Fuerteventura Tourism Guide - Car Hire Fuerteventura

Driving in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is relatively flat compared to some of the other Canary Islands, and this combined with the excellent roads on the island make for pleasurable car hire exploration indeed. The spead limit is 90km on major roads, although watch for reduced speed limit signs as when we visited (2006) roadworks and improvements were scattered across the island and with roadworks the speed usually comes down to 50km. Speeding is taken seriously on Fuerteventura and it's not worth the risk, as numerous police have a presence on the roads and you'll get pulled up and fined if you're caught - watch your speeds. 50 km is the speed limit through urban and built up areas and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory.

As with mainland Spain and the other Canary Islands, driving in Fuerteventura is on the right, and drinking and driving is strictly illegal (heavy penalties apply here!). Even the mountainous roads in the interior around Betancuria and down to Pajara are in excellent condition, and a pure pleasure to drive. Car hire on Fuerteventura is highly recommended to really get a flavour of the island in your own time, and for visiting those out of the way historic sites away from the resorts, such as the fascinating Ajuy Guanche caves on the west coast. For reaching the southern tips of Jandia a four wheel drive car hire is highly recommended, although it is possible to reach all the way across to Cofete in a standard car - however this is usually not allowed by car hire companies on Fuerteventura. Four wheel drive is best down here, as certainly getting up close to Villa Winter (the deserted villa) needs a four wheel drive!

The flatter terrain of Fuerteventura makes it possible to easily explore all the island by hire car in a day at a push, but three days for more leisurely and relaxed touring.

Hiring a Car on Fuerteventura

If you're picking up your car rental Fuerteventura from El Matorral, Fuerteventura's Airport, you'll need to have your driving license, credit card and your passport ready, sign a couple of forms and away you go. The car hire desks at Fuerteventura are easily spotted adjacent to baggage reclaim - Fuerteventura's airport is relatively small and a rather relaxing and non-stressful airport as airports go - so take your time. Car hire pick-up is in the parking bay directly opposite the terminal building at Fuerteventura - it's all on one level so pretty easy to find your hire car. Check the car hire thoroughly before driving away. Of all the Canary Islands the standard of car hire on both Fuerteventura and Lanzarote is of the highest quality, but be sure and make a note of any bumps or scrapes if any.

Fuerteventura's resorts are easily accessible via the FV1 north to Corralejo and South to Caleta de Fuste and Costa Calma. Getting around Fuerteventura is easy - all attractions and resorts are well signposted, and driving in general is relaxed and unhurried.

It's recommended to carry your passport and driving license with you at all times for police inspection if requested. If you're worried about this, take copies and carry the copies. Also, carry details of the car hire firm in the car in case you should need to contact them.

As with most things on Fuerteventura, car hire is a relaxed affair. Of all the Canary Islands, despite being the second largest of the islands, Fuerteventura is certainly the most pleasurable and easiest to drive around. There are no full blown motorways on the Island (yet!), and local residents are careful and courteous drivers on the whole. Car hire on Fuerteventura is well worth the effort, and some excellent cheap car hire deals are available here. Call Iknow-Holidays Ltd for pre-booking of car hire on 0871 423 5056, or follow through on the cheap car hire Fuerteventura link to the right for excellent car rental deals from Holiday Autos abroad.