Car Rental in Blanes, Spain

Where to drive

• Drive to Tossa de Mar (approx. 30 km, 40 min drive) to explore its medieval walled town, Vila Vella, and enjoy panoramic sea views.
• Visit Girona (approx. 40 km, 45 min drive) to wander through its well-preserved Jewish Quarter, admire the cathedral, and walk along the Onyar River.
• Discover the botanical gardens of Marimurtra and Pinya de Rosa right outside Blanes, offering stunning clifftop views and diverse plant collections.
• Head north to Cadaqués (approx. 100 km, 1 hr 45 min drive), a picturesque white-washed fishing village that inspired Salvador Dalí, with winding roads and beautiful coastal scenery.
• Explore the Montseny Natural Park (approx. 60 km, 1 hr drive) for hiking trails and breathtaking mountain landscapes, a great contrast to the coastal environment.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you typically need a valid driving license from your home country, a passport or national ID card, and a major credit card in the main driver's name. If your license is not in a Roman alphabet or does not include a photo, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The minimum age to rent is usually 21, with surcharges for drivers under 25, and a minimum of 1-2 years of driving experience is often required.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Blanes can start from around 10-15 EUR per day for an economy car during the off-peak season. Mid-range vehicles might average 25-40 EUR, while SUVs and premium cars can range from 50 EUR upwards. Prices generally increase significantly during the summer months (June-August) due to higher demand, potentially doubling or tripling compared to winter rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, speed limits are generally 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on conventional roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas. The legal alcohol limit is 0.5 mg/ml in blood (0.25 mg/l in breath) for experienced drivers, and lower for new drivers. Headlights must be used in tunnels and in poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 135 cm must use an appropriate child restraint system in the rear seats.

Parking

Parking in Blanes can be challenging, especially during peak season. There are often blue zones (Zona Blava) for paid street parking, typically requiring payment at a nearby machine for a limited duration. Free parking can be found further away from the town center or in designated car parks, though these can fill up quickly. Always check signage carefully for restrictions and payment requirements.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in and around Blanes and along major routes. You'll find both petrol (gasolina) and diesel (gasóleo). Prices are generally comparable across stations, with slight variations. Most stations accept major credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash, especially at smaller, unattended pumps. Fuel prices are approximate, currently around 1.60-1.75 EUR per liter for petrol.

Which car to choose

For exploring Blanes and the immediate Costa Brava coastline, an economy or compact car is ideal. Their smaller size makes navigating narrow village streets and finding parking much easier. If you plan extensive drives into the mountains or require more luggage space, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV would be more comfortable. For most visitors, a manual transmission is common, but automatics are available if preferred, often at a slightly higher cost.

Frequently asked questions