Lanzarote Holidays Guide

I got a request from a reader for information about car hire: Lanzarote. We always rent a car and I think there are good reasons to suggest you do, too. In fact, I think I can safely say that there are at least three reasons to rent a car when you visit Lanzarote.

1. The island is very drivable. People can be a bit nutty on the road sometimes, making sudden and unexpected turns or they’ll stop short when you least expect it. So while it is not like driving to the grocery store in your neighborhood, the roads are nice and well maintained and the laws, being Spanish/European Union laws are readily understandable. Speed limits are simple. In town, the speed limit is 50 km/h (or 30 miles/h). Outside of town, on the regular highways the speed limit is 90 km/h (55 miles/h). The express ways allow a speed limit of 120 km/h (75 miles/h). In other words — you will feel right at home.

2. Car rental in Lanzarote is easy and there are lots of choices. Car hire: Tenerife Airport is probably how you’ll rent your car. All the major brands have outlets at the airport and on the island. You can feel right at home renting from Avis, if you choose or using one of the European/Spanish/Local agencies. There are easily a dozen choices for the traveler. Of the local agencies, a few deserve mention. Cicar, which stands for Canary Islands Car, is popular and the one we usually use. Cicar was started on Lanzarote in 1967 with only 6 cars! They are very community minded and a bonus: their logo created by famed local artist Cesar Manrique. Cicar car hire, in season will cost you around $170 for 5 days. Centauro is a Spanish company with a strong presence on the Islands. The thing about about Centauro car hire, it is going to be one of the more expensive options. You may spend upwards of $240 for a 5 day rental on an economy car. Being such a large company in Spain and in the Canarys might make them the right choice for you. If you have a Gold Club membership or a deal through your work, the prices get more competitive. Record Rent a Car is the number one Spanish car hire company. They were founded in the mid-60s in Castellon and expanded to the Canarys. An economy rental with them will cost just under $200 for 5 days. Holiday autos will cost about $170 for 5 days renting an economy car.

3. Car hire insurance is mandatory. That means that all those other tourists out there are as covered as you are. Less stress if you do have a fender-bender. The basic package for car rental insurance in Spain includes third person liability and fire damage. These two baseline points are included in the rental price and they are required in Spain. Do not let a shady clerk tell you that they are optional. There are lots of extra insurance to consider and driving on Lanzarote, home of the nut job driver, it’s a good idea to get the full insurance you can. For that reason you may decide to go with a company like Nova. An econo-rental for 5 days in August will cost you about $300, but (according to their website) you get these extras in the deal:

• 3rd Party Insurance
• Vehicle Damage Cover – to a fixed amount
• Theft Protection
• Airport & Location Taxes
• Unlimited Mileage
• 24-hour Roadside Assistance

When you do the research, this might just be your best bet, unless you find a good special going on. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is really a must on this island. CDW is not cheap– it will run more expensive than the rental itself, typically $20 and $50 per day. Theft protection is extra and will cost $4-$10 per day. And so on….. You get the idea — the little fees can add up quickly!

4. If you need a 4th reason, imagine enjoying this with your sweetheart and no one else…..