Frequently Asked Questions
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The photos will not enlarge in Gran Canaria information and individual property pages?
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How long will it take me to drive from the airport to the South of the Island?
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What about island tours, excursions and historical places to visit?
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I made a successful booking but the email I received was incorrectly formatted?
I am unable to view any of the brochures.
To view the brochures you need to have Adobe Reader installed. This is a free download from Adobe.
If you would prefer to download the brochures rather than view them in your browser you can right click (ctrl + click on Macintosh), and select save target as (download linked file on a Macintosh).
I am unable to view the availability chart in full.
If you are using an older model 15” screen then the resolution has probably been set to 800 pixels by 600 pixels. To view the full chart the resolution requires re-setting to 1024 pixels by 768 pixels. You can verify or modify the display mode by right clicking on the desk-top, selecting properties and then settings. In the “screen area” increase the resolution to 1024 X 768 pixels.
The photos will not enlarge in Gran Canaria information and individual property pages?
You are probably using an internet pop-up suppression program or similar - This will require de-activating before you are able to view the enlarged the pictures.
We are travelling to Gran Canaria for the first time – What would you suggest we bring, and not bring, with us from the U.K.?
Apart from the obvious things, such as money, passport, driving licence, etc., we would say the next most important item is the directions and key instructions to the property.
Purchase your teabags & coffee at your local supermarket before travelling - Both are rather expensive here in the Canary Isles and there is a limited choice. Ground coffee, the Spanish favourite breakfast drink, is similar to the UK in selection and price. Breakfast cereals etc and a good selection of other English products are readily available here in the local supermarkets.
Reading material - Books, magazines etc. Most of the UK publications of popular magazines are available on the island but they tend to be a touch out of date relative to the UK.
A small first-aid kit with aspirins, plasters, antiseptic, etc., would be an advantage and of course your personal medication.
A back pack is a very useful item and comes in very handy for the day trips, shopping sprees and walks and a concealed money belt.
The current used in Gran Canaria and throughout the Canary islands is 220 Volts AC 50Hz (Similar to the U.K.) and plugs have two round pins as found on the European continent.
If you intend to use your UK hairdryer etc you will require a simple plug adapter and this is best bought in the UK as they are not readily available in Gran Canaria.
Power cuts do occasionally happen, so bring a small torch with you.
Sun creams - Stock up, before you travel, with high factor products. The sun in the South of Gran Canaria is very strong even in the middle of winter. Gran Canaria is on the same latitude as Tampa in Florida, U.S.A. If you find, after you arrive, that you require additional sun creams we highly recommend that you only use the chemists (farmacias) for your purchases.
Maps / Information on Gran Canaria - There are several publications available - The web site Amazon.co.uk has a very comprehensive range available.
Spanish Phrasebook.
Games - Scrabble or cards etc.
Clothes - Most travellers arriving in Gran Canaria for the 1st time invariably pack too many clothes.
In summertime, most holidaymakers only wear light apparel for the daytime. Short sleeve shirts or T-shirts, shorts, etc. In the evening very light clothes are the most comfortable and appropriate.
Wintertime - Again, light clothes for the daytime. The mid-day temperatures can reach 26/30C in January and February. Evening - the nights are cooler and slightly warmer clothes are called for. If you intend to explore the mountain areas of Gran Canaria then the slightly warmer clothes would be useful. A cardigan or jumper is generally all that is additionally required if you are dining outside or eating at a partially open-air restaurant.
How long will it take me to drive from the airport to the South of the Island?
The distance from the airport to the Tauro valley and the Puerto Rico area is approx. 50 kms and takes around 35 minutes by car. The GC1 motorway is directly linked to both resorts.
Are clothes washing facilities available in the Properties?
All properties have a washing machine, iron, and ironing board.
Will the Property have a T.V.?
All the properties have television. More details are contained in the property description on the relevant web page.
Are cash points available in Gran Canaria?
Yes - there are numerous (ATM’s) available in all the resorts in Gran Canaria. Most major cards are accepted - Visa etc.
What is the weather like in the south of Gran Canaria?
For almost all the year - perfect with mostly blue skies. (In the average year day temperatures range from 22c to 32C for 345 days).
What is the safest beach for the children?
There are a number of beaches ideal for children and that information is contained in the property information folder.
Is there a local post office?
Yes, there is one located in Puerto Rico, next to the tourist office. They are open from 9 am until 2 pm each day except Saturday when they close at 1 pm.
Is there a local tourist office?
Yes, it is next door to the post office. It is well sign posted and situated immediately off the main through road at the Puerto Rico turnoff. It has a comprehensive range of free pamphlets describing almost all the local pastime activities.
What about island tours, excursions and historical places to visit?
There is a list of recommended Island Tours, Excursions and historical places to visit. Prices and places to book are contained in the property information folder. A full day excursion is around 30€.
Are public phones freely available?
