What to be careful of in Gran Canaria?

Not planning in advance. You don’t usually go on holiday on a whim, except in specific cases, and even then, doing everything quickly sometimes doesn’t turn out well. One of the biggest mistakes is not planning your trip in advance. Research the places you want to visit, the activities that interest you, and the best times of the year to travel. Also, booking accommodation and transportation in advance can save you money and avoid unpleasant surprises. Booking a hotel just because it’s cheap. Yes, it’s true that a cheap hotel may seem like a great deal at first, but sooner or later it will become clear that it isn’t. Cheap hotels offer little in terms of comfort, safety, and other desired aspects. Underestimating the intensity of the sun. Gran Canaria enjoys a subtropical climate and pleasant temperatures all year round so do not underestimate the sun during your visit. Always carry sunscreen based on your skin type, reapply it every two hours on exposed areas, and complement this protection with sunglasses and a hat. Not exploring the interior of the island. Many tourists stay only in the coastal areas and do not explore the interior of the island, which has impressive mountainous landscapes, picturesque villages, and natural trails worth discovering. Ignoring local cuisine. Limiting yourself to international food is a mistake because you may miss out on something that you’ll love. Not respecting beach rules. Some beaches in Gran Canaria have specific rules, such as no smoking or that you have to hire a sun bed. Ignoring proper clothing for activities. Gran Canaria offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking to water sports. Not learning about local festivals. If there’s one thing that’s true about this place, it’s that it has many festivals and events throughout the year that can enrich your experience. Not knowing transportation options. Just like other parts of Spain, here you find different transportation options, from buses and taxis to ferries connecting to other islands. Forgetting to rent a car. Although Gran Canaria boasts a good public transportation system, renting a car will give you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Not protecting your belongings. As with any tourist destination, no matter how safe it promises to be, it’s essential to be mindful of your belongings to avoid theft. Not respecting the environment. Gran Canaria is a destination with impressive nature that we must all preserve as visitors. Do not leave trash, respect the local flora and fauna, and follow the instructions of natural parks and reserves.

Use a minimum of SPF30 with good UVA protection, and choose a waterproof formula if you're planning to spend a lot of time swimming or surfing. Avoid the sun altogether between 10am and 2pm when it's at its strongest. You might also want to keep a wide-brimmed hat or light scarf handy to keep the sun off your face when walking around town in the daytime. Very hot weather can cause heat exhaustion - symptoms include dizziness, fatigue and headaches. Make sure you stay hydrated - keep a water bottle with you and don't wait to feel thirsty before you drink. If you start to feel tired or giddy, replace fluids with water or diluted fruit juice and head to the shade to rest and cool down before doing anything else. Use insect repellent to avoid bites and stings, especially at dawn and dusk. Mosquitos in Gran Canaria don't carry malaria or other diseases, but a hungry mossie can still be an unpleasant to have on your ankle - carry ammonia or antihistamine cream to treat any nibbles. Check out our guide to staying healthy on holiday.