Gran Canaria boasts an incredibly varied landscape, ranging from dramatic mountain scapes to green forest aplenty. It’s a natural feast for the eyes. It’s also a relatively small island, so renting a vehicle is the ideal way to explore all the sights at your own pace.
Sun, sea and sand
The main attraction in Gran Canaria is undoubtedly its spectacular beaches, and if you rent a car for your trip you’ll truly be spoilt for choice. One of the most popular is Playa del Inglés on the south coast.
In the daytime this is a bustlingspot, great for families with many stores and restaurants along the seafront, while by night the area near the beach transforms as its nightlife sees it become a lively, vibrant area.
Another of Gran Canaria’s best-loved beaches is Puerto Rico, which has a reputation for being one of the sunniest spots on the whole island. Try something a little more active here and choose from the wide range of activities available, from sailing to windsurfing as well as boat trips and even dolphin-spotting cruises.
Its sheltered location means the sea is calm, making it ideal for families and the perfect place for a swim in the perfect blue Atlantic waters.
Gran Canaria’s ‘Little Venice’
For a slightly quieter experience, you might want to head to Puerto Mogán, a pretty and peaceful resort that brings to life the idea of a quiet seaside town. Complete with a marina and a curious warren of cobbled streets lined with palm trees, it’s sometimes known as ‘Little Venice’ because of its beautiful bridges and canals.
Take some time to wander the streets and soak up its charm, or sample some delicious local delicacies, stocked daily by the area’s fishermen.
Puerto Mogán’s golden beach is sheltered by cliffs, making it the ideal spot for those who want a quiet afternoon in the sun away from the crowds. If you fancy trying your hand at snorkelling, you’ll spot a huge variety of fish in the calm blue waters here. Alternatively, you can take a boat to explore more of the marine life.
There are plenty of places to park on the surrounding roads, as well as a parking lot near the beach, making this an ideal destination to visit by car.
Capital culture
Situated in the north of the island, the capital Las Palmas is the biggest city in the Canaries and offers a very different experience to the purpose-built tourist resorts on the south of the island.
Steeped in history, it boasts a 16th-century cathedral and impressive art gallery, along with an old fishing quarter and charming cobbled streets.
Many visitors head straight to the urban beach Las Canteras, which stretches for more than a mile along the coast. But just outside of the city you will find a natural wonder known as the Caldera de Bandama, or the Cauldron of Bandama.
This volcanic crater is a must-see. Set aside some time to hike all the way to the bottom – but make sure to bring suitable footwear, as the path can be slippery.
If you don’t want to tackle the steep descent, you can stroll around the perimeter and admire the view. Renting with Hertz from Gran Canaria Airport gives you the freedom to visit this and the rest of the island’s many attractions during your stay.