The Gran Canaria fire has now consumed an area the size of 1000 football fields after reactivating overnight. It is currently classified as "out-of-control" and has spread from the Artenara municipality into both Galdar and Tejeda. 

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.

Spend a day exploring the bits of Gran Canaria that you can't reach on the bus with this quality Volkswagen Caravelle / Transporter tour. 

This comfy Panorama trip up into the Gran Canaria mountains takes you through the island's most spectacular scenery and to the little highland villages where life goes by at a much slower pace than down at the coast.

Explore the deep valleys and stunning forests of Gran Canaria and stop in the villages of Tejeda, Artenara, Tunte, or Ayacata. The trip heads up through the Fataga Valley, with plenty of stops to appreciate the views, and down through the Tilos de Moya along one of Gran Canaria's coolest little roads. At the end of the tour you'll hvae a really good idea of what Gran canaria is really like away from the resorts.

Each vehicle has an experienced and multi-lingual local guide to show you the best of the island. Lunch can be included , or you can pack a picnic or grab a quick bite at a local restaurant. 

To book this thoroughly enjoyable VIP tour, just contact our Gran Canaria booking team via Whatsapp. Our booking system couldn't be simpler and our local experts are always on hand to help you choose the right trip. 

With a maximum number of 67 passengers, a cruise on the Afrikat catamaran is a fun and relaxing day out on the Atlantic Ocean and the perfect way to see Gran Canaria from a brand new angle.

This tour is the perfect balance between fun and relaxation and the crew are always friendly and keen for everyone to have a great time. 

Leaving from Puerto Base, Puerto Rico, the Afrikat cruises along the stunning south west coast of Gran Canaria, past Anfi, Tauro and pretty Puerto de Mogán and often anchors at sheltered El Perchel Bay with its calm, clear water.

Here you can relax on deck, swim or snorkel (free equipment provided) or take a speedboat ride with the captain.  If you want to do something more exciting, you can parasail, jetski or ride a banana boat at heavily discounted prices. 

Then it's time for the buffet of Canarian potatoes, meatballs with sweet sauce, salads and bread rolls. Beer, sangria, soft drinks and water are included and the cocktails are reasonably priced and come with eco-friendy edible straws. 

As the sun starts to drop, you cruise back along the coast as Gran Canaria's coast lights up in the warm afternoon light.

Price includes return transport from the areas of Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguín, Patalavaca, Mogán, Taurito & Playa del Cura.

Alex Says: The Afrikat  schedule changes throughout the year so ask our booking experts what trips are on during your holiday. It's a popular trip so book your spot in advance

If there's one thing you have to do in Gran Canaria, it's to get out on the water. The Afrikat morning cruise is one of the best options and a top excursion recommended by the Gran Canaria Info team. 

The Afrikat catamaran was designed and built specifically for cruising the south coast of Gran Canaria. It has lots of deck space, plenty of shade, wide aisles and is very stable.

Add to this the excellent customer service, top reviews and free pickups, and you get one of Gran Canaria's best day trips.

The Afrikat Morning Cruise: The best Gran Canaria catamaran trip

The five hour Afrikat morning cruise runs from from 10.00 to 15.00 during Winter or 09.15 to 14.15 in Summer. It takes a maximum of 67 people and is suitable for wheelchair users. 

The Afrikat leaves from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico resort and takes you west along the Gran Canaria coast to a beautiful and secluded cove called El Perchel; the perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling (equipment provided) and watersports (up to 50% cheaper than if you book on land). You even get a free speedboat ride!

On the way to the bay you'll see the pretty beaches at Anfi and Amadores from the ocean and go past Puerto de Mogán and Taurito.

The price includes lunch: Traditional potatoes with “Mojo” sauce, meatballs with sweet sauce, a choice of two salads and bread rolls. Sangria, beer, soft drinks, juice and water are included, while cocktails are well-priced.

Free pickup from Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Mogan, Taurito & Playa del Cura.

As with all Afrikat boat trips, you'll need a towel, swimming costume, suncream, camera or fully-charged mobile phone, a sunhat and money or card for watersports or souvenirs.

The Villa de Firgas is one of the most popular towns in north Gran Canaria for people who really want to get away fro it all and visit authentic local spots. Gran Canaria Info fans love its peaceful atmosphere and famous street waterfall and mosaics. 

COCÓ Food & Wines is a new place bringing quality food with international flavours to San Fernando. It's a little gem of a restaurant in a local area that punches way above its size when it comes to flavour and value for money. 

The Gran Canaria mountains are now a World Heritage Site due to the close cultural connection between the island's original Canarii inhabitants and the landscape. It's a tradition that chef Borja Marrero continues at Texeda with superb dishes made from local ingredients from the Tejeda area.

Gran Canaria's craft beer scene has frothed up nicely in the last few years with 22 breweries attending the last Gran Canaria beer fair. But one brewery, Cervezería Viva, has been making quality craft beer in Gran Canaria since 1999.

This summer you could come to Gran Canaria and sit on the beach. Or, you could make the most of your summer and do something in Gran Canaria that sets you up for future career success.