Going Local in Gran Canaria

GOING LOCAL IN GRAN CANARIA – HOW TO TURN A HOLIDAY DESTINATION INTO A HOME by Matthew Hirtes is the latest addition to the growing pool of material available to would be expat exloring new destinations.

“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

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 lowdown on what’s hot and what’s not, coming from British journalist and resident of eight years, Matthew Hirtes. 

"The best thing about living in Gran Canaria is its sheer diversity," says Matthew, "from the surf of the Atlantic Ocean to the turf of the Tamadaba pine forest. I wanted to correct the lazy stereotype of Gran Canaria as a sunnier Blackpool and show the island in a fairer, truer light."

Describing Arinaga beach as 'windier than a baked bean eater's consititution', Matthew has well and truly removed his rose-coloured sunglasses as he shares the reality of living on a Canary Island.

"I've lived and breathed the place since we relocated from the UK, becoming an adopted native and investing in bricks and mortar to very much make the island our home," he concludes. 

Publication date MARCH 17TH 2012 
Price £11.99
Summertime Publishing
ISBN 978-1-904881-62-9 (print); ISBN 978-1-904881-67-4 (kindle)
242 pp, paperback

For interviews with the author and to arrange review copies, images and excerpts of the book, please contact
the publisher: Jo Parfitt: publicityATSIGNsummertimepublishing.com author: Matthew Hirtes matthewhirtesATSIGNgmail.com