Frequently Asked Questions

November, January and March tend to be the cheapest months, with economy cars from Alicante Airport running roughly EUR 10-20 a day in low season. July is usually the most expensive month of the year.

In winter, booking a week or two ahead is often enough since fleets have more spare capacity. For summer or Easter travel, booking 2-3 months in advance is a safer approach, especially for an automatic transmission.

It depends on what is included. Local all-inclusive firms often bundle zero-excess cover into a mid-range rate, while budget airport brands post lower headline prices but tend to add more at the counter. Comparing the final total, not just the daily rate, gives a fairer picture.

Some local firms accept a debit card when the renter takes their zero-excess cover option. Most international chains require a credit card in the main driver's name, so it is worth checking the specific operator's policy before booking.

Deposit holds typically run roughly EUR 700-2000 depending on the car class and operator. Local zero-excess specialists often waive the deposit entirely, while standard CDW cover from larger chains usually comes with a hold at the higher end of that range.

Full-to-empty policies charge for a full tank up front regardless of how much fuel is actually used on return. Choosing full-to-full instead and refueling near the airport before drop-off, while keeping the receipt, generally avoids paying for fuel never burned.

Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls are the most popular inland trips, both under 40 minutes away. Along the coast, Calpe and its Penon de Ifach, plus Javea's coves, are common choices, while Alicante and Valencia work as longer, fuller day trips for travelers with more time.

The TRAM Line 9 covers coastal towns like Benidorm, Calpe, and Denia reasonably well. It does not reach inland sights such as Guadalest, the Algar Waterfalls, or Sierra de Bernia, so a car is necessary for those routes.

Yes. The natural park itself is free to enter, but climbing to the summit requires a free advance online permit, limited to around 300 visitors per day and bookable up to 10 days ahead. Without it, access to the summit trail is not guaranteed.

Guadalest is about 22-25 km from Altea, roughly a 30-40 minute drive via the CV-70 and CV-755. Parking near the village costs around EUR 2 per day but tends to fill before 11:00 in high season.

The Algar Waterfalls, about 15 km inland, have river pools that are open for swimming, though the water stays cold year-round. Along the coast, Javea's Cala Granadella is frequently rated among Spain's most beautiful coves, and Calpe and Benidorm both have sandy beaches closer to Altea.

Valencia is about 130 km away, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes each way via the toll-free AP-7. It's doable as a day trip, but the round-trip drive time means it works best when you plan to spend a full day there rather than combining it with another stop.

No. The AP-7/A-7 coastal motorway past Altea has been toll-free since the AUMAR concession expired on 1 January 2020. It remains a dual carriageway rated for 120 km/h and is generally the fastest route along the coast.

Limits step down with road type: 120 km/h on motorways, 90 on conventional roads, 50 in urban areas, 30 on single-lane urban streets, and 20 on shared pedestrian streets. On conventional roads the limit typically drops to around 80 km/h when it is raining.

From 1 January 2026, Spanish-registered vehicles must carry a connected V-16 emergency beacon in place of the older warning triangles. It is worth confirming at pickup that the rental car has one in the glovebox, since it reports your location automatically if you break down.

Driving into the old town itself is not practical given the steep, largely pedestrian lanes. Park at a free lot such as Basseta / Cami de l'Algar, Foietes or near the TRAM station, or use a paid underground option like Plaza del Ayuntamiento, then walk up.

Fuel is priced at mainland Spanish rates, with unleaded typically around EUR 1.45-1.55 per litre and diesel about EUR 1.50-1.60. Low-cost chains such as Plenergy, Petroprix and BonArea are usually 10-15 cents cheaper, though prices shift with wider market movements.

No. The CV-70 and CV-755 inland roads to both destinations are fully paved, though narrow with hairpin bends in places. A standard rental car handles them fine; the main requirement is a cautious pace rather than four-wheel drive.

No. Altea has essentially no walk-in rental counter in town. Most visitors collect a car at Alicante Airport, roughly 60-66 km south, or arrange delivery from a regional firm directly to their hotel or villa.

It is roughly 60-66 km, typically a 45-55 minute drive via the toll-free AP-7 motorway, depending on traffic and the exact pickup point.

Low season, from November through February, typically has the cheapest economy rates, around EUR 10-20 per day at the airport. Shoulder months such as March-May and October offer a middle ground before July-August peak pricing takes hold.

EU/EEA and UK photocard licences do not need one. US, Canadian and Australian drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence, since some rental desks request it.

Standard CDW typically excludes tyres, glass, the undercarriage, the roof and interior damage, and still leaves an excess of roughly EUR 800-2000. A zero-excess upgrade generally closes these gaps.

From 1 January 2026, Spanish-registered cars must carry a connected V-16 emergency beacon instead of the previous warning triangle. It is worth checking the glovebox at pickup to confirm the rental car is equipped.