What’s new? Move over Tenerife and Lanzarote, Gran Canaria is about to start hogging the limelight as BA launches new flights to there from Heathrow, every Saturday from October half-term until 29 March 2014.
While the island may be most famous for its slightly scary high-rise resorts such as Playa del Ingles, more than 40 per cent of its terrain is a protected UNESCO biosphere reserve – and much of it, particularly in the north, is spectacularly beautiful.
THE LOWDOWN
Where to stay? The island now also has some seriously lovely places to stay, including the family-friendly Finca Las Longueras, doubles from €95, set within orchards near Agaete in a valley ringed by mountains.
Travel time: A flight from London takes 4 hours and 30 minutes.
How to get there: British Airways flies from London to Gran Canaria; from £230 return.