◾ Toll roads in Spain

Unlike the mediocre standards that characterized the traffic systems in Spain in the past, the roads today are safe and advanced, some of which are toll roads. The highways in Spain are called Autopista and are marked with the letter N. Highways where a toll is charged are called Autopista de Peajes and are marked with the letters AP. Please note that in many places there are alternative roads near the toll road, where driving is free of charge. However, these roads may be busier.

You can pay at the pay stations at the entrance to the toll roads or purchase the Via T-box. This is a small, low-cost device that will allow you to travel on the toll roads without stopping to pay.
 

◾ Traffic laws in Spain

The speed limits in Spain vary according to the types of roads (highways, interstates, urban areas, built-up areas, etc.) and it is recommended to be informed about them in advance. It is important to emphasize that in 2011 these restrictions were updated and tightened. Wearing seat belts is mandatory in the front and back.
 

◾ Gas in Spain

Take into account that in several areas gas stations, as well as shops, and car rental stations in Spain, mainly in rural areas, close at noon (12:00-16:00) for siesta.
 

◾ Car lights in Spain

The use of high lights is prohibited in residential areas. Their use on highways depends on the road conditions. When driving in tunnels, lights must be turned on.
 

◾ Driving in the city

Entering the city centers in Spain does not involve taxes or fees. In most cities, "blue zones" (zonas azules) are marked, and parking is done on weekdays through pay stations. The cost of parking per hour varies from city to city. On Sundays and holidays, parking is free. Another option is to use "parking garages" or underground parking lots - parcarico subterráneo, which are mainly found in the big cities.
 

◾ Traveling with the rental car to the countryside in Spain?

Please note that in many rural communities in Spain the streets are very narrow and are one way. Therefore, it is recommended to park the rental car on the outskirts of the village where you intend to travel and continue on foot from there.
You can also travel with the rental car from Spain to neighboring countries such as Portugal, France, Andorra or Gibraltar (subject to the prior approval of the rental company), but you cannot travel to the Canary and Balearic Islands or Morocco.

Be sure to mark the countries to which you wish to travel to already when you start booking the car on our website (or telling our representative if you are making the booking via phone), so you will receive written confirmation from the supplier and will be covered in terms of insurance and road service.

Please note that in some countries in Europe, a special sticker is required for driving on highways, which you can purchase in kiosks at the borders.

The responsibility of purchasing the sticker is the renter's alone, so make sure to stick it according to the local guided and make sure if a sticker is needed whenever you exit a country and enter another.

Driving in Spain during the winter season

◾ Snow chains

Note that snow chains are mandatory in the snowy areas.
The winter season starts in November and ends in March. For drivers who intend to travel in the Pyrenees or other snowy areas, it is recommended to order snow chains in advance and make sure when picking up the car that the chains fit the vehicle's tires (available at the rental stations from which it is then customary to go to ski resorts such as Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble). They must be installed according to the signs.
 

◾ Ski rack

Some of the rental companies offer a ski roof for rent to connect to the rental car. The ski roof must be ordered in advance. The canopy is suitable for two pairs of skis only and is an additional cost to the rental company to be paid when picking up the car.

Please note that it is not possible to attach the canopy to all vehicle groups. It is recommended to find out in advance that it is indeed possible to add him to the invited category.
 

Pay attention! At very low temperatures the fuel in the tank may freeze.

We recommend parking the vehicle in an underground or indoor parking lot and/or adding antifreeze to the fuel tank when refueling (which is a special substance that prevents freezing), the antifreeze can be purchased at gas stations if necessary.
 

For more tips regarding renting a car during wintertime click here

and for important tips regarding renting a car abroad click here

Booking a car in Spain with Ofran will allow you to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a rental car in Spain, exploring all the sites and attractions that interest you and the freedom to do so according to your schedule.

Also, you'll be able to choose from a wide range of car groups the most suitable car for your vacation in an easy and comfortable process and with great prices.

Ofran wishes you a safe and pleasant trip with your rental car in Spain

When we think of Spain we usually think of Madrid or Barcelona, ​​and maybe of sunny islands, but there are other gems you don't want to miss that can be reached by renting a car in Spain.
 

Driving a rental car in Gibraltar

A visit to Gibraltar is a popular attraction, and over 10 million visitors enter Gibraltar each year. Gibraltar itself is a tiny territory located on a peninsula connected by land to Spain and where about 30 thousand residents live. Its size is 7 square kilometers, and the journey along it will take about 15 minutes.
The transition to Gibraltar by car is done through a border control post, so it is important to have a passport for entry.
The border post is open 24 hours a day, but it should be noted that the entrance may be delayed due to long lines and also during the landing of planes, since the main road in Gibraltar crosses the runway of the local airport (just like crossing railway tracks).

This fact and the location of the short runway so close to the high cliff and the sea at both ends earned Gibraltar's airstrip the title of the fourth most dangerous airstrip in the world.

