Gran Canaria Airport serves as the main gateway to Melilla, a Spanish enclave on Africa’s northern coast. Located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, this airport handles flights from across Europe and connects travelers to nearby destinations like Tenerife and the mainland. Its modern facilities support both business and leisure trips, with easy access to local attractions such as beaches, museums and historic sites. The airport plays a key role in linking Melilla’s culture and economy to global networks while maintaining a focus on practical travel needs for diverse visitors.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
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| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payment is widely accepted in Spain, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations. Credit and debit cards are commonly used, and mobile payment options are available in many establishments.
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| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Spain but appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is customary. Taxi drivers and hotel staff may also be tipped, though it is less common. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is restricted in some regions, particularly in tourist-heavy cities. Local laws may vary. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned indoors in public places but allowed in designated outdoor areas. |
| La Tomatina (August) |
A famous tomato-throwing festival, expect large crowds in Buñol. |
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| Semana Santa (March/April) |
Religious parades and events make this a busy time in major cities. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets and festive celebrations, with tourist areas becoming busier. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Cabify, Bolt, Uber |
| Other: | Spain is known for its diverse culture, stunning architecture, and vibrant festivals. Public transport is reliable and efficient, making it easy to explore. |
Gran Canaria Airport is the main airport for this popular island, boasting a modern terminal divided into zones for Schengen, non-Schengen and inter-island flights. While the airport handles millions of travelers yearly, it balances efficiency with a relaxed, friendly ambiance typical of the Canary Islands.
Facilities include free Wi-Fi, a range of restaurants and cafes (though some visitors find choices limited in the evenings) and a variety of shops, notably with a strong duty-free presence. However, some passengers do report occasional long queues at security, especially during peak times and limited seating in waiting areas can be a minor inconvenience.
The well-known Sala Galdos VIP lounge offers a comfortable retreat with complimentary food, drinks and Wi-Fi. For families, children's play areas help keep little ones entertained while waiting for flights. Getting from the airport to key parts of the island is fairly straightforward thanks to taxis, buses and car rentals, though traffic delays can occur, especially during holiday seasons.
Though the airport is generally pleasant, travelers should be ready for busy periods and bring layers as air conditioning can be quite strong, making the terminal chilly. Overall, Gran Canaria Airport provides a solid gateway to an unforgettable island experience with some typical travel hub quirks.
Located on the second floor in the departures area, Sala Galdos offers a peaceful environment featuring complimentary food, beverages, and free Wi-Fi. Open daily from 6:00 to 22:00, it welcomes all passengers for a fee starting from around €30 (£25.19). The lounge includes seating areas, TV screens, and a children’s play area, making it a great spot to relax before flights.
Accommodations on Gran Canaria vary widely, with many visitors opting to stay in resorts and hotels along the southern beaches like Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. The airport area itself has limited lodging, so staying near the tourist hotspots or Las Palmas city is generally recommended.
To Las Palmas:
Located about 20 km north of the airport, Las Palmas is easily reachable by taxi or bus. The taxi ride takes approximately 20-25 minutes and costs around €25 – 30 (£20.99 – 25.19). Public buses run frequently but may take longer depending on stops. Car hire are available at the airport for greater flexibility in exploring the island.
To Maspalomas:
Around 40 km south of the airport, Maspalomas is a popular tourist area connected by regular bus services and taxis. The taxi drive takes about 30-40 minutes with fares around €40 – 50 (£33.59 – 41.98). Buses are budget-friendly though slower and less direct. Hiring a car is a good option for those wanting to explore the nearby dunes and beaches at their own pace.
To Playa del Inglés:
Just next to Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés is reachable by the same transport options and times. Taxis offer 24/7 service while buses operate on a regular schedule, making it convenient for travellers arriving late or early.
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