Hiring a car in the Canary Islands is a wonderful way to see this beautiful part of the Mediterranean, allowing you the flexibility to take to the beaches and villages with freedom. With many major car hire companies serving the various islands, you can be guaranteed to get a great deal from popular names such as Sixt, Hertz, Avis and many more. Whether you choose a 4x4 to take in the mountain roads in comfort or choose a convertible to let your hair down, no matter which island you decide to visit, you can enjoy your stay with hassle-free car hire.
The rules of the road in the Canary Islands are much like that of mainland Spain. However, island life always presents its own rules that tend to match the relaxed lifestyle. Be patient while driving in the Canary Islands, as buses and taxis may often expect you to give them right of way. The speed limit of 50 km/h (30 mph) in towns and 90 km/h (55 mph) in the country should be respected, due to the winding, narrow nature of the roads that could provide a challenge for foreign drivers. Also important to note is you will drive on the right-hand side of the road in the Canary Islands and may need to acclimate a bit first.
With your Canary Islands car hire, you can get additional add-ons to make your driving experience more pleasurable. If you have a family, you may need to include a car seat for your little one if they are under 1.35 m tall. You can also find your way around the islands much easier if you have satellite navigation included with your car hire, and perhaps consider a second driver option to lighten the driving load.
A careful and moderate speed is always suggested when driving in the Canary Islands. The roads are well-maintained and an economy car can easily navigate with ease, but the roads do tend to get quite windy as you explore the mountainous areas and villages. You won’t have to worry about borders with your Canary Islands car hire, as the islands themselves are small, some of which only a few miles in diameter. Fuel is easy to come by but you may find that your local attendant on the island doesn’t speak English, so brush up on your Spanish and don’t forget to tip.
Book your rental car in Canary Islands at least 3 weeks before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Standard rental cars in Canary Islands are around 71% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Canary Islands
Car hire in the Canary Islands is a fantastic idea when you want to move away from the usual tourist resorts and experience the volcanic landscapes, unspoilt villages and cliff views. If you were to wait for a bus, it could take several hours, depending on the location. Therefore, the advantages far outweigh public transportation. With great prices on appropriate car hire deals on all the Canary Islands, you will be able to pop from village to beach and beyond effortlessly.
Despite the small size of the islands, you can certainly find the roads have been well-maintained and are easy to navigate. The most challenging part of driving in the Canary Islands is probably the lack of signage in the rural areas and the large amounts of motorcycle users who drive quite fast. As for your Canary Islands car hire, 4x4s are a comfy, fun drive, but they are not necessary for the terrain; a standard vehicle will handle as well as a luxury car.
Canary Islands car hire is a simple process. Being 21 is the first step. Some companies may charge a young drivers fee for under 25s, but that depends entirely on the car hire company. You will need an international drivers licence that is valid for the region as well as your home country licence to prove that you have been driving for longer than a year. Photographic ID is also mandatory, so remember your passport and, of course, your credit card.
Standard (Ford Escape or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Canary Islands.
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.