Not to worry. Here’s our complete guide to driving in Gran Canaria:
- Safety and driving difficulties
- Rules of conduct
- Road conditions
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Driving in Gran Canaria: What you need to know
If you don’t want to read the whole article, at least read this short summary of the essential points to know:
- Minimum age 18, but some rental agencies may require drivers to be older.
- Driving on the right-hand side of the road
- Roads are generally in good condition
- It is forbidden to wear flip-flops when driving (as in many countries, but more strictly).
- Locals can be impatient, so don’t forget to check your mirrors for passing locals.
- In case of accident – emergency number: 112
Here are the driving times in the region, to give you an idea of how to get around:
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1. Rent the right car in Gran Canaria
To make driving easier, it’s best to choose a car adapted to the type of road and conditions. We recommend Madeira:
- Not too big, as some roads are narrow
- A good engine, because there are mountains, but the roads are not as steep as in Tenerife.
- Automatic if possible, as the roads are winding and require constant gear changes.
Find out more in our article: How to rent a car in Madeira.
>> See car rental offers on our preferred platform
2. Know the rules of conduct
Permit requirements
To drive in Gran Canaria, or in Spain, you need a valid driving license from your country.
If you have a valid driver’s license, which includes: license number, photo, validity date and is written in Latin letters, then you don’t need an international license.
Otherwise, you’ll need to bring along an international Driving License.
Age
You must be at least 18 years old.
But be aware that many rental companies may have other age requirements, often 21.
General rules
- In Madeira, you drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- Seat belts mandatory for all
- No cell phones while driving
- Headphones are forbidden
- Children under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front of the car.
- Don’t wear flip-flops when driving
Alcohol and driving
The legal alcohol limit here is 0.05%. Driving under the influence is considered a serious offence.
We always recommend not drinking at all if you’re driving.
Mandatory in-car equipment
In Gran Canaria, the following equipment must be available in the car (as in Spain):
- 2 warning triangles
- Reflective vest or jacket
- Spare wheel and tools for changing it
- First-aid kit (recommended, not mandatory)
- Flashlight (recommended, not mandatory)
- Children weighing less than 18 kg must be placed in child seats.
- Children under 135 cm tall must be seated on a booster seat in the rear seats.
Compulsory insurance
The only compulsory insurance in Gran Canaria is unlimited liability insurance – automatically included in the price of all car rentals.
If you’re bringing your own car, don’t forget to bring proof of insurance.
WHERE TO STAY IN Gran Canaria
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families
Select by city:
3. Preparing for different types of road
Fast roads: the coastal ring road
Routes GC-1 and GC-2 are considered freeways.
They link the capital, Las Palmas de GC, with the south coast (towards Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogan) and the north coast (towards Agaete).
This ring road currently covers 75% of the perimeter, but the rest is under construction.
These roads offer excellent surfaces and allow higher speeds, generally between 80 and 120 km/h.
They’re free and easy to drive.
But be careful, there are places where you really need to slow down between two sections because there are pedestrian crossings.
Mountain roads
Mountain roads offer a more challenging and adventurous driving experience. But on Gran Canaria, they’re not difficult on the whole.
These roads lead to the mountainous center of the island, whose highest peak reaches 1956 meters.
They are necessarily winding, because they are in the mountains. And some sections are narrow, making it difficult to pass other vehicles (but these crossings are limited).
The most difficult mountain road is GC-210, known as the Valley of Tears.
In the cities
The streets of Gran Canaria’s towns are quite typical. In cities, you’ll encounter more traffic, crosswalks and parking problems. Las Palmas, the capital, can be particularly lively.
No specific advice to offer.
In the villages
For villages, we advise you to use outdoor parking, and not to try to get in by car, as some streets can be narrow.
Unsealed roads
There are very few unpaved roads, mainly a few parking areas.
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
4. Understanding signs and tolls
Speed limits
- Speed limits are indicated on circular signs with a red border and a number
- Speed limits are expressed in kilometers per hour
- National speed limits are: 50km/h in residential areas, up to 110km/h on main roads.
Road signs
Road signs are classic, in Latin letters, so there’s nothing specific you need to know.
There are lots of signs pointing the way.
Points of interest are indicated on brown signs.
Tolls
There are no toll roads.
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5. Safety: understanding potential hazards
Is driving in Gran Canaria dangerous?
No, on the whole, driving in Gran Canaria is not dangerous.
There may be a few minor challenges, especially on some narrow, winding mountain roads. However, the island is generally safe for drivers, with good road conditions. It is essential to respect speed limits and remain vigilant, especially in tourist areas.
And to make mountain roads easier, start your day early to reduce traffic.
Potential hazards
- Landscapes –
The main danger is that you’ll be distracted by the stunning scenery. - The premises –
Because you want to look at the scenery, locals on their way to work can be impatient. They can be a bit crazy when overtaking. So always look in your rear-view mirror. - Cyclists –
Especially at weekends, be very careful when overtaking. - Animals –
As everywhere, especially at dawn and dusk, animals can cross the road. - Rockfall –
Mountains mean possible rock falls on the road
What to do in the event of an accident
If people are injured or there is a conflict, the emergency number is 112 (with operators who speak European languages):
The best order of action is
- contact the emergency services
- contact the police
- contact your rental provider
6. And the rest: parking, fuel…
Fuels and service stations
- Fuel is considered cheap compared to the rest of Europe
- The Spanish word for service station is “estación de servicio”.
- Gasoline is found on the green pump – called “gasolina” and if unleaded “gasolina sin plomo”.
- Diesel is found on the black pump called “gasoil”.
- There aren’t many electric recharging stations available at the moment.
Parking in town
In cities, the easiest way is to use the parking areas or underground parking lots, as it’s often difficult to find parking in the city center. Parking is not free.
If your hotel is in the center of town, find out about parking conditions.
If it’s high up in a valley, it should be easy to park on the street.
Parking at beaches and attractions
Around the main mountain attractions, we found the parking lot sizes quite small. They fill up quickly.
For example, for the Roque Nublo hike, for the Pico de las Nieves viewpoint. We recommend arriving early to find a seat.
On the other hand, you’ll find large parking lots at many locations.
Gran Canaria’s most beautiful roads
In our opinion, the most beautiful roads in Gran Canaria are..:
- Valley of Tears (GC-210)
- From Mogan to La Aldea (GC-200 South)
- Route de la Fortaleza (GC-65)
- The road to the dams (GC-205)
- Around Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga (GC-60 + GC-15)
- West coast cliffs (GC-200 west)
See our more detailed article on Gran Canaria’s most beautiful roads.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a car in Gran Canaria?
It all depends on what you want from your vacation…
To see a little of the island: We strongly recommend taking a car. This allows you to discover much more of the island’s magnificent scenery in all its nooks and crannies.
But if you want to enjoy the beach close to your hotel, and visit only a few of the most famous places, you can choose accommodation in one of the southern resorts and join organized tours or cab tours.
Is it necessary to rent a 4WD vehicle in Gran Canaria?
There’s really no need to rent a 4WD in Gran Canaria. The roads are almost all paved and in good condition.
There are very few opportunities for 4WD exploration on trails.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
