Car hire Gran Canaria: Compare car rental prices and find the best offers in Gran Canaria.

Car hires in Gran Canaria: practical information

Where to rent a car in Gran Canaria

There is a lot going on in Gran Canaria! As the third largest island in the Canary Islands, you can bet that there are things to do and see here. Las Palmas is the capital and largest city on the island, where most visitors will touch down. Being the central island for tourism, it's easy to find an affordable car hire. There are car rental companies at most major resorts and you'll find Avis and Hertz in Playa del Inglés. At the airport you'll find Goldcar.

With no trains, getting around the island is easiest by car, making it essential to rent a car while on holidays in Gran Canaria. That being said, if you plan to get a rental, then book it as far in advance as possible to as to not be disappointed upon arrival.

Parking in Gran Canaria: what you should know

There are a few parking rules you should be aware of if you want to avoid a fine. Don't ever park on a yellow line. The fine is €30 and will cost you the morning standing in line to pay it at the appropriate office. Don't overtake, or cross at any time, when there is a single white line in the middle of the road. Always keep all your documents with you when driving, it's not uncommon for the police to flag down rental cars in Gran Canaria to check the driver's papers. This includes: driver's license, car certificate, insurance and bank statement showing you've paid it and your passport or ID.

In Las Palmas there are many car parks in the city centre and along the coast. Some charge by the minute (€0.03/min) while others offer a daily rate, usually around €15/day. If you have booked a cheap car rental in Gran Canaria for your entire trip, then make sure that you can park it at your hotel in Gran Canaria as well.

Road trips from Gran Canaria: what to do, what to see

• A stone's throw away: Tackle the lush and green north of the island. It's forests, ravines and fields make the perfect landscape for trekking. Bring a guide book to help you identify the flora and fauna. When you pass through a village, make sure you stop for a glass of wine at a local tavern. Arucas, Moya and Gáldar are all less than 30 minutes from Las Palmas.
• A little further: From Telde, head south to Agüimes. It's one of the prettiest towns of the island, perfectly restored. Nearby is another town, Ingenio, which is famous for its ceramics and handcrafts. Both are good places to stop for lunch at a restaurant serving traditional Canarian foods.
• A proper day-trip: Take a trip down south to Maspalomas, one of the longest beaches on the island. Nearby are tons of other beaches as well, even some nudist ones! It takes around 45 minutes to drive to Maspalomas from Las Palmas.

For more things to do in Gran Canaria, check out Mini-guide: Gran Canaria.