Bahia Feliz Holidays

This modern, stylish town on Gran Canaria’s southern coast is petite enough that everything’s within easy strolling distance. There’s a pretty, pedestrianised village square lined with pavement cafés and restaurants, while parks and Moroccan-style buildings only add to the charm. From here it’s only a short hop to buzzy Playa del Ingles, 10 kilometres away.

Bahia’s dark-sand-and-pebble beach isn’t huge, but it’s got secluded areas where you can secure a private spot. Rocky headlands and sparkling blue seas give it dramatic looks, and the prom behind offers easy access to tavernas. But the nice thing about Bahia is that you’re near so many other beaches. You can head over to Playa del Ingles’s huge stretch, or explore the dunes at Maspalomas, 10 minutes away by taxi.

You’re a 40-minute drive from the island capital, Las Palmas, with its cathedrals and parks. There are 2 free museums in the old Vergueta quarter, a pretty place of cobbled streets and colonial buildings that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ve also got a beauty of a beach nearby – La Playa de las Cantera – home to some excellent fish restaurants.