Gran Canaria, Spain Hotels and City Guide

Gran Canaria - Travel Tips

When to Visit Gran Canaria

Unlike most holiday destinations, Gran Canaria is ideal to visit at any time of year! The winters are extremely mild with temperatures still remaining in the early twenties celcius. Summers can reach the late twenties, but are often less busy as travellers visit in the Winter to escape the harsh winters of northern Europe and the UK.

Local Customs & Culture (including Tipping)

Local Customs
Many of the people living on Gran Canaria are Roman Catholic and also other religions, hence religious holidays are observed and could disrupt shop and business operating times. Visitors should always respect objects and icons, as well as those practising, when visiting local churches and cathedrals.

Smoking is banned indoor and in all public areas, including on public transport, with severe fines imposed on offenders. Drinking on the streets is not permitted on all of the Canary Islands.

Language
English and Spanish are both spoken on Gran Canaria however you may encounter fewer English speakers if you travel to the smaller visited and less touristic places.

Tipping Advice
Tipping is usually included in your restaurant bill as a service charge. This is most often a percentage of the bill which is added to the total, the exact amount should be clearly stated on the menu. Service tipping, such as for taxi drivers or luggage assistants, is not expected but is still appreciated.

Local Holidays

1 January – New Years Day
6 January – Epiphany
19 March – San Jose
Late March or April – Maundy Thursday & Good Friday
1 May – Labour Day
30 May – Canaries day
15 August – Feast of the Assumption
8 Sept – Day of the Communities
12 October – National Day
1 Nov – All Saints’ Day
6 December – Constitution Day
8 December – Immaculate Conception
25 December – Christmas Day

Health and Security Advice

Visitors to Gran Canaria should always take care with their valuables (cameras, jewellery and wallets) when in tourist spots and shopping areas as pick-pocketing is a common threat. Certain areas of Las Palmas, such as around the harbour, are best avoided at night especially if you are travelling alone.

The most common health ailments include sunstroke and food and water issues. The tap water should not be drunk, even at luxury hotels and resorts. Food should always be pipping hot before when being served and those with sensitive stomachs are recommended to avoid using ice made from tap water and consuming salads.

Duty Free and Tax Refunds

Although the Canary Islands are politically a part of the European Union (EU), they have lower import tax and VAT meaning that, unlike travel between EU countries, one can still purchase duty-free discounted goods such as cigarettes, perfumes and alcohol. Bear in mind though that this does mean that the usual duty free limits apply when returning to your home country within the EU.

Tax Refunds are not the norm, however visitors from outside the EU may be able to apply for a refund on products bought for personal use which cost more than a given amount.

Hotels in Gran Canaria, Spain