Practical A–Z

Entry

Gran Canaria is part of Spain and thus the EU—as an EU citizen, you need no visa. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient. There are no border controls for flights from Germany (Schengen Area). Stay: unlimited for EU citizens.

Important: Although the Canary Islands are part of the EU, they are not part of the EU customs area. This means: Duty-free allowances apply when returning to Germany (200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits, 4 liters of wine). This is relevant if you bring rum, wine, or tobacco as souvenirs!

Mobile Internet & Phone

Thanks to EU roaming, you can use your German mobile contract on Gran Canaria without additional costs—calling, surfing, and texting are included in your plan. Network coverage is excellent in coastal cities and tourist areas. In the mountains and gorges, the signal may weaken—download offline maps for hikes!

WLAN

Free WLAN is available in most hotels, restaurants, and cafés. In Las Palmas, there are also public WLAN hotspots (e.g., in Parque Santa Catalina). The speed is generally good.

Time Zone

Gran Canaria is in the Western European Time Zone (WET/UTC±0)—this means: one hour behind Germany (or CEST−1 in summer). When it's 2 PM in Berlin, it's 1 PM in Gran Canaria. Advantage: You gain an extra vacation hour!

Language

The official language is Spanish (Castilian). In tourist areas (Maspalomas, Las Canteras), English is well spoken, and in Las Palmas, often German too. In rural areas and mountain villages, Spanish is the only language—a few basic phrases are highly appreciated there:

• Buenos días — Good day
• Gracias — Thank you
• La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please
• ¿Dónde está…? — Where is…?
• Guagua — Bus (Canarian Spanish!)
• Papas — Potatoes (instead of patatas on the mainland)

Health

Gran Canaria has a good healthcare system (part of the Spanish Sistema Nacional de Salud). No special vaccinations required—standard vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria) should be up to date. The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) from your health insurance is accepted in public health centers. Nevertheless, travel health insurance (from 10€/trip) is recommended, especially for hiking and water sports.

Sun & Heat

The UV radiation on Gran Canaria is intense—stronger than in Germany, even with clouds and wind. The most common health issues for tourists:

• Sunburn: Apply sunscreen SPF 50+, even with clouds. Avoid midday sun (12–4 PM). Wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Heatstroke: For summer hikes: at least 1.5 liters of water per person, light clothing, breaks in the shade.
• Calima: During Sahara dust storms (Calima), temperatures can rise above 40°C. On these days: avoid physical exertion, drink plenty, stay indoors.

In the Water

• Currents: Some beaches (especially in the north and unprotected bays) have strong currents. Pay attention to flags: Red = swimming prohibited, Yellow = caution, Green = safe.
• Sea urchins: Common on rocky coastal sections. Water shoes (aqua shoes) are a good investment.
• Jellyfish: Rare, but possible—especially with onshore winds.

Safety

Gran Canaria is very safe. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The most common issues:

• Pickpocketing: In tourist centers (Playa del Inglés, Las Canteras promenade) and markets. Keep valuables close to your body, don't leave anything unattended on the beach.
• Car break-ins: Don't leave anything visible in rental cars—neither at the beach nor at viewpoints. Use the trunk.

Emergency number: 112 (police, fire department, ambulance—works even without a SIM card).

Clothing & Equipment

• Light, airy clothing: T-shirts, shorts, summer dresses—the basics for the south and the coast.
• Light jacket / sweater: Essential! It can get chilly in the evenings on the coast and in the mountains (15–18°C in Las Palmas at night, below 10°C in the mountains).
• Hiking boots: If you're heading to the highlands, you'll need sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots. For Roque Nublo, sturdy sneakers are sufficient.
• Water shoes / aqua shoes: For rocky beaches and natural pools (sea urchins!). Always worth it.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses (UV400), hat/cap. Non-negotiable!
• Beach towel / microfiber towel: Compact and quick-drying.
• Snorkel mask: Bringing your own saves rental fees—La Barra and Mogán are fantastic for snorkeling.

Good to Know

• Electricity: 230V, Type C/F—German plugs fit, no adapter needed.
• Tipping: In restaurants 5–10% (not mandatory, but appreciated). In taxis: round up to the next euro. In bars: leave small change on the counter.
• Meal times: Lunch from 1:30–3:00 PM, dinner from 8:30–10:00 PM. Many restaurants don't open for dinner before 8 PM. In tourist areas, times are more flexible.
• Supermarkets: HiperDino (Canarian chain, widely available), Mercadona (affordable, good own brands), Lidl and Spar. Opening hours: mostly 8 AM–10 PM, also on Saturdays. Many are closed on Sundays.
• Holidays: Spanish + Canarian holidays. Important: May 30 (Día de Canarias—Canarian National Day), September 8 (Virgen del Pino in Teror). Many shops are closed on holidays.
• Drinking water: Tap water is drinkable but contains many minerals and has an acquired taste. Most locals and tourists drink bottled water. 8-liter canisters in supermarkets: under 1€.