Cost Overview
• Car Rental (SIXT): 3,465 RMB
• Parking Fees: 1,713 RMB
• Fuel Costs: 888 RMB
• Notarization and Translation of Driver’s License: 604 RMB
My nine-day journey took me through the stunning destinations of Seville, Ronda, Mijas, Frigiliana, Nerja, Granada, Alicante, Valencia, Peñíscola, Barcelona, and Tossa de Mar.
Self-Driving Experience and Road Conditions
1. Advantages of Self-Driving
Spain’s road discipline is commendable, with the left lane reserved for faster-moving vehicles. Drivers respect lane usage, avoiding unnecessary lane changes that can cause traffic disruptions. Renting a car gave us the flexibility to explore multiple towns and attractions within just nine days—an experience unmatched by public transportation.
2. Precautions
• Right Turns on Green Lights: Even when turning right, you must wait for the green light before proceeding.
• Roundabouts: Always yield when entering roundabouts. This is especially crucial in more complex ones equipped with traffic lights and designated lanes—stay vigilant!
• Bus Lanes: In Granada, I inadvertently entered a bus lane. While it remains unclear if there was a fine, this situation should be handled with care to avoid unexpected charges.
Parking and Parking Fees
1. Parking Tips
• Old Town Parking: Driving into the old town areas is not recommended due to limited parking options. It’s best to park in nearby underground garages and explore on foot.
• Underground Garages: I primarily opted for these, as they offer real-time updates on available spaces, ensuring convenience and security.
2. Hotel Parking Fees
• Seville: 25 EUR per night
• Malaga: Free
• Granada: 21 EUR per night
• Valencia, Barcelona: 18 EUR per night
• Other indoor parking lots: 2 EUR per hour
While parking fees may seem steep, factoring them into your budget ahead of time will save you from any last-minute stress.
Car Rental and Insurance
1. Choice of Rental Platform
After comparing various platforms, I discovered that Ctrip provided the most competitive deal for car rentals. I highly recommend purchasing comprehensive insurance to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances.
2. Insurance and Upgrade Suggestions
At the counter, staff often suggest upgrading your car model or adding extra insurance. If budget isn’t a concern, directly booking your rental and purchasing insurance via the official website ensures greater peace of mind.
Fueling and Vehicle Usage
1. Fueling
Some gas stations are unmanned, requiring you to input the fuel amount, swipe your credit card, and fill up yourself. At certain stations, you’ll need to inform the attendant of your pump number before refueling.
2. Trunk Space
The BMW 1 Series I rented had limited trunk space, unable to accommodate both a 26-inch suitcase and a 24-inch flat suitcase simultaneously. However, if you’re traveling light, the storage capacity should suffice.
Vehicle Damage
In Ronda, while parking and retrieving my ticket, I misjudged the distance from the curb, resulting in minor scratches on the tire and rim. Fortunately, upon returning the car in Barcelona, the inspection was not overly thorough, sparing me from potential compensation costs of several hundred euros. Despite maintaining a clean driving record in China for many years, I learned the importance of staying alert even in unfamiliar environments.
Summary:
While self-driving in Spain may come with a slightly higher price tag compared to public transportation, it offers unparalleled flexibility. You have the freedom to craft your own itinerary on the go, sidestepping the often confusing process of navigating bus tickets in various cities. For those familiar with road conditions and driving skills from mainland China, tackling Spain’s roads is entirely manageable—and the overall experience is nothing short of delightful.
