Whether you're visiting Gran Canaria courtesy of picking up a last-minute bargain break or planning to relocate there, Going Local in Gran Canaria is the book for you. Covering everything from places to see on your holiday to property advice and career opportunities, Going Local is much more than a travel guide. New residents will be delighted by its accessible, humorous style and the inside scoop on what's hot and what's not, coming from British journalist and resident of eight years, Matthew Hirtes. "Matthew Hirtes probably knows more about Gran Canaria than many who were born there. Going Local is an engaging and authoritative guide for visitors and new residents alike." Louise Parkin, editor Living Spain magazine "Going Local in Gran Canaria takes us through the background, history, culture, traditions and people at a steady canter that leaves you much better informed than when you started the book, and with a desire to visit and experience the pleasures and attractions yourself. Clearly, there is something for everyone: both in the book and in Gran Canaria." Chris Marshall, Telegraph Expat columnist and blogger at Almerimarlife.com "With a rare depth of insight, Matthew weaves his personal experiences through an engaging narrative to show us a different face to Gran Canaria." Andrea and Jack Montgomery author of Going Native in Tenerife "An extraordinarily honest, detailed, colourfully-written guide that both informs and entertains. Highly recommended." Victoria Twead, author of Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools, Two Old Fools - Olé! and Mouth-Watering Spanish Recipes.
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"Matthew Hirtes probably knows more about Gran Canaria than many who were born there. Going Local is an engaging and authoritative guide for visitors and new residents alike." Louise Parkin, editor Living Spain magazine "It is hard to think of a part of Spain that has shifted the perception it had that Gran Canaria in all the time I have been writing about life in Spain on my blog," www.almerimarlife.com. "Going Local in Gran Canaria takes us through the background, history, culture, traditions and people at a steady canter that leaves you much better informed than when you started the book, and with a desire to visit and experience the pleasures and attractions yourself." "Something for everyone: both in the book and in Gran Canaria." Chris Marshall, Telegraph Expat columnist "With a rare depth of insight, Matthew weaves his personal experiences through an engaging narrative to show us a different face to Gran Canaria." Andrea and Jack Montgomery - Going Native in Tenerife "An extraordinarily honest, detailed, colourfully-written guide that both informs and entertains. Highly recommended." Victoria Twead, author of Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools, Two Old Fools - Ole! and Mouth-Watering Spanish Recipes.
About the Author
When Matthew Hirtes told his then work colleagues as they lunched looking outside at another grey Isleworth day, of his impending relocation to Gran Canaria, they predicted a life along the lines of a video of Wham's Club Tropicana on repeat. However, Matthew has been too busy to sip cocktails by the pool, writing on everything from learning Spanish to taking surf lessons to covering lucha canaria (Canarian wrestling) fights for the likes of A Place in the Sun, Conde Nast Traveller, and The Independent. Writing about hiking in the mountains, for example, re-emphasized for him how the island offers a true surf-and-turf experience with the possibility of sunning yourself on the beach in the morning and trekking in the afternoon.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A few years ago an American travel writer admitted that he hadn't even been to the country (Colombia) that he'd written about for a Lonely Planet guide, instead cobbling together his info from the internet and a well-informed South American girlfriend. Ever since then, I've always been a bit suspicious about guide books - have the writers actually put in the legwork and been to all the places which feature in the text, or have they just spent hours browsing the web and let their imaginations run riot?
On a recent trip to the Canary Islands, however, I came across this book and it was clear from even the most cursory flick through that the author really knows his stuff. Formerly a London-based journalist, Matthew Hirtes has lived on Gran Canaria for nearly a decade and it is apparent that he is a genuine authority on virtually every aspect of life on the island: local culture, food and drink, transport and so on. Perhaps because Señor Hirtes is a bit of a sporty type - he has learned to surf since relocating to the Canaries and plays football for a Spanish-speaking veterans' team - the section on outdoor activities is particularly strong.