Yes - they take 1€ coins or cards. You can purchase phone cards from numerous shops - 10€ to 30€ each. The prefix for Gran Canaria is 928 and is now required when dialling any telephone number on the island. Calls to the UK are prefixed with 0044 followed by the UK number. The 1st digit of the English number, generally a zero, is always omitted when making a call from Gran Canaria.
Are the local bus services adequate?
The bus services that operate in the whole of Gran Canaria are comprehensive and inexpensive. An itinerary of times and destinations is available, free of charge, from the main bus stop in Puerto Rico (One minute from the tourist office). There is also an express service (Directo - No.091) to the airport and the city of Las Palmas. Most of the bus services, in the area, run along the main road from Playa del Cura /Tauro Valley to Playa del Ingles and the city of Las Palmas and its historical sites.
Are local taxis expensive?
No, the local taxis are very reasonable - far cheaper than the UK. They are mainly Mercedes cars and are all fitted with meters.
Where is the nearest petrol station?
There are a number of local petrol stations within a few kilometres drive, including a Shell station in Puerto Rico. This station is very convenient and is on the link road that leads to the Tauro valley and the entrance / exit to GCI - The main motorway to the airport and Las Palmas.
A litre of un-leaded petrol is half the UK price. The price of fuel is, more or less, the same at every filling station on the island which are mainly service-assisted.
What restaurants do you recommend in the area?
There will be a comprehensive list of restaurants, all tested by our representatives based on the Island, in an information brochure found in each property. Of course, our list is not final - There are so many restaurants to choose from that it is almost impossible to try them all. They range from very inexpensive Spanish Tapas bars and the ‘menu del dia’ (menu of the day) on offer in most restaurants for as little as 6€ per head, to five star dining experiences. English is understood in virtually all the dining establishments. Of course, in the interior of the island you would have to practice your Spanish but even there it is not too difficult to make yourself understood even if you have no knowledge of the language. The Canarians are a friendly people and welcome visitors.
When do the shops open & close?
The supermarkets and many of the shops open every day. Supermarkets normally open between 8.30 a.m. and 8.30 p.m. all year round except Sunday when some of them close at 1.30 p.m. Supermarkets in the Shopping Centres are open until 10 p.m. As in the UK, supermarkets do not close in the afternoons. Smaller retail shops generally close for lunch at 1.30 p.m. and open again at 4.p.m. / 4.30 p.m. In the evening, they close at 8 p.m. During the recognised Local Spanish Fiesta or Celebration days, almost all the smaller shops close, but there are some small supermarkets that are open 365 days of the year. Pharmacists, for Sunday opening, work on a rota system. Information as to which specific pharmacist is open is posted in the window of every pharmacist.
Special occasions, anniversaries, birthdays etc - can flowers, champagne etc be in the Property on arrival?
For any special occasions, we would be delighted to arrange this. This request would have to be made at the time of booking or an amendment charge would have to be added for additional administration.
A recommended local flower shop will be contained in the property information folder.
Wines of Spain?
The supermarkets in Gran Canaria offer a huge selection of Spanish and Canarian wines. To assist you with your choice, there is a comprehensive list of recommended wines, to suit most palates, contained in the property information folder. Average wine prices are around 40% to 50% less expensive than the UK. Spirits are normally also cheaper than “duty free” airport prices.
What is in a welcome pack?
Basic essentials which usually include tea, coffee, water, juice, milk, bread, jam. Remember it is only basic essentials to last you until the local supermarket opens! In the unlikely event of a flight delay and for your convenience we would recommend that you have us arrange a welcome pack for your arrival.
Are mosquitoes a problem?
Mosquitoes are sometimes present here in Gran Canaria but they are much less of a problem compared to the Spanish mainland. Good quality repellent creams, to use when dining outside, and sprays for the property are advisable. Buy the repellent creams in the UK and the sprays after you have arrived.
Are any injections required?
Definitely not - Diseases that can be associated with travel to other areas in the world that are on the same latitude are absent in the Canary Islands.
How many different people can drive the hire car?
This varies according to which company you decide to use, but normally two - All essential information is normally available from the Hire Companies web sites.
What if we have an accident whilst driving?
If anyone is injured or the other driver does not stop then you MUST call the police. In any case ALL drivers must fill in the "PARTE EUROPEO”. This is a duplicated form providing all the details. It matters not if it is the one from your car or the other drivers, just as long as you have a copy.
Do not admit liability, either verbally or on the form - this is a matter for the Insurance Company or the Court to decide.
What should we avoid?
There a number of sensible precautions that are worthwhile taking - for example: - In your absence always ensuring the Property door is locked. A comprehensive “not to do” list is contained in the property information folder.
I made a successful booking but the email I received was incorrectly formatted?
After completing a successful booking we display a summary of your holiday costs on screen and also send an email to the address entered in the booking form. We send these emails out in HTML format so that the information can be laid out in a well presented manner. Most email programs such as Microsoft Outlook Express, Eudora or Mail are set to automatically read emails of this type but if you are having problems you may want to check your settings. If you have been sent an email that appears to be incorrectly formatted, do not hesitate to email us and we can send you plain text email. In any case this does not effect your booking.