Posted in Car Hire

Tenerife is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for European travellers. Not only does Tenerife have sun soaked beaches, sangria and wonderful theme parks but also this beautiful island is full of history, culture and tradition set in a sub-tropical landscape that varies so dramatically. Of course there are the coastal resorts with their cafes and bars and holiday developments but also for those looking at car hire there are so many more delightful sights to see. car hire in Golf del Sur is readily available and you will find all the major car rental companies here, many of them based at the Tenerife South airport. They are considerably cheaper than renting a car back home in the UK and you should be aware that much more can be saved by booking online in advance.

The minimum age to hire a car in the Canary Islands is 21 and drivers must hold a full UK or European driving licence. Cars in Tenerife as well as most other European communities drive on the right hand side of the road. Seat belts must be worn at all times whilst driving and the drink drive limit is 0.08%. Tourists who flaunt these laws are subject to a hefty fine which is payable on the spot as these laws are regularly enforced.

Before driving away in your rental car, you should first check for any dents, bumps or scratches to the outside of the car and ensure that they have been accurately noted by the car hire company. Additionally, you should check that you have two red emergency triangles and a box of spare bulbs, that the necessary insurance and ownership papers are in the glove compartment, and in case of accident that there is a claim form in the car. These items are all legal requirements.

From your base in Golf del Sur, exploring Tenerife in your hire car is fun; local roads are very convenient, well kept and are generally light in traffic. Local car drivers in Tenerife,as well as some tourists, can be a little undisciplined and unpredictable, so take extra care to be aware of car drivers around you. There are always a large number of tourists driving in Tenerife as well as the local population so just remember that not everyone knows where they are going. Remember, patience is a virtue. Roundabouts can also be a little tricky as local Tenerife drivers still do not seem to know which lane their car should be in when they exit and take care when entering or exiting the main motorways, as the acceleration and deceleration lanes can be quite short.

Petrol prices are considerably less than European and UK prices, so car hire is a great option for touring Tenerife to find those "hidden" places - and it won’t hurt too much in the pocket either.

Parking can be a little precarious at times, especially in the main tourist resorts. Canarian drivers have a reputation for parking their cars just about anywhere, even across a zebra crossing. But be warned that the local police will remove these vehicles and impound them; a hefty fine will follow and the loss of at least half a day trying to get your car out from the local compound. So remember to park only in designated parking spaces.

When you pick up your hire car in Golf del Sur or in the Tenerife South airport, remember to bring with you your driving licence, passport and a valid credit card. If you have the newer plastic driving licence, remember to bring with you the paper attachment which was issued with your licence.