Throughout, the book is written in a lively and engaging style and, refreshingly, the author is not afraid to put the boot in if a bar, restaurant, hotel or whatever doesn't cut the mustard. Another aspect of the book I especially enjoyed were the various mini-interviews with other expats, providing their own particular slant on the pros and cons of local life. All in all, this is a guide I would thoroughly recommend, either to holiday-makers or to people thinking of making a permanent move to the Canaries.
On a recent trip to the Canary Islands, however, I came across this book and it was clear from even the most cursory flick through that the author really knows his stuff. Formerly a London-based journalist, Matthew Hirtes has lived on Gran Canaria for nearly a decade and it is apparent that he is a genuine authority on virtually every aspect of life on the island: local culture, food and drink, transport and so on. Perhaps because Señor Hirtes is a bit of a sporty type - he has learned to surf since relocating to the Canaries and plays football for a Spanish-speaking veterans' team - the section on outdoor activities is particularly strong.
Throughout, the book is written in a lively and engaging style and, refreshingly, the author is not afraid to put the boot in if a bar, restaurant, hotel or whatever doesn't cut the mustard. Another aspect of the book I especially enjoyed were the various mini-interviews with other expats, providing their own particular slant on the pros and cons of local life. All in all, this is a guide I would thoroughly recommend, either to holiday-makers or to people thinking of making a permanent move to the Canaries.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
I considered myself to be too adventurous to travel to the Canary Islands for the umpteenth time but this book has me doubting my non-Canarian holiday resolve. Do not expect your average guide to negotiating the nightclubs and English breakfast joints. This is completely different. Buying this book would be a sensible investment for those planning a holiday on the island, but an essential "bible" purchase for those intending a new life there.
Hirtes has successfully gathered all the bits and pieces we would hope to find (but probably fail to find) via an awful lot of google research and created one handy guide. A brief (and humorous) history, some personal anecdotes (his and other contributors - particularly like this aspect), sections about climate, culture, public transport, employment etc. Also, a huge amount of essential information for those relocating, consolidated into something easy to follow and understand, plus common pitfalls and practical tips. For example, language learning, healthcare entitlements, school enrollment, property buying vs. renting, form filling, setting up in business and so much more.
My favourite section suggests ways that different groups of travellers from romantics to sports fanatics can enjoy the best that Gran Canaria has to offer whether they are there for just a weekend, a week, a month or a lifetime. Hirtes then moves on to discuss each individual area of Gran Canaria in his witty, informal and chatty style concentrating on food, beaches, accommodation, nightlife, fiestas and attractions.
Going Local is a fantastic guide for holidaymakers. But, if you are thinking of making a permanent move to Gran Canaria, it's an essential for your hand luggage.... Read more ›
Hirtes has successfully gathered all the bits and pieces we would hope to find (but probably fail to find) via an awful lot of google research and created one handy guide. A brief (and humorous) history, some personal anecdotes (his and other contributors - particularly like this aspect), sections about climate, culture, public transport, employment etc. Also, a huge amount of essential information for those relocating, consolidated into something easy to follow and understand, plus common pitfalls and practical tips. For example, language learning, healthcare entitlements, school enrollment, property buying vs. renting, form filling, setting up in business and so much more.
My favourite section suggests ways that different groups of travellers from romantics to sports fanatics can enjoy the best that Gran Canaria has to offer whether they are there for just a weekend, a week, a month or a lifetime. Hirtes then moves on to discuss each individual area of Gran Canaria in his witty, informal and chatty style concentrating on food, beaches, accommodation, nightlife, fiestas and attractions.
Going Local is a fantastic guide for holidaymakers. But, if you are thinking of making a permanent move to Gran Canaria, it's an essential for your hand luggage.... Read more ›
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By fontanasteve
Format:Paperback
I found Matthew's writing style to be just up my street with a mixture of information and anecdotes that made it feel much more personal. I live in Lanzarote (which is in the Province of Las Palmas) and so it was good to learn more about our neighbouring island and the Capital of the Province.
I have visited Gran Canaria many times in the past, and have taken trips around the island but the next time that I hop on the ferry to 'shop 'til I drop' (we're definitely the poor relation here retail-wise) this guide will be with me so that I can explore more of the island.
