Car Rental - Algeciras
One of the most important ports in Europe, Algeciras is located on the Bay of Gibraltar in southern Spain. It’s a key crossing point between Europe and Africa, with direct links by ferry to Morocco.
Algeciras is a transport hub and industrial city, a popular stopping point for passengers travelling to Tangier and other resorts. Its proximity to North Africa means there are strong Arabic influences, and even a Moroccan quarter with traditional bakeries and teashops serving mint tea. The city also has several quiet, peaceful parks and tree-lined plazas where you can find peace and serenity.
Whether the city is a stopping point on your journey or you’re just beginning your visit to Spain, car rental in Algeciras is a great way to get around. You’ll find our pick-up point at the NH Algeciras Suites Hotel, with easy routes into the city and other resorts nearby.
Algeciras Locations
A Quick Guide to Algeciras
Many people visit Algeciras en route to another destination, but the city is also a great place to spend a day or two. You also have the freedom to explore with your Algeciras car rental to other destinations nearby, including Gibraltar and Cádiz.
Understated Charm
Algeciras may not compete with Spain’s big hitters in terms of touristic chops, but it does have many charming areas. You can stroll around its traditional Moroccan quarter, visit the quiet parks and stop off in the old town’s Plaza Alta, a pretty square that’s great for people watching. As a working port city, it has an authentic feel you might not find elsewhere on this coast. If you’re visiting in the summer, you may see crowds of workers travelling home to Morocco from countries such as France and Belgium.
You’ll also find a number of traditional restaurants, several of which offer great views of the Rock of Gibraltar. Aside from being an important port, Algeciras’s other claim to fame is that it’s the birthplace of renowned flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía. The legendary musician was born here in 1947 and today, there’s a self-guided tour where you can explore local landmarks associated with his life and work.
Cultural Cádiz
Just over an hour’s drive in your Algeciras car rental lies the port city of Cádiz on the Atlantic coast. Perhaps the city’s most famous attraction is its cathedral, crowned with a golden dome which glints in the almost constant sun. The admission price allows access to the east tower and you can also admire the high altar and choir stalls inside this impressive building, which combines a mix of Baroque and neoclassical styles.
For food fans, the local dish of Cádiz is deep-fried fish that you can order at several cafés – or freidurías - throughout the city. Head to the central market, where you’ll find a vast array of seafood stalls on offer, many serving the rich rice dish called arroz marineros.
Sunshine Chic
Around an hour’s drive from Algeciras in your car rental, you’ll find a very different type of city. Lying on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol is glamorous Marbella, a great resort for sightseeing or sunbathing. With its genteel old town and glorious weather, it’s a buzzing destination.
One of the main tourist areas is the ‘Golden Mile’, lined with bars, hotels and restaurants that stretch all the way down to the marina at Puerto Banus, a scenic area filled with luxury yachts. This part of the city also has many designer stores selling clothes and jewelry, along with some smaller boutique stores.
Away from the seafront, one of the most interesting places in Marbella is its old town. It has two historical quarters - Barrio Alto and Barrio Nuevo – where you can still see the original layout dating back to the 16th century.
Today, there are many boutiques and cafes here, with the Plaza de los Naranjos right at its heart. In the evening you can watch flamenco performers as they entertain the crowds. Marbella is easily accessible by car, and renting a vehicle in Algeciras for your visit makes it possible to visit this and many other superb Spanish attractions along the coast.
Driving In and Around Algeciras
Renting a car at Algeciras is a great way to start exploring the Andalusian region. As you’d expect from a major port city, it has excellent road links and is close to many key points of interest along the southern coast of Spain.
Jump in your Algeciras car rental and, in 30 minutes, you’ll be at Gibraltar, on the other side of the bay via the Autovía A-7, also known as the Autovía del Mediterráneo. This British territory is technically not part of Spain, so you’ll find border controls in place. You can also follow the A-7 further along the coast to reach Marbella, a popular resort with sandy beaches, water parks and golf courses.
Just over half an hour away from Algeciras - along the A-381 - you’ll find Los Alcornocales Natural Park, famous for its cork oak groves and scenic forest hiking trails. Following the A-381 further to the west will take you to Cádiz, a historic and gorgeous port city on the Atlantic coast.
Renting a car in Algeciras a great way to get around Spain, with roads connecting many places that may not be accessible by public transport. There are two types of motorway – Autopistas, which are designated by the letters AP and often have toll booths, and Autovías, usually designated by the letter A. The speed limit on Spanish freeways is 120 km/h (75 mph), dropping to 50 km/h (30 mph) in most built-up areas.
If you’re renting a car at Algeciras, you’ll drive on the same side of the road – the right – as at home, while seatbelts must be worn by all passengers and the driver. Cars are required by law to carry reflective jackets and warning triangles, along with several other safety items. All our Algeciras car rentals are equipped with everything you need to get on the road and enjoy the rest of your stay.
