Canary Islands are not called European Hawaii for nothing. Islands of eternal spring are a traditional winter getaway for European surfers and once you go there you will understand why. Now for most people going there on vacations means checking into a hotel, and using public transportation and explore. However, this doesn’t work for surfers and actually anyone who wants to be more independent and explore the island on their own. Rent a car, which will offer you peace of mind, is a much better option.
You will have full control of a vehicle and places you wish to go, there will be no time pressure and you will be able to stay in a place you like as long as you like etc… Especially because renting a car in Canary islands isn’t expensive. It is important however to determine the type of car you should get. For surfers and for more daring explorers you will want to go of the paved roads and use not that great dirt roads to get to beaches and other interesting places. Keep that in mind when choosing the car.
We recommend you to enter here, which will help you understand the financial aspect of renting a car. Choosing the one for your specific needs means the difference between going fast, being comfortable, and enjoying.
Here you will find a few tips for renting a car in Canary islands.
Choose Based on Specific Plans
Although it seems like an obvious option, most people choose to hire a car depending on the price tag, meaning the most affordable solution. Still, getting a vehicle that cannot handle the road may be more expensive overall. Choosing a vehicle in Gran Canaria that will match the locations and terrain you wish to go is important, especially in Canary islands where dirt roads can range from huge rocks to soft sand. On the otehr hand if you want to use the car for shopping and going to towns a cheap and economical car may be the better choice than getting an SUV.
However, if you wish to travel long distances, if you wish to travel across Gran Canaria on dirt roads, getting a 4×4 is a must! When you expect to spend plenty of time on the highway, then you should get a low MPG car instead, which will provide you additional comfort. Also, keep in mind how much luggage and how many people are in your party.
Choose the Car You Already Know
Changing the type of car means you should learn how to use it from scratch. Although you have significant driving experience, each car has a different feel to it and getting a completely different car can be challenging and it takes some getting used to. This does not mean that you have to get the exactly same model that you have at home, but for instance, if you are used to driving a two-seater, switching to a transit or campervan is going to be challenging.
Being unfamiliar with a car can lead to dangerous driving, especially if you do not have enough time to get familiar with it. The same thing works for people who used to drive manual transmissions, especially because US vehicles are mostly automatic, meaning the transition can be dangerous and problematic. However, that is not the case when you wish to rent in Gran Canaria, because you can find wide array of options available on the market.
That is why we recommend you choose a car that is similar size and style as the one you own. The main idea is to ensure the drive is as smooth and safe as possible. Visit this link: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/average-cost-of-renting-a-car-4177232 to learn the average car rent expense.
Size is Essential
Another important consideration when choosing a car is determining the proper size that will be as comfortable as possible. A compact car in the EU is different from one in the USA. Usually in Europe cars are much smaller. So keep that in mind so you are not dissapointed later.
Second thing to consider is how many people you will drive inside as well as the luggage you will bring with you. For instance, renting a car in the Gran Canaria that can fit five people can accommodate luggage and three people. Understand the right sizing, which will provide you the balance, comfort, and enjoyment. Large options will offer you additional comfort, but they are abviously more expensive and use more gas.
At the same time, bigger cars are more challenging to maneuver, which may not be ideal in areas with limited parking and narrow roads. Still, everything depends on your preferences and needs.
Think About Things You Need
Apart from dirt road and size considerations there are a few other things to keep in mind. Do you have any special requirement? For instance, if you wish to get the significant boot space to place luggage you have, that should be the factor that affects your decision. If you are bringing surfboards, kiteboards, windsurf equipment, does that car have enough room to transport them? Do you need a roof rack for the equipment? On the other hand, some people prefer cars that have seat warmers, which are perfect for winter areas and long drives. If that is the case, you should browse based on filters and choose the one for your specific needs.
In some cars, you can comfortably sleep when you get the chance, while others feature satellite navigation to ensure you will always go to the right place. The more specific you are, the better vehicle you will choose in the long run.
The moment you decide to travel across Gran Canaria, we recommend you prioritize comfort and functionality over price and style. That way, you will get a better and more enjoyable journey.
Remember that choosing a rental is a personal decision, meaning you should go into details as much as you can until you find the one that will meet your criteria. Also, if you want to cover all the wishes you have, make sure you make a reservation well in advance. Last minute rentals can be very limited and not many different cars are available.
Understand the Contract
The next step is to research the conditions and terms when booking online. Look out for penalties, restrictions and hidden costs that can make a rental more expensive than it looks. One common restriction is the mileage limit. So we recommend you to check out whether a vehicle comes with a potential mileage limit, which may affect your budget altogether.
Another thing that adds to the cost of rental is insurance. When choosing a rental in the Canary Islands (Leiebil Gran Canaria), you should always get insurance. Most agreements will offer you the basic insurance, but depending on how safe you want to be, you may decide to get extra insurance, depending on your driving skills:) and the potential of damaging the car.
Also, always check the return conditions! For instance, do you have to clean the car before returning it? Do you need to return it with a full tank of gas? Cleaning the car and filling it up yourself can be way cheaper than failing to do it and then get charged for it!