Wednesday, 10 May 2017 10:40

Gran Canaria News & Gossip Roundup: 10.05.2017

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Two big new shopping centres planned for Puerto Rico resort Two big new shopping centres planned for Puerto Rico resort photosgrancanaria.com

The last few weeks have been pretty busy news-wise in Gran Canaria with the stories about ferry that hit the wall and the rally car that hit the barriers going around the world. 

Ferry big crash

So, by now you've probably heard that there wasn't an oil spill to go with the ferry that hit the harbour wall. The small amount of diesel that leaked just evaporated away before it reached the shore. The ferry itself needs a few dings taking out and a new coat of paint and the harbour wall will be wonky for a while yet. 

Rally smash

As for the Rally Car that hit the barriers; well, it's good to know that they do exactly what they are meant to. It stopped the car, travelling at high speed, from leaving the road and going off the cliff. 

Watch the video at the end of this article.

Blue Flags galore

Gran Canaria now has 18 Blue Flag awards out of a total of 54 for the Canary Islands: They include 15 beaches, two marinas and one coastal path. See the full list in our Blue Flag news article. While Blue Flags may seem like something that tourist boards like to give themselves, they are actually governed by strict rules and plenty of beaches lose their flag if standards aren't kept up. 

While Blue Flags may sound like something that tourist boards like to give themselves, they are actually governed by strict rules and plenty of beaches lose their flag if standards aren't kept up. 

Shopping centres more

On to Puerto Rico resort which is about to break ground on not one but two huge new shopping centres right next to the huge old shopping centre. 

A big investment group that includes Fungrube and local supermarket company Hiperdino is putting what has been dubbed Las Arenas south on the site of the old water park. Meanwhile, the Gloria Palace hotel group is starting work on a rival centre right next door. 

Where does this leave the existing shopping centre? Well, put it this way; when was the last time you went to the Puerto Rico shopping centre to shop? Its future is an entertainment centre while the new ones are for actual shopping. 

If you're ever tempted to buy anything in PR CC, please read this warning post first

Mogán mayor Onalia Bueno recently touched on concerns that three centres were perhaps a bit much for one resort. She said that she had thought the same but changed her mind after the businesspeople behind the project explained things to her. She said she was satisfied that there was enough demand to make sure that the two new centres would succeed. 

Puerto Rico and Mogán residents will be happy to know that the plans to put a big Mercadona in Motor Grande are still on track and may even be accelerated. Bye bye Vius

The economy

The tourist boom in Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands finally seems to be filtering down to the broader economy. The first quarter of 2017 saw the islands grow faster than any other part of Spain except the Balearics and recent job figures showed a record drop in unemployment and a rise in full-time contracts. 

Other news

Tauro beach is still closed off and will be for the foreseeable future. Seaside Hotels has started work on its two new hotels at Pasito Blanco, and the Neptune sculpture at Melenara beach has finally got its arm back.

Seaside Hotels has started work on its two new hotels at Pasito Blanco

The Neptune sculpture at Melenara beach has finally got its arm back.

Visanta in the Yumbo centre has closed so you now have to travel all the way up to Worten in the Atlántico Centre in Vecindario, El Mirador just outside Las Palmas, or El Muelle in Las Palmas. Another excellent option is Media Markt, in Las Terrazas, Telde, and Las Arenas, Las Palmas, to buy electronics at decent prices (you did read that warning article we posted above didn't you?). The Visanta shop in Las Palmas is still open and conveniently located right next to Duke Fotografía, the city's best camera shop. Both are on Ripoche Stret just off Santa Catalina Square.

Media

Gran Canaria rally crash ends in a scare but no more
Read 8881 times Last modified on Wednesday, 10 May 2017 16:24
Published in News
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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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