Planning a trip to Gran Canaria? Hiring a car is one of the best decisions you can make. Whether you’re heading there for a city break, a beach holiday, or a full exploration of Canary Islands, having your own wheels puts you completely in control of the itinerary. No waiting for buses, no expensive taxi fares, no missed connections — just you and the open road.

At 365 Car Hire, we compare deals from the top rental companies in Gran Canaria so you can find the best price without the hassle. Rates start from as low as €12/day depending on the car category and time of year.

Why Hire a Car in Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria is a fantastic base for exploring Canary Islands. The city itself has plenty to keep you busy — world-class food, history, architecture, and culture — but the real magic happens when you venture further afield. Public transport covers the city centre well enough, but once you want to explore the surrounding countryside, coast, or smaller towns, you need a car.

Car hire in Gran Canaria is straightforward. There are plenty of companies operating here, which keeps competition healthy and prices reasonable. Pick up from the airport or city centre, drop off at your convenience. Booking in advance (especially in peak summer months) almost always gets you a better rate.

Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car in Gran Canaria

The most convenient pickup point is Gran Canaria Airport (LPA). Airport desks are open seven days a week, and you can walk straight off the plane and into your car. For city centre pickups, most major rental companies have downtown offices too — useful if you’re arriving by train or want to spend your first day on foot before picking up the car.

When you arrive, bring your driving licence (both parts if you’re UK), passport, and the credit card you used for the booking. Most companies require a credit card for the security deposit — check this before you travel if you only have a debit card.

Top Drives from Gran Canaria

Here’s where having a hire car really pays off. Some of the best day trips and scenic routes from Gran Canaria include:

• Roque Nublo (50km from Las Palmas)
• Maspalomas Dunes (55km south)
• Tejeda village (50km southwest)
• Cruz de Tejeda (50km from Las Palmas)

These routes are all well-signed and easy to navigate. Spain has excellent motorways (autopistas) between major cities, plus scenic secondary roads through the countryside. A small economy car handles everything perfectly for these kinds of trips.

Tips for Driving in Spain

A few things worth knowing before you set off:

• Drive on the right — standard for mainland Europe, but worth a mental reminder if you’re coming from the UK
• Speed limits — 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on main roads, 50 km/h in urban areas
• Toll roads — Spain has an extensive toll motorway network. Check if your route uses tolls and consider carrying some cash or a credit card for payment
• Fuel — petrol stations are plentiful. Most hire cars take unleaded (gasolina sin plomo) — confirm this when collecting your car
• Parking — in city centres, use underground car parks (parking subterráneo). Street parking in blue zones is metered. Apps like ElParking or OkiOki work in many Spanish cities
• Alcohol limit — 0.5mg/ml blood alcohol (lower than the UK). Zero tolerance for new drivers under 2 years licensed

Compare Car Hire in Gran Canaria

The best way to get a good deal on car hire in Gran Canaria is to book in advance and compare prices across multiple suppliers. At 365 Car Hire, we pull live rates from major brands including Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Goldcar, and local Spanish companies.

Peak season in Spain (July–August) sees prices spike significantly — sometimes double the off-season rate. If you’re flexible on travel dates, shoulder season (April–June and September–October) typically offers much better value with great weather.

Always check what’s included in the quoted price: is CDW (collision damage waiver) included? What’s the excess? Does it include third-party liability? Our listings show the full price upfront so you can compare apples to apples.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I need to be to hire a car in Gran Canaria?

The minimum age is usually 21, though some companies accept drivers from 18 with a young driver surcharge. Drivers over 70 may also face an age surcharge with some suppliers.

Can I take a hire car from Gran Canaria to other countries?

Cross-border travel is possible but needs to be declared at booking. Most rental agreements within Spain allow travel to Portugal and other EU countries, but always check the policy first.

What documents do I need?

A full, valid driving licence (held for at least 1-2 years depending on the supplier), passport or EU ID, and a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit.