Your Ultimate Trip Preparation Guide
Packing for Gran Canaria is easier than you might think. The island enjoys spring-like weather all year round (18-26°C / 64-79°F), has shops of every kind, and pharmacies on every corner. Still, a bit of planning saves you time, money and hassle.
This checklist covers everything: from what goes in your suitcase to what to do when you land.
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Packing Checklist: Clothing
Year-Round Essentials
- [ ] Short-sleeve t-shirts (4-5)
- [ ] Shorts or skirts (2-3)
- [ ] One pair of lightweight trousers (for restaurants or cooler evenings)
- [ ] Light hoodie or jacket (evenings can drop to 16-18°C / 61-64°F)
- [ ] Underwear and socks for the length of your stay
- [ ] Light pyjamas
- [ ] Comfortable walking shoes
- [ ] Flip-flops or sandals
Winter (December - February)
- [ ] Windbreaker jacket (essential for mountain trips)
- [ ] Light jumper or fleece
- [ ] Extra pair of long trousers
- [ ] Closed hiking shoes
Summer (June - September)
- [ ] Sun hat or cap
- [ ] UV-protection sunglasses
- [ ] Breathable, loose-fitting clothes
- [ ] Light dress or linen shirt for dining out
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Packing Checklist: Beach and Activities
- [ ] Swimsuit (2 so one can dry while you wear the other)
- [ ] Sunscreen SPF 50+ (the Canarian sun is strong, even in winter)
- [ ] Snorkelling mask (the reef at Las Canteras is perfect for snorkelling)
- [ ] Lip balm with SPF
- [ ] Waterproof phone pouch
- [ ] Book or e-reader
- [ ] Reusable water bottle
> Casita Palmera note: The apartment includes beach towels, bath towels, bed linen, and all bedding. No need to pack any of these.
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Packing Checklist: Electronics
- [ ] Phone charger and cable
- [ ] Power bank (portable charger)
- [ ] Plug adapter (if coming from outside continental Europe - Spain uses Type F, round two-pin plug)
- [ ] Headphones / earbuds
- [ ] Camera (optional - modern smartphones take brilliant photos)
- [ ] Laptop charger (if you work remotely)
> Casita Palmera note: High-speed WiFi included, ideal for remote work or streaming.
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Packing Checklist: Documents and Money
- [ ] Passport or national ID card (EU citizens only need an ID card)
- [ ] European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are an EU citizen
- [ ] Credit/debit cards (Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere)
- [ ] Driving licence (if you plan to hire a car)
- [ ] Flight confirmation (printed or on your phone)
- [ ] Accommodation confirmation
- [ ] Travel insurance (recommended, though not mandatory for EU citizens)
- [ ] Some cash (€50-100 for markets and small vendors)
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Packing Checklist: Health
- [ ] Prescription medication
- [ ] Basic first-aid kit (ibuprofen, plasters, anti-diarrhoea tablets)
- [ ] After-sun or aloe vera (or buy it locally - it is sold everywhere)
- [ ] Mosquito repellent (only needed in summer, in a few areas)
- [ ] Spare glasses or extra contact lenses
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What NOT to Bring
Do not overpack. These items are either provided or easy to buy on the island:
| Skip This | Why |
|-----------|-----|
| Towels | Casita Palmera provides beach and bath towels |
| Bed linen | Included in the apartment |
| Kitchen items | Fully equipped kitchen available |
| Hair dryer | Available in the apartment |
| Packaged food | Supermarkets 2 minutes away (Mercadona, HiperDino) |
| Large umbrella | Rain is rare; when it comes, it is brief |
| Heavy winter coat | Winter rarely drops below 15°C / 59°F |
| Paper guidebooks | Google Maps offline works perfectly |
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Pre-Trip Checklist: Bookings
2-3 Months Before
- [ ] Book flights (compare Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, Jet2, TUI)
- [ ] Book accommodation ([Casita Palmera](https://casitapalmera.es) - 30m from Las Canteras beach)
- [ ] Arrange travel insurance if you do not have an EHIC
2-4 Weeks Before
- [ ] Book a hire car if you need one (Cicar is the best local company)
- [ ] Download useful apps (see the next section)
- [ ] Check the general weather forecast
- [ ] Do online check-in for your flight (24-48 hours before departure)
The Week Before
- [ ] Confirm all reservations (flight, accommodation, car)
- [ ] Download offline maps of Gran Canaria on Google Maps
- [ ] Notify your bank that you are travelling (to avoid card blocks)
- [ ] Fully charge all electronic devices
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Must-Have Apps
| App | What For | Cost |
|-----|----------|------|
| Google Maps (offline mode) | Navigation without data | Free |
| Guaguas Municipales | City bus timetables in Las Palmas | Free |
| Global | Intercity buses across Gran Canaria | Free |
| AEMET | Official Spanish weather forecast | Free |
| Windy | Wind, waves, detailed forecasts | Free |
| Uber / Free Now | Taxis and ride-hailing | Free |
| Google Translate | Quick Spanish-English translation | Free |
> Tip: Download the offline map of Gran Canaria in Google Maps before you travel. You will have full navigation even without signal in mountain areas.
