Las Cumbres - Central Mountains

Head up into the central mountain peaks of Gran Canaria and you enter a very different world - a world where you will find it hard to imagine that less than an hour away are the neon lights and bars of Playa del Ingles.

Las Cumbres are now heavily protected from development and part of Spain's national parks.

If you decide to take a trip up here, make sure you bring some warmer clothing, water and a mobile - plus a camera!

If the weather is right, at the viewpoint near the Pico de las Nieves, you will have spectacular views of Roque Nublo, one of Gran Canaria's most famous landmarks, and across the centre of the island.

If you're a keen hiker, there are excellent walks in Las Cumbres, but you should have suitable clothing, footwear and equipment if you are going to go any distance. Do not light barbecues or fires.

The central mountains are a beautiful wilderness of pine forests (the native Canarian Pine) and chestnut trees.

The roads are good, but you should ensure that you have a full tank of petrol before starting out.

There are some good cafes at Cruz de Tejeda if you want to stop for a cup of coffee or something to eat.