Car hire in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria has some of the most varied landscapes in the Canary Islands, boasting everything from stunning beaches to pine forests set against the dramatic volcanic scenery of this beautiful archipelago. You’ll find enchanting, hidden corners off the beaten track, including deep ravines and valleys, rocks, volcanic calderas and rugged cliffs. The island has an excellent road network, making it the perfect destination to explore by car at your own pace, no rushing or timetables.

Gran Canaria is one of the largest of the Canary Islands, about 90 kilometres in length. We recommend at least three or four days to explore it, although a week would be ideal, particularly if you have a car, which gives you the freedom to explore villages, beaches and the endless dunes that are off the beaten track. In Gran Canaria, you must drive on the right, as in the rest of Spain. The speed limit on motorways is 120km/h, and in towns it is 50km/h, unless otherwise indicated. Parking on white or yellow lines is prohibited. Drivers are required to keep a distance of 1.5 meters from cyclists at all times.

Many people choose to rent a car for the flexibility, convenience and autonomy it offers when travelling. It’s also the best way to be able to explore hidden corners that are not accessible with public transport. If you plan to travel during the high season, we recommend that you book your rental car online in advance in order to be sure that the model you would like is available and also to take advantage of any special offers. Some people choose to tour the island on motorbike, which offer the advantage of easier parking and cheaper petrol costs. But a car still has the advantage when it comes to travelling comfortably on secondary roads and the dirt paths that lead to beautiful, less inaccessible beaches. Other transport options on Gran Canaria include taxi, buses and bikes. Buses, called guaguas on Gran Canaria, are run by Global, which operates a network of bus lines that connect the towns and airport. The buses are a handy option for visitors who don’t have their own vehicle. It is worth mentioning that the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is easy to explore on foot or by bike.

When renting a car, it’s handy to know where you can park. In the island capital of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, there are two types of on-street parking: the blue zone and the green zone. These are identified by signs and the colour of the road markings delineating the parking spaces. Most streets in the city centre are blue zone streets, which require payment. The green zones are reserved for local residents only. There are also numerous public car parks located all over the island, with slightly higher parking costs than in the blue zone.

Gran Canaria has about 30 tourist offices located all over the island, which can provide a wide range of helpful information. You’ll find a full list on the official Gran Canaria tourism website at http://www.grancanaria.com.

Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canaries, after Tenerife and Fuerteventura. Each of its 21 municipalities is steeped in history and replete with unique and surprising sights. There is much more to this island of contrasts than the capital of Las Palmas, or popular resorts like Maspalomas or Puerto Rico. Explore further afield to discover charming fishing ports and mountain villages set in beautiful volcanic scenery.

In the north of the island, you’ll find towns and cities with a long and fascinating history.

In the south of the island, you’ll find beautiful coastal towns with white sand beaches

Are you looking for the perfect beach in Gran Canaria? The island boasts beaches for every taste. In the south of the island, you’ll find beaches of golden sands and turquoise waters, while in the north there are volcanic beaches surrounded by mountains and cliffs. There are hidden coves, beaches with a relaxed family atmosphere, beaches for water sports and others where you can watch idyllic sunsets. Read on to find out our tips for the most unmissable beaches, whether you’re visiting the north or the south of this beautiful island.

Are you looking for the perfect beach in Gran Canaria? The island boasts beaches for every taste. In the south of the island, you’ll find beaches of golden sands and turquoise waters, while in the north there are volcanic beaches surrounded by mountains and cliffs. There are hidden coves, beaches with a relaxed family atmosphere, beaches for water sports and others where you can watch idyllic sunsets. Read on to find out our tips for the most unmissable beaches, whether you’re visiting the north or the south of this beautiful island.