Car Rental in Los Gigantes

Where to drive

• Drive to Teide National Park: Experience the lunar landscapes and Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide. It's about a 1-hour 15-minute drive (≈50 km) from Los Gigantes, offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.
• Visit Masca Village: Navigate the winding roads to the picturesque village of Masca, nestled in the Teno Rural Park. This scenic drive takes approximately 45 minutes (≈25 km) and is an adventure in itself.
• Explore Garachico and Icod de los Vinos: Head north to the historic town of Garachico, known for its natural rock pools, and Icod de los Vinos, home to the ancient Dragon Tree. This round trip is about 1 hour 30 minutes (≈60 km) each way.
• Day trip to Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Discover the island's capital for shopping, culture, and the famous 'Auditorio de Tenerife'. The drive is around 1 hour 15 minutes (≈90 km) on comfortable highways.
• Relax at El Médano: Drive to the laid-back windsurfing town of El Médano on the south coast, perfect for beach days or watersports. This is roughly a 45-minute drive (≈45 km) from Los Gigantes.
• Discover the beaches of Costa Adeje: Just a short drive south (≈20 minutes, 15 km), you'll find the popular beaches and resorts of Costa Adeje, offering more dining and entertainment options.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you typically need a valid driver's license (held for at least 1-2 years), your passport or national ID card, and a major credit card in the main driver's name. If your license is not in a Roman alphabet or from a country outside the EU/EEA, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required. The minimum age to rent is generally 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25 for certain car categories, often with a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Los Gigantes vary significantly by car class and season. Economy cars might start from around €15-€20 per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium vehicles could range from €40-€80 or more. Prices typically peak during winter months and summer holidays.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, you drive on the right. Speed limits are typically 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on main roads outside urban areas, and 50 km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.03% for new drivers). Headlights are mandatory in tunnels. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 135 cm must use an approved child seat appropriate for their size and weight.

Parking

In Los Gigantes, parking can be a mix of free and paid options. Street parking is often available but can be limited, especially near the marina and popular areas. Look for blue lines for paid parking (pay at a nearby machine) and white lines for free parking. Underground car parks are also available for a fee, offering more secure options, particularly in the town center.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available across Tenerife. You'll find both petrol (gasolina) and diesel (gasoil/gasóleo). Prices are generally lower than mainland Spain, but still fluctuate; expect to pay around €1.40-€1.60 per liter (approximate for 2026). Most stations accept credit and debit cards, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller, more remote stations.

Which car to choose

For Los Gigantes and Tenerife's varied terrain, a compact or economy car is perfectly suitable for most journeys, especially for navigating narrow village roads and parking. If you plan to explore the mountainous regions extensively or travel with more luggage, a slightly more powerful compact SUV or a mid-range sedan might be more comfortable. Manual transmission is common, but automatics are available and can be preferable for the island's hilly roads.

Frequently asked questions