Getting around Gran Canaria without a car is not an impossible challenge, although it might surprise many people. The island combines areas that are easy to walk through, with good transport connections and practical alternatives such as scooters or bicycles. With a little planning, it is easy to enjoy its beaches, villages and hiking trails without necessarily travelling by car.
Is it Possible to Enjoy the Island Without Renting a Car?
Wondering how to get around Gran Canaria without a car?
Gran Canaria is much more accessible than it may seem at first sight. Although having a car offers total freedom, it is not essential to enjoy everything the island has to offer. With options such as public transport, light vehicles and walking, it is possible to cover a large part of the territory, especially in the more touristic areas.
What Type of Travellers Can Do It
Doing without a car is a good option for slower-paced trips focused on specific areas. If your plan is to relax in a southern hotel, stroll along the coast and join an organised excursion, you will not need to worry about driving. It is also practical for those who travel alone, do not have a licence or simply want to avoid extra expenses.
Areas You Can Explore Without a Car: Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Mogán
The south of the island concentrates much of the tourist offer and has infrastructures that make mobility without your own vehicle easier. Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés have seaside promenades, cycle lanes and a wide range of scooter and bicycle rentals. Mogán, with its harbour and small old town, is perfect to explore on foot or by bike. In addition, the constant climate throughout the year makes moving outdoors a pleasant experience.
Real Alternatives to the Car for Getting Around the Island
If you do not want to drive, you have several options to get around depending on your needs and budget. From scooters to move nimbly around the south to guided excursions that take you to the most emblematic spots, the key is to choose the mode that best suits your travel style.
Renting a Scooter: Total Flexibility in the South
A scooter allows you to reach beaches, viewpoints and nearby villages without depending on timetables. It is agile, easy to park and perfect for avoiding traffic jams.
City or Electric Bikes: Safe Routes and Ideal Climate
The bicycle is an economical and healthy alternative for short distances. In Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés you will find well-marked cycle lanes and flat routes that invite you to pedal effortlessly. E-bikes add an extra level of comfort for longer journeys or gentle slopes.
City, Electric or Road Bikes: Safe Routes and Ideal Climate
The bicycle is an economical and healthy option for short distances, but also a perfect choice for those who enjoy longer rides on tarmac. In Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés you will find well-marked cycle lanes and flat routes that make cycling effortless. E-bikes provide extra comfort on slightly hilly routes, while road bikes allow you to make the most of the asphalt roads that connect different parts of the south and explore the island at a sportier pace.
Walking and Hiking: Routes from Tourist Centres
If you like walking, you will find coastal and inland trails starting directly from tourist areas. From a stroll through the Maspalomas Dunes to paths leading to nearby viewpoints, there are options for all levels. In addition, walking allows you to discover hidden corners that go unnoticed from the road.
Taxis or Organised Transfers: When and Where They Are Convenient
For occasional or night journeys, the taxi can be the most comfortable option. There are also private or shared transfers connecting airports, hotels and points of interest. They are especially useful if you travel with bulky luggage or in a group, as they save time and avoid multiple changes.
Organised Options to Explore the Island Without Worrying About Driving
If you do not want to plan routes or worry about how to get there, you can join excursions and tours that depart daily from the main tourist areas.
Guided Excursions from Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés
At Scooter and Bike Rental we not only rent scooters and bicycles: we also organise excursions so you can discover Gran Canaria without worrying about driving. If you feel like something different, you can join our buggy or quad outings, enjoy a jeep safari, explore the coast by catamaran or feel the adrenaline with a jet ski safari.
If you prefer something more relaxed, we organise dolphin-watching excursions, fishing trips, horse riding and e-bike routes through Ayagaures, Las Filipinas or Taurito. All depart from areas such as Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés and are designed for you to enjoy the island at your own pace, with everything taken care of.
Recommendations for Planning Your Trip Without a Car
Organising a trip without a car means choosing carefully where to stay, calculating the distances to the places you want to visit and making sure that you have transport available to reach them.
Where to Stay if You Don’t Want to Drive
Choose areas with good transport services and nearby facilities. Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Mogán are good bases if you want to move on foot or by bike. If you prefer to combine with public transport to explore the north, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers more connections.
What to Pack to Get Around Comfortably
Comfortable footwear, sun protection and a light backpack are essentials. If you are going to rent a bike or scooter, do not forget sunglasses and wind-resistant clothing. A portable battery for your mobile will help if you use navigation apps.
Downloadable Maps and Offline Tips
Although coverage on the island is good, it is wise to download maps to use offline. This is especially useful if you are going to go hiking or explore less touristy areas.
Bonus: Which Apps Can Help if You Decide Not to Drive?
Offline Maps and Routes
Komoot and Maps.me allow you to download routes and use them without mobile data. Komoot is very useful for hiking and cycling, while Maps.me is more versatile for urban trips.
Apps to Rent Scooters/Bikes with Hotel Delivery
Many rental companies have their own apps or work with platforms that allow you to book, pay and arrange delivery directly from your mobile.
Public Transport Timetables if You Combine Journeys
The official Guaguas Global app and Moovit offer real-time timetables, routes and combinations to move around the whole island.
Exploring Gran Canaria without a car is more than possible: it can even be more comfortable and economical depending on your travel style. You save on rental, fuel and parking, avoid the stress of traffic and enjoy an experience that is closer to the local rhythm. With good planning and the transport options the island offers, each journey can become part of the enjoyment of the trip.
