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ES Are you planning a holiday in the Canary Islands and wondering if renting a car is worth it? Here you’ll find everything important about booking, insurance, and regulations.
Why a rental car on the Canary Islands makes sense
The Canary Islands – above all Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura – are among the most popular travel destinations in Europe. Dream beaches, volcanoes, and charming villages are waiting for you.
With a rental car, you’re flexible and can discover places you’d never reach by bus or taxi. Whether it’s secluded bays, mountain roads with breathtaking views, or authentic tapas bars in small towns – with a car you enjoy maximum freedom.
Holiday accommodation Canary Islands
When and how should you book the rental car?
Book early to save money
Especially in high season (summer, Christmas, Easter), rental cars in the Canary Islands are quickly booked out. If you wait until you’re there, you often pay more or don’t get the vehicle class you want. So it’s best to plan 6–8 weeks in advance.
Take advantage of flexible cancellation
Many providers allow free cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before pick-up. This way you secure cheap prices but remain flexible in case your plans change.
Pick-up and return
The easiest option is to pick up the car directly at the airport, as you’re mobile right away. If you want to spend the first days without a car, there’s usually also the possibility to collect the car later at a branch outside the airport.
Child seats and booster seats – what’s mandatory?
The Spanish traffic regulations also apply during your holiday:
Children up to 135 cm in height or under 12 years old need a child seat or booster seat.
Babies travel in an infant carrier (Group 0/0+).
Toddlers up to around 4 years require a child seat with harness.
Older children use a booster seat with backrest or belt guide.
Depending on the provider, child seats can be added either free of charge or for a fee. It’s best to check the conditions before booking and reserve the seat in advance – especially during school holidays when demand is high. Alternatively, if possible, you can bring your own seat; many airlines transport child seats free of charge.
Young drivers and older drivers – possible extra charges
If you are younger than 21 or 23 years (depending on the provider) or have had your driving licence for less than a year, you’ll often have to pay a young driver fee. This is usually between €5 and €15 per day. Some providers even rent out certain vehicle classes only from the age of 25.
Older drivers from 70 or 75 years may also be charged a so-called senior fee. The reason is that insurers see a higher risk here. The fee varies depending on the rental company and island.
Our tip: Check the age requirements carefully before booking. On comparison portals, you can usually filter this directly and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Fines on the Canary Islands – What happens?
Illegal parking, speeding, or using your phone while driving are also penalized in the Canary Islands.
Fines are sent directly to the rental company, which forwards your details to the authorities. The penalty is either charged directly to your credit card, or you receive a notice at home. If you pay within 20 days, you often get a 50% discount in Spain. Unpaid fines can cause problems on later trips to Spain.
Our tip: Pay attention to parking zones. Yellow lines mean absolute prohibition, blue lines indicate paid parking. You can find more about parking in Spain in this article.
Insurance – is everything really included?
Many rental companies advertise with “full coverage without excess.” But this often sounds better than it really is.
Usually covered:
Damage to the car in case of an accident (with or without excess, depending on the tariff)
Theft of the car
Liability for third-party damages
Not automatically covered:
Tire and glass damage
Damage to the underbody and roof
Key loss
Interior damage
Towing costs in case of own fault
Key loss – how expensive can it get?
If you lose the car key, costs can quickly run into several hundred euros (€150–400 is common). This is almost never included in standard insurance policies.
That’s why:
Don’t carry the key loosely to the beach.
Don’t leave it lying around openly in the hotel room.
Inform the rental company immediately in case of loss.
Sometimes credit card insurance or additional insurance policies cover such damages.
Glass and tire damage – a real cost trap
You often reach remote beaches only via unpaved roads. Tire damage or a stone chip can easily happen. Without additional insurance, you pay the full cost yourself.
If you plan to really explore the island, you should book a tire and glass protection package. It costs a little extra but saves you a lot of money in the event of damage.
Practical tips for your car rental booking
Take photos: Check the car thoroughly at pick-up and photograph scratches or dents.
Check fuel policy: “Full/Full” is the fairest – return the car with a full tank.
Plan for a deposit: Most rental companies block between €500 and €1000 on your credit card.
Look for offers without excess and without deposit.
Register additional drivers: Only registered persons are allowed to drive – otherwise, the insurance cover is void.
Book your rental car directly with us!
With our partner you are perfectly taken care of: A modern fleet of vehicles, a dense network of service points, and the highest safety standards ensure that you can enjoy your trip without worries.
Your benefits at a glance:
Pick-up directly at the airport – stress-free and convenient
Full coverage insurance without excess – complete protection with no hidden costs
Unlimited mileage – explore the islands without limits
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before arrival – maximum flexibility
Payment only upon arrival – no advance payment required
Additional driver included
Child seats and booster seats free of charge
No extra fees for young or senior drivers – fair for all age groups
Booking a rental car in the Canary Islands has never been this simple and transparent!
Canary Islands Car Rental Offers
Conclusion: With a rental car you experience the Canary Islands just the way you want – flexible, independent, and without stress. Just make sure to book in time, secure the right insurance, and don’t forget the child seat requirement if you’re traveling with family.
Holiday accommodations – as individual as your vacation
Still looking for the right holiday accommodation? If you want to travel individually, you should aim for flexibility not only with the rental car but also with the accommodation. A private holiday home with sea view, a villa with pool, or an apartment on the beach gives you comfort, independence, and the freedom to design your vacation exactly as you wish – without fixed meal times or overcrowded hotel complexes.
You can rely on this:
Our experienced team knows the Canary and Balearic Islands personally
Direct contact with local owners – for verified quality and fair conditions
Individual advice and tailor-made offers for holiday homes, villas, or apartments
Perfect combination of accommodation and rental car – everything from one source
Whether you’re looking for a romantic hideaway, a family-friendly accommodation with pool, or a modern villa right by the sea – we’ll find the ideal solution for you.
Request now – and start your holiday relaxed!
Email:
Phone: +34 675 400 700
