The most popular islands to visit are Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Tenerife. There is much to see and do on these islands and all can be easily explored by hiring a car.

The four main islands are known for their vibrant nightlife and are home to many traditional holiday resorts offering every type of amenity. However, there are also some amazing remote beaches where you can go swimming, diving, wind surfing and kite surfing. Hiring a car means you can go beyond the tourist resorts and experience some of the real Canary Islands. As you drive inland you will see volcanic landscapes, sub-tropical plants, mountains and cliff views, as well as smaller, unspoilt villages and towns where you can try the local cuisine and mix with locals.

The other islands of La Palma, La Gomera and El Hiero are not as easy to get to, but La Palma has direct flights from the UK, as well as a ferry connection to Tenerife which you may use if your car hire company will allow it. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have a similar ferry connection, so with car hire in the Canary Islands you could explore all of these islands.

People who holiday on the Canary Islands generally fly into Gran Canaria (LPA), Fuerteventura (FUE), Lanzarote (ACE), Tenerife South (TFS) and La Palma (SPC) from most UK airports. It is easy to take advantage of Canary Islands car hire on your holiday and collect a car from any airport or from downtown locations. Car hire is also available on the two smaller islands of El Hierro and La Gomera.

Pre-booking is advisable and car rental is very affordable on the islands and there is a good road network. To find the best price on car hire in the Canary Islands, use TravelSupermarket's search tool to the left.

Tenerife - The most visited island has excellent roads allowing you to visit the black sand volcanic beaches of the west coast, travel up to Mount Teide for stunning views at the top of the cable car ride, visit theme parks such as Siam Park or head up to the capital Santa Cruz. Time your visit right in late February and you can experience the carnival in the capital, the largest outside South America. And don't forget the many golf courses, diving centres and windsurfing beaches to reach by hire car.

Lanzarote - Timanfaya National Park is a volcanic area with spouting geysers and a landscape reminiscent of pictures of the surface of the moon. Driving through it in your rental car provides an excellent contrast with the many sandy beaches on offer around the island in resorts such as Matagorda, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.

Gran Canaria - The capital, Las Palmas, on the island's north-east coast is well worth a visit from any of the main resorts by car hire. Expect to find excellent shopping, a city beach, as well as the cathedral and museums to explore. If you drive into the centre of the island and over to the west coast you will be rewarded with stunning views across to Tenerife, as well as mountain-side roads and quiet deserted villages to explore.

Fuerteventura - The windy island is home to some of the best windsurfing in the Atlantic, and being able to reach any of the beaches at will makes car hire a sensible option for a stay here. You can also visit Mount Jandia, the highest point on the island and great for walking trails, as well as Betancuria, the old capital.