Gran Canaria Holiday Destination Guide

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Time & Water

The Canary islands operate on the 24-hour clock which can be quite confusing for those who are accustomed to 'am' & 'pm'. The image opposite shows the two systems.

Gran Canaria and its neighbouring islands maintain Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC) during the winter, which is identical with the UK but one hour behind most European countries and mainland Spain.

In March the clocks are put forward one hour for daylight saving time. Clocks are put back one hour on the last Sunday in October.

Converting from AM/PM to 24-hour clock:

between 12:00 AM and 12:59 AM, subtract 12 hours

12:59 AM --> 0059 between 1:00 AM and 12:59 PM,
a straight conversion: 10:00 AM --> 1000

between 1:00 PM and 11:59 PM, add 12 hours:
10:59 PM --> 2259


Converting from 24-Hour clock to AM/PM:

between 0000 and 0059, add 12 hours:
0059 --> 12:59 AM

between 0100 and 1159, straight conversion to AM:
0100 --> 1:00 AM

between 1200 and 1259, straight conversion to PM:
1259 --> 12:59 PM

between 1300 and 2359, subtract 12 hours:
1559 --> 3:59 PM

Tap Water is safe to drink but not recommended for its taste as it tends to be desalinated seawater. The locals almost all invariably drink bottled water.

Water from public spouts and fountains should not be drunk unless there is a sign saying 'Aqua Potable'. You will often see signs saying 'Aqua Non Potable', 'Water Not Drinkable'. In bars, supermarkets or restaurants ask for ‘agua sin gas’ (still) or ‘agua con gas’ (sparkling).

Some hotels do ask for co-operation when it comes to water consumption (for example, just put the towels to wash every two days instead of doing it daily).


Gran Canaria uses the 24 hour clock
The 24 Hour Clock
The locals almost all invariably drink bottled water.

• NOTE •

The island suffers from a water shortage, so try not to waste it.
• GRAN CANARIA'S BIGGEST HOLIDAY DESTINATION GUIDE •
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