Fun hidden by the dunes Surrounded by huge sand dunes, only accessible by camel – come on, what other tourist resort can boast that?!

Maspolomas on the southern part of Gran Canaria is a fantastic choice of destination for those that want something a little more upmarket and quiet, with loudness in easy reach.

During the summer months, predictably there are many flights heading over to this Canarian island, with many great deals on offer. Slash the price of your travel plans by pre-booking airport extras, like Birmingham Airport parking from Holiday Extras, and you’ll save before you fly – and that means one thing, guilt-free duty-free shopping! Wherever you’re flying from, you’re bound to find a great value service, so nobody misses out on the cost cutting action – check out Holiday Extras for Edinburgh Airport Parking offers and save yourself time and money.

Maspalomas’ famous dunes are what separate it from the bright, and occasionally brash resort next door – Playa del Ingles. In my opinion, it’s good to be close to action if you want it, because that way you can mix up your holiday and have the best of both worlds, without overdosing too much on the neon lights!

A great choice for families and couples wanting a quiet, romantic time, as well as keen golfers too, with four world-class golf courses in resort. It’s easy to get around resort, as it’s relatively flat and good for walking, however, I’d highly recommend hiring a car and getting out and about to independently explore the area.

My first port of call would certainly be the beach. Maspalomas beach is beautiful, sandy and long, with plenty of sun-loungers to relax on. A definite must visit is the sand dunes. This is a protected area, so one way to visit is on a camel! You’ll not only see the awesome dunes, but you’ll see rare wildlife too – as well as the unique experience of a camel ride!

Another definite must-do excursion is a boat trip. I try to do this wherever I am in the world, but here you’re quite likely to see dolphins, and lots of marine-life too if you opt for the glass-bottom variety of boat. Remember your hat and sun-cream though, the sun’s very intense out on the open water.

I love a bit of retail therapy, so I’d certainly be heading to the weekly market to grab a bargain or two. Haggling is expected, so have a go, it’s strange at first but definitely worth it. Alternatively, nearby Playa del Ingles has good shopping.

Night-life in Maspalomas is a mixture of lively and sophisticated, and if you’re wanting raucous, vibrant entertainment, then head over to Playa del Ingles for the evening. It’s worth doing this for a couple of evenings, just for a bit of variation. In resort however, the main stretch of restaurants and bars tend to centre around the lighthouse, which is still active, and looms high over the resort. Nobody goes hungry when it comes to food either, with lots of international restaurants around.

Maspalomas really couldn’t be in a better spot – hidden from the noise of its neighbour, but accessible to everywhere, and this makes it the perfect destination for variation. Take advantage of the great package deals on offer this summer and explore the area yourself, also taking up those airport parking deals, to make the whole thing cheaper before you even get to the terminal! Check out Bristol Airport parking when flying regionally, and see for yourself just how cheap and convenient this service can be. Fun in the sand dunes this summer?

For nature, beauty and a good old laze in the sun – it has to be Maspalomas.

Beth from Beers and Beans set a challenge: describe the perfect 24 hours on a Balearic Island. It’s a rite of passage as a British citizen to do some sort of ‘party island holiday’ at some point in your life and so I thought it would be totally appropriate to do a feature on Majorca (more specifically Magaluf) through the medium of dance. I’m kidding. I’ll use images.

It is tempting to set an exact “timetable” for the 24 hours but as with any holiday when you’re young, you think you’re the master of most things, including time. Thus I will keep the suggestions fluid and you can fit them in to 24 hours in any way you think best to create that magical 24 hours…

Pack a beach towel that shows your interests. It might be a conversation starter on the beach.

Go into tourist shops, try on everything, look like a moron, take pictures but never actually buy anything.

To ensure you get enough culture, read as much material as possible such as the underside of a draw that has misspelt messages on. I’m sure “Dannys Mum is Hotz” is a very insightful and well thought out comment.

Pout whenever a camera is near you, even though you probably have an ok smile.

Have a water fight and play to win… like a boss.

Admire the incredible architecture and design that goes into sand castles on the beach. For example check out this 3 inch high sand house.

Give everyone you meet a friendly pat on the arse. You know, just to say hi.

The billboard says it all really.

Try not to get too excited about Crazy Golf. Case in point, my female friend here.

Accidentally walk into a street parade that involves devils holding giant sparklers.

Try and be active while you’re on the island. It’s not all about wheelbarrow shots you know.

Even though there’s a lot of bars and clubs, you’ll probably have the best time playing on the swings.

In the mid AM, find a karaoke bar and sing really badly. To complete the effect, know none of the words.

Finally, ladies and gentleman, just don’t take it all too seriously! Dress up, relax, have a laugh and most importantly, think about your girl:guy ratio. Sausage anyone?

“This is my version of a perfect 24 hours on a Spanish Island. This post was written as an entry for 24 hours on The Balearics contest sponsored by OnTheBeach.co.uk. The prize is £500 in Amazon Vouchers and the contest runs until August 31, 2012. Please visit BeersandBeans.com to learn more about the contest and how you can also enter.”

Majorca has often been tainted with a reputation as a destination that caters only for the loud British tourist, a location that only represents Spain when Enrique Iglesias comes on during Karaoke. However the Island is changing, its capital city Palma is now a reflection of cosmopolitan Europe and the north of the Island is backpacker welcoming. Areas of the Island if explored properly offer travellers the opportunity to taste traditional Spain, a degree of adventure and a sample of 21^st century travel.

