I spent several holidays with a great group of guys in Gran Canaria.

We all met in one of the gay holiday complexes on the island and have remained friends ever since.

Just like Southern Spain, you don't have to go far inland to get away from the tacky "English Bars" of Playa del Ingles. A visit to Las Palmas is well worth a visit - as is a drive across the mountains. Too few people do this, and simply sit by the pool each day and then head (if you're gay) to the bright lights of the Yumbo Centre at night.

Not that I'm saying there's anything wrong with that - the majority of my holiday was spent that way, but a change is as good as a rest!