Savings Tips
Gran Canaria is already cheaper than many alternatives — with these tips, it becomes even more affordable:
- Book rental cars early: Online from 12–15€/day (full coverage included at billiger-mietwagen.de or CHECK24). On-site at the airport: often twice as expensive. A car is almost always worth it — public transport doesn't go everywhere.
- Global bus instead of taxi: The bus network (Guaguas Municipales in Las Palmas, Global on the island) is cheap and reliable. The TransGC card saves 30% on all bus rides.
- Holiday apartment with kitchen: On portals, you can find studios from 30€/night. Cooking for yourself with products from the market or supermarket saves a lot.
- Use farmers' markets: Fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, and bread directly from the producer — cheaper and better than in the supermarket. The best: Teror (Sunday), San Mateo (Saturday/Sunday), Vecindario (Wednesday).
- Free activities: Hiking (over 30 marked trails!), beaches, dunes of Maspalomas, old town Vegueta, Sunday market Teror, many church visits, and viewpoints — all free.
- Travel in the off-season: October/November and May/June: Hotels 30–50% cheaper than in winter, flights from 80€ return, less crowded.
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink but doesn't taste good to everyone. 8-liter canisters in the supermarket cost under 1€ — much cheaper than individual bottles.
- IGIC tax advantage: The low tax (7% instead of 21%) makes purchases like electronics, perfume, and tobacco significantly cheaper in the Canaries. Duty-free rules apply on the return journey!
