Sun, sea and sand - there's nothing better than a carefree holiday. However, take the following warnings to heart - after all, forewarned is forearmed!
The tapwater
The tap water is not drinkable in Gran Canaria. You can buy water at the various supermarkets, bars or restaurants. Brushing your teeth, taking a shower etc. is of course no problem. Potatoes, rice, etc. can be cooked with tap water, but if you are making soup or sauce, it is better to use mineral water, because of the aftertaste of tap water.
Burglary
Keep your windows and doors closed when you are not in your accommodation, do not take too many valuables on the street.
Car rental
Want to rent a car? Beware of the many smaller companies on the street, make sure you have an all-risk insurance without own contribution (todo riesgo sin franquisia in spanish). At the company Cicar you can rent good, new cars, where all possible additional costs are included in the price (2nd driver, child seat etc). Cicar has really a good insurance, look here for the prices.
Street trading
In the tourist area, in the south, you will be approached on the street by many people. From scratch cards (you always win the first prize) to flower sales, from the game ball ball - to excursion sales. Do not get involved in anything, all practices in the street are illegal! On the boulevard you will be approached by beautiful African ladies. They will want put a bracelat around your wrist. Don't go along with this, once the bracelet is on you will have to pay, and that is not cheap.
Electrical equipment
Be careful when buying electrical equipment in the small shops. You really need to go to the larger, better-known shops (e.g. Worten in Vecindario).
Cockroaches
No bother here from buzzing wasps and mosquitoes but we do have cockroaches. It is often thought that cockroaches are a sign of filthiness, but this is not true. These insects live in the grass and in the scales of palm trees, and can therefore enter your accommodation. But... give the insect a name, for example Andrew, and it will look completely different! You can scorch them with your shoe, but disinfect the place afterwards, so that no eggs are left behind. At the supermarket you can buy a spray (for "cucarachas"), you can spray a bit of it on the cockroach, just wiggle it on its back, and Andrew will die. You can also spray preventively at doors and windows. If you do see more than 3 cockroaches (and it is not too hot) , you should pass this on, so that the place can be disinfected.
Ocean current
Before you go into the sea, pay attention to the flag waving at every first aid post:
Green flag = safe to swim
Yellow flag = do not go too far into the sea, because there are invisible but very dangerous undercurrents
Red flag = no swimming (you may even be fined!)
Sunburn
Beware of the sun, we are closer to the equator and the sun's rays are strong. Even if it is cloudy, you can still get a nasty burn. So always put on your sunscreen!
I hope all this doesn't put you off, Gran Canaria really is a wonderful holiday destination, but again, forewarned is forearmed!