Maspalomas Botanical Park

Butterflies work the flowerbeds between tall cacti, and some of the trees are huge, spreading their branches over the paths. Maspalomas Botanical Park brings plants from across the Canary Islands together in one place, set beside exotic species from further afield, so one unhurried loop gives a picture of island flora. Some plants carry labels. Birds keep up a noise in the branches, and the garden is calm.

It is small and a bit scruffy in places, the mosaic-tiled seating area included. The layout is good, though, and the walk round is easy going.

• There is no café in the garden and no drinking fountain nearby — bring water and something to eat.
• There are toilets on site, and a mosaic-tiled seating area for a rest.
• Only some plants are labelled; a plant-identification app fills the gaps.
• Parking spaces near the gate are hard to find, and the bus stops right outside.
• The garden works well with children, who have birds and butterflies to look for.

Local buses run past the gate. The Campo de Golf 2 stop sits about 20 m from the garden, and a second stop, Campo de Golf 1, is about 170 m away.

Coming by car, there is a car park about 165 m away in a straight line and street parking around it, but an empty space can take some hunting. Another car park nearby is private. The bus is the simpler way in.

Best: a weekday morning, soon after opening.

Avoid: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, when the garden is closed.

Mornings are cooler in the sunny south of Gran Canaria, and although winter brings only a scattering of flowers, the cacti, big trees and butterflies are there to see even then.