Car Rental in Santa Susanna

Where to drive

• Drive to Tossa de Mar (≈30 km, 45 min) to explore its medieval walled old town (Vila Vella) and beautiful beaches.
• Visit Girona (≈45 km, 40 min), a historic city with a stunning cathedral, Jewish Quarter, and colorful houses along the Onyar River.
• Explore the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres (≈75 km, 1 hr) and the coastal village of Cadaqués (≈100 km, 1 hr 45 min), a favorite of Salvador Dalí.
• Head to Barcelona (≈70 km, 1 hr 15 min) for a day trip to see iconic Gaudi architecture, Las Ramblas, and the Gothic Quarter.
• Discover the Montseny Natural Park (≈50 km, 1 hr), a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering scenic drives and hiking trails.
• Tour the botanical gardens in Blanes (≈15 km, 25 min), such as Marimurtra and Pinya de Rosa, offering breathtaking sea views.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you generally need a valid driving license (held for at least 1-2 years, depending on the rental company), a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit. 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 for renting is typically 21, though some companies may have a higher minimum for certain car categories or charge a young driver fee for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Santa Susanna vary significantly by car class and season. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium vehicles could range from 50-80 EUR or more daily. Summer months (July-August) typically see the highest prices, sometimes doubling or tripling off-season rates, with the lowest prices found during the winter.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, you drive on the right. Speed limits are generally 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 experience). Headlights are mandatory in tunnels and during periods of poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 135 cm must use an appropriate child seat.

Parking

In Santa Susanna, parking can be a mix of free and paid options. Many hotels offer private parking for guests. Public street parking may be metered (blue zones) or require a disc (green zones for residents, but visitors can park for limited times). Always check local signage carefully. In peak season, finding free parking close to the beach or town center can be challenging.

Fuel stations

Fuel (gasolina for petrol, diésel for diesel) is widely available at service stations throughout the region. Prices are comparable to other Western European countries, typically around 1.60-1.80 EUR per liter for petrol and slightly less for diesel, but these are approximate and fluctuate. Most stations accept major credit cards, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller, more remote stations.

Which car to choose

For exploring Santa Susanna and the Costa Brava, a compact or economy car is often ideal due to narrow streets in old towns and easier parking. If you plan extensive trips into the mountains or require more luggage space, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV would be suitable. Manual transmission is common, but automatics are available, though they might be slightly more expensive. Roads are generally well-maintained.

Frequently asked questions