Things To Do in Bahia Feliz

Bahia is home to a modest selection of restaurants, most of which are in the town square. The bulk of these serve up an international menu, but you’ll also find freshly netted seafood and traditional tapas, which here are called enyesques. The papas arrugadas, or wrinkled potatoes, are a local favourite and definitely worth a look. For even more choice, try San Agustin, 4 kilometres away.

Shops-wise, Bahia Feliz doesn’t deliver much beyond the essential minimarkets and souvenir shops. But Gran Canaria is a top-drawer shopping destination, as goods are pretty much tax-free. In Playa del Ingles you’ll find glossy malls, which are great for clothes and perfume. Or, for department stores and designer boutiques, there’s always Las Palmas.

This 10-day celebration sees massive programme of events to honour the Virgin of Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen. There are street parades, where you’ll hear live music and see locals in traditional costume. The party goes on late, too, with DJs playing sets in the Plaza del Mercadillo. And the highlight has to be the massive water fight, where everybody – spectators included – gets soaked. It’s half an hour away.

Windsurfing is big news here – there are championships held on the beach – and the school on the sands will sort you out for lessons and gear. Beginners’ lessons happen in the morning, when conditions are calmer, and the school keeps groups down to 3 or 4, so you’ll learn quickly. From here you can also go diving, sailing and deep-sea fishing for tuna and swordfish.

It’s a short cab ride to this Gallic-style bar in the ever-popular Yumbo shopping centre. The furnishings, which include comfy sofas and armchairs, were specially shipped in from France, giving the place an authentic Parisian vibe. You’ll find a quality cocktail list, and – of course – French wines and champagnes, as well as the usual beers and coffees. There are French-style nibbles, too.

Bahia Feliz leaves the late-night antics to its party-hard neighbour Playa del Ingles. Here it’s more about sipping a glass of wine or arehucas, the local sugar-cane rum, in an open-air bar in the square. There’s also a 1920s-style theatre where you can have dinner and catch a show. And when you fancy upping the pace, there are regular buses to Playa, or you can get a cab for around 4 euros.

You’ll find good-value local food at this cosy, traditional-style taverna, which serves up chateaubriand and fillet steaks alongside more everyday fare like pasta and pizzas. There’s a comfy outdoor terrace you can eat on, plus a kids’ play area. Portions are generous, so you’ll probably only need one course.