Cheap Car Rental in La Palma

Tips for Renting a Car Inexpensively in La Palma

Looking for a cheap car rental in La Palma? With Economybookings, you can easily compare multiple providers to find the best deals across the island. Whether you're planning to go hiking in the mountains or visit charming villages, a quick search can save you both time and money.

• Slightly adjust pickup and return times - Even changing your booking by an hour can make a difference to the final rate.
• Choose compact cars - They are usually the most affordable and easiest to handle on the island's mountain roads.
• Book early - During peak season, such as summer or long weekends, prices rise quickly; reserving in advance ensures better rates and availability.

Tips when renting a car in La Palma

• La Palma Airport (SPC) concentrates most rental companies and usually offers the best pickup and return schedules. Book in advance if traveling during Christmas or long weekends.
• The island's terrain is mountainous, so drive carefully on curves and use lower gears on long descents.
• A small or medium car is usually enough. If you plan to do a lot of mountain routes, consider a slightly more powerful engine to handle steep climbs.
• After heavy rain, some secondary roads may close due to landslides. Check road conditions before heading into high areas.

Driving tips in La Palma

• Always carry your driver's license, rental contract, and insurance documents.
• Drive on the right, overtake on the left, and always signal your intentions.
• Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks; make sure you stop for them.
• Roundabouts require attention. Pick your lane before entering: the inner lane for overtaking and the outer lane for exiting. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and signal right when you exit.
• The 2021 volcanic eruption affected some roads in the western part of the island. Stay informed about possible detours or new sections and always follow signage.
• Roads in La Palma are very mountainous, with sharp bends and steep slopes. Drive cautiously: use lower gears on long descents to avoid overheating the brakes, and slow down in foggy areas, which are common at higher altitudes.
• Popular gas stations include DISA, Cepsa, and BP.
• Spain has strict alcohol laws: the limit is 0.5 g/L (0.3 if your license is under two years old). Fines can easily exceed €500.

Speed limits

• 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways.
• 90 km/h (55 mph) on secondary roads.
• 50 km/h (31 mph) on city streets.
• 30 km/h (19 mph) on residential or narrow streets.
• 20 km/h (12 mph) in shared pedestrian zones.

Roads are narrow and steep, so it's best to slow down and drive carefully, especially on sharp bends.

Road signs

Road signs in La Palma follow the European standard: clear icons and limits in km/h. In Santa Cruz de La Palma and other towns, 30 km/h zones are well marked, and many old town streets are pedestrian or restricted, clearly indicated by signage. The island's road network is well signposted; in mountain areas, you'll often see warnings for sharp bends, steep gradients, landslides, or strong winds.

Tolls and restricted zones

There are no toll roads on La Palma. There's also no Low Emission Zone (ZBE), so you won't face environmental restrictions when driving a rental car here. Still, in main towns you'll find pedestrian-only areas or restricted traffic zones in historic centers. These are clearly marked and designed for walking. Outside these specific areas, you can drive freely across the island without special restrictions beyond the usual traffic rules.

Discover La Palma by car

La Palma, known as the "beautiful island," offers stunning landscapes packed into a small territory. With a rental car, you can explore highlights such as: driving up to Roque de los Muchachos, the island's highest peak, to admire the sea of clouds; heading south to the Fuencaliente volcanoes, with their craters, salt flats, and lighthouse; or venturing into the Los Tilos Forest, home to lush laurel trees and hidden waterfalls. Roads are narrow and winding, but the views make every kilometer worthwhile.

When to Visit

La Palma enjoys a mild subtropical climate; it's greener and wetter than the other Canary Islands and is famous for its clear skies, ideal for stargazing.

• Winter (December-March): Mild temperatures and sunny days make it a great escape from the cold. In February, the unique Los Indianos Carnival fills Santa Cruz with music, humor, and talcum powder.
• April-June: Green landscapes after winter rains, perfect weather for hiking with fewer crowds.
• July-August: Drier and sunnier months, ideal for volcanic beaches by day and stargazing by night. These are also the busiest months for visitors.

Languages & Communication

Spanish is spoken in La Palma, with the distinctive Canary Islands accent. While it's less touristy than other islands, in popular spots like Santa Cruz de La Palma, you'll have no problem communicating in English. Many locals working in tourism also understand some German, thanks to European visitors. Outside these areas, English is less common, but basic Spanish phrases and gestures usually do the trick.

Currency & Payments

The euro (€) is used in La Palma. In main towns like Santa Cruz de La Palma or Los Llanos de Aridane, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and tourist services. If you visit smaller villages, farmers' markets, or local festivities, it's wise to carry some cash, as not all places accept cards. ATMs are available in larger towns, so withdrawing money is easy.

Top driving routes from La Palma

La Palma is a natural paradise best explored by car: you can move between green forests and volcanic landscapes in just a few kilometers.

• Roque de los Muchachos: Drive up to the island's highest peak (2,426 m), home to astronomical observatories and panoramic views above the clouds.
• Fuencaliente volcanoes: At the southern tip, walk among the craters of San Antonio and Teneguía, then visit the lighthouse and salt flats by the sea.
• Los Tilos Forest: A lush laurel forest with waterfalls and shaded trails in the northeast, perfect for a refreshing hike.
• Caldera de Taburiente: Head to La Cumbrecita viewpoint for a breathtaking view of this vast volcanic crater, carpeted with pine trees.
• Northern villages & Charco Azul: Explore the north coast with San Andrés y Sauces and its natural pools at Charco Azul, plus Barlovento, known for dramatic cliffside views.