Car Hire in Gerona (Girona): Great Value Wheels for the Costa Brava and Beyond

Bring the right documents: Carry your driving licence, passport/ID, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. If your licence is not in Roman characters, consider an International Driving Permit to avoid pick-up delays.

Choose a smaller car for village roads: Costa Brava towns and medieval centres often have tight streets and limited parking. A compact car is easier to manoeuvre and typically cheaper on fuel and tolls.

Plan fuel stops and understand station hours: Motorway service areas are straightforward, but rural stations can have limited hours or automated pumps. Keep at least a quarter tank when heading to Cap de Creus or the Pyrenees.

Account for slow coastal and mountain driving: Short distances can take longer on curvy roads around Begur, Cadaqués and the Pyrenees. Build in buffer time, especially in summer and on weekends.

Parking strategy saves time (and fines): Use public car parks on the edge of old towns (Girona, Besalú, Pals) and walk in. Watch for resident-only zones and timed blue zones; pay-and-display rules vary by town.

Check insurance excess and take photos at pick-up: Before leaving the depot, photograph all panels, wheels and the windscreen; repeat at return. Confirm the excess amount, glass/tyre coverage, and whether roadside assistance is included.

Understand deposits, fuel policy and tolls: Many rentals require a deposit hold on your card. Prefer a ‘full-to-full’ fuel policy. In Catalonia you may encounter tolled routes depending on direction—factor that into timing and costs.