Lois Larson
Gran Canaria Airport, located between Las Palmas and the south of the island, is a modern airport that is open 24/7, 365 days a year. With recent expansions, the airport now offers new shops, extra parking spaces, and free Wi-Fi. In alignment with European legislation, smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces within the airport. However, passengers who wish to smoke can do so in a designated smoking area or outside the terminal building. The smoking terrace is located on the rooftop and offers a great view of the runway.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking allowed | Yes, at the smoking terrace or outside the terminal building |
| Location of smoking terrace | After security, turn left after leaving the Duty-Free shop, proceed toward the C12 departure gate, go up the stairs and the terrace is on the left |
| Other services | Drinking fountains, relax zone, space for hand luggage, device charging point, 12 gift stores, 13 bars, 4 restaurants, 9 cash machines, and buffets |
| Airport location | Between Las Palmas and the south of the island, next to the GC-1 highway on the east coast |
| Opening hours | 24 hours a day, 365 days a year |
| Average passengers | 10 million per year |
| Departures | Two sections on the first floor: one for local flights (counters 1-34) and one for international flights (counters 40-91) |
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What You'll Learn
Location of the smoking area at Gran Canaria Airport
Gran Canaria has enacted legislation that prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces. This law applies to the Gran Canaria Airport as well. Therefore, smoking is only allowed at designated areas outside the terminal building. The airport has a large smoking terrace with a great view of the runway.
To get to the smoking terrace, you must first go through security. After leaving the Duty-Free shop, turn left and head towards the C12 departure gate. You will then see a flight of stairs on your left. Go up the stairs and turn left again to access the smoking terrace.
The smoking terrace is located on the rooftop. You can find it by walking down to the eating establishments on the left side of the departures hall. There will be a lift with an adjacent staircase on your left. Go up to the next level and walk across to the far side to access the terrace.
The Gran Canaria Airport, officially known as "Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria", is the main airport in the Canary Islands and one of the busiest airports in Spain. It is located near the capital, Las Palmas, and is easily accessible by public transport.
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Smoking legislation in Gran Canaria
While smoking is banned indoors, vaping is treated similarly to traditional smoking under Spanish law. Therefore, the use of e-cigarettes is also banned in enclosed public spaces, on public transport, and around children's playgrounds. On terraces, vaping is generally permitted, but local laws or businesses may enforce stricter rules.
There is ongoing debate about how to balance public health with the economic interests of the hospitality industry. Health advocacy groups have pushed for tougher laws, citing the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and environmental damage caused by cigarette waste. In contrast, the hospitality industry has expressed concerns about the impact of stricter smoking laws on businesses, particularly those relying on outdoor spaces.
As a result of this ongoing discussion, there are proposals to further tighten smoking restrictions in Gran Canaria. These include banning smoking on all restaurant and bar terraces, increasing restrictions on vaping, and expanding smoke-free zones to include more public spaces like parks, beaches, sports facilities, and bus stop shelters. These proposals are part of Spain's broader public health strategy to reduce smoking prevalence in the country and have garnered significant public support.
Despite these efforts, enforcement of smoking laws in Gran Canaria, particularly in Playa Del Ingles, has been inconsistent. Some restaurants do not display no-smoking signs, and some continue to provide ashtrays to customers upon request. This has led to confusion and frustration among tourists who expect better adherence to EU and Spanish smoking legislation.
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How to get to the smoking terrace
Gran Canaria Airport has prohibited smoking in enclosed public spaces, in accordance with the 2006 law that was reinforced in 2011. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas, such as the smoking terrace, or outside the terminal building. Here are detailed instructions on how to get to the smoking terrace:
First, make your way through security. After clearing security, you will encounter the Duty-Free shop. Turn left after exiting the Duty-Free shop and proceed towards the C12 departure gate. Keep an eye out for a flight of stairs located just after the C12 gate sign on your left.
Go up the stairs to the upper level. Once you reach the top of the stairs, you will find yourself on a terrace overlooking the runway. Turn left, and you will have arrived at the smoking terrace. This terrace provides a great view of the runway, allowing you to watch planes come and go while enjoying your cigarettes.
Alternatively, you can access the smoking terrace by entering the departures hall and turning left. Walk straight ahead towards the eating establishments. You will see a lift with an adjacent staircase on your left. Take the lift or stairs to the next level, then walk across to the far side, and step out onto the rooftop terrace. There, you can relax on the benches, enjoying your cigarettes while watching the planes through the glass screens.
Please note that the Gran Canaria Airport is located between the capital, Las Palmas, and the south of the island, conveniently next to the GC-1 highway. It is easily accessible from both the north and south, with exits clearly marked with an airplane logo.
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Cigarette allowances for travel between the Canary Islands and the EU
Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces in Gran Canaria, including the LPA Gran Canaria Airport. However, passengers can smoke at a designated smoking area or outside the terminal building. The airport has a rooftop smoking terrace accessible by going up a flight of stairs near the C12 departure gate.
Now, regarding cigarette allowances for travel between the Canary Islands and the EU, it's important to note that the Canary Islands are administered by the Central Government of Spain but have their own parliament and control over their laws and taxation. While Spain is in the EU customs union, the Canary Islands are outside the EU customs zone. This means that there are restrictions on the amount of duty-free goods, including cigarettes, you can bring back from the Canary Islands to EU countries like the UK.
When travelling from the Canary Islands to an EU country, you can bring tobacco products as part of your duty-free allowance. The specific allowance may vary depending on the EU country you are entering, but as an example, you may be allowed to bring a total of 100 cigarettes and 50 cigarillos or 25 cigars as part of your tobacco allowance. You can also split your allowance, such as bringing 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars, both of which would be half of your total allowance.
It's important to note that if you are under 17 years old, you are not entitled to a duty-free allowance for tobacco when entering the EU. Additionally, some EU countries may have lower limits for travellers under 15 years of age. Make sure to check the specific regulations of your destination country.
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Other services at the airport
Gran Canaria Airport offers a variety of services to enhance your comfort and experience while you're there. The airport is modern and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is located between the capital, Las Palmas, and the south of the island, next to the GC-1 highway.
There are 12 gift shops, 13 bars, and 4 restaurants inside the airport, most of which are in the passengers-only departures section. There are also buffets where you can choose from a variety of packed sandwiches, although vegetarians should be aware that some restaurants don't cater well to their dietary needs. There are 9 cash machines distributed throughout the airport buildings.
The airport provides plenty of trolleys, and staff will gladly assist with a wheelchair if needed. You can request assistance by phone or by filling out a form, and staff will help you through the check-in and boarding process.
Other services include drinking fountains, a relax zone, a space for hand luggage, and device charging points. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi, extra parking spaces, and car rental services.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can't. Due to legislation prohibiting smoking in enclosed public spaces, smoking is only allowed at a designated area outside the terminal building or at the rooftop smoking terrace.
After going through security and leaving the Duty-Free shop, turn left and proceed towards the C12 departure gate. After you see the sign, go up the stairs to the terrace above and you will find the smoking terrace on your left.
Yes, there are 12 gift shops, 13 bars, and 4 restaurants at the airport. Most of them are located inside the passengers-only departures section.
The airport is located next to the GC-1 highway, making it easily accessible from both the north and the south. The exits are clearly marked with an airplane logo, making it easy to find your way.
Gran Canaria is considered a non-European Union territory, so there are lower allowances for cigarettes and liquor when travelling back to the EU. Passengers who are 17 years or older can carry up to 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars, among other items.
