Round Town: Local News Benidorm, Alfaz, Altea.

Rent a Car

Hiring a car in Benidorm
If you’re going to be driving on the Costa Blanca, you can hire a car in the arrivals hall at the airport, or for ease book it on-line and it’ll be there waiting for you. Alternatively, you can book a car with a driver for a private transfer or if you feel you only want a car for a day to explore, you can hire one for as long as you need it in resort. Click on any of the links below to check out options, prices and availability – and don’t forget to bring your driving license!
Tips on Driving in Spain
Generally speaking Spanish drivers are not as courteous as us Brits! For example, if you’re waiting to cross an intersection and a car ‘flashes’ you its more likely to translate as ‘Beware, here I come!’ as opposed to ‘I’m letting you cross’, so play it safe and wait for the car to pass.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are relatively new to the Spanish roads. It goes without saying that you drive round them the opposite way to the UK but beware as many drivers simply don’t know the correct procedure and only use the outside lane.
What is ‘Via T’?
There is a toll road motorway from Alicante to Valencia which requires you to take a ticket at the start and pay for your journey at the end. There are 3 ways of paying; cash, credit card or the increasingly popular queue jumping ‘via T’. As you approach the pay booths look up to choose your preferred method and lane but avoid the ‘via T’ lane (depicting a large blue ‘T’ symbol) as this is reserved for people who have a gadget in the car that direct debits the journey through their bank account; the barrier lifts automatically – they don’t even have to stop – and if you block the lane and haven’t got the gadget much horn blasting will ensue!
Watch out for…
Beware of ‘do-gooders’ pointing to damage on your car both when you’re driving and when you’re stationery; unfortunately it’s more than often a ploy to get you out of the car to inspect the ‘damage’ whilst a third party roots for your loot in the car!
Drink Driving
Finally, drinking and driving in Spain carries severe penalties including a prison sentence and the limits are lower than in the UK with a pint of beer or large glass of wine sending you over. If you plan on drinking, leave the car behind and grab a cab.