the club hotel riu vistamar sits perched on a clff top overlooking the sea, it winds its way from a puerto rico view to an amadores view. this is an all inclusive hotel and the minute you step within the entrance to reception you are really made very welcome from every member of staff within its premises. this collection has now been built up over the last few years and a large change that can be seen within a few photos is the way that the reception area has been extended recently to ensure a large seated area for the guests with its new wicker type seating and tables. this hotel is a must for familes who like a break from the kids who are well looked after by the riu annimacion staff here whilst you get a little peace and quiet sunbathing on the massive terraces here with two large pools and a poolside bar and restaraunt you really are spoilt to the limit here anyway the best way is to let the pics speak for themselves and as a lot of the staff photos show the riu is smiles better.

This section is as it says regards the many activities available in Gran Canaria has been built more or less on the experience of ourselves and many friends on their holidays in Gran Canaria. The choices of the many sights pastimes and places to go are a real credit to the canarian people who have climbed mountains (excuse the pun) to encourage people to their beautiful Island hope you enjoy viewing the photos as much as we enjoyed taking them. Iwill add that this is just a fraction of what is available in gran canaria and I will be adding them as I snap them in the future so keep your eyes on this section.

the Gloria palace royal previously known as the Dunas is a new built 4*star group of 4 blocks sitting on a cliffface overlooking amadores beach. when entering this complex you cannot help but feel highly impressed by the size and stature of it all. we spent a few days here in company sept 2009 for reference for a future holiday here and I have to say we were highly impressed by the set up. free wifi access was available poolside the snackbar has to be one of the best experiences we have ever had on our jollies and very reasonable prices, 4 adults can have a nice cheeseburger with fries and a salad drinks and a large pizza for to share between 4 people total price 30euros. plus saunas jaccuzis massage areas all available rooms have to be 4*+ and a cable for internet connection is available to hire for around 15euros for two weeks. on the negative side I would say this hotel is not suitable for families with kids as lilos etc are not allowed in the pool although they have a kiddies club etc our feelings were that the facilities here are geared towards adult holidays

Well after a little urge from my daughter I have finally gave harleys a night out and let me say this what a fantastic night it was. the guys working in there are a great bunch and they do keep an eye out for the young ones to ensure they are having fun and they will make even us oldies feel at home this is a must visit for any young ones visiting pr.

WORK IN PROGRESS

a much needed well stocked establishment dealing mainly in fancy dress costumes, cards, for all celebrations. suitable for both kids and adults alike. give it a visit you wont be disapointed. location is at the rear of the europa centre across the car park on the other side.

this is a new set of apt blocks run by the servatur group. they are situated up hill from the europa approx a 300 metre walk. a small sea view from all apts down the valley towards amadores by clicking on the full size button below the pics when they come in you can then get panoramic views of the area.

The british medical centre has recently located to Martinicas Bungalows 19 phone 928 56 00 16 a really good piece of advice here is to take a note of the number and location in case of emergency. you never know when you may need urgent medical assistance. I have personally read and even saw forumers and british tourists this year alone being charged hundreds od euros more than they should have been due to wrong advice being given to them and also blind panic in an emergency. Dr Paul and Nurse Mary will give you the care and consideration that you expect from your own gp. and if they cannot assist you then they will put you on the right track. the clionic is very easy to find walking from the commercial centre towards the beach just go past the macdonalds sign then 50 metres further on is another sign which has tango on it the clinic is directly across the road. the clinic also has disabled access and facilities for wheelchairs.

these apts sit up about 30 steps then a sharp incline from the aqua park side of the commercial centre. basic accomodation but very hand for all the entertainment below. it has a lovely little restaraunt and shop and has recently been refreshened up.