I have visited Gran Canaria many times in the past, and have taken trips around the island but the next time that I hop on the ferry to 'shop 'til I drop' (we're definitely the poor relation here retail-wise) this guide will be with me so that I can explore more of the island.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Alan
Format:Paperback
A very thorough look at life in Gran Canaria, both as an expat living there, and for a tourist only there for a short stay. Matthew has included contacts for surfing lessons to Spanish conversation and the only thing he seems to have decided to exclude has been the contact details for the local veteran's football team, and that is only due to Matthew's already limited playing time. I completely understand having not been able to find a place to participate in my local area.
I have never visited Gran Canaria myself but I would consider this to be the ultimate guide, for anybody wanting to move to this tropical paradise, or even just do more than bask in the sun during the annual two week holiday.
I have never visited Gran Canaria myself but I would consider this to be the ultimate guide, for anybody wanting to move to this tropical paradise, or even just do more than bask in the sun during the annual two week holiday.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It's difficult to say for sure if Matthew Hirtes knows Gran Canaria better than people that were born there, but he certainly knows it better than me - and I'll wager better than you as well...
'Going Local in Gran Canaria' will change all that. If you're looking to visit or re-locate to the island, you'll want to have well-loved and well-thumbed copy close at hand.
Though it is packed full of information about the island and advice on what to do when visiting (or re-locating there, for that matter), the book is so entirely engaging it feels light-weight. This is testament to the author's prose style, however. Hirtes writes with wide-eyed exuberance coupled with an adroit, comic pacing, which means he is able to produce an authoritative guide to life in Gran Canaria (and its history, culture and traditions) with a tremendous level of economy.
'Going Local in Gran Canaria' will change all that. If you're looking to visit or re-locate to the island, you'll want to have well-loved and well-thumbed copy close at hand.
Though it is packed full of information about the island and advice on what to do when visiting (or re-locating there, for that matter), the book is so entirely engaging it feels light-weight. This is testament to the author's prose style, however. Hirtes writes with wide-eyed exuberance coupled with an adroit, comic pacing, which means he is able to produce an authoritative guide to life in Gran Canaria (and its history, culture and traditions) with a tremendous level of economy.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Refreshing style of guidebook
Guide-books - something that should be viewed with suspicion. Nothing can make a holiday more bland than a Lonely Planet guide. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Caroline Angus Baker
5.0 out of 5 stars
THAT's How to Write a Travel Guide!
Some writers have the knack of really providing the kind of information you need as a visitor. Matthew Hirtes has captured this style perfectly with this mixture of factual... Read more
Published 9 days ago by Tamara Essex
3.0 out of 5 stars
Small book, big price
Overpriced for the content, disappointed with the information not detailed enough, didn't strike me as anything out of the ordinary, any tourist could have written it.
Published 12 days ago by Jean
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not much detailed information to organise a holiday trip
After reading many positive reviews about this book, I decided to buy it to organise my holidays in Gran Canaria. Read more
Published 2 months ago by R. Pujadas
3.0 out of 5 stars
Does what it says on the label ...
... so not all that useful for the occasional visitor. The first half, covering life on Gran Canaria, was interesting. Read more
Published 3 months ago by 9031Jonathan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Add it to your shopping list
I read this book with great interest, after having lived in the Canaries myself for a number of years.
Matthew's book caters both for frest time visitors, and returnees. Read more
Matthew's book caters both for frest time visitors, and returnees. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Elle
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great resource
I've lived in Tenerife for over 25 years, but barely know the neighboring island of Gran Canaria, although I see it most mornings on my walks. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Linda Wainwright
4.0 out of 5 stars
It made me want to go there too
I love to read the tales of travellers, whether they live in the country or are just passing through, but with one caveat, I like my travel guide to be inspirational and to inspire... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Linda Parkinson-Hardman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful and fun
'Going Local in Gran Canaria' is the type of book that would become dog-eared in a traveler's backpack or read feverishly by an expat moving to the island. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Maggie Myklebust
5.0 out of 5 stars
Add it to the Bucket List!
I really thought our bucket was full to the brim, however, there's always room for one more travel destination and after reading Matthew Hirtes' stories of life on Gran Canaria,... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Anne O'connell
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