When renting a car in Spain, you must specify if you wish to enter Gibraltar with the rented car. This is because only some of the rental companies allow passage into Gibraltar, with prior approval and at no additional cost, but some of the rental companies do not allow passage with their vehicles into Gibraltar at all.

In the summer months especially, the load of vehicles at the crowded border crossing is great, and sometimes the wait can reach an hour in each direction, it is actually recommended to park the car in the parking lot near the border and enter Gibraltar by foot.
After entering, you can take a taxi or a bus from the station outside the airport and thus continue a short drive towards the huge cliff (which is 426 meters high) and the amazing view from it. When you arrive at the cliff, you should also go up to the top of the cliff by cable car and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
 

Driving a rental car in Andorra

Another popular route you can reach by renting a car in Spain is Andorra.
Andorra is a small principality located in a mountainous area in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain without access to the sea. In the past Andorra was isolated, but today it is prospering, mainly thanks to the tourism industry and its status as a tax haven - about nine million tourists visit each year, drawn to the duty-free shopping and the summer and winter resorts.

Andorra has no airport or train stations and transportation is based on cars, buses and local taxis. The capital city is Andorra de la Vella and the official language is Catalan. A visit to Andorra is popular both in the summer months and in the winter months for its well-known ski resorts.

It is important to remember, if you are renting a car to Andorra in the winter months, that you must order snow chains in advance even if the law does not require it at the pick-up station - and this is because the road conditions in the eastern Pyrenees may require it.
To visit Andorra with a rental car, it is recommended to pick up the car from Barcelona, ​​Spain or Toulouse, France.
The trip from Barcelona in the rental car to the city of Andorra de la Vella takes about 3 hours, and it is not recommended to travel on weekends when the traffic on the roads is high.
The trip from Toulouse in a rental car to the famous ski resort Fe de la Casa in Andorra takes about two hours.
 

La Rioja

Spain's wine region that thrives exclusively on well-known Spanish exports. Real Rioja wine can only come from this region, and you will be able to sample quite a bit of it when you visit. There are over 500 wineries in the area where you can find real Rioja wine, and Michelin restaurants that serve it alongside an experiential meal. Of course, the entire mountainous region is worth a visit, and even family members who are not particularly interested in wine will enjoy the journey to this northern region. The drive passes vineyards, the view of the Cantabrian Range, small and family wineries alongside huge, modern and technological wineries, which all together tell the story of wine production through the lens of history to the present. Arriving in Rioja by car is especially convenient to those who rent a car in Barcelona and wish to see more of what the magical northern part of the country has to offer.
 

Seville

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and is located in the southwestern part of Spain. It preserves something from all the cultures and religions that lived in it. In its neighborhoods, narrow streets, buildings and palaces you can clearly see the mark left behind by the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities that lived here in different periods of history.
A trip to the city includes a visit to ancient sites, alongside small tapas restaurants on the street corner, impromptu guitar shows, well-kept parks and gardens. The city enjoys sunny and pleasant weather most days of the year.
Car rental in Seville is possible at the airport of Seville or at the station in the city itself.

Spain with children

In such a diverse country you can choose a sunny family vacation with many beaches, or nature trips that will include many hours of travel between mountainous landscapes and picturesque towns. Whatever you choose, remember that this country, which is only a few hours' travel from us, offers everything for everyone.
We have collected for you some of the attractions that are especially suitable for a family trip and for the younger ones.
  Water and amusement parks

Where can you spend whole days between the different facilities? Here are some of the more popular and well-known parks scattered around the country.

Barcelona - Tibidabo Amusement Park 
On the top of Mount Tibidabo is an amusement park that has been used by locals and tourists for hundreds of years. It houses old and classic facilities (well-maintained of course) alongside new facilities. The outstanding advantage of the park is its location above the city, allowing a wide and beautiful view of Barcelona.
 

 Tenerife Siam Water Park 

The huge park in the Canary Islands, inspired by the Kingdom of Siam, aka modern-day Thailand. It has been repeatedly named the best water park in all of Europe. The huge park includes water facilities, a pampering beach, a shark aquarium and everything that combines the best of the Canary Islands with the atmosphere of the Far East.

Shopping in Spain

Both Madrid and Barcelona are known to be particularly well worth destinations for shopping lovers. It is the origin of brands sought after by tourists from all over the world, and Israelis in particular - Zara, Pull & Bear, Mango, Stradivarius, Desigual and more.

In Madrid you can find stores of these most favorite brands on every street, with a special concentration on the lively Gran Via street, and in Barcelona there are several shopping centers, from brands to boutique stores, the main ones being the El Born quarter and the Gothic quarter.

An important thing to know about the fashion stores in the tourist places in the big cities - they are not subject to "Spanish time" and are open throughout the day until late at night, and also on Sundays. Unlike most local businesses that open late, close early and take a siesta in the middle of the day.