Nicci - if you are planning to visit Las Palmas from mainland spain its longer flight than ibiza - thats the first thing to bear in mind as gran Canaria is just off the coast of Africa.

Las Palmas is very continental - more like a Spanish city with a more cultured lifestyle. If you head down the coast towards Playa de Ingles its pretty much party central but lots of brit style pubs n clubs and maybe not what you are looking for.

If you want the beach (without necessarily an island) plus fantastic nightlife and food I would suggest Barcelona.

ibiza is an experience - I wouldnt recommend San Antonio town unless you are 18 and intent on getting blasted every night - however it does have some fantastic resorts and great nightlife, perhaps es canar instead. you can find some details here (copy and paste url into your browser) www.ibizaholidays.com/es_cana/Default.asp

Hi Nicci - I´m Håkan from Stockholm Sweden and I´m planning a trip to the islands druting the same period as you are. I would suggest Barcelona on the mainland as a "starter" (great nightlife thou it´s not "hardclubbing"), shopping and culture. Then of course by speedboat or by air to Palma the Mallorca, very lively, great views and beaches nearby. When in Palma you should travel by car, you can reach the north coast (and back) in one (long) day. Great views, good highways and beaches. If you want to have a calm day at the beach I suggest the south of the Mallorca Island. Finally you must visit Ibiza, BUT stay in Ibiza Town - San Augustin is for extreme clubbers - except for a visit to famous Café del Mar in San Augustin, the most popular beachbar - listen to chill-out music, have a drink and see the sun set ... and rise ;) + there is more to see on the Island. You reach Ibiza fr o m Mallorca in 2 hours with speedboat.

Gran Canaria is 2-3 hours flight from the mainland of Spain. Big (an not so nice) tourist resorts like Plays Inglés, San Augustin However, if you decide to go there I would suggest that you stay in the "capital" Las Palmas, get a nice hotel at the Las Canteras beach, enjoy shopping and food&drinks. (I am spending Christmas this year in Las Palmas). And of course there is nightclubs, discos and more to visit ... nightlife in Spain usually starts at 1 or 2am after having dinner att 10/11pm. So, what ever you´re doing - Have fun, take care! Feel free to tell me how the trip was, by mail to: hakan.pohjanen@comhem.se