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What's it really like ? Transfer time: Approx 35 minutes Location: Melonares is a quiet, purpose-built neighbour of Maspalomas comprising some low-rise, fairly upmarket accommodation and a handful of restaurants. Unlike some of Gran Canaria's other resorts, Melonares is built on fairly level ground although the route down to the beach is rather steep. The resort is set above the beach with a good, paved coastal path to Maspalomas, about a 15 minute walk away where there's a much wider selection of places to eat and shop. Meloneras has some building work going-on but nothing that appears to be too close to any of the existing hotels or apartment complexes. A golf course is also under construction and scheduled to open in 2005 Its more raucous neighbour, Playa del Ingles is about 15 minutes away by taxi. Cabs are cheap and plentiful. Beaches: Meloneras beach is downhill from the accommodation and remains fairly quiet - even on Sundays when the locals bring their families for barbeques. The sand is course and leads down to a very stoney shoreline. Most holidaymakers head for the more popular beach and sand dunes at Maspalomas Days out: Perfect for golfers with a handy 18-hole course and a new course due for completion in 2005. There are two water parks nearby - 'Aqualand' is the biggest and offers the best variety of slides. Holiday World is a traditional funfair with dodgems and a big wheel. Both are a short taxi ride away Meloneras has a newly-built shopping centre behind the beach while Maspalomas offers a much wider selection of shops and boutiques. Further afield is the 'cowboy' town, Sioux City and the beautiful Caldera de Bandama volcano. Nights out: A few low-key bars and restaurants by the beach where the food quality is high. One bar in particular is worth a visit - the Sunset Bar is a peaceful retreat perched high above the beach and provides superb views and a cooling breeze. For a bit more action jump in a taxi to Maspalomas or Playa del Ingles. Bucket and Spade Brigade: Good choice for families, although with such a variety of attractions on the doorstep it could turn out to be an expensive one! The Aqualand water park has a good variety of slides suitable for most ages and a wave pool. It's cheap to get to in a taxi. 'Holiday World' offers traditional funfair rides including dodgems and a big wheel. The beach isn't the best the island has to offer but it's adequate and not-too-crowded. |
