Whether you’re in Lanzarote to hit the beach, get wet and wild in the water parks or explore the island’s incredible volcanic scenery, Playa Blanca has it all.
Rent a car while you’re here to take in the best of the island’s beautiful bays, restaurants and mountain walks.
Found at the southern tip of the island, Playa Blanca boasts a bevy of beaches, watersports and no shortage of car hire options. Most of these companies can be found in the town centre and around the port, including:
It’s always a good idea to compare prices between rental companies to ensure you get the deal best suited to your needs. Once you’ve got keys in hand and wheels at your disposal you can set off on a road trip around Lanzarote.
Explore stunning mountain towns, the other-worldly volcanic Timanfaya National Park and Europe’s first underwater sculpture museum – Museo Atlántico (though you’ll have to leave the car onshore for that).
Lanzarote Airport (ACE), or César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport as it’s officially known, is the only international airport on the island of Lanzarote. Approximately 34km (21 miles) from Playa Blanca, the airport is roughly 30 minutes from the town by road.
Picking up a hire car at the airport is usually the easiest way to get to your hotel. Just hop on the main LZ-2 across the island and you’ll be there before you know it.
If you’re flying into Terminal 1, head down to floor 0 after baggage claim and follow the signs for car rental companies. Take your pick from local and international brands, including:
If you’re transiting from within the Canary Islands you’ll arrive in Terminal 2. Thankfully, it’s a short walk to Terminal 1’s main arrivals hall where you’ll find the wide range of car hire options.
Whether you touch down in Terminal 1 or 2, you’ll thank yourself for booking your rental car in advance. Not only will it save time and a fair bit of hassle, but you’ll find a wider choice of vehicles online than if you arrive at the desk unannounced.
With so many car rental companies in Lanzarote Airport, you’ve usually got your pick of compacts, SUVs, convertibles, people carriers and luxury rides. But if you don’t book in advance, you run the risk of a disappointing start to your holiday – and nobody wants that!
Wherever you pick up the keys, there are a few things to keep in mind when driving around the island.
First things first, remember to keep right. If you’re new to driving abroad, you’ll be surprised how quickly you get used to approaching junctions and roundabouts from the ‘wrong’ direction.
The rest of the rules of the road are pretty easy to follow: use your indicators unless you want to get a fine, turn on your headlights in poor visibility, don’t use your mobile phone, never cross a solid white line and stick to the speed limits.
Unless clearly signed, go for 50km/h (30mph) in urban areas, 90km/h (55mph) on national highways and 120km/h (75mph) on motorways. You might get a ticket if you forget where your indicators are too.
Depending on where you go on the island, you should be prepared for some eye-opening terrain. After all, you’re driving through volcanic tundra off the coast of Africa. But don’t fret, motorways and A-roads will take you to most of the top tourist attractions.
Budget
1 locations in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Airport location: No
Inclusions:
Policies commonly offered by supplier. Always check your deal's terms and conditions for full inclusions.
Free additional driver
Free cancellation
Local taxes included
Unlimited mileage
Collision damage waiver
Theft protection
From
£19.36 /day
Avis
1 locations in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Airport location: No
Inclusions:
Policies commonly offered by supplier. Always check your deal's terms and conditions for full inclusions.
Free cancellation
Local taxes included
Unlimited mileage
Collision damage waiver
Theft protection
From
£22.55 /day
The minimum legal age for hiring a car in Spain is 18. However, most car hire companies set their minimum age limit at 21 (with at least one year of driving experience). Exceptions do apply, make sure to check with your provider.
Spain drives on the right.
Most rental companies require a credit card. However, some larger firms, like Avis, accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards. Make sure to check with your provider before booking.
You do not need an IDP to drive in Spain if you have a photocard driving licence issued by the UK (and at least one year of driving experience).
Renters require a valid driving licence (typically with at least one year of driving experience), credit card (some companies accept debit cards) and a passport or photo ID.
Yes, you can certainly hire a car the same day in Lanzarote. Of course, it’s also possible to book online, which gives you the opportunity to compare different providers and ensure you get the best deal.
The south of Lanzarote is one of the most unique landscapes in the world to drive through. For a beach adventure, head east from Playa Blanca toward Los Ajaches Natural Park. There’s a small entry fee per car, but the beaches of Papagayo are well worth it. Next make your way up to Fermés with its Canarian cathedral, then on to the charming white houses of Yaiza which stick out against the black volcanic earth. From Yaiza you’re on the cusp of Timanfaya National Park, a must for any visitor to the island. You’ll want to check out the green lake of El Golfo and then conclude your scenic drive along the rugged coastline of Los Hervideros where the Atlantic Ocean crashes up against the volcanic isle.
Car hire excess insurance is not mandatory in Lanzarote. However, car hire excess insurance does cover you in case of accident or damage which can easily cost you over €1,000. Comparing standalone policies ahead of time can ensure you get a much better deal on excess insurance than the one your rental provider will offer you at the desk.
In the unlikely event that you’re involved in a serious accident resulting in injury, call the police on 112. Your rental car is likely to contain a warning triangle which can be placed at the site to notify other drivers. Next, notify your car rental provider and your insurance company as soon as possible.