The annual sand nativity scene on Las Canteras beach is the world's biggest and a must visit if you come to Las Palmas in December.

To shop for clothes in Gran Canaria on a Sunday, head up to Las Palmas (between October and April).

Tipping in Gran Canaria and all over the Canary Islands is straightforward and the rules are the same for locals and tourists.

The vast Parque del Sur urban park in Maspalomas Campo Internacional is a huge green space perfect for walking and jogging.

If Anfi beach is busy or you just want to swim in cool, deep water, then walk out onto the heart-shaped island and you’ll find a set of steps and a safe swimming area just next to the ferry dock.

Save money and avoid rip-off bank charges while in Gran Canaria by paying in euros when using your credit or debit card.

Many bars and restaurants in Gran Canaria, and in almost all European holiday destinations, give you the option of paying in euros or in your home currency. Opting for your own currency, while it may seem like the safer option, can add as much as 5% to the bill as it triggers dynamic currency conversion. 

DCC basically means that the exchange rate is calculated at point of sale rather than by your bank. It allows you to see the total cost of the transaction in your own currency but adds up to 5% to the total because it uses a terrible exchange rate. 

Since the extra money is shared between your bank and the merchant, some places will automatically bill you in your own currency and hope you don't notice. You have the legal right to refuse and void the transaction should this happen. 

ATMs too

The same applies when taking money out of ATM machines in Gran Canaria (and anywhere in Europe); Always choose the local currency option to avoid losing money to poor exchange rates.

If you opt for the local currency option, using bank ATMs is often the cheapest and safest way of getting euros in Gran Canaria. It's far safer than having a big pile of euros hidden in your room or tucked into your shorts.

More details in this Daily Telegraph article.

The Catholic church rather than the local tourist authorities still decides when to open church doors in Gran Canaria. This means that some of the island's prettiest churches, such as the Puerto de las Nieves hermitage, are often closed during the day.

Gran Canaria's east coast beaches are a mixed bag with everything from windswept pebble beaches to sheltered coves with golden sand. Salinetas beach is the prettiest and most accessible of the east beaches.

The trouble with ordering big beers in Gran Canaria is that they often warm up before you get to the end.

While papas con mojo and seafood get all the attention, Gran Canaria's delicious doughnuts are a daily treat that you have to try.