Car Rental - Las Palmas
Experience a melting pot of cultures in Las Palmas with a Hertz car rental. Thanks to its roots as a port city, the capital of Gran Canaria has a South American-style old town and North African fauna, despite being Spanish at heart.
Whether you’re here to bask in the sun on the beach, sample Canarian cuisine or explore the rugged mountains of the island, renting a car in Las Palmas is the best way to discover the city and surrounding area.
We have multiple pick-up points in the city for you to collect your car, including at Gran Canaria Airport. We have a great choice of cars so you’re sure to find the right one for your needs, whether it’s a compact city car rental or larger SUV you’re looking for.
Choose Hertz car rental for your holiday in Las Palmas and start your adventure in style.
Las Palmas Locations
A Quick Guide to Las Palmas
The energy of this city is palpable, from the flourishing port to the bustling cafes and lively plazas. Once you’ve explored Las Palmas, hop in your rental car and head out to discover the winding mountain roads and stunning coastline of Gran Canaria.
Wander Through the Old Quarter
Admire the mesmerizing blend of architecture as you stroll through the cobblestone streets of Las Palmas’ atmospheric old quarter Vegueta, which dates back to the 15th century.
The Gothic grey-tinged façade of Santa Ana Cathedral stands out among the old churches and rows of houses, complete with wooden balconies. Its towers are landmarks of the city – ride the elevator all the way to the top of the bell tower and enjoy sweeping views across the city and out towards the coast.
After exploring the maze of streets, while away a few hours in one of the squares, dining al fresco and blissfully watching the world go by. In Plaza de Santa Ana you’ll find eight bronze guard dogs watching over the square and at Plaza de Santo Domingo you can enjoy the tinkling soundtrack of an 18th century fountain.
Explore 40 Miles of Coastline
Golden shores, lapped by warm turquoise sea, fringe Gran Canaria. But you don’t have to stray too far in your rental car to enjoy the beach in Las Palmas, with Playa de las Canteras and Playa de las Alcaravaneras found within the city. Three-mile-long Las Canteras is arguably the island’s best beach and one of the top urban beaches in Europe.
On the opposite side of the island, you'll find Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, which boasts more hours of sunshine than any other part of Gran Canaria. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, this is the perfect spot to try out water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing and windsurfing.
Once you’ve experienced the thrill of the waters, speed out to sea aboard a glass-bottomed boat to catch a glimpse of local marine life, such as colorful schools of fish and pods of dolphins.
While you’re in the southern part of the island, make sure you visit the Maspalomas Dunes, an enormous, other-worldly nature reserve that’ll make you feel like you’ve stumbled across a slice of desert. Make your way through the sand dunes to Maspalomas Beach where you can take a dip in the refreshing waters.
Take a Hike
Spending a morning hiking is one of the best ways to experience Gran Canaria’s diverse landscapes. In Las Palmas itself, you can wander along Playa El Confital, a serene surf spot with a long promenade that snakes around the south-west part of La Isleta.
To conquer the highest point of the island, right in the center of Gran Canaria, head to Pico de las Nieves. At nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, the views from this vantage point are breathtaking.
You'll find a stone semi-circle next to the car park that directs you towards uninterrupted views of the sunset. Aim to be here in the early evening and you’ll be able to see across the island’s peaks and across to Tenerife.
Driving In and Around Las Palmas
With the cool sea breeze blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, the warm sun beating down and the mountainous backdrop, Las Palmas is truly a wonderful destination to drive around in a holiday or business car rental.
The GC-1 runs along the east side of Las Palmas, providing access to the Naval Museum, Poema De Mar Aquarium and Castillo de la Luz, a 16th-century fortress. Vegueta, the atmospheric old quarter of the city, can also be reached via the GC-1 or GC-5.
There are several parking lots in the city for your Las Palmas car rental. Park up and head to Playa De Las Canteras, a nearly two-mile stretch of beach.
Situated in the north-east of Gran Canaria, the capital is well-connected to the rest of the island. The GC-1 and GC-2 snake out along the coastline in opposite directions, while the GC-23 will take you inland.
At just 30 miles long, it’s easy to see the whole of Las Palmas with your rental car in a day if you wish. The GC-1 freeway runs along the eastern and southern fringe of the island, taking less than an hour to reach the lively Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria at the bottom of the island.
Although this main road ensures the city is well connected to the rest of the island, it’s worth taking the winding mountain roads. You’ll see quaint villages and phenomenal scenery, with views that stretch right out to Tenerife. Renting a car in Las Palmas makes it easier to traverse the gorgeous landscape.
Take the GC-15 and it’s an hour’s drive to the highest lookout point in Gran Canaria, right in the center of the island at Pico de las Nieves. Take the GC-2 west and just before you reach Barranco de Guayedra on the edge of Tamadaba Natural Park, you’ll find Finca Los Castaños, the only coffee plantation in Europe.
Here you can learn how the beans are carefully harvested and roasted to perfection before enjoying a cup yourself.
Driving your rental car in Gran Canaria is much the same as driving in mainland Spain. You’ll use the left-hand side of the road, and all passengers must wear seatbelts.
Speed limits are clearly signposted and are shown in kilometers. In cities and built-up areas, the limit is 31mph or lower, rising to 55mph on smaller roads, 62mph on main routes and 74mph on highways.
There are several toll roads in Spain – look out for signs saying ‘Peaje’. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you have about driving in Spain.
Car rental in Las Palmas will give you the freedom to explore every corner of the city, and the rest of Gran Canaria, at your own pace.
