Canary Islands - which to do on our own and which to take a tour

[chelseabun]

Hi

We are going to Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife as part of our cruise this year. I was just wondering if anyone has any advice on the best way to do them and any good places that are reachable on your own.

 

thanks

[Hlitner]

We will speak specifically to Tenerife. We found this island perfect for simply renting a car (nice to have GPS) and doing our own thing. We duplicated some of the tours by driving up to the top of the volcano (amazing views) where we actually had to drive through the clouds to get to the top. We had enough time to then go back down using a different route (to the North end of the island) and circled around (clockwise) back to the port. We probably saw a lot more then any tour, had a terrific day, and had total control of our own itinerary. Total cost of the rental car was about $75 which is a pretty cheap day. If you decide to do this you should Google a rental car company called "CICAR" which is the major local rental car company. They have an office within a short walking distance from the pier. As I recall our only mild complaint was they did not open their office until 9am (we were off our ship by 8).

 

Hank

[chelseabun]

Thanks for the information we will look into it. Do you remember how far away things were from the pier? is it walkable into town?

 

thanks

[marylizcat]

In Lanzarote, the top thing to do is generally considered to be the 'Fire Mt' excursion to the volcano. This can only be done by tour bus. They don't let independent travellers into the national park.

[Hlitner]

Thanks for the information we will look into it. Do you remember how far away things were from the pier? is it walkable into town?

 

thanks

 

In Tenerife the ship will be docked at a very modern (and new) cruise terminal which is right in the center of town. The CICAR agency office is only a couple of blocks from the port (this is why we recommend this agency).

 

Hank

[berlingo]

Thanks Hlitner we are also in Tenerife later this year so that is really useful to know.

 

By the way wondered whether you made it to any beaches and if the Hire Company gave you maps to help get around?

 

Many thanks

[flash dancer]

Is anyone familiar with Las Palmas, or Funchal? What is the highlight to see/do? Could one easily rent a car? or is there any attraction near the port?

[Hlitner]

Thanks Hlitner we are also in Tenerife later this year so that is really useful to know.

 

By the way wondered whether you made it to any beaches and if the Hire Company gave you maps to help get around?

 

Many thanks

 

We never went to any beaches (although we are beach lovers) because it really was not hot enough (we were there in early May) and just driving up the volcano and around the island took up most of our day. Yes, the rental car dealer (CICAR) did give us an island map but we also had our own GPS with us which worked quite well on the island.

 

Hank