360 Canaries - A revolutionary guide to Gran Canaria

Services Gran Canaria

Summer temperatures 25-30C, Winter 20 – 25C.
Daily summer sunshine 10hr – 11hrs – Winter 7hrs – 8hrs

Medical Insurance for Tourist

If you do not travel with a pre paid Medical Insurance certificate then please ensure that you bring your E111. The E111 form was replaced in January 2006 by the European Health Insurance Card. (EHIC). This card entitles British Citizens to the same level of health treatment when travelling within the EU as they would expect to receive in the UK.
There are many English-speaking doctors and dentists. Your hotel will always be able to recommend one. The local chemists (farmacias) have all the usual medication you would normally use. The location of the duty chemist is indicated on every chemist’s door. There are two main hospitals in Las Palmas. You’ll find the older Hospital Insular on the Avenida Marítima del Sur, just as you leave Las Palmas heading in the direction of the airport and the south. There’s also the newer Hospital Doctor Negrin, located closer to the Canteras beach. Red Cross Centre Calle León y Castillo 231 Las Palmas

Banks & Currency

The Euro is the only accepted currency

The use of major credit cards is widespread among local shops, making shopping easier. Credit and debit card holders will need to present a valid picture ID such as a passport which you will also require to change money and banks will charge a commission fee. Most hotels, travel agents and exchange offices - cambios - will also change your money but at a higher rate than the bank. You can also withdraw cash from ATM machines using your credit or debit card (some banks will charge their clients for this service). Travelers Cheques are safe and easily cashed at banks and exchange offices throughout Gran Canaria. Remember that you should keep the bank receipt listing the cheque numbers separate in case any of your cheques are stolen.

Banks open from Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 14.00 hrs. Some banks extend their opening hours one day in the week and there are those who open on Saturday mornings too. Check opening time at Christmas, Carnival and in the summer.

Opening Times (Shops)

Generally open Monday to Saturday between 09.00 and 13.00 hrs. They open again after a long siesta (break) from 16.00 hrs or a little later for another 3 or 4 hours (although most stay closed in the afternoon/evening on Saturdays).

The big supermarkets and department stores will generally do a 09.00 to 21.00 hrs except Sunday.

Telephone Numbers

Emergencies –112

Ambulance - 061

Police Station – 091

Hospital Insular – 928 44 40 00

Red Cross – 928 22 22 22

Fire Brigade – 080

Driving in Gran Canaria

Right hand side of road.
Seatbelts compulsory
Under 12 years not allowed in front seats.
The driving laws for Gran Canaria are the same as in all Spanish territories. You can make a rental with a standard valid driving licence, passport/ID card and a valid credit card.
Speed limit on motorways is 120 km/h
Towns and cities it’s 50 km/h, unless otherwise indicated.
Parking is prohibited on white or yellow lines and blue lines indicate a restricted parking area where you must purchase a ticket from a pay-and-display machine.

Breath tests are carried out randomly and non-residents may be subject to on-the-spot fines. Crash helmets are required when riding motorcycles or mopeds and the use of headphones or mobile phones when driving is strictly forbidden even on hands free with an ear device