Packing List & Tips
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€.
💡 Tipp
Pack less than you think—you'll spend most of your time in light clothing due to the mild climate. However, don't forget a light jacket: it can get quite chilly in the mountains and in the evenings on the beach. And sunscreen SPF 50+ is more important than any piece of clothing in your suitcase.
