SAN AGUSTIN GRAN CANARIA

Southern Gran Canaria's first shovelful of tourist concrete was laid in San Agustin. Curiously, this resort, a step away from popular Playa del Ingles, has never been tarred with the brush of mass tourism. No doubt the presences of the 4-star Melia Tamarindos Hotel and its Casino have helped to maintain its upmarket image.

The resort is cut in two by the 812 highway, leaving the hillside half connected to the beachside half by a series of bridges. The main beach, the dark sand Playa de San Agustin, has the small Playa del Morro Besudo to its east and Playa de las Burras to the west.

The three large hotels (including the Tamarindos), all in Calle de las Retamas, are known for their splendid gardens. Much of the other accommodation is in low-rise apartments. San Agustin has its share of good restaurants.

A short distance northeast of San Agustin, the Real Aero Club de Gran Canaria offers tandem parachute jumps over the Maspalomas dunes a thrilling way to see the island. Flying lessons are also available here.

Half a kilometer from the Aero Club, at a suitably noisy juncture between the carretera and the motorway, is the Gran Karting Club. Its 1,200m of track for Go-karts and Mini-Karts is the longest in Spain and its clientele is of all ages. There is a pleasant lounge, cafe and games room and a sunny terrace for spectators.