It’s where Europe meets Africa and the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean - and hiring a car in Spain will unearth wild regional differences in food, language and architecture.

Hire a car and visit the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees in the north or arty cityscape of Barcelona in the north-east; the traditional capital of Madrid, located at the very centre of the country; or the blissed out beaches of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea.

For stunning views take the coastal road between Valencia and Murcia, or drive along the sunshine coast of Andalucia in the south, from Malaga through Marbella to Estepona.

Whether you’re Spain car hire is for business or a holiday, you can easily experience Spain’s kaleidoscope of culture thanks to a modern road network that connects all the major cities and sites.

Autopistas, Spain’s motorways or E and A roads, are easily identified by their blue and green road signs. You could be charged to use them as many are toll roads, which are also some of the most expensive in Europe, however these are often very quiet as the locals tend to avoid them. When it comes to paying, use the toll lanes marked with a rectangle and a ‘T’.

Speed limits and other road regulations, such as what to do if you break down, vary throughout the country. On motorways the maximum speed is 75mph (120km/h), while when driving through towns restrictions are set at 31mph (50km/h).

Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to sit in the front passenger seat of the car. For more information on legal driving requirements when driving in Spain, take a look at the key tips here.

Few countries can compete with the passion for life that is found in Spain, where fiesta and flamenco are two important traditions. Its location, settlers and climate have shaped it into a fascinating and diverse nation.

Stunning landscapes

From the popular golden beaches of the Costa del Sol in the south to the lesser explored sands of the Cies Islands in the north; the Moorish architecture of Granada to the orange groves of Seville, Spain is blessed with an abundance of culture, history and natural landscapes you can explore by car.

Bustling cities such as Malaga or Valencia contrast with the impressive mountain ranges of the Sierra Nevada in the south or Pyrenees in the north. Staying in the north, the city of San Sebastian, situated on the crescent-shaped Bay of Concha, has plenty to offer – whatever the time of year. The delicious pintxos (Basque-style tapas) alone draw in the visitors, while its natural beauty only adds to its allure.

Cultural delights

Beneath the magnificent skyline of the country’s capital Madrid, you’ll find a treasure trove of world-famous monuments and museums waiting to be discovered. Shopaholics can lose themselves in the Gran Via, the city’s main tourist artery. Here you can also tour the many sprawling green spaces, or visit the world’s largest art gallery Museo del Prado, which opened in 1819 and contains over 9,000 artworks.

An hour south of Madrid, you’ll come across Toledo, perched on a mountaintop and a popular destination because of its historic art and architecture. With stunning buildings dating back to the Roman Empire, you can while away a sunny afternoon amid the winding, medieval streets.

The bright lights of Barcelona, with Modernist art and Gothic architecture, boutiques and tapas bars, could attract you for a city break or business trip. While the northern Basque Country, which stretches from Bilbao to Bayonne in southern France, is an ancient land, where you can explore a rugged coastline, fresh seafood and ultra-modern architecture.

The Costas of Spain

Mainland Spain’s coast stretches across 5,000 miles, but you also have the many impressive beaches to explore in the Balearics such as Mallorca, and Canary Islands such as Lanzarote. Far from the usual tourist trail sits Asturias, whose cliff-edged coastline is home to some of the country’s most beautiful, unspoilt beaches. Alongside the turquoise waters here, you can also take in the region’s mountains that make up its dramatic landscape, as well as the unique architecture.

Head out and explore the Costa del Sol – there’s so much more to Spain’s southern coast than beaches and bars. Take in the Andalucian charm of Malaga, the Michelin-starred restaurants of Marbella, the awe-inspiring views of picture-perfect Nerja or the white-washed villages of Pueblos Blancos, where you can sample the region’s most authentic tapas bars.

However you choose to spend your time here, whether you like to be in and amongst the action or prefer to go off the beaten track, car hire in Spain means you can make the most of every day and immerse yourself in everything this wonderful country has to offer. And we guarantee that you’ll return – after all, one trip to Spain just isn’t enough.