Car Hire
Renting a car in Granada / Costa Tropical
The south of Spain is one of the few remaining places in Europe where driving is a pleasure. Traffic in the countryside is light – in some areas it is possible to drive for miles without seeing another car – and the scenery in this part of the world is unrelentingly spectacular. The roads themselves are generally superb. The only thing you have to look out for are lunatic Spanish drivers; because there is no denying that Spaniards are in a league of their own when it comes to insane driving. Spain has the highest road mortality rate in Europe, second to Portugal. It is not that Spaniards don’t know how to drive (Spain has one of the toughest driving tests in the world); it’s just that they tend to drive on the motorway as if they were on a track at le Mans. If you are a nervous or inexperienced driver you would be well advised to avoid the main motorways as much as possible, and stick to the scenic routes.
Rental requirements
Renting a car in the south of Spain is a very straightforward matter, and car rental charges here are among the lowest in Europe. Rental cars also tend to be in very good condition. One important thing to note is that the accepted method of payment is by credit card, and payment in cash is usually not acceptable.
To hire a car you will be required to show your passport and your driver’s licence. A full US or European licence is valid in Spain for visitors to the country. Minimum age to rent a vehicle in Spain is normally 21 years (25 for certain types of vehicles), although there are some plans where the minimum age is lowered to 18 years old. You will be required to furnish a valid driver’s licence from your home country, a credit card and a passport. Some car hire companies may also ask for proof of home address.
Prices
The price of renting a car in Spain varies depending on the time of year and the region. On average, booking a small car rental in Spain costs about €25/day, though it is possible to rent a car for less than half that in the January-March period. The cheapest month to rent a small car in Spain is January, which would cost around €14 a day. The most expensive month for small car rentals is July, when prices can start from €45 a day. The security deposit (fianza) can be anywhere between €250 to €1,000, or the equivalent of one month’s rent. Before driving the car away, make sure you check it for any damage. Many companies will examine the car with you and mark off any existing dents and scratches etc., so that you are not held liable.
There are numerous car hire companies in the Granada / Costa Tropical area, but it is nevertheless advisable to book in advance of your arrival. You can use the search box below to find the cheapest and most convenient options available.