This is a part of gran canaria shrouded in history and is a must for the holidaymaker to visit. tagora caves and its splendid restaraunt is a must for anyone who has visited here to add it on the agenda for their next visit. I will give these pics a section of their own meantime but will gradually merge them to my out and about section.

in the last few years Amadores has rapidly developed with an array of new top class hotels and amenities and has what I consider to be the best beach on Gran Canaria. I have added a few pics to show the area and a few of the bars within it.

this is a new completely built group of apartments sitting a few minutes up the small incline from amadores beach presently on thomsons books a very quiet area but within easy reach of the many amenities of puerto rico

Due to various events I have now merged all the pickwicks photo collections together from previous years to present day to form one album which will make them more user friendly.

the terrazamar sunsuites royal apts are the latest addition to open they sit directly behind the sunsuites.these apts howevr have air conditioning at a cost of 36euros per week which may be paid at reception. so as to try and avoid confusion as you stand at the bottom of the hill beside the commercial centre the apts at the bottom of the hill are the suites behind them are the sunsuites and the royal sit behind the sunsuites quite simple eh. this is the ideal place to stay for a quite carefree s/c holiday and are fantastic value for what you pay

xtreeemz bar sits on the lower level of the europa centre facing the car park and has big russ the resident dj. I have now merged the photos together in to one large collection for easier viewing which includes the xmas bash jan 2007 and the may 2007 bash.

The sol y paz sit directly across from the europa centre and consist of two blocks of 20 apts seperated by a lovely swimmng pool. they have recently been added to direct holidays lists and the location of these apts are ideal for all the night life across in the europa centre. thanks to the donation from dane-cb to start this section away

Thanks to John and Emma I am now able to add Puerto Ricos latest eaterie Ma Bakers. Located just across from big red by the beach and next door to Oscars new restaraunt dealing mainly in various pastries meat, steak,etc sausage rolls although just opened October 2006 it has already gained a fantastic reputation and a massive amount of satisfied customers. and they are adding new savouries to their extensive menu on a daily basis.please give Ma Bakers a visit you will not be disapointed a part of Cornwall served up by British owners. well having finally managed to reach mabakers myself I have to say I was highly impressed by the efficient manner in which this takeaway is managed and run. a cream tea service is now up and running and also doing very well. a well stocked fridge with a fantastic variation of soft drinks is available well all I can say is check this establishment out for yourself as you head for the beach or along the amadores walkway

Angelos family bar is a new entertainment bar karaoke etc for familys up in the europa centre. this is one for the family nights out and going by the accolades it is receiving well worth a visit Eddie Grant is a highlight of the evening perfomed excellently by mine host Angelo who has become a icon in Puerto Rico I can say no more other than give this bar visit you will not be disapointed

The puerto plata apts sit half way up the hill on the road to the europa centre but there is a lower entry point combining of steps and lifts. a lot of work was going on when i visited here but is now complete and fantastic views of the ocean do not let the location put you of as taxis are plentiful and cheap so no real problem for the older generation. I was highly impressed by the staff here a very friendly lot.

The revoli sits in the perfect location for sunbathers a very busy hotel with constant entertainment karaokes etc. The only downside i noticed here was that all off the action takes place at the poolside at the lower ground level resteraunt bar etc and to reach up to reception level again is a long long wait for an elevator as i only noticed a few for the size of this very large hotel loads for the kids here but sadly the lifts seemed to be their playground but other than that i was very impressed with the set up.

The Omar Apts sit up the shady side of the mountain and look down to the commercial centre good base for the lively nightlife.

The Rio Pedras sits just back from the beach on the second level but may be accesed by lift from the bottom level great location for entertainment and the beach. thanks to lancashire lass for the contributions to start this collection which i hope to add further photos

Tiffanys is the local watering hole for big Tony and kt very good friends of mine it is situated in the upper level of the commercial centre. I visited the bar in May 2006 and was made very welcome. also the local for tracie and alkie two forum members I met for the first time and hope to have a session with in the future. this is a true welshmans bar but irrespective of where you are fom you will be welcomed with open arms

these apartments sit up the very top of the hill from the europa centre because of the location the views are absolutely stunning across the road is the panorama and sitting directly below them is a fantastic golf course. the apartment i have covered here belongs to a member of canary forum and can be booked privately at a very competitive price enquiries can be made by emailing VILLARHART@aol.com

the porlamar apts sit directly behing the shopping centre which consists of amusement arcade a supermarket a few bars and restaraunts prices here for drink is a bit more expensive than the other centres but is made up for by the size of measures there are steps directly at the rear of the supermarket roughly 24 which takes you upto the apts on the higher level

