Car Hire in Gran Canaria
The famous dunes at Maspalomas are actually a continuation of the Sahara desert. Many other resorts like Puerto Rico have good beaches too, often with family activities and water sports on offer.
Gran Canaria Car HireIf you’re eating out you’ll find international cuisine dominates the main tourist resorts, and Playa del Ingles also has a great choice of pubs, clubs and busy bars.
A great night out popular with tourists is to take a trip to Sioux City, built originally as a wild west film set and now home to a very great theme park hosting very special barbeque nights. If you only do one trip during your stay in Gran Canaria – make it this one!
For shopping try one of the many commercial centres or the large department stores in Las Palmas, and when hiring a car be sure to visit some of the small local markets.
Best places to visit when renting a car in Gran Canaria
If you plan to rent a car during your stay in Gran Canaria, here’s a number of popular resorts and destinations that are well worth checking out during your stay on the island.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s promenade, two marinas and pretty beach have created a resort that revolves around fun, sun and parties. There is a small, gently shelving man-made beach with water sports, and a collection of cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. With lots of steps and steep ascents, Puerto Rico is not recommended for guests with mobility difficulties.
Maspalomas
Playa del Inglés’ more upmarket neighbour Maspalomas has a more sedate atmosphere. The most striking feature is the expanse of towering sand dunes that stretch inland for over a mile. The beach leads to Playa del Inglés and there’s a range of shopping centres, an 18-hole golf course nearby and a choice of cafes, bars and restaurants, with bustling Playa del Ingles close at hand.
Playa Amadores
Backed by the dramatic mountains, the main attraction in Playa Amadores is undoubtedly the large sweeping man-made beach, a must for sun worshippers seeking the warmth of the sun on their faces. The atmosphere is one of gentle relaxation, and you’ll find a helpful of restaurants and bars to enjoy. Explore further to lively Puero Rico or charming Puerto de Morgan.
Playa del Inglés
Back in the 1950s, a local businessman, Don Alejandro del Castillo, dreamt of building a purpose-built tourist resort. Soon Playa del Inglés was born and its growth has now borne fruit, resulting in two square miles of bars, restaurants, night-life and accommodation. The 7km stretch of golden sandy beach and rolling dunes offers water sports, and leads westward to nearby Maspalomas
Puerto de Mogán
Charming Puerto de Morgan feels like it was created with the express purpose of relaxing holidays in the sun. An old fishing village, its traffic-free harbour areas are full of pretty, local-style houses, perfect for leisurely strolls, and there are several cafes and bars on the marina where you can watch the sun set over the yachts and fishing boats.