Mainland Spain is a country of extraordinary diversity — a land of flamenco and bullfighting, of Gaudí’s Barcelona and Velázquez’s Madrid, of the Alhambra in Granada and the Guggenheim in Bilbao, of tapas bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, of sun-drenched beaches and snow-capped mountains. It is a country that changes every 100 kilometres — from the green north to the arid south, from the cosmopolitan cities to the medieval villages, from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic shores. Hiring a car in mainland Spain lets you explore this diversity at your own pace, from the wine regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero to the pilgrim routes of Santiago de Compostela, from the beaches of the Costa Brava to the mountains of the Sierra Nevada.
We compare Avis, Hertz, Europcar and local operators in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Malaga. Compact cars start around €15/day in low season and €30–€50/day in summer.
Why Hire a Car in Mainland Spain
- Madrid: The capital, with the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace, the Retiro Park, and a nightlife that starts at midnight and ends at dawn. The city’s tapas bars are legendary.
- Barcelona: The city of Gaudí, with the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, and a beach that runs along the city centre.
- Andalusia: The south of Spain, with the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Córdoba, the Alcázar in Seville, and the white villages of the Sierra de Grazalema.
- The North: The Basque Country and Galicia, with San Sebastián (the best food city in Spain), Bilbao (the Guggenheim), and Santiago de Compostela (the end of the Camino).
- The Wine Regions: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, and Jerez produce some of the best wine in the world. The vineyards are beautiful, and the bodegas offer tastings.
- The Mountains: The Sierra Nevada (the highest peak in mainland Spain), the Pyrenees, and the Picos de Europa offer hiking, skiing, and dramatic scenery.
- The Beaches: The Costa Brava, the Costa del Sol, and the Costa de la Luz have beaches for every taste — from family resorts to hidden coves.
- The Food: Spanish cuisine is one of the best in the world — tapas, paella, jamón ibérico, and pintxos are just the beginning. San Sebastián has more Michelin stars per capita than any city on earth.
Driving in Mainland Spain
Spain drives on the right. The AP and A motorways are excellent. A vignette is not required, but tolls are common on AP roads. Speed limits are 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on main roads and 50 km/h in towns.
Parking in the cities is expensive — expect €15–€25 per day. Use Park & Ride. At the beaches, parking is usually free but fills up early.
Booking Tips for Mainland Spain
- Book 3–4 weeks ahead for summer and Easter.
- Avoid toll roads (AP) if you want to save money — the A roads are free.
- GPS is useful — Spanish road networks are extensive.
- If combining cities, the drive from Madrid to Barcelona is 6 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire in Mainland Spain
Is mainland Spain worth visiting? Yes — it is one of the most diverse and rewarding countries in Europe, with world-class cities, food, wine, and landscapes.
Do I need an SUV? No — a compact car is fine for the cities and main roads.
Can I use my EU driving licence? Yes — EU licences are valid in Spain.