Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
La Palma
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
La Palma
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
La Palma
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
La Palma
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
La Palma, known as 'La Isla Bonita' (the beautiful island), offers stunning landscapes, from volcanic terrain to lush forests and dramatic coastlines. While local buses are available, renting a car is highly recommended to fully explore its diverse beauty.
Freedom to Explore. Public transport on La Palma is limited, making it difficult to reach remote areas and hidden gems. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, discovering the island’s many wonders.
Access to Scenic Routes. La Palma is renowned for its scenic driving routes, offering breathtaking views at every turn. With a car, you can easily navigate these routes and stop whenever you wish to soak in the stunning vistas.
Convenience for Hiking and Outdoor Activities. Many of La Palma’s best hiking trails and outdoor activities are located in remote areas. A rental car provides easy access to trailheads and natural parks, allowing you to make the most of your adventure.
Before renting a car in La Palma, ensure you understand the terms and conditions. Key aspects include age requirements, licence validity, insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel policies. Be aware of potential additional fees.
Area
708 square kilometres (273 square miles)
Population
Approximately 86,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT+1
Ideal for
Exploring the island's diverse landscapes
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic in and around Santa Cruz de La Palma during morning and late afternoon
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in La Palma is typically 21, although some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Young driver surcharges often apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. EU licence holders can use their licence. Non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for peace of mind. A security deposit is held on a credit card and refunded upon the car's return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary. Unlimited mileage is often available, but some rentals might have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies usually require returning the car with the same fuel level as when picked up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, GPS, child seats, or out-of-hours pickup/drop-off. Always clarify these costs beforehand.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18 per day
Peak season (July to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists
Low season (October to May): Often comes with discounts as demand decreases
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in La Palma is easy if you follow a few key steps.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the island's interior.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and fuel policies to avoid any surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Ensure you have your driver’s licence, passport, and credit card ready when collecting your rental vehicle.
La Palma is known for its stunning natural beauty. Renting a car is the best way to explore all it has to offer.
La Palma, part of the Canary Islands, is a paradise for nature lovers. Its varied terrain and remote locations are best accessed by car.
Top Attractions to Discover
Caldera de Taburiente National Park
A massive volcanic crater offering hiking trails and stunning views.
Roque de los Muchachos Observatory
One of the world's premier astronomical observatories, perched at a high altitude.
Santa Cruz de La Palma
The charming capital city with historic architecture and vibrant culture.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in Santa Cruz and Los Llanos, offering secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available in urban areas, but can be limited.
Park & Ride
Some areas offer park-and-ride options with bus connections to main attractions.
Gas Stations in La Palma
Main Fuel Chains
Find stations from major brands like Repsol, Cepsa, and Shell.
Refuelling Tips
Gas stations are generally well-distributed, but it's wise to refuel before heading to remote areas. Check opening hours, as some stations may have limited hours.
Useful Tips for Visiting La Palma
Drive Defensively
Be aware of narrow roads, hairpin turns, and occasional rockfalls, especially in mountainous areas.
Check Road Conditions
Some roads may be unpaved or have limited access, particularly after heavy rain.
Allow Extra Time
Distances may seem short on a map, but travel times can be longer due to winding roads.
Respect Local Driving Culture
Be patient and courteous to other drivers and pedestrians.
Airport
La Palma Airport (SPC)
The main gateway to the island, located near Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Ports
Port of Santa Cruz de La Palma
The primary port for ferries and cruise ships, connecting La Palma with other Canary Islands and mainland [COUNTRY PLACE].
Bus Stations
Santa Cruz de La Palma Bus Station
The central bus station, providing connections to various towns and villages across the island.
To rent a car in La Palma, you'll need to meet a few essential requirements.
A valid driver’s licence is required. EU licence holders can use their licence. Non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra for drivers under 25.
You’ll need a credit or debit card in your name to pay for the rental and for the security deposit.
A passport or national ID card is required for identification purposes.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as La Palma as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
La Palma was breathtaking! Never been before, and exploring the island by car was amazing. So much to see!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 16.07.2025
Car hire was easy, but kinda empty.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 15.10.2024
Pretty relaxed, really.
David Lee
Reviewed: 13.06.2025
Pretty peaceful, really.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 19.08.2024
Island hopping for work? La Palma was surprisingly efficient. Renting a car made getting around easy, though the volcano visitor center was a bit underwhelming.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 23.06.2025
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Pretty chill, really.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 16.01.2025