these apartments are a firm favourite with direct holidays clients and it is not hard to see why. they sit on the flat and a 3 minute walk takes you to the beach in one direction and the main commercial centre the other way. a park sits more or less across the road and the public pool is only a few minutes walk away.the apartments are fully equiped with fridge freezer toater kettle microwave so no need to hire here.
the apartments have now been fully refurbished in may 2008

the monte paraiso apartments sits up the top of the hill next door to the riosol whose facilities you may use if staying here. the europa is directly across the road although a lot of steps there are three elevators that takes the step climbing away. also as the photos show lovely views

the cumana apartments sit directly behind the commercial centre. the two bedroom apts sit beside poolside here and the one bedroom are a bit of a climb up all the steps. pool bar here is very reasonable and you have toilets down the few steps in the reception area. staff are also very helpful here and really do make you feel welcome.

there are a lot to add to this section and will take a little time to add but in the meantime happy viewing

these apts sadly are of the beaten track therefore transport is a neccesity in this location but the views and the cleanliness of the place more than makes up for it.

here is an updated map of puerto rico showing the location of the terrazamars, morasol, marina suites, gloria palace and riu vistamar hotels

the nido sits up the top of the mountain looking across amadores to the mountains on the other side fantastic views. there is a lane which takes you to the europa centre a few minutes away.

Here are a few pics sent in from swifty to show the location etc of thes apts which sit up the hill in the agua la perra area which is the first valley you hit coming in from the airport

URGENT INFO
there has been a few breakins recently at the malibu the worst one being 13 safety deposit boxes forced prior to jan 2007 and knowing the location it looks like they would have to be mountaineers or a suspicious looking inside job as the point of entry seems to have been by the balconies and through the patio doors if you have been there you have to question how they got on to the bolconies in the first place. best advice is to avoid staying here at the present.was going to remove these apts but think its best to warn people of the present situation.

The hotspot bar up in the agua la perra area was the recent venue for the second annual forum members bash and an excellent choice it turned out to be run superbly by john and vezzy. The night out was organised by libbyo and handyman karaoke was provided by shortie williams and assistance with equipment came from andreya and russ. all doing superbly in making it a hugely succesful evening well done to all
rab

this is a new section merging both the famous people and forum members together
previously the famous people section had clues as to who they were.as some had problems puttingthe clue to the name i have now gone with names as they are known on the the forum.and with the amount of faces now in they will be better viewed as a slideshow

you had a good meal or maybe a bad one send a pic and a few details and i will show the world what you got on your plate in puerto rico

these are pics of various places and events donated by swifty owen john and a few by myself and going from one extreme to another anyone remember the bad weather a few years back been to brian adams visited the regions or been on the menu for crocodile lunch its all here thanks to vswitchy i have been able to add some of the most fantastic mountain views i have ever seen from around gran canaria.

these villas are set at the highest level of puerto rico a 5 minute walk up from the europa centre. stunning views your own private pool, they get the sun from sunrise to sunset barbecue area also sat. tv anyway i will let the photos speak for themselves and can be booked through owen at http://www.islascanariastours.com/1107/ab1107.html

By popular request and due to lack of features for the alcopop age group I have added covent garden. This is one of the hottest night spots in the Commercial Centre up on the second floor you are guarenteed to have a great night here as the photos show happy browsing

the nevada apts sits just up from the commercial centre but has a fair amount of steps to conquer when you have hadd a few to many

these photos have been contributed by leeluna a member of canary forum. I was going to add them to either kids activities or the lizards section, but finally decided they deserve a section of there own meantime. Thanks to bootsy and fee I have now got a larger in depth feature at the park

this is a section dedicated to william groves who has donated photos to get this section under way. better known as askimref a popular member of canary forum.these photos are of days gone by and there are some eye poppers here when you see how pr beach used to be and the harbour at puerto mogan also some changes to the bars can be found anyway I will leave you to have your own thoughts on them

these are some pics that have been sent to me by karen chorlton and brdgw 504 at canaryforum and shows the market area and bridge crossing over to the lovely beach also the harbour centre and other well know sights

