Taurito

The resort of Taurito, "Lago Taurito Oasis", with its beach of native sand, is in a spectacularly steep-sided and narrow barranco (valley) which is lined with hotels facing the sea or overlooking the lido and recreation area. If you want a resort with a bustling nightlife, then Taurito is not the place for you, but it's not far to Puerto Rico if that's what you're after.

The beach is not as sheltered as some at other resorts, but has proper waves and is thus a little more exhilarating. Many people prefer the coarser dark sand, which some call black sand, to imported golden or white sand from the Sahara or Caribbean (more ecologically sound?). If you prefer something calmer, or don't like sand, then the large Lido, with its water slides and series of large linked pools may be the place for you to relax.

If you are feeling energetic there is a jogging circuit, tennis courts and a squash court - racquets can be hired here, so you don't need to pack them! A little less strenuous is the mini-golf, and there are also a several activities for smaller children. There's a dive centre in the resort and pedaloes and jet skis can be hired from the beach.

The main accommodation in Taurito consists of hotels offering a choice of full- or half-board and one or two "holiday club" complexes (is it just "timeshare" with a new name?). Some of the hotels run free bus services for their guests to other nearby places, including the markets at Arguineguín and Puerto Mogán.

If you're not staying at Taurito, but want to spend the day there, the buses are frequent, though it's a bit of a walk to the beach, or if you have a hire car, there's an underground car park, so your car won't be too roasting when you return to it.