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Car hire at Las Palmas airport
Hiring a car from Las Palmas airport
Year-round sun, sparkling blue waters and stunning scenery make Gran Canaria one of the world's greatest getaways. Hire a car at Las Palmas airport and head for the coast.
Why hire a car at las palmas airport?
The local bus system serves most of the island, but this mode of transport can be time-consuming - and everyone knows the last one to the beach gets the worst spot, so hire a car at Las Palmas airport and beat the losers to the sun loungers.
That all-important first mile:
driving out of las palmas airport?
The airport is just minutes from the GC-1, the island's main motorway that runs from north to south. Drive on the right-hand side of the road and remember to keep your passport handy - if you are stopped by police there's an on-the-spot fine if you don't have it.
60-second guide to Las Palmas airport
In its own head...
"This is a cultured city; we have a UNESCO World Heritage site at our centre.”
...but more realistically
Ok, so you can still get a full English if you're desperate, but you're unlikely to need it if you do as the locals do and dine on the super-filling tapas the evening before.
The vibe
Bustling. When you've got a thriving port, beaches, great shopping and sightseeing in one city, it's bound to be a little lively.
The natives
They may be a busy lot but the city's residents can always spare some time for its visitors.
The weather
It's the kind of place you can visit all year round. It's rarely cold, hovering just below 20 degrees in winter. The wettest months are between September and January, but it's all relative.
The local speciality
Try sancocho, a fishy soup, carajacas; a liver dish; or simply eat as much ham and cheese as your stomach can take.
The celebrity
Actor Javier Bardem was born in Las Palmas.
Did you know?
Rumour has it Christopher Columbus stopped off in Las Palmas on his first voyage to the Americas. Most people would have just stayed on the beach and written off the rest of their trip.
They say
"The historic city centre of Las Palmas features a unique set of characteristics, with spontaneous medieval and new development side by side." - UNESCO
Las Palmas airport Q&A
Where are the car hire desks?
Car hire desks can be found on the ground floor, in the walkway connecting the international and EU arrivals halls.
What should I buy at duty free?
The fertile soil and climate of Gran Canaria make perfect growing conditions for olives. Pick up some locally produced olive oil to take home.
Are there any cashpoints?
ATMs are situated on the first floor (in the departures hall), and there is a bank and bureau de change in the arrivals hall - on the ground floor of the terminal.
Where's the best place to eat?
Las Palmas airport is café central, so there are plenty of places to pick up a sandwich. For something sweet, pop to Café Tirma for a choice of delicious ice creams.
The secret tip
No one wants to feel unwell while on holiday, but it you do fall ill there is a pharmacy and 24-hour medical service located near the EU arrivals hall in zone A.
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The big draw: Las Palmas airport
Distance: 15 miles
The capital of the Canary Islands is more than just a package-deal destination. Check out the colonial Spanish architecture, golden sandy beaches and Casa de Colón, the fascinating nautical museum dedicated to explorer Christopher Columbus. When it comes to eating out, make the most of the city's stunningly fresh seafood.
Las Palmas airport
the gateway to...
Maspalomas
Distance: 20 MILES
Quieter than some of the neighbouring resorts, Maspalomas boasts smart hotels, luxury apartments and a huge golf course. Not to mention over 10 miles of wonderful coastline punctuated by stunning beaches and shallow waters that are perfect for paddling. Feeling adventurous? Climb on a camel and explore the sand dunes of the Playa del Inglés National Park.
Sioux City
Distance: 16 MILES
Saddle up and gallop back in time to this Wild West theme park, where staged bank robberies, atmospheric saloons, knife-throwing acts, can-can dancers and roaming animals offer great entertainment for a fun day out.
Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas
Distance: 14 MILES
The oldest golf club in Spain has been attracting players since 1891. Located at the edge of an extinct volcano, the 18-hole course offers spectacular views as well as a restaurant, swimming pool, and horse-riding lessons if you can drag yourself away from the green.
5 to see in town...
1. Casa de Colon
If you're looking for an example of classic Canarian architecture you can't beat this white-washed house in the Old Quarter.
where to park?
You can't park in the Old Quarter, so simply leave your hire car in one of the nearby streets - such as Avenida Rafael Cabrera - and take a five-minute stroll.
2. Calle Triana
Not only is this the city's best shopping street, it also dates back to 15th century when Las Palmas was founded, so is worth a stroll even if you're not buying.
where to park?
Outside of the Old Quarter, you can park for free on most streets in the city, including Calle Triana. If there are no spaces, try Avenida Rafael Cabrera, which runs parallel.
3. Plaza de Santa Ana
This is the city's most spectacular square, boasting the town hall, a cathedral and several other notable buildings.
where to park?
Another Old Quarter spot, you could leave your hire car in Calle Domingo Doreste and take the short walk.
4. Castillo de La Luz
No holiday would be complete without a trip to a castle and this one, which was built to defend the city's harbour, is particularly well preserved.
where to park?
There are plenty of streets around the castle where you can park for free. If there's a lack of spaces, there is also a car park in an alley at the back of the castle.
5. Playa de Las Canteras
You can't go to the Canaries, even on a city break, without spending some time lying on the beach and Playa de Las Canteras provides the perfect sunbathing opportunity.
where to park?
There is plenty of free parking at the beach.
and 4 to drive to...
1. Caldera de Bandama
At its highest point this volcanic caldera rises almost 2,000 feet above sea level. It's around 700 feet deep, 3,300 feet wide and looks as impressive as its dimensions suggest.
how to get there?
Take the GC-23 south from Las Palmas. Then head for the GC-3, then GC4. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Santa Brigida, near the Caldera.
2. Sand dunes of Maspalomas
What could be more fun than rolling down a sand dune? If your answer is "not much", head out to the ones on Maspalomas beach.
how to get there?
Head east around the coast on the GC-1. It should take about 45 minutes to get there.
3. Cactus Park
This is your chance to get up close and personal with our spiky plant friends, which have been imported from all over the world.
how to get there?
Take the GC-2 around the north-west coast. It should take around an hour and 10 minutes to get to Tocodaman, near the Park.
4. Santa Maria de Guia
Strolling around the cobbled streets of this sleepy town is an antidote to the hustle and bustle of Las Palmas.
how to get there?
Take the GC-2 west of our Las Palmas. It just a 20-minute journey to Santa Maria de Guia.
Local taxi driver Alejandro Rojas says
" The good thing about this city is that people here are not in such a rush as those people from big cities. Locals have quite relaxed driving manners. I don't recommend driving into Triana or Jose de Mesa y Lopez at lunchtime (1-2 pm) or after work(6-7 pm) as you can find yourself stuck in a jam. "
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