Driving in Spain

Driving in Spain can be an absolute pleasure with thousands of kilometers of open road with stunning scenery. Many visitors are quite surprised at the great quality of the highways and ongoing construction of new roads is making getting around even easier albeit at the expense of some beautiful inland routes that are being bypassed by the new roads.

The speed limit on the highways is 120km/h but you'll see cars speeding way above the limit. Don't sit out in the fast lane doing the speed limit as you'll soon have a large BMW or Mercedes flashing you to get out of the way. Too many drivers seem to think they are Fernando Alonso which doesn't help Spain improve its road death toll which is far too high, especially during extended public holidays when the majority of the population of the main cities hits the road to head away to beach locations. In Holy Week 2006 more than 100 people died in accidents with many more seriously injured in hospitals.

If you're keen on driving in Spain don't let these comments put you off as you're unlikely to have any problems provided you are cautious. Try not to be on the road when it's a national holiday, avoid the main cities where possible and respect speed limits.

Self Drive Spain

Self drive is the independent traveller's way to discover the real Spain. It gives you complete flexibility to tour this fascinating country at your own pace. Visit Gaudi's Barcelona, enjoy the art scene in Madrid and Europe's best nightlife. Head south to Moorish Andalucia to visit the magnificent Alhambra Palace in Granada and Cordoba's Great Mosque. Tour the tapas bars of Seville and enjoy authentic flamenco and a bullfight. Go up to Roman Merida and visit Trujillo, the home of the Conquistadors. Or head to the coast and combine a drive around some of Spain's tourist attractions with some lazy days on a sandy beach. There are limitless opportunities for a self-drive holiday in Spain so we've provided you with some spain tour itineraries which will help you plan a driving trip to Spain.

 Spain Driving Tips

• In Spain all traffic drives on the right. 
• All vehicles over 4 years old must pass the ITV (MOT)
• All vehicles must be registered and insured, at least for third party. 
• Most valid driving licences from other countries are accepted in Spain.
• You should keep your licence and your insurance documents with you at all times.  Failure to be able to present them can result in a spot fine.
• Drivers must wear seatbelts.
• Vehicles must carry warning triangles, spares (tyres, bulbs, fan belt) and the tools to fit them. 
• Drivers who wear glasses must carry a spare pair.
• Front and rear seatbelts are compulsory.
• Children under 10 years are not allowed to ride in the front seat. 
• The following national speed limits apply: urban roads 60kph; other roads 90kph; motorways 120kph.
• The blood-alcohol drink-drive limit is 0.5 grams/litre.
• Jumping red lights is a national pastime.  Don't brake suddenly as a light is turning to red as the car behind you intends getting through that light!
• Never leave anything valuable in your car or anything on view as breaking into cars is rife.  This is particularly the case with rental vehicles and cars with foreign number plates.