Playa Taurito Holidays

Playa Taurito is a hush-hush resort on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, squeezed between chic Playa Mogan and throbbing Puerto Rico. It just has a handful of elegant hotels stacked up the sides of its rugged volcanic cliffs, plus a quiet beach lapped by the Atlantic, so it feels like you’re at your own private party.

Playa Taurito’s velvety swathe of black volcanic sand is only 150 metres long, but it’s very wide so there’s plenty of room for everyone. The water shelves gently into the sea, making it safe for children to splash about in, though sometimes the waves pick up, so keep an eye on the lifeguard’s flag system. You’ve also got a handful of watersports on offer and a promenade with well-stocked snack bars.

Tucked behind the beach is a waterpark called Playa Taurito Lido. It packs in a lagoon-style swimming pool, tropical gardens, plus corkscrews, kamikazes, and even an activity pool for little kids. You’ll find a bowling alley, a mini-golf course and arcade games up for grabs in Playa Taurito’s hotels.

Ten minutes’ drive north is Playa Mogan. Nicknamed Little Venice for its picturesque canals and bridges, it’s also got a marina that’s packed with traditional seafood restaurants. If shopping is more your thing, visit Puerto Rico, just south of Playa Taurito. Its 3 shopping centres throb with people, night and day.