The journey begins here

If this is your first time renting a car in Spain, a few practical things will save you money and stress.

Documents. Bring your physical driving licence, your passport (or EU ID card), and the credit card the booking is on. Photos of documents on your phone are not accepted at handover.

Insurance. The basic rental price always includes third-party cover. The thing to check is the excess on damage — €1,500 is normal. Either pre-buy excess reduction with us (cheaper) or add it on collection.

Toll roads. The AP-7 motorway down the coast is now free. The AP-31 to Madrid is not. Sat-nav apps default to motorways — watch for tolls in the trip preview.

Speed limits. 50 km/h in town, 90 on rural roads, 120 on motorways. Spanish speed cameras are well signposted but routinely enforced. Fines arrive at your home address weeks later.

Parking. Blue lines mean paid (use the meter or an app like ElParking). Yellow lines mean no stopping ever. White or no lines is usually free, but always check signs.

Fuel. Diesel is “diésel”, petrol is “gasolina 95” or “gasolina 98”. Most stations are self-service; some smaller ones in villages still are not.

That is it. Pick up the keys and go.