Europe can be an expensive destination for backpackers, especially with the faltering Euro currency and troubled economic climates pushing exchange rates to all-time highs. Whilst there are many destinations with cheap flights in Europe, is it cheap to stay or explore? Probably no. Although Majorca may not seem a fashionable Island to visit it ticks all the traveller boxes, cheap flights, cheap hotels and a location worth exploring. Cheap holidays to Majorca allow you to step onto this Mediterranean gem and explore via a number of transport.

Exploring by bike or scooter

Northern Majorca is a region suited to the backpacker, rural villages and resorts with a laid back atmosphere confirm you are likely to avoid the louder resorts situated in the West and South of the Island. Perhaps the most striking of natural attractions in this region is the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. This natural wonder of Majorca was recently awarded with World Heritage status, detailing its cultural and physical importance to region. The mountain range covers nearly a third of the Island and is 90 km in length, it is in the north of the Island however its highest point sits (Puig Major) and most spectacular viewpoint Cap de Formentor lies.

The mountainous region is frequented by cycling teams all over the world, detailing the pedigree of cycling routes on the Island. While most travellers are not international mountain bikers, areas of the mountain are accessible by bike and cater for those wishing to explore this way. For a true experience of the region a Vespa scooter can be rented, this guarantees the opportunity to take in all of the natural beauty of the region and a way of seeing the intriguing landscape without a tour guide. The route to Sa Calobra is the perfect example of Majorca’s meandering roads that sit beautifully in the natural landscape, offering a suitable thrill as you navigate round the road known as the ‘Snake’. Even when the landscape is cut off, your eyes are met with one of many tunnels carved into the rocky terrain. Once you have reached Sa Calobra an almost mirage vision awaits, with an unspoilt cove and natural gorge. The thrill of the journey creates a crescendo which is met with a conclusion of outstanding natural beauty.

Exploring by foot or Segway

Palma has experienced rejuvenation and regeneration in recent years. Added finance to the area seems to have worked as the city forges a burgeoning reputation as a location to experience cosmopolitan Europe. The harbour has been one area that has benefited from this injection of funding, with new restaurants and traditional cafes surrounding the harbour this is an area to enjoy some hustle and bustle. Perhaps representing the mix of old and new in Majroca is the Segway trips available in Palma. Use this futuristic technology to explore at ease and be part of the cosmopolitan vibe in Palma. The arranged Segway tour takes in all of Palmas famous sights including the cathedral and harbour. However if you wish to go on your own trip, you are free to explore on your Segway with arranged rental times.

Majorca is a destination that will remain popular with families, and it provides all the amenities for that holiday. However it also provides a mix of culture, exploration and value that appeals to backpackers it’s just waiting to be explored.

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I didn’t want to go. I really didn’t want to go.

I’d heard stories.

Terrible stories.

“You’ll never survive,” they said. “You’re not made of the right stuff. You’ll be torn apart, goddam it!” I tried to take these warnings with a pinch of salt – after all, the Congolese are infamous for their pessimism – but alas, I couldn’t shake my concerns.

I was going on safari. A safari that guaranteed up close and personal encounters with some of the most fearsome wildlife the world has ever known.

Brits.

But worse than that. Drunk Brits.

But even worse than that. Drunk Brits on holiday.

Frankly, I would have rather shared a bedroom with a paranoid schizophrenic Robocop than an island populated with these primordial brutes.

Before I further offend my native people – who at home, it must be said, are quiet, retiring and eminently agreeable folk – I should probably throw some context into this strange amalgamation of sentences.

I was on my gap year, backpacking through Africa, soon to be returning home, and received word from some of my more boisterous pals a “lads break” was being organised, and would I like to join in the fun and games before my return to the real world? Delighted I hadn’t been forgotten and with the happy knowledge that I had vastly overestimated the cost of travel in Africa, and as such had some funds leftover, I immediately consented. Then I asked where the jolly would be occurring. And this is about where I came in.

Tenerife – aka Tene-Grief, aka Tene-Shriek, aka Tene-forget-about-the-Fig-Leaf – is a rather cantankerous volcano whose big, bald, sunburnt head pokes out the Atlantic Ocean to form part of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago scattered just off the west coast of Africa. The volcano doubles as a second home for the Great British public, who stampede the sandy beaches in their droves the moment a rain cloud blots out the sun in Britain. So all year round in other words. I should know – I was dragged there by my long-suffering parents as a fourteen year-old, and disliked it intensely. But then I disliked most things intensely when I was fourteen, so perhaps it was time for the island to be judged afresh.

We based ourselves in Playa de las Americas – the hornet’s nest, the lion’s lair, the place where you realise evolution isn’t something that’s happened, but an on-going process. Even the holiday brochures don’t beat about the bush with this place: “..the artificial beaches are full and the nights never ending bright lights and noise.” Brilliant!

You may have deduced by now that my stint in Tenerife was a holiday from Hell. You may be quite correct, or completely wrong – I honestly couldn’t tell you, because I remember very little indeed. It’s an enigma. I have a sneaking suspicion that I had an absolute blast – the photos, most of them unpublishable, would appear to support this theory – and my significant weight gain suggests I had a rather good time eating out in Tenerife.

I do know one thing for sure. On my last day, waiting for the airport transfer, lounging on a deckchair surrounded by friends on a golden beach, watching foam-flecked waves curling and retreating under a cobalt sky, one thought was running through my mind.

I don’t want to leave. I really don’t want to leave.

By Jack Jones of Great Britain, the Greatest Country in the World

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