Gran Canaria is an easy destination to navigate, but there are best time to visit practical details that Gran Canaria travel guide make a big difference to your trip. This guide covers airport transfers, local transport, tipping, safety, tap water, and answers to the questions travelers most frequently ask before things to do in Gran Canaria visiting events and festivals the island.
Gran Canaria Travel Tips: weather by month Arrival and Airport
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is on the east coast, 18km south of Las Palmas and 25km east of Maspalomas. It handled 13 million passengers in 2024 and is the busiest airport in the Canary Islands. There is a single terminal for all flights. After collecting luggage, you exit into a large arrivals hall with car rental desks (Cicar, AutoReisen, Avis, Hertz, Europcar), a Global bus ticket machine, and taxi ranks.
Airport to Las Palmas
Global bus line 60 runs every 30 minutes from the airport to Las Palmas (San Telmo station and Santa Catalina interchange). Journey time is 25 minutes. Fare: EUR 2.95, pay the driver in cash or use a rechargeable TransGC card. Taxi from the airport to central Las Palmas costs EUR 25 to 30 and takes 15 to 20 minutes. Uber, Bolt, and Cabify do not operate in Gran Canaria.
Airport to Maspalomas and South Coast
Global bus line 90 runs hourly from the airport to Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas, and Puerto de Mogan. Journey time to Playa del Ingles is 30 minutes. Fare: EUR 4.50 to Playa del Ingles, EUR 6.50 to Puerto de Mogan. Taxi from the airport to Maspalomas costs EUR 35 to 45 and takes 20 to 25 minutes. The bus stop is directly outside the arrivals hall.
Gran Canaria Travel Tips: neighborhoods guide Getting Around
Public Buses (Global)
Global operates the island’s bus network with over 100 routes. Buses are modern, air-conditioned, and reliable. Fares range from EUR 1.40 (urban Las Palmas) to EUR 8 (cross-island routes). Pay the driver in cash (coins and small bills, EUR 20 maximum change) or use a TransGC card (EUR 2 deposit, rechargeable at bus stations and tobacco shops). The card gives a 20% discount on most routes. Key routes: 30 (Las Palmas to Maspalomas via airport, every 20 minutes), 91 (Las Palmas to Puerto de Mogan), 18 (Las Palmas to Tejeda, 3 times daily). Google Maps has accurate Global bus times and stops.
Car Rental
To explore the interior (Roque Nublo, Tejeda, Pico de las Nieves), a rental car is strongly recommended. The mountain roads (GC-60, GC-150, GC-200) are paved, well-maintained, and spectacularly scenic but have steep gradients and hairpin turns. Rent from local companies Cicar or AutoReisen for the best rates: EUR 25 to 40 per day including full insurance with zero excess. International chains at the airport charge more. Book at least 2 weeks ahead for the best prices, especially in high season. Parking in Las Palmas is difficult and paid (EUR 1 to 2 per hour in blue zones). Most south coast hotels have free parking. The GC-1 motorway runs along the east coast from Las Palmas to Puerto de Mogan (toll-free).
Taxis
Taxis are metered and relatively affordable compared to mainland Spain. Minimum fare is EUR 3.50. A 10-minute ride within Las Palmas costs EUR 5 to 8. Las Palmas to Maspalomas costs EUR 50 to 60 (40-minute drive). Taxis accept cash and most accept cards. Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, Cabify) do not operate on the island. Use the PideTaxi app to book official taxis.
Gran Canaria Travel Tips: Money, Tipping, and Costs
The currency is the euro (EUR). Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some small bars and rural guesthouses are cash-only; carry EUR 50 to 100 in cash. ATMs are widespread in Las Palmas and the south coast resorts. Avoid Euronet ATMs (yellow and blue, charge EUR 3.50 to 5 in fees). Use bank ATMs instead: CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander.
Tipping is not required or expected in Spain but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, leaving 5 to 10% of the bill or rounding up to the nearest euro is standard. For taxis, round up to the nearest euro. For hotel staff, tip EUR 1 to 2 per bag for porters and EUR 2 to 3 per day for housekeeping if you feel inclined. Typical costs: espresso EUR 1.30, beer (cana) EUR 2 to 3, dinner for two with wine EUR 40 to 60, bus fare EUR 2 to 5, museum entry EUR 3 to 6.
Gran Canaria Travel Tips: Practical Information
Tap Water
Tap water in Gran Canaria is technically safe to drink but comes from desalination plants and has a noticeable mineral taste. Most locals and visitors drink bottled water, which costs EUR 0.50 to 1 for a 1.5L bottle in supermarkets. Hotels and restaurants serve bottled water. Use tap water for brushing teeth and making coffee. In rural areas above 600m, tap water comes from natural springs and tastes better.
Language
Spanish is the official language. In tourist areas (Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles, Puerto Rico), English and German are widely spoken. In Las Palmas, most service staff speak some English, but basic Spanish phrases go a long way. In rural areas (Tejeda, Artenara), English is limited. Useful phrases: hola (hello), gracias (thank you), por favor (please), la cuenta (the bill), cuanto cuesta (how much).
Safety
Gran Canaria is a safe destination with low violent crime rates. The main risk is petty theft, particularly pickpocketing in crowded areas (Las Canteras promenade, Carnival, Yumbo Centrum at night) and theft from rental cars at isolated trailheads. Do not leave valuables visible in your car, especially at hiking parking areas (La Goleta for Roque Nublo, Tasartico for Guigui). The emergency number is 112 (police, ambulance, fire). The south coast resorts have a dedicated tourist police presence. The sun is intense year-round even on cloudy days; use SPF 30+ and reapply after swimming.
Visas and Entry
Gran Canaria is part of Spain and the Schengen Area. EU citizens need only a national ID card. UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date. There are no COVID-related entry requirements as of 2026.
Electricity and Plugs
Spain uses Type C and Type F plugs (two round pins) at 230V/50Hz. UK travelers need an adapter. US and Canadian travelers need both an adapter and a voltage converter for devices not rated for 230V (most phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage and only need the plug adapter).
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Wi-Fi is standard in all hotels and most cafes and restaurants. Free public Wi-Fi is available in Las Palmas parks (Santa Catalina, San Telmo) and along Las Canteras promenade. For mobile data, buy a prepaid SIM from Movistar, Vodafone, or Orange at the airport or any phone shop. A 30-day tourist SIM with 50GB of data costs EUR 15 to 20. eSIM options from Airalo and Holafly work on Gran Canaria and cost EUR 10 to 20 for a week of data.
where to stay in Gran Canaria Suggested Hotels in Gran Canaria
If you want three solid recommendations across different budget levels without reading the full Where to Stay guide, these are our top picks for Gran Canaria.
Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel (Luxury)
Gran Canaria’s most historic hotel, set in the Parque Doramas gardens in Las Palmas since 1890. The 5-star property has a rooftop pool, three restaurants, and beautifully preserved colonial architecture. Best for travelers who want history, gardens, and city culture over beach resorts. Check rates and availability
Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort (Mid-Range to Luxury)
A massive 5-star resort in Meloneras with a 200m lagoon pool, tropical gardens, and a spa. The Spanish colonial design and oceanfront location make it the standout south coast resort. Best for couples and resort lovers who want every amenity on site. Check rates and availability
Hotel Ritual Maspalomas (Budget-Friendly)
An adults-only 3-star superior hotel near the Yumbo Centrum in Playa del Ingles, with a clothing-optional rooftop pool. Clean, modern, and excellent value for the location. Best for LGBTQ+ travelers and adults wanting a social, affordable base near the beach and nightlife. Check rates and availability
