Hire Car Alicante Tips, Experiences & Comparison

Alicante – Much more than just a seaside resort

Alicante, the capital of the Valencia region, located in the southeast of Spain, the so-called Costa Blanca, is a popular holiday destination

The gorgeous beaches of Alicante attract thousands of visitors every year.

Many of them only see the sea, some bars and discos and the hotel pool during the best weeks of the year.

You are missing out on quite a lot, because the city of Alicante and its surrounding area have a lot to offer. And for getting around the area, hire car is the best means of travel. For renting and booking, we’ve put together a few tips.

Receiving the hire car

Many rental companies can be found right inside the terminal at Alicante Airport. Look for the signs or ask at the information desk.

Before booking, check whether your desired rental company is also located in the airport. There are also providers who maintain their station near the airport. In this case, you may have to wait a very long time for a shuttle to take you to the station.

Choosing the right car

In Spain’s villages and towns, traffic can be quite turbulent. Parking spaces are often in short supply. It’s better to hire a small and manoeuvrable car to get around and find a parking space.

However, the car should be big enough to hold your luggage. Again and again it happens that holidaymakers misjudge.

Hire car prices

In Alicante, you can get a hire car at very reasonable prices during the off-season. However, if the price is too low, alarm bells should be ringing.

Often there are then hidden costs, which you can find out from the rental conditions. The best way to go is usually to use our rental price comparison and follow the recommendation “Excellent offer”.

hire car price comparison Alicante

Insurance

With an unfamiliar car on unfamiliar roads, a small accident can easily happen. Well insured you are in this case, if you have a fully comprehensive insurance without deductible.

In terms of liability, the sum insured should be at least one million euros. Because accidents with personal injury or with several vehicles can quickly go into the money.

If the sum insured of your rental company seems too low, you can either choose another offer or provide additional protection with a so-called Mallorca policy. You can find more info on insurance in our special.

age limit

To avoid being left without a car despite booking in Alicante, you should check if there is an age limit with your rental company. Most hire car companies won’t lend to drivers under the age of 21. And many charge extra if the driver is under 25.

Fuel control

With some rental companies you have to buy the first tank of fuel for a service fee and then you can return the car with an empty tank. However, since you will not succeed in driving the tank completely empty, you always pay on this variant.

Accessories

If you need accessories such as a navigation device or child seat you must reserve the desired things in good time. Only in this way can you be sure that the things are available on the day of rental.

Bail

It happens that rental companies actually charge the deposit due to your credit card. In this case, you may have to wait longer for the money to be returned. Rather rent from rental companies that promise to only block the amount.

Language barrier

Some staff at hire car stations in Spain do not speak English very well. Just in case, make a note of the telephone number of the Spanish head office of your hire car company. You can call there for translation help if need be.

Free kilometers

If you only want to explore the immediate area around Alicante, it may be worth hiring a car with limited kilometres at cheaper rates. However, if destinations further afield are to be explored, be sure to choose a hire car with all kilometres free.

Customer Review Hire Car

Most of the customers are satisfied with the hire car in Alicante. However, some complain about long waiting times. Factor that in when planning your trip and read our customer reviews before booking the car. This way you can sometimes avoid long queues.

Safety hire car

For the most part, you will be provided with a safe hire car in Alicante. Still, check the lights before your first drive and do a quick brake test while still in the car park.

Sights in Alicante

Castle Santá Barbara: dreamlike view

Start your tour of the city at Santá Barbara Castle. It is located at an altitude of 160 meters. From here you have a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

The oldest and highest sections of the castle date back to the 14th century. The middle section was built in the 16th century.

The castle was then finally completed in the 18th century. You should plan at least half a day to visit the fortress, which is one of the largest in Spain.

Old town: picturesque town hall and turbulent market hall

After that, you might feel like strolling around Alicante’s beautiful old town for a bit. The town hall, built in the 18th century, is well worth a visit, as is the ever-bustling indoor market. It was built between 1911 and 1912 and to this day it sells everything the city’s residents need to live.

Now you should just let yourself drift a little more. Stroll through the alleyways, enjoy a glass of red wine – wines made from the Monastrell grape are typical of the region – in one of the many bars and look forward to experiencing more than just a beach holiday.

Find the special restaurant

Countless restaurants make the choice difficult in Alicante. Fans of Spanish cuisine will certainly feel at home at Cerveceria Cento.

The selection of tapas is large and the atmosphere very cozy.

Sophisticated cuisine in a noble ambience is offered by the restaurant Amalia. Here you can expect innovative Spanish and Mediterranean dishes.

Find the special hotel

In a beautiful building you will find the luxury hotel Hospes Amerigo. The service leaves nothing to be desired and the rooms offer every comfort. A hotel to dream about.

Environment of Alicante

Guadalest: Charming Mountain Village

It’s worth getting in your hire car and exploring the surrounding countryside of the city. Visit Guadalest. This charming village draws the tourist crowds like a magnet.

It is so artfully built into the mountain that the upper part of the village can only be reached through a 15-metre tunnel and only on foot.

The cemetery, which can also be visited, is the highest cemetery in Spain. The castle is also well worth the visit. The views of the surrounding area are simply spectacular.

Then, in the lower part of the town, you will find some museums, such as a history museum, where you can also see all kinds of torture tools, a doll museum or a miniature museum.

Drive as early as possible to get a parking lot near the place. Otherwise, you’ll be in for a long walk during peak season, as all the parking spaces nearby are already taken.

Canelobre: Impressive dripstone cave

Another worthwhile excursion takes you to the stalactite cave of Canelobre. The height of the cave is more reminiscent of a cathedral. During the summer months, there are often musical events here. A special experience, because the acoustics are impressive.