The heat and sun are already strongly felt across the Canary Islands, with a recent heatwave bringing temperatures as high as 40C to Gran Canaria last week. As the summer travel season is about to come into full swing, the Spanish Civil Guard has issued a series of safety recommendations for tourists planning to visit the Canary Islands. With 243,181 UK tourists reportedly arriving in Gran Canaria alone during the first quarter of the year, a 13.2% rise compared to the same period in 2024, this advice could prove to be extremely valuable to the many UK tourists set to visit the Spanish islands this summer, peak tourist season for the Canary Islands.
One of the warnings issued to tourists includes being cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help, such as pointing out stains on your clothes or claiming there’s a problem with your car, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reported. These could be tactics to divert your attention and steal your belongings.
This technique is often used to distract tourists in order to seize the opportunity to steal valuables like wallets, mobile phones, or passports.
Another risk highlighted relates to personal belongings. Police urged tourists to keep a close eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas like markets, crowded streets, or on public transport.
Bags, wallets, and electronic devices are prime targets for pickpockets so keeping these items secure and within sight is crucial.
When heading to the beach or the swimming pool, try to only bring the essentials with you, in order to avoid leaving valuables like phones, cameras, or money unattended.
If you’ve rented a car, never leave personal belongings visible inside, and if you’re in a restaurant, don’t place your mobile phone on the table as this can make it easier to grab.
Withdrawing money from cash machines should be done ideally in well-lit or secure locations. Try to avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at once, and always shield your code when you enter it in public.
Upon checking in, make use of your hotel’s safety deposit box if one is available, and make sure you never leave money, jewellery, keys, or important documents unattended in your room.
If you notice any suspicious activity or feel uncomfortable, do not hesitate to contact local law enforcement or hotel security.
Summer is the busiest season for the Canary Islands, and with a record breaking start of the year, with a staggering 5.7 million tourists according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), which is 4.2% more than in 2024, it looks like it could be on track for a record breaking summer as well.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