When walking between puerto rico beach and amadores its amazing the amount of lizards that run about the rocks I have put a few on here and been sent some additional ones by libbyo and now will try and add further pics of various lifeforms in gran canaria in the future

the aquacanis sits in the agua la perra area which is becoming very popular with brits visiting puerto rico they have a nice view to the bay and also have a lovely bar area and pool snack bar apts are basic but homely a two minute walk takes you down to the oasis restaraunt and rockys bar if you carry on down the hill through the tunnel you then reach the rounabout at the marina suites a right turn and 400 metres you are at the wigwam bar carry on turn right at the next junctiion and thats you then heading for the commercial centre.this is a lovely walk in the evenings, i know i did it often but! taxi back for a few euros. New pics have been donated to me by a very good friend Shortie Williams and shows the fantastic time to be had here at the Aquacanis at xmas time

the suites were the first of the new apts to be opened and sit directly in front of the recently completed sunsuites and a third complex is being built at the moment behind the sunsuites I hope this helps to clear up a lot of confusion surrounding these apts. they have a great entertainment team here and you will be kept on the go with all the fun and occasional karaoke and cabarets in the evenings

i feel this is a well needed programe required for to demonstrate the vast amount of things for the kids that are available in puerto rico.i have been concentrating mainly on adult themes apts etc so hopefully this will be of advantage to parents with kids that are heading to puerto rico and balance my site out a little fairer

this is a new restaraunt just being completed and going to be specialising in sea food if it is anything like its present one along the road then its due to be a big success. it is situated along at the smaller harbour beside the steps leading to the walkway for amadores beach and sits above the popular hawai bar the present restaraunt and bar will still be carrying on as usual for its many satisfied customers that have been wining and dining there over the years and for many years to come

the el greco apts are the ones for you if its a beach holiday you want and no hill climbing perfectly located and were being renovated when i visited with a new entrance path being repaired

the las fresas sits more or less next door to the puerto feliz and just a few steps down to the commercial centre very handy for the great night life in the commercial centre

the puerto feliz sits opposite the commercial centre on the shady side of the hill about half way up. it has a fantastic view of the shopping centre and a side view of the sea

these pics were taken on the final game of the season 22nd may 2005 and shows the joys and despair of being a footie fan notice by evening not one person in the huddles bar

the bahia apts are in a beautiful location they sit on the main road between puerto rico and amadores lovely apts and really spotless in fact it is better to let the pics do the descriptions here but it really is a breathless location

here is a small collection of the many boat trips sea fishing and paragliding available in puerto rico

if you love the water but not the sand then this is the place for the kids sits across the road from the beach relax here while the kids have fun

squires is situated up from the taxi rank and down the stairs very homely and first class food here staff are very friendly and you are made really welcome has to be worth a visit or two

just as pickwicks is our favourite bar at the top of the hill buddys is the same at the bottom situated at the rear of the commercial centre up stairs it is run by bob and cath with jayne throwing in a lot of hard work karaoke is the main theme here and bob does a good job of organising and singing also has quiz competitons and beer prices take a bit of beating

Viajes Islas Canarias Tours is a highly successful company handling all your accommodation needs, transfers to and from the airport excursions,car hire and lots more from their office in pdi. the company is run by Owen Cooper originally from the uk. and they are one of the most reliable independant holiday you will come across.

these pics were taken just as the park was opening so as not to offend anyone with their kids being shown on internet i found all the rides were in use and can only advise you to try this park before venturing away to the other one in maspalomasthere was work going on when i visited but this was not affecting the running of the park

when up at the oasis or el gaitero for a first class meal an ideal way to finish of the night is a few drinks and a good laugh in rockys owned by cindy and assisted by michelle they have karaoke on a friday and sunday night and a chance for you future x factor contenders to air your vocal chords

the europa centre is the smallest of puerto ricos main shopping centres it sits up the top of the hill on the sunny side and has numerous bars and restaraunts in it there is also a kiddies centre here with trampolines bungee jumps and various rides. the barbacoa nightclub also is situated here and has a different cabaret on each evening which are all top class acts like the commercial centre be very wary on buying electrical goods here as what looks a bargain may end up a disaster.

