Car Rental in Villajoyosa

Where to drive

• Drive to Altea, a beautiful whitewashed village with a stunning church dome, just an approximate 20-minute drive (about 15 km) north along the coast.
• Explore the historic city of Alicante, home to Santa Barbara Castle and vibrant marketplaces, roughly a 30-minute drive (about 35 km) south.
• Visit the Fonts de l'Algar, natural waterfalls and pools perfect for a refreshing dip, located about a 40-minute drive (around 25 km) inland.
• Take a scenic route through the Guadalest Valley, discovering the iconic Castell de Guadalest, approximately a 50-minute drive (about 30 km) into the mountains.
• Head to Benidorm for its lively atmosphere, theme parks, and expansive beaches, a quick 15-minute drive (around 10 km) north.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Spain, you typically need a valid driving license from your home country, held for at least one year (some companies require two). Non-EU citizens usually require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to 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 generally 21, with surcharges often applied for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Villajoyosa vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from around 10-15 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium vehicles might range from 40 EUR to 80 EUR or more daily. Summer months typically see prices increase by 50-100% due to high demand.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Spain, 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 alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05% (0.03% for new drivers). Headlights are mandatory in tunnels and during poor visibility. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants. Children under 12 or shorter than 135 cm must use an appropriate child seat and sit in the rear.

Parking

In Villajoyosa, parking can be a mix of paid and free options. Blue zones (zona azul) indicate paid parking, usually enforced during business hours, where you purchase a ticket from a machine and display it on your dashboard. White zones typically signify free parking. Finding free spaces, especially near the beach or town center during peak season, can be challenging. Underground car parks are also available for a fee.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in and around Villajoyosa. Prices for petrol (gasolina) and diesel (gasóleo) are comparable to the European average, currently around 1.60-1.80 EUR per liter for petrol (approximate). Most stations accept major credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash, especially at smaller, unattended stations.

Which car to choose

For exploring Villajoyosa and the immediate coastal areas, an economy or compact car is often sufficient, easy to park, and fuel-efficient. If you plan to venture into the mountainous inland regions or travel with more luggage/passengers, a mid-size car or a small SUV would offer more comfort and power. Manual transmission cars are common, but automatics are widely available, often at a slightly higher price.

Frequently asked questions