Holiday Car Hire in Gran Canaria
Driving in the Canaries is an Easy Way to See all the Best Sights
On occasion renting a car can be an expensive affair, but not in Gran Canaria. The smaller models, which are perfect for the winding mountain roads, are available in all the main resorts at very reasonable prices. Nearly all companies on the island, have the obligatory insurances included. An added bonus, is that the price of petrol is still exceptionally economical.
If you are traveling independently, then consider pre-booking a car and collecting it at the airport on arrival, as this could make a major saving as compared against using taxi transfers to the main resorts.
Getting Out and About
Driving around the island is relatively uncomplicated and not usually stressful. With a three day car hire, you will have plenty of time to go around all the major sights and still have time left over. If a visit to the capital city of Las Palmas is on the list, consider taking the bus rather than driving, as parking can be a nightmare.But other than in the centre of the city, the roads are calm and quiet and driving is a pleasure.
The East Coast
In close proximity to all the main resorts are some fascinating places to visit, that will give you a true insight in life on Gran Canaria. Inland from the airport is the town of Agüimes, one of the islands oldest civilised settlements. It is steeped in history and embellished by the magnificent, towering spires of the neo-gothic church of San Sebastian. Just a stones throw away is the Barranco of Guayadeque, Gran Canaria's monumental cave houses which were home to the native Guanche race.The caves are still inhabited to the present day and are an interesting place to visit,especially if travelling with children, who will find the whole concept of cave life fascinating.
The Island's Centre
Driving from the main resorts and up into the middle of the island is a fascinating trail. Passing through small and picturesque villages, such asFataga, where an excellent local wine is produced, or San Bartolome de Tirajana, which is perched on the edge of Gran Canaria's largest volcanic crater. The drive will lead you through the islands main agricultural spread and its mass of fruit trees. A beautiful time to visit these areas is in February and March, when the almond and orange trees are in full blossom and the mountain air is heavily scented with fragrance.
The Peaks
The mountainous centre of Gran Canaria is dominated by three main peaks, Roque Nublo or Cloud Rock, which has been carved into an unusual formation by wind erosion. Pozo de las Nieves, the Well of Snows, which is often topped with snow in the winter months and Roque Bentaiga, which has the lowest altitude and was once used as sacred place of worship for the ancient Canarians. When the cloud coverage on the mountains is low, expect fantastically, breathtaking views across the to the neighbouring island of Tenerife and its highest peak, called Mount Teide. All stunningly, spectacular views that make fantastic holiday photographs.
Gran Canaria's Verdant North
The northern part of the island is often forgotten by many visitors to Gran Canaria; it's breathtakingly rugged Atlantic coastline and the deep ravines, spanned by suspension bridges, are worth the half an hours stress of passing Las Palmas to see. Teror is a beautiful village and worth a visit on Sunday's for the huge market that sells many local products.
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