and Alex are thrilled to get their hands on one – though it takes both their efforts to lift it – fascinated by the whiskers which resemble a Fu Manchu moustache. As the sun starts set on our day’s adventures, we make our way back to our hotel to continue our family holiday, but not before stopping off in the whitewashed village of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, where I’m encouraged to try the local boozy 70 THOMAS COOK TRAVEL GO <strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>Cook</strong> flies to Gran Canaria year-round from select UK airports. For more information, visit your local <strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>Cook</strong> store, call +44 (0) 844 412 5966 to visit thomascook. com. For hassle-free travel to Gatwick, visit gatwickexpress. beverage, a brew going by the name of mejunje. A potent mix of white rum, honey, brown sugar, lemon, lemongrass, cinnamon and coffee, this is the sort of cocktail that my old student union bar used to specialise in. It’s more quaffable than it sounds, though. An acquired taste, you might say. A bit like carp fishing. Once you fall for it, you fall hook, line, and sinker. Be there … <strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>Cook</strong> offers a one-day fishing excursion to Presa de Chira with Carp Gran Canaria, including a two-rod set-up and bait, plus transport to the reservoir, a light lunch and soft drinks. Speak to your representative to find out more. STAY If you’re travelling without kids and want an adults-only affair, try the Iberostar Costa Canaria (thomascook. com). Set in beautifully manicured gardens, it boasts a Thai Zen spa, two large swimming pools and live music and dancing six nights a week. 4places for family fun on the island join the club For a sophisticated family day out, why not head to the Amadores Beach Club (Playa de Amadores, Mogán, amadoresbeachclub)? It’s perfect for poolside posers in training, with a special kids’ pool and playground, as well as a children’s menu in its gourmet restaurant – posh hot dogs, anyone? splash out Make a splash at Aqualand Maspalomas (Ctra. Palmitos Park, KM 3, aqualand.es), a 10-minute drive from the resort of the same name. While the kids try swimming with sea lions, you can test your nerve against the twists and turns of the Anaconda slide. birds of a feather See pretty birds at Palmitos Park (Barranco de Los Palmitos S/N, palmitospark.es). This aviary spreads over 20 hectares and features shows from feathered friends like parrots. A two-park ticket allows you to visit nearby sister park Aqualand Maspalomas. giddy up Explore the Wild West at Sioux City (Barranco de Aguila S/N, siouxcity. es), a short drive from the resort of San Agustín. Take a ride on horseback or sit back and enjoy one of the shows that recreate bank hold-ups and shoot-outs. KNOW THIS The lake fishes well year-round due to the island’s fantastic climate, so don’t let going in the winter months (December to March) put you off. David tells us that a German couple caught 15 carp in just two and half hours in March this year.
THE BEST PLACE TO BE in Gran Canaria amadoresbeachclub.com 928 56 0056 “Unmissable” David´s favourite Beach Club David J. Silva spa lounge fine food beach lounge terrace snack a la carte restaurant beach front restaurant solarium spa pedicure spa massage reception chill out garden jacuzzis & waterbed brunch lounge cabanas climate seawater pool children locker area room shop sushi bar locker room champagne area garden solarium atrium solarium VIP lounge Gourmet Restaurant
Change language