the commercial centre is the largest of the two main shopping centres in puerto rico. it consists off everything from kiddies rides to nightclubs has numerous bars and resteraunts and you would probably have too stay here for a year to try them all out burp! burp! shops in abundance but be very wary of buying electrical goods here as what looks to be a bargain often ends up to be a pig in the poke and misery to follow,but there ere genuine bargains to be had just be alert though. lots of prs here but they are only trying to make a living better to be polite when they try to entice you to use their place and say you have already eaten or what i do is stick a lollypop stick in your mouth when they see it they just let you pass by them lol taxi rannk sits on the right of the approach to the centre and are very cheap to use i have put a selection of pics in to let you see the enormous size of the centre have fun browsing and your fav. place may be on photo

The morasol apts are connected to the marina suites and have a variety of studios ,one bedroom apts and junior suites all balconies sit facing the marina and i must add that all balconies get the sun on them from mid afternoon to sunset great for that final few hours relaxing with a few cocktails thanks to chorlton I am now able to show room, bathroom and kitchen areas of an apartment this apartment i must say is situated at the rear of the hotel does not have a balcony and is one of three apartments that are located this way although the brochures tell you that all rooms have marina views untrue im afraid as the window photo shows with the view to the cliff directly outside it

the terrazamar sunsuites not to be confused with the terrazamar suites sits directly behind the suites and is partly up the hill on the same road as the cumana apts. there is also a new road which winds round from the front of the suites to the rear both the receptions for the suites and sunsuites sits opposite one an other. from reception at the suites you go down the hill to the apts but at the sunsuites you go up to the apts due to the size of the sunsuites it is fortunate that there are elevators to take you up to the top level where all the entertainmentand the pool is.airtours and direct holidays have a team of reps for your help based here with a club for the kids. as you can see from the pics they have started on phase three of the terrazamar directly behind the pool but! when i was there it did not cause any problems to the people that were using the pool. the sunsuites are very convenientt for the commercial centre when you come out the main entrance turn right and roughly about 250 metres along the road on the left you come to the steps that takes you in to the cc by the rear at the gym no sweat only about 25 steps at this level to overcome.

amadores beach apts are a small selection of 49 apts they basically sit right on amadores beach. there is no bar resteraunt or entertainment here. it has a lovely pool and squash court down below, tranquility is the theme here but! puerto rico is on your dooorstep and for a few euros you can taxi to either there are a few piano type bars and resteraunts along the beach but no real nightlife here

the palmera mar apts sits up the back of the europa centre you go up past the babalu apts on to the altamar then it is down the hill from the balcon de mar about 200 metres on the left. great views from every room of amadores beach and surrounding mountains.staaff here are very friendly and i must mention there is a fab jaccuzi here which i forgot to take a pic of. it is a walk of about 5 minutes to the europa from here but a very steep incline to go up for the first 250 metres. some additional pics have been added from karen at canary forum

the gran amadores is a lovely looking complex that sits 500 metres up a small incline from amadores beach and sits right beside the new mirador atlantico apartments the pic taken from the top of the hill shows the way down to the beach taxis are required to move about here. it is a nice walk from here along the front from amadores to puerto rico beach but only one way i did the return walk and ended up exhausted in the 35 degree heat

The Altamar Apts sit up the top of the hill on the sunny side of the mountain. These apts are just a few minutes walk from the Europa Centre and are highly praised by members of the Gran Canariam Forum site. A taxi rank sits outside the apts and there is also a bus stop but for a few euros you can easily go to the bottom of the hill and the views from here are also out of this world. A word of warning on the lift is to ensure you are either sitting or have a good hold of the handrail as it seems to jerk at a fair old rate when starting of

THE NUMBER ONE HOTEL IN PUERTO RICO
Thanks to the generosity of Owen, Brian and Chris, and Aubs slade all of Canary forum I have managed to compile a full insight to the Marina Suites the fantastic setting of these apts andThe internal ones of the room shows these to be real luxury and are guaranteed to be in big demand in the years to come. these new apts also have air conditioning a godsend in the long hot summer months We have now spent 2 weeks here may 2005 and we have to say that these are by far the best we have stayed in. you receive clean beach towels every day and breakfast is served in the poolside restaraunt every day and it is a full breakfast really very good.no real need to self cater here at the prices. an internet connection is also available here for a modest 15 euros a week a bad point I have to bring to light is that the marina have now become very popular and because of this it is very difficult to keep a room on your last day even harder to keep hold of your complimentary towels and get a shower facility time if you are leaving late evening. the reception staff were finding it very hard to cope under the pressure in August and things were sometimes getting a bit heated. a small price to pay for your other 13 brilliant days. August was our third visit to the suites and they have taken of big time but still plenty loungers to go round.
As of now 2006 the two a la carte restaraunts have now been merged and changed to a buffet restaraunt which will prove popular to families.

