Practical
What to pack for Gran Canaria (it’s less than you think).
Your suitcase can be half the size you think. Here’s our short list of what’s worth bringing with you.
Woo-hoo! Your holiday is finally just around the corner.
Skip the baggage belt and travel light. Here’s everything waiting for you at the apartment, what’s worth packing, and what you can happily leave at home.
What to bring
A good mood. It packs flat, weighs nothing, and the view will do the rest.
Suncream, a hat and sunglasses. The sun here is strong all year round, January included, and the breeze makes it easy to forget. A higher factor than you'd use at home is a good idea.
A warm layer. Days are warm, but winter evenings on the terrace can be fresh, and if you go up to Roque Nublo it can be close to freezing at the top. One jumper and a light jacket cover it.
Comfortable shoes. The walk back from the beach is uphill, and the mountain trails are rocky. Trainers will do; flip-flops won't.
A plug adapter if you're coming from the UK. Spain uses standard European two-pin sockets.
Your health card and documents. EU visitors should bring their EHIC, UK visitors their GHIC, alongside travel insurance. If you're hiring a car, bring your driving licence.
A little cash. Most places take cards, but cash is handy for the boat to Mogán, the market and the odd beach café.
That’s it. It all fits in hand luggage.
With a baby or toddler
Swim nappies, a sun suit and a sun hat
A favourite toy or two for the beach
Any medicines they need, in your hand luggage
Nappies, wipes and baby food are easy to find in the supermarket 10 minutes away, so there's no need to pack a week's supply.
What you can leave at home
It’s already here, waiting for you:
The corkscrew and wine glasses. Both in the kitchen, and both well used at sunset.
Beach towels and an umbrella. Already in the cupboard, ready for the beach below.
The hairdryer. There’s one here, so your hair is covered.
The iron. There’s one of those too, though we’ve yet to meet a guest who used it.
Half your clothes. There’s a washing machine, and the sun dries everything by lunchtime.
Mobile data worries. The Wi-Fi is 1 Gb fibre, fast enough for every film and video call.
The travel cot. A cot and a high chair are here for little ones. Just ask before you arrive.
One last tip
Leave a corner of the case empty for the way home. The supermarket is full of things worth taking back: a bottle of ron miel, the islands' honey rum; jars of red and green mojo sauce; and a bag of the small potatoes you'll need to make papas arrugadas at home.
Not sure about something? Message me before you travel. I'd rather you ask than pack it twice.
Woo-hoo! Your holiday is finally just around the corner.
Skip the baggage belt and travel light. Here’s everything waiting for you at the apartment, what’s worth packing, and what you can happily leave at home.
What to bring
A good mood. It packs flat, weighs nothing, and the view will do the rest.
Suncream, a hat and sunglasses. The sun here is strong all year round, January included, and the breeze makes it easy to forget. A higher factor than you'd use at home is a good idea.
A warm layer. Days are warm, but winter evenings on the terrace can be fresh, and if you go up to Roque Nublo it can be close to freezing at the top. One jumper and a light jacket cover it.
Comfortable shoes. The walk back from the beach is uphill, and the mountain trails are rocky. Trainers will do; flip-flops won't.
A plug adapter if you're coming from the UK. Spain uses standard European two-pin sockets.
Your health card and documents. EU visitors should bring their EHIC, UK visitors their GHIC, alongside travel insurance. If you're hiring a car, bring your driving licence.
A little cash. Most places take cards, but cash is handy for the boat to Mogán, the market and the odd beach café.
That’s it. It all fits in hand luggage.
With a baby or toddler
Swim nappies, a sun suit and a sun hat
A favourite toy or two for the beach
Any medicines they need, in your hand luggage
Nappies, wipes and baby food are easy to find in the supermarket 10 minutes away, so there's no need to pack a week's supply.
What you can leave at home
It’s already here, waiting for you:
The corkscrew and wine glasses. Both in the kitchen, and both well used at sunset.
Beach towels and an umbrella. Already in the cupboard, ready for the beach below.
The hairdryer. There’s one here, so your hair is covered.
The iron. There’s one of those too, though we’ve yet to meet a guest who used it.
Half your clothes. There’s a washing machine, and the sun dries everything by lunchtime.
Mobile data worries. The Wi-Fi is 1 Gb fibre, fast enough for every film and video call.
The travel cot. A cot and a high chair are here for little ones. Just ask before you arrive.
One last tip
Leave a corner of the case empty for the way home. The supermarket is full of things worth taking back: a bottle of ron miel, the islands' honey rum; jars of red and green mojo sauce; and a bag of the small potatoes you'll need to make papas arrugadas at home.
Not sure about something? Message me before you travel. I'd rather you ask than pack it twice.
