Thursday, 18 February 2016 15:45

Snow Way: It's Snowing In Gran Canaria Today

Snow in Gran Canaria in 2014 Snow in Gran Canaria in 2014 El Coleccionista de Instantes

The forecast said it was possible and it's happened: The top of Gran Canaria is white with snow.

The white stuf is settling at the very top of Gran Canaria above 1.700 metres and it looks it will carry on until at least tomorrow. The Spanish weather service has warned that the snowline could drop to 1.200 metres tomorrow: That's as low as Artenara, the island's highest village. 

Snow, really?

Snow in Gran Canaria isn't as rare as you'd think. The island is almost 2000 metres high so it gets a dusting of powder every few years. Most snowfalls melt before anyone has a chance to see them, but this one looks like it will hang around for a day or two as the cold weather is due to last.

Going to see it

If you want to drive up to see the snow, please take care as the roads are slippery and there's no such thing as gritting. The authorities discourage people from driving up at all but lots of locals go anyway. 

We'd advise people to wait until the snow has stopped falling before trying to go up and see it. Most roads over the top will be cut off if the temperature is below freezing so take warm clothes and be prepared to walk.

Also, use an alternative route to the main road up from Las Palmas via San Mateo as this often turns into a giant traffic jam as the city heads up to see the snow. 

Media

Continua la nevada en la cumbre de Gran Canaria con viento y mucho frio jueves 18/02/2016-

Posted by Juan Rodriguez Sosa on Thursday, February 18, 2016

Join the Gran Canaria Info newsletter list

endanlfifrdeisitnoplptruessv

 

 

Follow us on Facebook

Tip of the day

  • Tip Of The Day: Avoid Bank Card Charges By Paying In Euros
    Tip Of The Day: Avoid Bank Card Charges By Paying In Euros

    Save money and avoid rip-off bank charges while in Gran Canaria by paying in euros when using your credit or debit card.

    Many bars and restaurants in Gran Canaria, and in almost all European holiday destinations, give you the option of paying in euros or in your home currency. Opting for your own currency, while it may seem like the safer option, can add as much as 5% to the bill as it triggers dynamic currency conversion. 

    DCC basically means that the exchange rate is calculated at point of sale rather than by your bank. It allows you to see the total cost of the transaction in your own currency but adds up to 5% to the total because it uses a terrible exchange rate. 

    Since the extra money is shared between your bank and the merchant, some places will automatically bill you in your own currency and hope you don't notice. You have the legal right to refuse and void the transaction should this happen. 

    ATMs too

    The same applies when taking money out of ATM machines in Gran Canaria (and anywhere in Europe); Always choose the local currency option to avoid losing money to poor exchange rates.

    If you opt for the local currency option, using bank ATMs is often the cheapest and safest way of getting euros in Gran Canaria. It's far safer than having a big pile of euros hidden in your room or tucked into your shorts.

    More details in this Daily Telegraph article.

Latest articles

Who's Online

We have 6602 guests and no members online

Login / Register

Take this website to the max, login or create an account now! By clicking on any Social Media platform logo, you can login with just one click.