Be Safe In Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria presents little in the way of danger to visitors and it’s fair to say that the streets are safe to walk at night, provided you don’t stray into any unlit or unpopulated areas.

Safety

Crime levels are low, although car theft is relatively common and leaving vehicles unattended while you party away in a nearby nightclub is somewhat risky. It’s advisable to park in well-lit, busy areas and not to leave items of any value on display inside the vehicle. Pickpockets and bag snatchers are also prevalent in some areas, especially in crowded places, and visitors should be wary of their cash and belongings during fiestas and while getting on and off buses.
Keep wallets and purses in front pockets, or better still, wear a concealed money belt. Put bag straps over the opposite shoulder to the hip on which you wear it and wear both straps with backpacks. While dining or drinking in bars, keep your leg or a chair leg through the strap of your bag or camera case and never let such items out of your sight, even for a moment.

Police:  091

Health

The island presents no threats to health in terms of communicable diseases and most illnesses experienced by tourists are the effects of excessive sunbathing or alcohol consumption. With regards to the former, be aware that the island’s trade winds give a false sense of temperature and the sun can still be hot enough to damage your skin regardless of the season. On the latter point, consider that Spanish beer is often considerably stronger than average brews.

Medical centres can be found in all of the popular resorts and there are generally English-speaking staff available. Visitors from EU countries can get free medical treatment, provided they have the necessary documentation. If you are on a package holiday, your representative may be able to offer some assistance in medical emergencies.

General Hospital: +34 928 44 40 00