Driving in Spain offers a fantastic way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and historic cities at your own pace. Whether you’re planning a road trip from the UK or renting a car once you arrive, knowing the rules, routes, and requirements can make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Preparing to Drive in Spain

Spain has a population of around 47.4 million and covers over 506,000 square kilometers. The official currency is the Euro (€). Before setting off, ensure you have all the necessary documents: a full, valid UK driving licence, your passport for ID, motor insurance certificate, and the V5 registration document for your vehicle. UK-registered vehicles must display a “UK” sticker on the rear, as the old GB sticker is no longer valid.

You do not need an insurance green card to drive in Spain, but it’s wise to confirm with your insurer that your policy covers driving abroad. Temporary car insurance can also be arranged if needed.

Spain drives on the right-hand side of the road, unlike the UK, and overtaking is done on the left. This adjustment is crucial for safety. Headlamp beam deflectors or stickers are mandatory to prevent dazzling other drivers at night.

Essential Equipment and Safety

By law, you must carry reflective jackets, warning triangles (two if you are a resident), and headlamp beam deflectors. Failure to comply can lead to fines. Motorcycles and mopeds must have lights on at all times, and helmets are compulsory for riders under 16 and on roads outside built-up areas for all ages.

Emergency phones are placed every 2 km on motorways, and the emergency number 112 works throughout Spain and Europe, with operators available in English and French.

Driving Routes from the UK to Spain

To reach Spain by car from the UK, you can take a ferry from Dover to Calais or use the Channel Tunnel from Folkestone to Calais. The tunnel is faster, taking about 35 minutes compared to the ferry’s 90 minutes. Once in Calais, you can choose between two main routes:

Quickest route: Calais to Rouen, Le Mans, Tours, Bordeaux, Biarritz, and into Spain via San Sebastian. This route takes about 10 hours driving and passes through scenic and historic towns like Rouen’s medieval center and Bordeaux’s wine region.

Scenic route: Calais to Paris, Orleans, Bourges, Clermont Ferrand (near extinct volcanoes), Béziers, Perpignan, and then across the border to Barcelona. This route is longer but offers rich cultural experiences and stunning landscapes.

Alternatively, ferries from Plymouth or Portsmouth to northern Spanish ports like Bilbao or Santander provide a longer but relaxing sea journey, avoiding driving through France.

Top Road Trips Within Spain

Spain offers some spectacular road trip options:

Madrid to Seville: Explore the historic Extremadura region, including the hilltop town of Guadalupe, the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Cáceres, Roman ruins in Mérida, and vibrant Seville with its flamenco culture.

Northern Spain: This route along the northern coast covers seven UNESCO heritage sites and over 40 Michelin-starred restaurants. Highlights include San Sebastian, Bilbao with its unique Vizcaya Bridge, Santander’s royal palace, and the dramatic Picos de Europa National Park.

Basque Country Loop: Starting and ending in Bilbao, this loop includes the wine region of Rioja, the festival town of Pamplona, and beautiful Pyrenees foothills.

Barcelona to Alicante via Valencia: A coastal route passing Tarragona’s medieval architecture, the futuristic city of Valencia, and ending with Alicante’s beaches.

Andalusia and Southern Spain: Starting in Malaga, this 500-mile loop covers white villages, Seville’s flamenco, Granada’s Alhambra palace, and back to Malaga.

Rules of the Road and Fines

Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour: 20 km/h in residential areas, 30-50 km/h in built-up areas, 90-100 km/h outside built-up areas, and up to 120 km/h on motorways. You may exceed the speed limit by 20 km/h only when overtaking outside built-up areas, but not on motorways.

Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers, with fines around €200 for non-compliance. Drink-driving limits are stricter than the UK: 0.05% BAC for private drivers and 0.03% for professional or new drivers. Refusing a breath test can lead to vehicle immobilization and licence suspension.

Parking rules are strict with designated paid zones, and illegal parking can result in fines, towing, or wheel clamps. Disabled parking permits from other countries are recognized.

Radar jammers are illegal and can incur fines up to €6,000.

Additional Tips

• Carry two warning triangles and reflective jackets.
• Use the emergency number 112 in any crisis.
• Display a UK sticker on your vehicle.
• Check if your route passes through low emission zones like Barcelona, where older vehicles may face restrictions.
• Consider RAC European Breakdown Cover for roadside assistance and travel insurance covering medical expenses and belongings.

Win a House in Spain and Holiday Competitions

For those dreaming of a permanent Spanish getaway, there are exciting opportunities to win a house in Spain through various holiday competitions. These contests often feature stunning properties in desirable locations, offering a unique chance to own a slice of paradise. Participating in holiday competitions can also include winning luxury trips, car rentals, or holiday packages, making your Spanish adventure even more memorable.

Entering such competitions can be a fun way to enhance your travel experience or even realize the dream of living in Spain. Always check the legitimacy and terms of these holiday competitions before entering to ensure a safe and rewarding experience.