In our recent research, a striking 68% of Brits have searched for driving in Spain, making the UK the third-highest country interested in Spanish road trips, surpassed only by Spain and Iceland. This trend is no surprise, as UK residents topped the charts in 2023, comprising 21% of all visits abroad to Spain.
“Driving in Spain has become a trend that’s hard to overlook, especially among Brits looking for adventure and comfort,” notes Natalia Garcia, Chief Commercial Officer at Parclick. Curious about why an overwhelming 68% of British people are planning road trips to Spain?
Recent data reveals substantial interest in Spanish drives, making the UK the third most active country in Google searches concerning driving in Spain, preceded only by Spain itself and Iceland.
The Allure of Spanish Roads
Many British visitors drive to Spain for various reasons.
- Picturesque, Varied Landscapes: Coastal drives on the Mediterranean, scenic routes through the Pyrenees, and sunbathed countryside drives in both Andalusia and Catalonia—make this country truly inviting for travelers who want to go around places on their own.
- Flexibility and Freedom: It is easy to explore places far from the beaten path in a car that public transport finds quite hard to reach. This would allow for stops and changes in itinerary spontaneously, without relying on fixed schedules.
- Cost-Effective Travel: For families or big groups, renting a car might be more cost-effective than buying train or bus tickets for each individual. It also helps save on accommodation costs when travelers take road trips where camping or halting in the countryside is preferred, and the cost of lodging is cheap.
- Accessible Rural Areas: Many of the really nice villages of Spain are in rural areas without public transport. This ease of transport makes these spots more accessible.
- Luggage and Equipment: If someone intends to cycle, hike, or just has a beach holiday with voluminous equipment, carrying all this on public transport may not be convenient.
- Improved Road Infrastructure: Spain boasts a superbly maintained network of roads, ensuring easy and safe driving. For the past three decades, the country has consistently implemented comprehensive long-term plans for its transport infrastructure, aligning with practices common among OECD countries.
- Cultural Inquiry: Driving helps visitors get a closer view of the local culture and habits. They can visit small towns, watch local festivals, and eat in typical restaurants off the beaten path of tourism.
- Attractive Car Rental Deals: Competitive prices for car rentals and various deals make hiring a car quite an attractive option in Spain to many tourists. There is also the availability of car rental companies that offer options that suit different budgets and tastes.
- Weather and Climate: The favorable climate, especially around Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands, promotes road trips and outdoor activities for most of the year.
- Scenic and Historic Route Experience: Spain offers a variety of famous driving routes, including the famous Costa Brava coastal route, the so-called Ruta de la Plata, and the beautiful drives in the Picos de Europa. These routes offer natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural experiences mixed in with the driving.
- Ease of International Travel within the EU: With the UK exiting the EU, numerous agreements and arrangements make it relatively easy for Brits to travel to and drive in Spain, with UK driving licenses recognized.
Driving in Spain offers an enriching experience and flexibility to the visiting British people since the country has enormous cultural and natural heritage value to perceive.
Not Just a Tourist Experience
It isn’t merely the touristic charm that draws Brits to Spain. According to Parclick’s Garcia, “Driving holidays provide a sense of freedom that is highly valued, especially in today’s fast-paced world.” Additionally, the ability to manage one’s timescales and itinerary makes road trips in Spain particularly appealing.
Travel Tips for Brits Driving in Spain
- Plan Your Route: Plan your journey, including rest stops and points of interest. Having a plan is good, but keep some flexibility to explore unexpected finds.
- Legal Requirements: Ensure you have documentation such as a valid driver’s license, IDP (International Driving Permit), and insurance coverage.
- Local Laws and Regulations: To avoid penalties, familiarize yourself with Spanish driving laws, such as speed limits and toll charges.
- Car Checks: Rent from reputable services and perform necessary car checks for tires, brakes, and engine fluids before setting off.
Bottom Line
As remote working norms continue to provide flexibility in schedules and Spain is a top destination for its climate, culture, and hospitality, it’s no surprise that British nationals are exploring Iberia by road. Garcia emphasizes, “Adventure is just a drive away! Spain is not just a country to visit, but to experience actively and at your own pace.”
The British obsession with Spain—from sun-kissed beaches to ancient villages—just won’t wane. If a Spanish road trip has not been on your list of trips to take, perhaps it is high time you do so.
