Say it like a local

Do I need to speak Spanish in Gran Canaria? Not really. Should I try? Absolutely.

English will get you far in Gran Canaria’s sun-splashed resorts. Waiters in Playa del Inglés might know your full order before you speak, and you’ll spot plenty of menus that speak better English than most Brits after two sangrias. You’ll hear German, Dutch and Swedish too - this island’s always had a knack for languages, especially when there’s a tip involved.

But head into a neighbourhood bar where the beer’s cheaper and the welcome warmer, and suddenly your GCSE Spanish becomes useful. Say “una caña, por favor” and you’re golden. Try “gracias” with a grin and you might just get a little plate of something fried, gratis.

The local lingo’s a relaxed cousin of mainland Spanish, with a sing-song rhythm borrowed from Latin America. The letter ‘s’ takes a bit of a holiday, and words like “guagua” (bus) might raise a few eyebrows if you’re fresh off the plane. Don’t panic - it’s all part of the island’s charm.

Nobody expects you to be fluent. Mangling a few phrases is practically a Gran Canarian rite of passage. Locals love it when you try, and most will slow right down, wave their hands about, and help you muddle through. Some might even teach you a new word, usually over a glass of something strong.

Planning on staying a while? Language schools in Las Palmas and the south cater to all levels, from “Where is the toilet?” to “Please fix my boiler.” Online tutors are easy to find too, if you’d rather practise from your sunbed.

So no, you don’t need Spanish to survive in Gran Canaria. But to thrive? To really connect with the people, the places, the soul of the island? Just a little goes a long way.

Say it like a local: A cheeky phrase list for Gran Canaria newbies

Hola – Hello (works any time, and with a smile, works wonders)
¿Una caña, por favor? – A small beer, please (essential survival Spanish)
La cuenta, por favor – The bill, please (before your waiter vanishes)
¿Dónde está el baño? – Where’s the loo? (vital after too many cañas)
¡Qué calor! – It’s boiling! (said while fanning yourself with a napkin)
Guagua – Bus (yes, really. No baby talk here)
Estoy perdido/a – I’m lost (use it with wide eyes and a hopeful look)
Una tapa de papas arrugadas, por favor – A portion of wrinkled potatoes, please (when in doubt, go full Canarian)
¡Buen provecho! – Enjoy your meal! (say it as you pass a table and instantly earn local points)