Is Gran Canaria safe for tourists?
Yes, Gran Canaria is a very safe destination. The crime rate is low compared to other European tourist areas and serious crimes are rare. Tourist zones — especially Las Canteras, Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogán — are among the most monitored on the island. The only common risks are opportunistic petty theft, easily avoided with basic precautions. This guide gives you all emergency phone numbers and practical advice to enjoy worry-free.
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What are the emergency phone numbers in Gran Canaria?
Essential Numbers
| Service | Phone | When to Call |
|---|---|---|
| Emergencies (general) | 112 | Any emergency |
| National Police | 091 | Crimes, theft |
| Local Police | 092 | Local matters |
| Civil Guard | 062 | Rural areas |
| Ambulance | 112 | Medical emergencies |
| Fire Department | 080 | Fires |
Other Useful Numbers
| Service | Phone |
|---|---|
| Tourist information | 928 21 96 00 |
| Insular Hospital | 928 44 40 00 |
| On-call pharmacy | 112 |
| Consulate (various countries) | See embassy |
| Taxi | 928 46 56 56 |
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Security Level
By Area
| Area | Safety | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Las Canteras | Very high | Very busy |
| Triana/Vegueta | High | Tourist center |
| Maspalomas | High | Tourist area |
| Puerto de Mogán | Very high | Small town |
| Mountains/Interior | High | Less busy |
| Guanarteme | High | Residential neighborhood |
By Time
| Time | Level | Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Day (8am-8pm) | Very safe | Normal |
| Night (8pm-midnight) | Safe | Lit areas |
| Late night (midnight-6am) | Moderate | Avoid lonely areas |
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Basic Precautions
At the Beach
| Risk | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Theft of belongings | Don't leave items unattended |
| Currents | Respect flags |
| Sun | SPF 50+ protection |
| Dehydration | Drink water frequently |
#### Flag System
| Flag | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Green | No danger | Swimming allowed |
| Yellow | Caution | Swim with care |
| Red | Danger | No swimming |
| Black | Beach closed | Swimming prohibited |
In the City
| Risk | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Pickpockets | Bag closed, in front |
| Distractions | Ignore "petitions", "surveys" |
| Visible phone | Don't leave it on table |
| Scams | Be wary of incredible offers |
In a Car
| Risk | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Interior theft | Don't leave anything visible |
| Isolated parking | Prefer supervised areas |
| Road accidents | Mountain curves |
| GPS stolen | Always take with you |
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Natural Risks
Sun and Heat
| Risk | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Burns | SPF 50+, reapply every 2h |
| Sunstroke | Shade 12-4pm, hat |
| Heat stroke | Hydration, rest |
Sea
| Risk | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Currents | Don't swim far, flags |
| Jellyfish | Check warnings, vinegar |
| Sea urchins | Water shoes on rocks |
| Waves | Respect signs |
Mountain
| Risk | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Falls | Proper footwear |
| Dehydration | Bring water |
| Getting lost | GPS, marked routes |
| Weather change | Check forecast |
Calima
| Risk | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Respiratory problems | Avoid intense exercise |
| Eye irritation | Sunglasses |
| Extreme heat | Extra hydration |
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Healthcare
Health System
| Type | Access | Cost for Tourists |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | 112 | Free (EU with EHIC) |
| Health center | Appointment | With EHIC or insurance |
| Hospital | Direct emergency | With EHIC or insurance |
| Pharmacy | No appointment | Direct payment |
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
| Country | EHIC Valid |
|---|---|
| EU/EEA | Yes |
| Switzerland | Yes |
| United Kingdom | GHIC/EHIC |
| Others | Private insurance |
Pharmacies
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Normal hours | 9:00-21:00 |
| 24h on-call | Rotating (on door) |
| Without prescription | Many basic medications |
| Find on-call | 112 or farmacias.com |
Main Hospitals
| Hospital | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Insular | Las Palmas | 928 44 40 00 |
| Hospital Dr. Negrín | Las Palmas | 928 45 00 00 |
| Clínica San Roque | Maspalomas | 928 06 36 00 |
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Theft and Loss
What to Do
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Theft | Report at police station |
| Lost documents | Consulate + report |
| Lost card | Block + report |
| Car theft | 091 + report |
Police Stations
| Station | Location |
|---|---|
| National Police Las Palmas | C/ Luis Doreste Silva, 64 |
| Local Police Las Canteras | Near Parque Santa Catalina |
| Civil Guard | Various locations |
Report for Insurance
To claim from insurance you need:
- Official report (at police station)
- Report number
- Inventory of stolen items
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Consulates
Main Consulates in Las Palmas
| Country | Phone |
|---|---|
| Germany | 928 49 18 80 |
| United Kingdom | 928 26 25 08 |
| France | 928 29 23 71 |
| Italy | 928 24 20 95 |
| Netherlands | 928 24 23 10 |
| Norway | 928 49 50 35 |
| Sweden | 928 27 18 19 |
Other Countries
Check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country or the embassy in Madrid.
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Travel Insurance
Recommendations
| Coverage | Minimum Recommended |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | €30,000 |
| Repatriation | Included |
| Luggage | €1,000-2,000 |
| Cancellation | According to trip |
| Civil liability | €50,000 |
Risk Activities
Verify coverage for:
- Water sports
- Hiking
- Vehicle rental
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Common Scams
To Avoid
| Scam | How It Works | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Petition signature | Distraction to steal | Ignore |
| Friendship bracelet | Put it on and charge | Don't accept |
| Rigged meter | Overcharge | Demand meter |
| Bill change | Give less change | Always count |
| Illegal rental | Charge in advance | Official companies |
Warning Signs
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Price too good | Be suspicious |
| Rush to close deal | Take time |
| Cash only | Look for alternative |
| No contract/invoice | Don't accept |
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Women Traveling Alone
Safety
Gran Canaria is very safe for women traveling alone. However:
| Tip | Note |
|---|---|
| Share location | With family/friends |
| Official transport | Taxi, buses |
| Lit areas | At night |
| Central accommodation | Safer |
| Trust your instinct | If in doubt, leave |
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With Children
Specific Precautions
| Risk | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Getting lost | ID bracelet |
| Sun | High protection, hat |
| Sea | Constant supervision |
| Pool | Never alone |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gran Canaria safe for tourists?
Yes, very safe. The crime rate is low compared to similar destinations. Crimes against tourists are mainly small opportunistic thefts, avoidable with basic precautions.
What do I do if I'm robbed?
Are there dangerous areas?
There are no really dangerous areas for tourists. Some residential areas far from the center may be less advisable late at night, but tourist areas are safe.
Can I drink tap water?
Yes, water is drinkable throughout the island. However, many prefer bottled water for the taste (high mineral content).
What emergency number should I know?
112 is the single emergency number in Spain and the entire EU. It works for any emergency: police, ambulance, fire department.Do I need travel insurance?
With the EHIC (Europeans) you have public medical care. Even so, travel insurance is recommended for additional coverage, repatriation, luggage and other contingencies.
Do beaches have lifeguards?
Main beaches (Las Canteras, Maspalomas, etc.) have lifeguards during daytime hours. Coves and natural beaches usually don't.
Are there dangerous animals?
There are no dangerous land animals. In the sea, jellyfish can appear occasionally and you should be careful with sea urchins in rocky areas.
Looking for a vacation rental apartment?
Casita Palmera is a licensed vacation rental apartment 50 metres from Las Canteras Beach.
View Apartment