Gran Canaria travel tips to help your holiday go smoothly: the changeable weather of the “miniature continent”, driving, parking without fines and personal safety.
Gran Canaria is an amazing destination with something for everyone – beautiful beaches, dramatic mountains and historic towns. It has rightly earned the nickname “miniature continent”: the weather here can change dramatically depending on which part of the island you are in.
In the south, expect constant warmth and sunshine for most of the year. In the north and in the mountains it is usually cloudier and noticeably cooler, especially in the winter months. Always check the forecast for the specific place – when you are heading into the mountains to Roque Nublo or Pico de las Nieves, enter the village of Tejeda in your weather app as a reference point.
What the weather is like in winter and where to go in the sunny south, you will find in the article Gran Canaria in winter.
Constant warmth and sunshine
Cloudier and cooler, especially in winter
iPhone: the Weather app, Android: Windy
Enter Tejeda in the app
Hiring a car is the best way to explore the island, but it means following a few basic rules. Never leave anything visible on the seats – experienced thieves can open a car very quickly and lie in wait mainly at mountain lay-bys and popular viewpoints. Speed cameras are well signposted, but they photograph you from behind – do not speed up straight after passing one.
Finding free parking in the larger towns and at tourist spots is often a huge problem. Use official paid car parks or underground garages. Never park in disabled bays or taxi spaces – your car may be towed away immediately. If you are staying in the south, you have to collect a towed car from the police station in Maspalomas, pay the towing fee on the spot, and you will also get a fine.
Scan the QR code – it takes you to a payment page. If you pay as soon as possible, you only pay 50% of the amount.
For trips inland and to the north, always pack a jumper and a waterproof jacket – especially in winter and spring.
Petrol and diesel prices, the nearest filling stations and real-time traffic information – road closures, accidents and other restrictions – are shown in the GasBu app.
The Canary Islands are generally very safe, but common sense is called for wherever there are crowds. When wandering around the centre of Las Palmas, especially the historic lanes of the Vegueta quarter, try not to look like a typical tourist – thieves mainly target people who are only in the destination for a short time.
I wish you a safe journey and lots of wonderful experiences on Gran Canaria!
A big DSLR camera round your neck is a clear signal for thieves – carry it in a discreet bag at the front, move your backpack to your front in crowds, and take off or cover the colourful all-inclusive wristbands from your hotel.
For where to stay on the island, see the article on the resorts in the south of Gran Canaria.
Constant warmth and sunshine in the south; cloudier and cooler in the north and in the mountains, especially in winter.
On an iPhone the built-in Weather app, on Android Windy. For the mountains, enter the village of Tejeda.
No, from behind – so do not speed up straight after passing one.
Scan the QR code and pay as soon as possible – you will only pay 50% of the amount.
At mountain lay-bys, at viewpoints and in the historic Vegueta quarter of Las Palmas.
With a little preparation you can enjoy Gran Canaria to the full – without stress, fines or unpleasant surprises.