Considering Gran Canaria for your next vacation?
An excellent idea, this island will offer you wonderful moments between beaches, villages, dunes and mountains.
Here are all the details to answer your question: Is Gran Canaria safe?
With all our tips for a carefree vacation.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
How safe is Gran Canaria?
Yes, on the whole Gran Canaria is a safe destination. There are few risks apart from the currents on some beaches and a few thefts, as in all tourist resorts.
The sun can also be very strong, so remember to protect yourself and drink plenty of water.
Gran Canaria is a Spanish island where Spanish laws apply.
Risks in the ocean
Gran Canaria is famous for its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters.
You immediately want to go for a swim.
Not too dangerous with animals. But it’s the currents and waves that can be dangerous. But not on every beach.
You can even swim without any worries on beaches with protective dikes.
Advice:
Check the beach flag if there is one, and read the signs explaining the dangers of the beach.
Theft and crime
As in all tourist resorts, you’ll find minor crimes such as theft, especially of cars in lightly frequented parking lots.
In cities, some may try to distract you while others try to take something from your bag.
Advice:
Be careful not to leave anything visible in the car, to avoid tempting potential thieves passing by.
And in crowded areas, be sure to secure your valuables.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Sun hazards
Gran Canaria is an extremely sunny island. And that’s one of the reasons we love going there(see our list).
And, as everywhere where the sun shines almost all the time, remember to protect your skin.
See our article on the best times to go to Gran Canaria (coming soon).
Advice:
- Wear sunscreen regularly (don’t forget your feet and the tops of your ears).
- Wear a hat and sunglasses
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid hiking during the hottest hours of the day
Danger of natural pools
Gran Canaria has some wonderful natural pools that make you want to jump in(see our list).
However, these are places that quickly become quite dangerous when the tide comes in and the waves crash over the rocks.
Beware, too, that lava rocks can be sharp in places.
Advice:
So make sure you arrive before the lowest tide and check the coefficient, so that the tide is really low.
WHERE TO STAY IN Gran Canaria
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families
Select by city:
Hiking hazards
Gran Canaria is also famous for its mountain hikes.
Be aware that some hikes have steep sections.
Also, in the mountains, the weather can change suddenly. Be sure to check the forecast conditions before setting off.
Advice:
We advise you to start your hikes early, to avoid the heat.
Grab some water, charge your phone, and let someone know where you’re going.
If you go hiking, avoid touching any succulents you come across.
For example, euphorbias grow on Gran Canaria (a form of cactus). Some species may emit a juice that should not be touched.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
Scammers
Again, as this is a tourist destination, you can also find scammers. Our favorite subjects in the Canary Islands are requests for donations for the deaf and dumb. Personally, we’ve never come across one before.
Counterfeiting
You’ll find plenty of counterfeit products on the island, even in stores right in the center. We remind you that it is illegal to possess counterfeit products in most countries.
Is it dangerous to drive in Gran Canaria?
Not really.
On the whole, driving in Gran Canaria is easy, especially with the circular expressway. There are just a few roads in the mountains that are narrower and more winding, such as the Valley of Tears road (GC210) or a portion of GC605.
Is it safe to drink water in Gran Canaria?
Yes, you can drink tap water. There’s no danger.
Just be aware that Gran Canaria receives little rain. So tap water comes from desalinated seawater. So it doesn’t taste the best, or the taste we’re used to. Most people drink bottled mineral water.
Emergency numbers in Gran Canaria
In Europe, 112 is the number for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. Operators on this number can speak several languages.
This is the only number you need to keep in mind.
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Safety in cities
How safe is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate. However, minor offences such as pickpocketing can occur in busy areas, around all restaurants, as well as in all tourist locations.
See Las Palmas attractions.
Is Maspalomas safe?
Maspalomas is generally a safe place for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, be careful near the beach, where some individuals may engage in scams or attempt to steal valuables.
See Maspalomas attractions.
Is Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria safe?
Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria is generally safe for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, as in any tourist destination, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly around the beach.
See Puerto Rico attractions.
Is Puerto de Mogan safe?
Puerto de Mogan is generally safe for tourists, with a low crime rate. Be careful if you find yourself among crowds in Little Venice and in restaurants, where robberies can occur, as in any tourist destination in the world.
See the attractions of Puerto de Mogan.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
