Things To Do in Meloneras

Big spenders can flash their cash in the collection of shopping centres, which are all perched close to the seafront. You’ve got Mango, Dolce & Gabbana and lots of bijou boutiques to get round. If rummaging for knick-knacks is more your thing, the shops along the promenade do a great line in ceramic souvenirs made from the island’s special volcanic clay.

Meloneras’ beachfront promenade has a cluster of al fresco eating places serving the island’s speciality – salted, fried or baked seafood. And most dishes around these parts come with a generous helping of the famous spicy mojo sauce. If that’s not your thing, head for one of the shopping centres where they serve up international favourites like Tex-Mex and tapas.

There’s a really easygoing feel to nightlife in Meloneras, with the bars in the resort keeping things fairly quiet. As it’s so near – about 15 minutes’ taxi ride away – some people like to liven things up in Playa del Ingles. Here, karaoke, theme pubs and drag acts all make themselves heard, while big-name clubs like Pacha go for broke in the Kasbah Center.

Just five minutes away from the beach there’s an 18-hole golf course. Little lakes and palm trees dress up the fairways, and the buggies come with GPS in case your swing goes off track. You can get help from a pro for a little extra, or just put in some practice at the putting green and driving range.

Meloneras doesn’t make too much of a noise at night. It’s more about chilled music, sophisticated cocktails and Canarian guitar playing at one of the promenade bars. Over on the eastern seafront, you’ve got a casino that does cabaret shows. And if you want to join the party crowd, a 10-minute bus ride gets you to the neon lights of Playa del Ingles.

Gay pride doesn’t get much prouder than this huge, week-long festival in Playa del Ingles. The centrepiece is the colourful parade with locals decked out in black leather, pink feathers and white angel costumes – plus plenty of rainbow-flag waving from spectators. There are also drag queen competitions, comedy gigs, cabaret and a huge closing party at the Yumbo Centrum.

You don’t need Rio when you’ve got this week-long carnival. It’s all glitter and feathers as the locals go all-out to put on an unmissable parade. You can also expect dressed-up floats, comedy shows, drag competitions and lots of waving of the rainbow flag. As for the finale, it’s one big, happy street party.