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Money Tips
Tax and Prices
Gran Canaria uses IGIC (7%) instead of mainland Spain's IVA (21%). This means everything is cheaper than on the Spanish mainland: electronics, clothing, restaurants, supermarkets.
Cash vs Card
| Method | Where It Works | Tip |
|--------|---------------|-----|
| Card | Restaurants, supermarkets, large shops, petrol stations | Visa or Mastercard recommended |
| Cash | Street markets, beach bars, taxis, tips | Carry €50-100 |
| Contactless | Most shops and restaurants | Apple Pay / Google Pay widely accepted |
ATMs
- ATMs from CaixaBank, BBVA, Bankinter are found across the island
- Avoid Euronet or similar independent ATMs in tourist areas (high fees)
- Withdraw from ATMs inside bank branches, not standalone machines on the street
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Arrival Checklist
At the Airport (LPA - Gando)
- [ ] Collect your luggage
- [ ] Pick up your hire car (rental offices are opposite the terminal)
- [ ] Or take transport to Las Palmas:
| Transport | Price | Duration | Frequency |
|-----------|-------|----------|-----------|
| Global Bus 60 | ~€2.95 | 30-40 min | Every 20-30 min |
| Taxi | ~€35-40 | 25 min | Immediate |
| Private transfer | ~€40-50 | 25 min | Pre-booked |
When You Arrive at the Apartment
- [ ] Connect to the WiFi
- [ ] Do a basic grocery shop (Mercadona is 2 min from Casita Palmera)
- [ ] Activate mobile data or buy a local SIM if you are from outside the EU
SIM Card Options
| Option | Price | Data | Where |
|--------|-------|------|-------|
| EU roaming | Included in your plan | Your usual allowance | Automatic |
| Lycamobile prepaid | €10-15 | 5-10 GB | Phone shops |
| Orange Holiday | €20 | 20 GB + calls | Orange store |
> If you are from the EU or UK, your mobile plan works normally in Spain thanks to free roaming. You do not need a local SIM.
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a passport to visit Gran Canaria?
If you are an EU citizen, a national ID card is sufficient. If you are from outside the EU (including post-Brexit UK travellers), you need a valid passport. Gran Canaria is part of Spain and the EU.
What type of plug is used?
Spain uses the Type F plug (round two-pin, recessed socket). It is the same as most of continental Europe. If you are coming from the UK, USA, or Australia, you will need an adapter.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Tap water is safe but has a mineral taste. Most residents and visitors buy bottled water (5-8 litre jugs at the supermarket for €1-2).
How much luggage can I take?
It depends on your airline. Budget carriers (Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling) typically include only cabin baggage. Compare checked luggage prices when booking your flight, as it is usually cheaper than buying at the airport.
Do I need a hire car?
If you are staying at Las Canteras, no. The beach, restaurants, supermarkets and city life are all within walking distance. To explore the island (Roque Nublo, Maspalomas, inland villages), renting a car for 1-2 days is worthwhile.What is the weather like in winter?
Winter in Gran Canaria means 18-22°C (64-72°F) during the day and 14-16°C (57-61°F) at night. It may rain occasionally, but showers are short. The south of the island is usually sunnier than the north.
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Summary: Your Quick-Reference Checklist
| Category | The Essentials |
|----------|---------------|
| Clothing | Light layers + a thin jacket |
| Beach | Swimsuit, SPF 50+ sunscreen, snorkel mask |
| Electronics | Charger, power bank, plug adapter if non-European |
| Documents | Passport/ID, EHIC, confirmations |
| Apps | Google Maps offline, Guaguas, AEMET |
| Money | Card + €50-100 cash |
> Casita Palmera makes it easy: WiFi, towels, bed linen, fully equipped kitchen, and a location just 30 metres from Las Canteras beach. All you need to do is pack your bag and enjoy. [Book here](https://casitapalmera.es)