Clinging to cliffs above a crescent-shaped bay in south-west Gran Canaria, Puerto Rico is popular with families and sun addicts. Warm breezes from nearby Africa keep temperatures balmy on the beach, with fine sand imported from the Sahara. An upbeat bar scene and water sports - from jet-skiing to parasailing - appeal to the young and active.

One of the many charms of Puerto Rico is the sheltered bay that offers safe swimming and activities for the entire family. Coupled this with the famous “eternal spring” climate of Spain's Canary Islands (you're as likely to top up your tan in November as you are in June) and you've got a winning combination for a great holiday - whenever you choose to visit.

Another great plus on the side of Puerto Rico is the choice of accommodation. From private villas, hotels or resort apartments, you can do your own thing, be it self-catering or all inclusive holidays to Puerto Rico.

It takes four to five hours to reach Gran Canaria from the UK and - as the Canaries offer the best chance of short-haul winter sun - there are plenty of holiday packages available throughout the year. Use the search tool on TravelSupermarket to compare a range of holidays to Gran Canaria and the resort of Puerto Rico.

Gran Canaria is popular at any time of the year. Those looking for out-and-out sunshine holidays tend to visit from May to September when daytime temperatures rarely stray too far from a lovely 25C. The hottest months of July and August are often cooled by the annual trade winds, but if they drop the mercury can rise into the mid-30s.

As a winter-sun destination, Puerto Rico is hard to beat. It becomes cool in the evenings, though temperatures rarely fall below 14C, while the daytime average is 19C.

Carnival; Feb/March: Each year, the major towns of Gran Canaria turn out in force for a week-long celebration of the annual carnival. Puerto Rico plays its part too with harbour-side festivals and concerts.

Fiesta del Carmen; July: A boat procession marks the annual celebration of the Fiesta del Carmen from Arguineguin to Puerto Rico. Centuries ago, it was the only way the young ladies of Arguineguin were able to meet the eligible young men from further down the coast.

Fishing contest; July: An annual deep-sea fishing contest begins and ends in Puerto Rico in the hunt for marlin. Catch and release only.

Nightlife: Fancy some after-dark fun? Make for Puerto Rico's shopping centre for cheap eats, pubs, karaoke and big-screen sports. Or hit the dance floor in raucous bars.

Babies & toddlers: Take toddlers to Puerto Rico's sandy bay to build sandcastles and wade in the shallow water. Keep babies cool under the beach parasols. 

Active types: Calling all Flipper fans! Join a Spirit of the Sea boat trip to spot bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales splashing around in the Atlantic Ocean.