Spain’s third largest city, Valencia, is a holiday haven with something to offer for every kind of traveler. You can stretch out on one of Valencia’s many white-sand beaches, such as Malvarrosa. You can admire the city’s incredible rococo architecture and flamboyant palaces. And if you want to do some shopping or try some traditional food from the region, you can visit the cobbled streets of Valencia's Old Town.
Originally established as a Roman colony and then surviving occupation by Moroccan and Arab Moors, the city of Valencia has a long and interesting history. The city was later conquered by Christian king Joseph I of Aragon in 1238, who established the new Kingdom of Valencia, an autonomous kingdom with its own unique laws. As a result, Valencia has a history and culture that is unique to the rest of Spain, and this culture can be seen all throughout the city. The city is situated on the banks of the Turia River and is host to many incredible celebrations and festivals. With all of the many cultural sites and beautiful beaches in Valencia, the best way to experience the city is to hire a motor scooter and start exploring.
Here is everything you need to know about renting a scooter in Valencia. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motorcycle. This guide includes:
- Whether it’s safe to drive a scooter in Valencia
- Whether you need an international driving permit for scooter hire in Spain
- The best places to find scooter rental in Valencia
- The cost of scooter hire in Valencia
- The best things to do in Valencia by scooter
Is It Safe To Drive a Rental Scooter in Valencia?
In general, driving in Valencia is very safe. The roads are all well-paved throughout the city and the laws of traffic are typically abided by in the more congested parts of the city. You should always be careful while driving at night, however, as there are certain parts of the city where theft is common.
If you’re driving on AP-7, particularly near the Sagunto service area, you should be wary of speeders. In fact, the road safety camera in this area catches more speeders per year than any other road safety camera in Spain. If you’re driving in this area, you should never speed, both so that you can keep yourself safe and so that you don’t get ticketed.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit To Hire a Scooter in Spain?
If your driver’s license from your home country is printed in any language other than Spanish, you will need to obtain an international driving permit to rent a scooter in Spain. If you are stopped by Spanish police, you’re required to present them with your driver’s license from your home country, your passport with a valid immigration stamp, and your IDP.
If you want to apply for your international driving permit, you can do so here. There is an application fee of $20 and the permit typically takes about two weeks to come in the mail, so you should send in your application at least two weeks before your departing flight for Spain. Once you have your permit, it is valid for one full year.
Where Can You Find Scooter Rental in Valencia?
If you plan on flying into Valencia Airport, also known as Manises Airport, you can find scooter hire services directly outside the airport terminals, or you can book a rental scooter with an online service and have it delivered to Valencia Airport.
If you’d rather wait until you’ve arrived at your accommodation to rent a motor scooter, you can find many scooter rental shops in the El Carmen and Extramurs areas in the center of the city. There are also quite a few rental shops in the Quatre Carreres neighborhood. If you ask at the front desk of your hotel, they’ll probably be more than happy to point you to the nearest rental shop.
What Is the Price of Scooter Hire in Valencia?
Scooter rental in Spain and in most parts of Europe in general is more expensive than in other parts of the world. If you want to hire a 50cc or 125cc, you’re looking at paying around €30 per day on the low end. More powerful scooters will cost even more, but you really don’t need any more power to get around Valencia.
Whenever renting a scooter, you should make sure that the price of helmet rental and insurance are included in the stated price. You should also inquire with your rental shop about weekly or monthly discounts if you plan on staying in Valencia for an extended period of time, as it could save you a considerable amount of money.
What Are the Best Things To Do in Valencia by Scooter?
Now that you know all the necessary information for hiring a scooter in Valencia, here are some of the best places to go in the city with your rented wheels:
City of the Arts and Sciences
The City of the Arts and Sciences is basically Valencia’s way of showing off how much they’ve been able to accomplish over their long history, and it’s really quite impressive. The futuristic architectural style of the structures and the reflecting pools that surround them gives the City of the Arts and Sciences an otherworldly quality that will boggle your mind. Inside the structures you can find IMAX theatres, amazing botanical gardens, and so much more.
The City of the Arts and Sciences is located about 15 minutes southwest from Valencia Old Town. There are several different buildings within the City and all of them have their own admission fees, so you can choose which exhibits you’re most interested in seeing and how much time you want to spend at each one.
La Lonja de la Seda
This structure, built between 1482 and 1533, was used as a silk exchange for many years and it demonstrates the power and wealth of Valencia during the 15th and 16th centuries. The building is considered a marvel of Gothic architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside, you can admire the twisted columns and vaulted ceiling, all while learning about the history of Valencia’s golden age.
Admission to La Lonja de la Seda is €2 every day of the week except Sunday, when admission is completely free. La Lonja de la Seda is located right in the heart of Old Town and is very easy to find, as there are many signs pointing to it.
Malvarrosa Beach
If you want to catch some sun, the best place to do so is on Malvarrosa Beach, Valencia’s most famous beach. The sand on Malvarrosa Beach is a surreal shade of gold and the waters are crystal-clear. There are also plenty of amenities for visitors such as lifeguard stands, showers, water fountains, ramps, and footpaths.
If you want to get something to eat or drink while you’re on Malvarrosa Beach, there is a long row of bars and restaurants just a short walk away. Malvarrosa Beach is located about a 25 minute drive to the east from Valencia Old Town. There is ample parking all around the beach.
Cruise Around Valencia on a Rental Scooter
With all the beautiful beaches and architectural marvels in Valencia, one of the best things to do while you’re there is simply rent a scooter and cruise around. You’ll surely be amazed by all the incredible castles, neoclassical monuments, and gorgeous sandy beaches you pass by.
Do you still have questions about scooter rentals in Valencia? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
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