Fuerteventura

From the airport

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Puesta de Sol, on Calle Marinero, Ajuy, is a lovely art gallery/cafe. Try one of the teas, such as blue or white, from the extensive range, while you browse the paintings and sculptures by local artists. 
Baku Market, in Corralejo, is open on Monday and Friday mornings. Here you can find many locally made crafts as well as clothes, jewellery, gifts, African carvings and local produce.

Don't waste your time queing at the Post Office if you want stamps for postcards. Look for signs saying se vende sellos instead.

Avenida Maritima in Corralejo, is a wonderful place to wander about. This pedestrian path extends along the sea front and hosts a number of restaurants, bars and shops. Stop and look out to sea at Lobos Island and watch the kite surfers off Flag Beach.

Calle Iglesia, in Corralejo, is also known as the "cobbled street". Choose from one of the many restaurants and bars or explore the alleyways to find some hidden treasures.

Day trip

Morro Jable. Located on the southern tip of the island, this bustling, yet laid-back port features a promenade reminiscent of Nice. Visit the Thursday market, take a boat trip and drive out to the lighthouse along a dirt track. 
Las Playitas. If you are sticking to your New Years's resolutions (good for you!), head to Las Playitas, just outside Gran Tarajal, which features a golf course, driving range, gym and the only Olympic-sized pool on the island (it is heated, thank goodness). You can also take a catamaran course or go diving. 

Gran Canaria

From the airport

Bus: line 60 runs from 6.50am-11.05pm

Shop

Dulceria Nublo sells handmade sweets. Try the bienmesabe, an authentic treat made with almonds and marzipan.
Get into the Carnival spirit and splash out on your very own costume. Bazaar Ani offers everything you need to get in the mood.

If you cannot get enough of Carnival, nip over to Santa Cruz to see how Tenerife parties. It is either a 20-minute flight or an hour's journey by ferry from Agaete.

Playa del Cura is a small and quiet resort on the south-west coast. It has two small beaches and a shopping centre as well as a good selection of restaurants and bars.

There are many places on the island with excellent conditions for surfing. The best areas are in the north, from El Confital to Galdar. Pozo Izquierdo hosts international competitions.

Find everything you have been looking for at the Rasto, a cultural melting pot. Every Sunday this market is an explosion of colours and aromas. The stalls have some unusual items that make ideal gifts.

Day trip

Fuerteventura. Frequent flights make the island of Fuerteventura within easy reach. Beautiful white sandy beaches and, just 15 minutes from the airport, the town of Corralejo has lots of shops and bars. An ideal way to check out your next holiday location.
Firgas. A pretty little town famous for its man-made waterfall that cascades 30 metres down on the Paseo de Gran Canaria. Try the famous sparkkling mineral water from the Barranco de la Virgen.