Cheap Car Rental Gran Canaria

There is one question which almost always precedes a family vacation: mountains or beach? For all those who cannot make up their minds or risk familial peace over the decision Grand Canary is a perfect holiday destination. Countless sandy beaches line the coast and fascinating volcano craters and mighty canyons dominate the central part of the island.

A popular destination among European tourists many fear a vacation on a crowded island with no space to move around. This is a false assumption, as 95% of the tourists stick to the beaches on the south coast in holiday resorts such as Playa del Iglés and Maspalomas, leaving the rest of the island to individual tourists and the local Canarios.
Getting around is quite easy as long as you have a car, as the road network is good.

Grand Canary is the third biggest island in the Canary archipelago and has a population of roughly 800,000. The capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, home to about half of the overall population, is situated on a charming peninsula in the north-east. It was founded about 500 years ago, and Christopher Columbus used the young town as a pit stop on his first trip to the New World. The historic district of Vegueta is home to the Casa Colon, the Columbus house, as well as the Santo Domingo church from the 17th century and the Gabinete Literario. As far as accommodation is concerned, the Santa Catalina in Celle Leon y Castillio street has earned a good reputation and is beautifully located in the yacht marina close to the Old Town. The tourist information is just around the corner and can provide you with maps and suggestions for day trips.
For a romantic dinner go to Amigo Camilo in Las Canteras, serving delicious fresh fish on a panorama terrace overlooking the town.

Once you have enough of the city buzz, simply take your rental car inland to the wild Canary countryside. The north-east is characterized by tranquil country idyll and the Caldera de Bandama, an impressive volcano crater. Your itinerary should include Arucas, a small town famous for its blue-black basalt rocks, and Santa Brígada, home to one of the most luxurious hotels on the Island. Should you be in the area on a Sunday, go to Vega de Sant Mateo and its atmospheric farmers’ market.

Further inland you will drive directly into the mountains. The highest peaks are Pozo de las Nives (6400 ft), Cruz del Saucillo, and Roque Nublo (both roughly 5900 ft). In between you will find green terraces like in Juncalillo or the one in Tejada, which is covered in almond trees. You will find private accommodation and small guest houses in all the small mountain towns including Artenara, Grand Canary’s highest village.

Should you want to spend a day at the beach but avoid the tourist crowd, go to Puoerto de las Nieves, south of where you will find a secluded bathing bay.