Calpe Car Rental

Where to drive

• Drive to Altea (≈15 km, 20 min) for its picturesque old town, white-washed houses, and stunning views of the Mediterranean.
• Explore the Fonts de l'Algar waterfalls (≈30 km, 40 min), a natural park offering refreshing dips in natural pools and scenic trails.
• Visit Guadalest Valley (≈40 km, 50 min), home to a historic castle perched on a rock and a charming village.
• Take a scenic coastal drive south to Moraira and Javea (≈10-25 km, 15-35 min), enjoying their beautiful coves and upscale marinas.
• Head inland to the Jalon Valley (Valle de Pop) (≈25 km, 30 min) for its vineyards, almond groves, and traditional Spanish villages, especially beautiful in spring.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you generally need a valid driving license from your home country, held for at least one year (some companies require two). Non-EU citizens must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national license. A passport or national ID card and a major credit card in the main driver's name are also essential. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, though some companies may require 23 or 25, and a young driver surcharge may apply for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Calpe vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 15-25 EUR per day in the low season, rising to 40-70 EUR or more during peak summer months. SUVs and premium vehicles will naturally be higher, ranging from approximately 50 EUR to over 100 EUR daily, depending on demand and availability. Booking in advance, especially for popular times like July and August, is highly recommended to secure better rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, you drive on the right. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on conventional roads, and 120 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.03% for new drivers (less than two years of experience). 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 seat or booster.

Parking

In Calpe, parking can be a mix of free and paid zones. Blue zones (zona azul) are paid parking, usually requiring payment via a meter or app for a limited duration. White zones generally indicate free parking, but these can be scarce, especially in the town center and near beaches during peak season. There are also several underground and multi-story car parks available for a fee. Always check local signage carefully to avoid fines.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in Calpe and along major routes. You'll find both petrol (gasolina 95 and 98) and diesel (gasóleo A). Prices are competitive and typically displayed per liter. Most stations accept credit and debit cards, though some smaller, unmanned stations might require card payment at the pump. Expect fuel prices to be comparable to other Western European countries, with slight fluctuations.

Which car to choose

For Calpe and the surrounding Costa Blanca, a compact or economy car is often ideal for navigating narrow town streets and finding parking. If you plan to explore more rural areas or carry extra luggage, an SUV offers more comfort and space. Automatic transmission vehicles are widely available for ease of driving, though manual cars are more common and often cheaper. Consider a car with good air conditioning, especially during the hot summer months.

Frequently asked questions