Spain is a country that conjures up images of sun, sangria, matadors and tapas. But get to know the locals and explore the country a little further than the sun drenched beaches and you will soon realize that Spain actually has a lot to offer. From shopping in Barcelona and the rolling mountains of the north, solitary castles, the medieval towns of Toledo, fine wine in Madrid, partying in Ibiza and the white villages of Andalucía and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, it is a country that can adapt to fit all kinds of travelers.

The regions of Spain are uniquely diverse from each other and one of the best ways to travel the country and see as much as you can is to hire a car and drive yourself. Avoid taxis, public transport and inflexible timetables. Part of the excitement is to research destinations and plan your own route depending on what sights you want to see, the kinds of landscape you prefer and your time constraints.

There is something totally liberating about planning a driving holiday as there is no need to book any accommodation in advance, unless of course you plan to stay in the very tourist areas, and if you like a place you can stay as long as you like. Plans can change at your whim, so throw away any thoughts of a timetable, just decide which city you will start in and where you want to end up so you can book flights, and off you go.

Spain is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations and transport links to other European countries are well-established. Flights can be booked very cheaply to most of Spain’s cities and hiring a car from the airport is quick and hassle-free. When driving in Spain it is important to always carry your identification with you, for foreigners an international driving license will be required. You will also need to show the agreement from the hire car service and third-party motor insurance is required throughout Europe.

All the major car hire companies are available in Spain, including Avis, Budget, Economy, and Hertz. For Spanish car rental, it is worth checking a few out to see what they can offer on the model of car, prices and services available. Shop around before you go and you are sure to get a good deal that won’t cost you the earth. Some companies will allow you to pick up the car in one location and drop it off in another, this is perfect for those who wish to travel around the country and don’t want to have to drive the car all the way back to their origination.

Each service offers different benefits. Some car services will pick you up from the airport if there is not an office already on-site, and even come and collect the car when you are ready to return home. Many companies offer a discount if you book and pay in advance, as much as 10% can save you a considerable amount when paying per day.

Nearly all car services can be booked online these days and it is the most convenient and quickest method available. A car with a GPS navigation system is perfect for those travelling long distances and you are very unlikely to get lost with one of these to help you along. DVD Players, air conditioning, child seats and roof racks, whatever your needs they can be accommodated for.

It is wise to pre-book your rental car before you arrive in Spain as this will allow you to find the cheapest deals available. You don’t want to be stuck at the airport haggling over the price of car hire or paying over the odds. Always check you understand what the price includes, and your liabilities.

Driving in Spain can be an enjoyable experience, as long as you choose a reputable car hire company you shouldn’t have any problems. Invest in some good road maps and have at the very least an idea of where you intend to travel to before you head off on the road.

When it comes to choosing cheap car hire in Spain look online where you will find websites that provide comparisons of car hire prices from dozens of major suppliers. Booking your hire car in advance will mean you are more likely to get the kind of car you want at a discounted price. Prices can’t be beaten by booking online.