Traffic regulations in Spain
Estepona is a relatively new popular resort. It used to be a place where conservative Europeans loved to spend their vacation. So, there are more places for young people to hang out now, but the driving culture is as polite and calm as it used to be.
Speed limits:
- 50 km/h within towns
- 90 km/h outside towns
- 120 km/h on expressways
Children under 12 years of age and less than 135 cm in height must ride only in the back in special child seats.
Make sure you wear your seat belts because police are very seriously about it.
You must not talk on your mobile phone without a hands-free system while driving.
The local police are fairly tolerant of foreign offenders and may forgive minor infractions, such as a little speeding. But drink driving will definitely be punished.
Toll roads
There are toll roads in Spain. It's a great option if you need to get to your destination quickly, but if you are not in a hurry and want to enjoy the local beauty, you had better take the toll-free road. They are usually more scenic and much more fun to drive on.
The toll depends on the distance, the time of year, and the route. It is around €10-15 per 100 km. The toll is charged through an automatic payment system, paid in cash or by card.
You can get from Estepona to Malaga quickly and comfortably for less than €10 on the AP7 toll road. But the disadvantage of this route is that it bypasses many authentic towns. It makes sense to take the main road to Malaga and the toll road back to the hotel to save time.
Parking
The parking is mostly paid in the centres of major cities. You will recognise them by the relevant road sign, parking meters, and blue or green markings on the pavement.
You can pay in the EasyPark mobile app or in cash (coins) at a parking meter. Put the parking meter receipt on the dashboard.
With plenty of parking spaces available, both equipped and spontaneous, you will not have problems parking in Estepona. A good idea is to book a hotel with parking. There are plenty of them in Estepona.
The streets are too narrow for parking in the old town, which is not very big. So, it is best to park your car nearby and walk. In the new districts, the streets are quite wide and convenient where drivers can park their cars on both sides.
Where to go by rental car
This part of Spain is well worth a visit to enjoy the local nature. A picturesque plain in a ring of mountains, beaches with clean, light-coloured sand, and a view of Africa from the coast.
Playa del Cristo (west of the marina) stands out among the city beaches. With easy and safe way into the water, playground, and lifeguards, this beach is great for families with kids. While Playa de la Rada is a large beach to the east of the city. It is renowned not only for its well-developed infrastructure, but also for its numerous and varied bars and restaurants and water sports equipment rentals. There is a large parking lot near the beach.
Los Pedregales Park is 8 km from the centre. This is a very beautiful area in the foothills, both for photo sessions and for mountain biking (rentals available).
Selwo Aventura is an open-air zoo located 11 km away from the city. It is home to some 2,000 different animals that live here in perfect harmony with nature: giraffes, lions, hippos, and various species of antelope. There’s also an Indian elephant and a red panda.
Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja Nature Park is a must-visit place 20 km from Estepona. This is a stretch of mountain range covered in fir forest with traces of volcanic activity. During leisurely walks along its trails, you may come across mountain goats, roe deer, and Egyptian mongoose. The birds are represented by booted eagles, sparrow hawks, and long-eared owls.
It is a good idea to take a direct road from Estepona to Málaga to see the famous Cathedral, Gibralfaro Castle, Alcazaba Fortress, Picasso's birthplace, and the bullfighting ring.
You can drive to Seville where everything is extraordinary, from the Moorish architecture of its old quarters and popular tapas bars to the giant futuristic wooden mushrooms in the city centre.
Hello. What is the latest time I can drop off my car?
Hello! You select the pick-up and drop-off times yourself when booking your car.
Good morning. What are the rules for transporting children in Spain?
Hello! Kids up to 135 cm tall, which means roughly up to 12 years of age, must travel in a child safety seat appropriate for their age and weight.
Can I rent a car with a driver?
Hello! We only offer services for those who would like to rent a car without a driver.