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Gran Canaria Travel Tips, Holiday Information and Tourist Information.If your planning a holiday to Gran Canaria then spare a couple of minutes to read the following travel information on Gran Canaria may help you find a few helpful tips to make your holiday more enjoyable. If you are looking for holiday accommodation in Gran Canaria then search Apartment and Villa Rentals for apartments and villas to rent, plus many more holiday rentals in Gran Canaria. If you have a holiday home to rent in Gran Canaria then you can advertise it on Apartment and Villa Rentals. Gran Canaria is the third largest Island out of the eight Islands. Most people believe there are seven forgetting La Graciosa. Gran Canaria lies just 210 km off the coast of Africa and 1250 km from mainland Spain. Gran Canaria is a volcanic Island although now there is no more volcanic action. It is well known as Spain’s miniature continent with its diverse landscapes and excellent climate. Gran Canaria is a combination of old towns, quaint fishing villages, bustling seaside resorts and its traditional yet cosmopolitan city, the capital being Las Palmas. The Islands main source of revenue is tourism but fishing and farming of fruit and vegetables are also a main trade. For holiday makers looking for nightlife, tradition, history, places to explore or simply a sunny retreat then Gran Canaria has so much to offer.
In Gran Canaria you can enjoy fun in the sun everyday with all kinds of sporting activities to choose from. You can go diving, fishing, sailing, windsurfing or on motorised water sports to golf, cycling trekking and much, much more. Gran Canaria is famous for its all year round spring like climate. Annual average temperatures range from around 17C / 63F to more than 25C / 77F, with hot summer weather making temperatures in Gran Canaria peak at more than 30C / 86F during July, August and September. Winter temperatures regularly exceed 20C/68F even during the coldest months from November to January. Gran Canaria weather is very diverse as it is known to be very cool in central and northen parts of he Island where even snow can be spotted on the mountains while you sunbathe down on the sunny southern coast. Many of the more popular tourist resorts are on the southern coastline, including Playa del Ingles, Puerto, Rico, Maspolamas and Puerto do Mogan. So whenever you decide to plan a visit anytime is a good time.
Electricity Power used in Gran Canaria is 220V/50Hz so a tin pin plug is required. Travellers from the USA will require a voltage converter; however the better hotels do have provision for 110 Volt appliances like shavers.
The tap water is safe to drink but not recommended due to its high mineral content, as it tends to be desalinated seawater. Almost all locals even drink bottled water.
The language spoken is Spanish but English is widely spoken especially in more popular tourist resorts.
Shops are generally open from 09.00 – 13.00 and close for siesta, then open around 16.00 until 20.00 or 21.00 in the evening. The larger supermarkets and department stores and commercial centres normally open from 09.00am until 21.00 pm all day. Most shops are closed on Sundays but it varies depending on tourist resorts.
The currency used in Gran Canaria is the Euro and all major credit cards are widely accepted. You will need to show your passport when changing money and banks will always charge a commission fee. You will find many travel agents and exchange offices (cambio) also around resort. Traveller’s cheques are also cashed at banks and foreign exchange offices. Most banks usually open from Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 13.00 or 14.00 hrs. Some banks change their opening hours one day in the week and open in the afternoon instead.
Like in Mainland Spain, most Towns and Villages have their Annual Festival as well as the main Religious Days.
Carnival takes place the week before Lent in the Christian calendar and is an example of the Latin American influence in the Canary Islands. While not as big as the Carnival in neighbouring Tenerife (the Santa Cruz Carnival is second only to Rio de Janeiro), it is nonetheless a very big event.
In Spain, it is the 6th of January when gifts are given rather than on the 25th of December. At Christmas, the important days for the Family (when many businesses will be closed) are the 24th of December (Afternoon) and the 6th of January (All Day). Most Businesses in the Resorts are open on Christmas Day.
Health Insurance is advised even though you can obtain a refund using the E111 form if you are an EU citizen. If you do need to seek medical attention then the medical system is very good and most doctors and dentists do speak English. If you need to find a chemist (farmacia) you will recognise these with a green cross sign and they will have most things you may require. There is always one chemist in a resort or neighbouring resort open 24 hours in case you need to visit one. The nearest duty chemist location is always displayed on every chemist’s door.
Emergency Numbers Emergency Services: 112 Guardia Civil: 062 Hospital: 928 450 000
Agaete: 928 88 62 32 Agüimes: 928 78 98 41 Arinaga: 928 78 98 45 Alcaravaneras: 928 49 49 22 Playa Mogán: 928 565 976 Arguineguín: 928 152 717 Arucas: 928 624 971 Maspalomas: 928 721 169
International Operator: 025 The Local Operator: 1003 Gran Canaria Airport: 928 579 130
This Gran Canaria travel information was believed to be accurate at the time of print, always check with appropriate sources prior to travelling to Gran Canaria. Apartment and Villa Rentals also have holiday accommodation in Gran Canaria. |
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