Car Hire Gran Canaria Airport

A justly renowned holiday destination in the Canary Islands,along with Tenerife and Fuerteventura, one of the best ways to experience all that Gran Canaria has to offer is to hire a car, allowing you to explore this paradise isle at your own leisure.

Driving from the airport to the main resorts couldn’t be easier. The island’s major motorway, the GC-1, is accessible directly from the airport – and leads to the capital of Las Palmas and the towns of Arguineguin, Puerto Rico and Playa del Ingles. As with mainland Spain, driving is on the right. Speed limits on the motorways are typically 120km/h, dropping to 50km/h in towns and cities, unless signed otherwise. Always check the signs and limits for the route that you are on, and be aware that slower speeds are essential on certain mountain roads.

It takes around 45 minutes to reach the lively town of Maspalomas from Las Palmas, where you’ll find the island’s famous and beautiful sand dunes. These are also within convenient distance by car from many of the island’s main resorts, and just a 20-minute drive from Puerto Rico.

Some of the most beautiful roads in Gran Canaria pass through the mountains and along the coast, with the short drive from one bay to another providing spectacular scenery. For adventurous sightseers, the GC-500 winds around the southern coast and offers incredible vistas. Almost all mountainous roads have barriers for safety, but there can be many sharp bends so concentration is essential.

There’s plenty of parking in the towns and cities throughout Gran Canaria, with blue lines on the road indicating that it is a paid parking zone. Green zones generally indicate parking for residents only.

A holiday location perfect for families, couples and groups alike, there’s something to see and do for everyone in Gran Canaria. Whether you’re a beachside bather, looking to admire natural wonders or searching for cultural delights, the island is full of must-see highlights.

Discover the Sand Dunes

One of the most outstanding reasons to visit Gran Canaria is to experience the awe-inspiring sand dunes at Maspalomas. Positioned between the bays of Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles, these stunning natural formations will make you feel as though you are exploring the Sahara desert as you walk among them, or make for a captivating sight from the beach if you prefer to admire from afar.

The sand washed up here after the last ice age, with the coastal position and winds from the Atlantic Ocean forming the dunes over many years. The sand on the south side can get extremely warm, so be sure to take your flip flops, and stay hydrated by refuelling at the drink kiosks nearby.

Visit Las Palmas

Perhaps the best place to head to if you’re looking for traditional Canarian culture, Las Palmas is a capital city of contrasts – offering up grand colonial buildings alongside vibrant shopping malls and chic waterfront bars.

Enjoy traditional Spanish tapas in a cosy cantina at Tasca Galileo. This popular, traditional bar is a real gem, but it’s best to get down early to ensure a table. The Canarian potatoes are to die for – diced, small and served with a hot and spicy chilli, pepper and garlic sauce dubbed ‘mojo’. They are the island’s best kept secret, and once you’ve tried them you’re sure to go back for more.

Head to Amadores Beach

The most beautiful man-made beach on the island, Playa de Amadores is a favourite with visitors. Indulge in sweet treats and tasty pizzas and explore the shops and cafes that line the shore, before enjoying an afternoon on the golden sands.

If you’re in the mood for a more luxurious experience, treat yourself to being waited on hand and foot at the swish Amadores Beach Club. An exclusive venue, situated at the end near the mini golf course, here you can lounge on a cabana and enjoy an ice-cold strawberry daiquiri while watching the world go by.

Those holidaying with children, meanwhile, will love the huge inflatable play park in the ocean. Swim out to sea and clamber on the obstacle course for hours of fun. There’s ample parking available at Amadores beach, with a scenic walkway connecting it to Puerto Rico bay for those who fancy stretching their legs after a spot of swimming and sunbathing.

Take a stroll through ‘Little Venice'

As one of the most picturesque places on the island, the idyllic village of Puerto Mogan is enchantingly beautiful. Known as Little Venice, thanks to its charming appearance, the town is peppered with quaint whitewashed houses, glorious fuchsia and miniature bridges.

Every Friday, Puerto Mogan hosts an exuberant market. Packed with local traders selling everything from handbags and exquisite lace tablecloths, to homemade Aloe Vera gels and fresh fruit to snack on as you saunter through the streets, be sure to also look out for the quaint fishing boats in the marina. Some lovely bars and restaurants surround the boatyard, including the Bar Marina, serving up fantastic views and refreshments.

Explore all these stunning areas and more with car hire at Gran Canaria Airport, and hit the island’s open roads for a true paradise adventure.