When you think of the idyllic Spanish coastline with quaint architecture, crystal-clear blue water, white sand beaches, and the aromas of Spanish cuisine emanating through the streets, you’re probably thinking of Andalusia. This region in the south of Spain is one of the most popular parts of the country for tourism due to the fact that it’s unbelievably relaxed, photogenic, and there are a ton of fun experiences to be had around Andalusia. Indeed, the natural and man-made landscapes of Andalusia will take your breath away from the minute you arrive.
The region is characterized by matador fights, flamenco clubs where you can watch this sensual dancing style firsthand, and a wealth of extravagant festivals all year long. The diversity of this region’s history can also be seen in the old Jewish neighborhoods, the ruins of Moorish castles, the many mosques and synagogues, and the resplendent Christian churches all over the region. And, of course, if you’re visiting Andalusia, you have to eat as much food as possible considering the region has one of the finest culinary traditions in the world. So, with so many things to see and do in Andalusia, the best way to make the most of your experience is to hire a motorcycle and ride around the city.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Andalusia. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter as well. This guide includes:
- Whether or not you need an international driving permit to hire a motorbike in Spain
- Whether it’s safe to drive a motorcycle around Andalusia
- The normal cost of motorcycle hire in Andalusia
- The best places around Andalusia to hire a motorcycle
- The best things to do in the region of Andalusia by motorbike
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Motorcycle in Spain?
If you live outside of the European Union and your driver’s license is written in English (for instance, if you live in the United States or Canada), you will absolutely need to get an international driving permit before trying to rent a motorcycle in Spain. Most travelers from EU countries, on the other hand, most likely will not need an international driving permit to legally drive in Spain.
If you want to apply for an international driving permit, you can apply online here. You should make sure to apply at least two weeks before departing for your vacation in Spain because it usually takes around two weeks for the permit to arrive in the mail. There is a $20 application fee and you’ll have to input some of your driver’s license information. But, once you have your IDP, it will be valid for up to one year.
Is It Safe to Drive a Motorcycle Around Andalusia, Spain?
Driving in Andalusia is, generally, fairly safe. The road conditions throughout the region are very good, police enforcement is consistent, and there’s plenty of signage to let you know where you’re going. However, Spanish drivers have been known to be especially impatient and sometimes even reckless, so make sure that you drive defensively at all times while in Andalusia.
You need to be at least 18 years old to drive in Andalusia and you must wear a seatbelt at all times if you're driving a car. If you’re driving a motorcycle, you are required to wear a helmet at all times. If you’re looking for parking, you should know that most of the parking near the center of the city requires you to pay a meter. To find free parking, you’ll probably have to move further out of the city center.
What Is the Typical Cost of Motorcycle Hire in Andalusia?
In general, Andalusia has lower prices than some of the other regions of Spain (like Catalonia, for instance) and other surrounding European countries. So, hiring a motorcycle or motor scooter is typically fairly affordable in Andalusia. If you want to hire a motor scooter, like a Riya Rome 50 or a Piaggio Zip 50, for instance, you can expect to pay no more than €20 per day. You can also get more luxurious and powerful scooters for a little bit more money. If you have a bigger budget and want to rent a faster motorcycle, you can rent a BMW motorbike for somewhere in the neighborhood of €80 per day.
No matter what kind of motorbike you go with, you should always make sure that you have insurance coverage. You do not want to get in any sort of accident in a foreign country when you’re not covered by an insurance policy. You should also ask your rental shop about reduced rates for weekly or monthly rentals if you plan on staying in Andalusia for a long period of time.
What Are the Best Places in Andalusia to Find Motorcycle Rentals?
If you’re planning Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, the main airport in Andalusia and the fourth busiest airport in Spain, you should be able to easily find motorcycle rental services in the airport terminals at any hour of the day. If you’re flying into Seville Airport, you may not be able to find motorcycle hire directly at the airport, but you should be able to find a rental service that will deliver your motorbike directly to the airport for you.
In general, motorcycle hire is widely available in most of the larger cities in Andalusia. For instance, if you go into the center of Seville you should be able to find a motorbike rental service within minutes. The same thing goes for cities like Malaga, Granada, and Cordoba. If you’re in the more rural parts of the region, though, you may find it difficult to locate a rental motorcycle.
What Are the Best Motorcycle Road Trips in Andalusia?
Now that you’re able to rent a motorcycle in Andalusia, it’s time to hit the road and start touring the region. To get you started, here are some of the best road trip routes in Andalusia:
The Guadalquivir River
If you plan on going to Andalusia, you’ll probably be making a stop by the city of Seville at one point or another. So, while you’re there, make sure you take route A-319 to the valley of the Guadalquivir River. This drive takes you right by a castle that sits atop a crag in La Iruela. Then, you can follow the trail to the Sierra de Cazorla to experience some stunning wildlife and mountain range views.
Keep going on route A-319 and you’ll reach the Altiplano de Granada, a region in the northern part of Granada province that offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in all of Spain and quite possibly the world.
The Tabernas Desert
To experience an entirely different kind of landscape, head over to the Tabernas Desert, which is considered by many to be the only real desert in all of Europe. To get to the Tabernas Desert, follow route A-92 until you find yourself in terrain that looks like it should be the set of a Spaghetti Western film. While you’re passing through the desert, you’ll get to see some ravines and rivers that turn beautiful shades of pink and orange when the sun is at the top of the sky.
Finally, you can follow the route all the way to the fabulous and historically significant city of Almeria. While you’re there, make sure you stop by the Alcazaba, the ruins of an old Moorish fortress.
El Torcal National Park
Located in the heart of the Sierra del Torcal mountain range is one of the best nature reserves in all of Spain: El Torcal National Park. To get there, you’ll need to drive to the small town of Villanueva de la Concepcion and follow the signs to the park. Once you’re in the park, there are plenty of roads where you can see the park’s main features. However, you may want to consider getting off your motorcycle and hiking deeper into the park.
Millions of years ago, El Torcal National Park was part of a seabed, and so the park is characterized by the striated limestone formations that tower over you as you make your way through. The climate is also very hot and humid, so it’s not uncommon to see fruit trees growing among the massive rock formations.
Discover Andalusia on the Seat of a Motorcycle
The region of Andalusia is large and full of endless things to be discovered. You could take public transportation from city to city in Andalusia, but then you’d miss out on all the hidden gems throughout the area. To really make the most of your time there, you should rent a motorcycle and take to the backstreets.
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