These apts sit up the top of the hill on the opposite side of the road from the altamar.They have lovely views of amadores beach and the mountains as you will see from the pics.Only downfall to these apts are the pool does not get the sun till later on as you can see by the shadows on amadores beach

The mozart are a group of about 26 apts and sit up the top of the hill between the babalu and altamar. They were being renovated when these pics were taken and looked rather stunning but! that was a few years ago. The apts are very handy for the europa centre and all of its bars and restaurants.

The punta del rey consists of two blocks and I dont really know if both blocks are the same. Reason being that the brits occupy one and the germans the other. But anyway another prime location with a great view of the smaller marina and an exceptionally large sun terrace. There used to be a bit of noise from the main road here but! I think the new motorway has taken a bit of that away Also a nice snack bar here some nice views now added from alter egotist

I can assure you that the decor look far superior in the rooms than the entry pic shows mostly two bedroom with a prime location on the beach lovely pool and just a short step from our fav. restaurant (OSCARS)Also handy for thelovely walkway along the prom. to Ammadores beach

The Carolina Apts are located half way up the hill just above the c.c.and sit right at the end of a small road beside the cainama apts. When we used these apts we had a fantastic view of the new motorway bridge being built across the valley also of the terraza mar also being constructed at the same time,and the same pic shows the aqua park nestled between the two.Like most apts this complex also has its fair share of cats which is not a problem if you dont feed them. My wife made a mistake of buying cat food and feeding a pregnant one BIGGGG MISTAKKKKE we ended up with about 12 every morning squealing to be fed.The apartments are like most other apts in the area basic but more than adequate.Steps down to the shops are 50mtrs down the hill then by the side of the cumana.

The Puerto Azul are the most recognisable apartments in pr. due to the large boat at its entry.This is also a very popular place as can be seen by the very limited spaces on the sun loungers. It sits halfway up the mountain between the europa and cc. The large stairway from reception to the pool side is also a large focal point of the apts.

The Riosol sits 200mtrs.away from the Europa centre. It has a good array of amenities two large swimming pools a kiddies pool and a massive sun terrace over and above the ones around the pools.It has panoramic views of the bay and surrounding valley. two bedded rooms are huge as can be seen in the photos and it is one of the few apartments that has regular entertainment

The La-Cascada apts must sit on one of thr prime sites of Puerto Rico.Minutes from the beach and a five minute stroll to the shopping centre.The apts consist of two blocks with a pool seperating them. Fantastic beach views and also inland to the mountains. The apartments are all privately owned but can be booked through owen on the canariam forum to which I have added a link. These apts really are home from home with all the facilities and utilities that you expect to have from holiday

As you can see from the pics that the colina-mar is a group of about a dozen apt blocks all nestling pretty near the top of the mountain on the sunny side.The views towards the marina and aqua park are really stunning from here also the view to the cc. well below.

The Gloria Palace-Amadores sits directly on a cliff face with a panoramic lift down to the promenade walkway below. This is a hotel with a lot of luxury to it and has views to behold.Rooms are just great with all the facilities req. to make it a first class holiday.We actually felt that we were on a cruise aboard a ship rather than a hotel when we were there with the views from our room. Udated with new pics generously donated by Chorlton from canary forum which show the real splendour of this hotel

The Babalu Apts sit directly opposite the Europa Centre.As you can see from the pics they all have a fantastic sea and pool view.We have used the apts a few times and although basic are more than adequate for an unforgetable holiday there is also a panoramic lift takes you from reception down to pool level.Another good thing with the apts are the size of the balconies they easily accomodate three sun loungers +a table and 4 chairs for your own privacy if required. Sun longers are rentable for a small fee which we found to be well worth it. There are also a lot of cats roam the lower levels and pidgeons on the higher and unless you want pestered do not feed them