The Maspalomas International Trumpet Festival takes place between July 26 and 31 in south Gran Canaria and features some of the world's best trumpeters. 

The Gran Canaria Porretta Soul Festival will be held on San Agustín beach, according to the San Bartolomé de Tirajana mayor Marco Aurelio Pérez Sánchez and local promoter Dania Dévora.

Maspalomas has its own palm tree oasis, lagoon and sand dune system. It's basically a miniature desert by the sea rather than a beach. It even has camels (which you can ride) but unlike a desert, there are convenient snack stands, comfy sun loungers and trained lifeguards.

There's a resort for everyone in Gran Canaria so, whether you're a sun-worshipper or a party-animal, here's a guide to all the top spots. Take your pick and enjoy the sunshine.

Think you know everything there is to know about Maspalomas resort and beach? Test yourself with these 10 little-known facts.

Playa del Inglés must be Europe's busiest and most famous beach; its three kilometres of sand are packed every day and it gets millions of bums on sand each year.

The new Maspalomas dunes mirador in Playa del Inglés is finished and open to the public.

So you've arrived in Maspalomas, the sun is shining (hopefully) and you want to get your bearings. Here's how to explore the resort on your first day.

With everything from drag queen galas and wailing widows to tapas stands the Las Palmas carnival is an epic fiesta. It's got be Europe's biggest outdoor party and stretches out over three weeks, four if you count the times it takes to clear up the sequins.

San Fernando market is one of the big three in south Gran Canaria along with Puerto Mgán and Arguineguín. The location isn't as pretty as its rivals but it's far more convenient if you're staying in Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas.

The stalls here sell everything from local produce to Moroccan leather (most are also at the other markets).