Monday, 15 February 2016 10:43

Gran Canaria Camping And How To Get Permits

The campsite at Tamadaba in Gran Canaria The campsite at Tamadaba in Gran Canaria www.photosgrancanaria.com

Camping in the Gran Canaria highlands is a great way of immersing yourself in nature but you do have to fill in a few forms before you pitch your tent. Legal camping by the sea is virtually impossible.

Gran Canaria camping

Gran Canaria's rural campsites are open to everyone but you do need to book your slot in advance as you can be fined for camping without the right bit of paper. It is technically illegal to camp anywhere in Gran Canaria unless you have a permit.

While this sounds like excessive bureaucracy, there is a good reason for it. Gran Canaria's pine forests are highly flammable and serious forest fires have been started by campers. There is also a safety issue as Gran Canaria is a big, rugged island and has few sources of fresh water. 

The full list of official campgrounds is listed on the Canary Government website here. Scroll through the drop-down menu as campsites are listed under several categories; areas de acampada, campings and campamentos and areas recreativas.  The online version of the application form is

The online version of the application form is here.

Even if you fill out the form online you still have to go to the Oficina de Información y Atención al Ciudadano (OIAC)at C/ Bravo Murillo nº 23 (access via C/ Pérez Galdós) to sign and pick up your permit. Applications must be made a minimum of three days in advance. 

Alex Says: Along with official campsites, there are also private campgrounds at Playa de Vargas on the east coast, Temisas, Tauro and Tasarte. Vargas is close to the beach and great for windsurfers but often a bit blowy for recreational campers. 

Free camping in Gran Canaria

You are allowed to camp outside designated campsites in Gran Canaria only as part of an extended hike and subject to strict rules; You can only spend one day in each location and must present your itinerary and get written permission from the Servicio de Medio Ambiente offices at C/ Agustín Millares Carló s/n, 1ª Planta in Las Palmas. Applications must be made 10 days in advance and the best thing to do is to go to their office in person. 

Medio Ambiente only gives permits in areas by major walking trails and don't give them for coastal locations. 

Camping on private property

Technically, you need the written permission of the landowner to camp on private property in Gran Canaria and you have to present it, along with a copy of the owner's title deeds, at the Servicio de Medio Ambiente offices at C/ Agustín Millares Carló s/n, 1ª Planta in Las Palmas. 

Fines for illegal camping

The fine for illegal camping in Gran Canaria starts at 100 euros, but if you are caught with an open fire anywhere in the forests you can expect a bigger fine. The punishment for actually starting a forest fire, even by accident, can involve a stay in jail. 

If you decide to take the risk and cap without a permit, you'll probably be fine as long as you stay away from busy areas of the island. The island's remote beaches are almost always deserted provided you don't turn up during school holidays or fiesta weekends. 

Published in Alternative Tourism
Published in Alternative Tourism
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  • 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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