TIPS FROM LOCAL: CANARY IN 5 MOVES

Here are 5 sure-fire tricks to experience Gran Canaria like a true local!

1️⃣ Greets and Converses... Even with Strangers! 👋😃

You will find that people in Gran Canaria are very kind and always try to help you! So, when you enter a shop make sure you say at least one “¡Hola!” or a “¡Buenas!”.

In addition, the Canaries they love to chat! If a waiter tells you about his grandmother or a guagua (bus) driver tells you about his favourite team... IT'S NOT WEIRD! Respond with enthusiasm!

2️⃣ Forget Haste: Live Slow 🌴

If you are used to hectic cities, be prepared: time runs differently here!

🏪 Shops open when they want (and close as a surprise 🥲) so you can't always rely on what you read online. 
🍽️ Service in the restaurant is relaxed (read: MOST relaxed 😆)
🚌 Buses (guaguas) have their own timetable concept but at most bus stops you will find a digital information board with real-time updated timetables.

So Breathe, relax and follow the flow!

3️⃣ Forget Sangria: Here We Drink Ron Miel! 🥃

Even if they are in Spain PAELLA AND SANGRIA are considered a typical dish of the peninsula, not of the Canaries! That doesn't mean you can't order them but be careful where you go, you risk falling into tourist traps! Visit the “Where to Eat” section to be on the safe side.

The real Canarian drink is the Ron Miel: a sweet honey rum perfect as a digestive. 😋

4️⃣ Eat Like a Canary (and Use Your Hands!) 🍽️🖐️

If they bring you a plate of Papas Arrugadas con Mojo, DO NOT USE A FORK AND KNIFE!

The locals eat them with their hands, dipping them in the red or green mojo. And don't forget the scarpetta with bread!

Also, remember not to say mto NO to an offered tapa... it is an offence to the spirit of the island, where sharing is popular!

5️⃣ Dressed as a Canary (or at least try!) 🌞

In the south, a tourist destination, anything goes. But if you visit the city, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria:

👕 EASY but stylish clothes. 
🩴 No flip-flops for walking (unless you want to look like a tourist in distress)
🧥 Yes to a sweatshirt for the evening (even though it's Gran Canaria, the air can be refreshing)!

And always carry... SUNGLASSES, even if it is cloudy!

🔥 BONUS TIPS: If You Like Gran Canaria... Don't Say It's Like Tenerife! 🚫😂

The Canarians love their island and, although Tenerife and Gran Canaria are close, do not confuse them! There has always been great competition between the two major islands. We happened to go to the stadium to watch the derby and.... perhaps the only time we saw Canarians lined up to proudly defend their island!