Car rental in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Renting a car in Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers both travel convenience and the freedom to plan your itinerary independently. With a rental vehicle, you can explore the island's capital and discover Tenerife's most scenic locations.

You decide whether to visit beaches or scenic viewpoints outside the city, drive into the mountains, or reach authentic Canarian villages. Well-maintained roads with spectacular views and short distances make driving around the island particularly rewarding.

Benefits of Renting with Localrent

Localrent is a service offering the best deals from local rental companies. You can compare terms and prices from multiple providers and book your preferred option directly. This saves you the time you would spend researching each company individually.

Additionally, using Localrent provides several advantages:

1. Transparent pricing. You see the total rental cost during booking. This is the final price including all fees and taxes.
2. Flexible deposit options. The website allows you to book a car without a deposit or limit the deposit amount using filters.
3. Low advance payment. To reserve a vehicle, you only need to pay 15-20% of the rental cost by card.
4. Convenient filters. You can customize your search by relevant parameters: transmission type, payment methods for rental and deposit, free cancellation options, etc.
5. Vehicles in various classes. Compact city models, family crossovers and minivans, luxury premium vehicles. Choose an option that matches your needs and budget.

Requirements for Car Rental

To rent a car in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you need:

• Valid driver's license (Category B)
• Passport
• Bank card

During the booking stage, you'll only need a bank card for the advance payment. Other documents must be presented when collecting the vehicle.

Additionally, there are driver age and experience requirements. Rental companies set these at their discretion. Check the exact information in your chosen vehicle's listing before booking.

Traffic Conditions in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Surrounding Areas

Traveling by car around Tenerife and Santa Cruz de Tenerife is straightforward. The roads are well-maintained with clear markings and traffic signs. Challenges may arise on mountain roads with narrow sections, steep climbs and descents, and winding curves. The most demanding route runs between Santiago del Teide and the village of Masca.

Local drivers typically maintain a calm driving style, though with certain habits requiring alertness behind the wheel. For example, they may occasionally stop or turn spontaneously without using turn signals. Always maintain adequate distance from other vehicles.

Fuel Stations

Finding fuel for your rental car in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and surrounding areas is easy. The capital, its outskirts, and main routes have numerous gas stations. The central part of the island has very few. Therefore, when traveling to the mountains, fill up with extra fuel and remember that fuel consumption increases significantly in such conditions.

Most stations operate 24 hours. In remote areas and small villages, they may close late in the evening. Attendants typically handle refueling. You only need to specify the number of liters or the amount.

Self-service stations are also available. In this case, refuel first, then pay for the fuel. Cash and bank cards are accepted. In remote areas, sometimes only cash payment is possible.

Parking

Santa Cruz de Tenerife has both paid and free parking. Paid parking is marked with blue lines and has time restrictions. The city center also features underground car parks with barriers and pay-on-exit systems.

Free parking is typically offered by large shopping centers, supermarkets, some hotels (for their guests), beaches, and attractions. These spots fill quickly at popular locations during high season, so arriving early is advisable.

Additional parking information to avoid fines:

• Parking is prohibited where there are yellow markings
• Paid street parking may be free during certain hours (siesta, nighttime), weekends, and holidays
• Green markings indicate resident-only parking zones (for locals)

How to Book a Car in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Follow these simple steps to book a car in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Localrent website:

1. Specify rental dates and pickup/return location. Use filters for relevant parameters (vehicle class and make, transmission and engine type, deposit amount, etc.) for convenient selection.
2. Review the chosen vehicle's listing: specifications, rental terms, insurance options. Add additional services if needed. Their availability and cost vary depending on the vehicle model. This may include child seat/booster installation, adding a second driver to the contract, etc. For some models, additional services may be complimentary.
3. Confirm booking details. If you need city delivery, add the address. Provide personal details and contact information for the primary driver. Note the total cost including all payments (deposit, additional services, delivery, etc.).
4. Pay the advance by bank card. The amount will be 15-20% of the rental cost.
5. Receive booking confirmation at your email and save the voucher with order details.
   

What to See with Your Rental Car

Here are several locations you can include in your driving routes from Santa Cruz de Tenerife:

1. Las Teresitas — the only beach in all of Tenerife with yellow sand. Thanks to breakwaters, the sea is almost always calm, perfect for swimming. To enjoy panoramic views of the bay and take beautiful photos, you can visit the Mirador de Las Teresitas viewpoint located above the beach.
2. La Laguna — the island's first capital. The quiet streets with colorful houses and historic churches are particularly impressive. A classic city route includes viewing the Cathedral, the tower of the Church of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Convent of Saint Catherine, and a walk along Calle de la Carrera.
3. Candelaria — a town known for the Royal Basilica of Candelaria, patroness of the Canary Islands. Besides visiting the basilica, you can walk to the waterfront with 9 statues of the last Guanche rulers and the nearby San Blas chapel. Then head to one of the black volcanic sand beaches, such as Playa de Caletillas or Playa Punta Larga.
4. Anaga National Park — a reserve covering more than 14,000 hectares. Here you can visit authentic Canarian villages and walk along trails through dense jungle-like forest. Breathtaking ocean and landscape views await at the Cruz del Carmen and Pico del Inglés viewpoints.
5. Puerto de la Cruz — a resort where you can easily combine beach relaxation with excursions. It's home to one of Europe's finest zoos, "Loro Parque," and the Lago Martiánez complex with pools right by the ocean.

Where to Collect Your Rental Car in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Rental companies offer different vehicle pickup locations, including:

• Rental company office in the city
• Delivery to your hotel or another location in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

You choose the pickup location during booking. The "Specify location" filter helps you select vehicles available at your most convenient pickup points.

Rental Tips

These practical tips will make your car rental in Santa Cruz de Tenerife more comfortable and cost-effective.

Inspect the Vehicle Upon Collection

Photograph or video the exterior and interior, especially any scratches or damage. Ensure they're noted in the handover document. This helps avoid misunderstandings when returning the vehicle.

Consider Long-Term Rental

Generally, the longer your rental period, the lower the daily rate. If you're planning an extended stay in Tenerife, renting for your entire visit will be comparatively affordable.

Monitor Your Speed

Speeding is one of the most common reasons for fines on the island. Don't follow local drivers' example, as they tend to speed and frequently receive tickets. Speed cameras and fixed cameras (usually marked with signs) monitor highways, along with patrols using mobile radars. Drivers are prohibited from using radar detectors.

Book Automatic Transmission Vehicles in Advance

Santa Cruz de Tenerife may have limited availability of automatic transmission vehicles. This relates to higher repair costs for automatic transmissions, as they must be sent to mainland Spain. If you specifically need an automatic vehicle, book it in advance. This is especially important during high season (summer months, New Year holidays, carnival period).

Frequently Asked Questions