Tips on Avoiding Isla de Gran Canaria Tourist Traps

Isla de Gran Canaria Tourist Traps

The largest of the Canary Islands is Isla de Gran Canaria. Lying just off the West coast of Africa, it is a Spanish territory and a typical tropical island paradise for vacationers all over the world. Because of this tourist traffic, the Canary Islands rely on the travelers as a source of income. Unfortunately, this can suck a vacation budget dry in a day or two if you aren’t careful. We have compiled a helpful guide to avoiding Isla de Gran Canaria tourist traps.

Holiday Clubs and Timeshares: Don’t Fall For It!

No matter what you are told, holiday clubs are basically unregulated timeshares. They just package their weeks into blocks of 35 months to avoid timeshare legislation. Scratch off tickets claiming that you have won a holiday should be ignored. These offers will claim that the winner should redeem their prize at a local hotel. Once there, the winner(s) are swindled by a representative into signing an exploitative and dishonest contract, plus a hefty deposit.

Be Cautious

Likewise, be wary of overly friendly people offering investment opportunities to tourists. Never except rides from strangers or take a taxi with them to an unfamiliar location. Common sense will get you far. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Note: If you get caught, write to your local Timeshare Consumers Association. Get a lawyer to send them a letter. Remember also that they seek out elderly people.

Cruz de Tejeda

The Cruz de Tejeda is a cross that marks the center of the mountainous area of the Gran Canaria. The area it stands on is around 1,450 meters above sea level. It is touted as the best place to view the island, but in reality you cannot see much of the view due to other mountains in the line of sight. It is still pretty and something to do, but expect to spend some money at the many souvenir stands, bars, restaurants, a monkey ride, and so on. It is reported there are many more excellent views of the island where people are not trying to sell you anything.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about avoiding Isla de Gran Canaria tourist traps.