Tuesday, 30 June 2015 11:43

Are Gran Canaria & The Canary Islands A Safe Travel Destination At The Moment?

Gran Canaria island  is a safe holiday destination Gran Canaria island is a safe holiday destination

We've been asked whether it's safe to travel to Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands by several people concerned about the dangers of travel after recent events in Tunisia. Our answer is that  the Canary Islands have a low crime rate and that the threat of terrorist activity is remote.

Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands are one of the safest holiday destinations on Earth at any time. If you are concerned about terrorism, then bear in mind that the islands are protected by the ocean and almost completely free of firearms, troubled neighbours and domestic instability.

The risk of terrorist violence in Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands is extremely low for the following reasons:

  • The islands are largely gun-free. There are almost no weapons, legal or illegal, in circulation and only the Spanish military can own automatic weapons. 
  • Tight airport and port security make it difficult to bring in any illegal materials.  
  • There are no known radical religious or ideological groups operating in the Canary Islands.
  • The recent influx of boats carrying immigrants from North Africa also made the Canary Islands safer as we now have Spanish navy patrols off the African coast designed to stop boats from reaching the islands.
  • The islands are also monitored by radar stations designed to detect unknown boats coming close to shore; it's now almost impossible for boats to arrive here undetected. 

Safety Warnings & Threat Levels

While it's true that the British Foreign Office is warning that Spain is at high risk of terrorist events, a terrorist event in the Canaries is highly unlikely due to the reasons listed above. There has been no specific threat made against the Canary Islands and no specific reason to think that the islands are at risk. In fact, most countries in Europe are currently on high alert so Spain and the Canaries are no more dangerous than anywhere else. 

The high alert level in Spain does mean that security has been tightened and that the police are being extra vigilant in tourist areas. 

On balance, we can say that the worst thing you have to worry about in Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands is sunburn. 

See our Top Ten lists for Gran Canaria travel inspiration.

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Tip of the day

  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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