car hire las palmas
Pick up your hire car at Las Palmas and prepare yourself for some Canary Islands sophistication Book car hire las palmas airport now
the 60-second guide to Las Palmas
in its own head
"We're no trashy resort. This is a cultured city with a UNESCO World Heritage site slap bang in the middle and barely a tattooed man in Union Jack shorts in sight!"
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 pig out on the fine 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 the better things in life, such as eating and drinking.
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, but don't worry, the locals are nothing like the sociopath killer he played in No Country For Old Men.
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
5 to see in town...
- 1. Casa de Colon
- 2. Calle Triana
- 3. Plaza de Santa Ana
- 4. Castillo de La Luz
- 5. Playa de Las Canteras
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.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Casa de Colon
- 2. Calle Triana
- 3. Plaza de Santa Ana
- 4. Castillo de La Luz
- 5. Playa de Las Canteras
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.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Casa de Colon
- 2. Calle Triana
- 3. Plaza de Santa Ana
- 4. Castillo de La Luz
- 5. Playa de Las Canteras
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.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Casa de Colon
- 2. Calle Triana
- 3. Plaza de Santa Ana
- 4. Castillo de La Luz
- 5. Playa de Las Canteras
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 to see in town...
- 1. Casa de Colon
- 2. Calle Triana
- 3. Plaza de Santa Ana
- 4. Castillo de La Luz
- 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...
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.
and 4 to drive to...
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.
and 4 to drive to...
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.
and 4 to drive to...
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.
ask a las palmas cabbie!
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.