Set off on a journey through one of Spain’s most unspoiled and captivating coastal landscapes—the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in Almería. This rugged stretch of southeastern coastline is a rare gem, where volcanic cliffs, hidden coves, and shimmering turquoise waters meet desert-like plains and sleepy whitewashed village.
At 1,248 km in length, this huge highway from Cadiz to Barcelona was the longest road in Spain, The former N-340 coastal road was renumbered as the A-7 in the early 2000s and we have created a handy Conversion guide, just for you.
Torremolinos was the first town on the Costa del Sol to introduce a Low Emission Zone. This was on 1st January 2024 and covers a part pedestrian area of the historic town centre. it is now in force with fines being issued.
Granada Zone 1 ZBE came into force 1st October 2025 with fines being issued for vehicles entering Zone 1 without an eco-label (also called label A (see below)..
Malaga's ZBE (Low Emission Zone) will introduce fines from 30th November 2025 to vehicles entering zone without the correct exemptions.
Cordoba’s Low Emission Zone (ZBE) was introduced on 18 February 2023 and covers most of the city’s historic centre. It is effective all day, every day. Only vehicles with 0 and Eco stickers can enter, as well as residents, hotel guests, vehicles with PMR (disabled) permits, delivery drivers etc.
Seville is one of the many towns across Andalucia that are introducing ZBEs. The Seville Town Hall introduced the ZBE in January 2023, the first in Andalucia .
In December 2022, a new Spanish law came into force that requires towns and cities of a certain population to create low emission zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones, or ZBE) in their centres. This initiative is intended to help improve the air quality in towns and cities, and the health of their inhabitants.
The Marbella Town Hall approved provisionally the ordinance which required an air quality study which has ont been carried out. Marbella introduced sinage in December 2023 just ahead of the end of year deadline. As of July 2025 the ZBE is still in provisionial phase. A vehicle entering without a sticker might receive a warning but not a fine.
The Estepona Town Hall approved this ordinance on 19 January 2023, and a timscale for phased introduction was published (see below). However no signs have been introduced (as October 2025) which are required to enforse the ZBE.
At 1,248 km in length, this huge highway from Cadiz to Barcelona was the longest road in Spain. It is colloquially known as the Spanish Route 66, and many have travelled the entire route and written about their adventure.
Much has been written about the Osborne bulls, large black sherry advertisements which you may well have seen by the roadside all around Spain. Another, less well-known but equally classic, advertisement that has become a historic and cultural element is "Nitrato de Chile".
You may have noticed while driving around Andalucia a number of small, solid-looking, single-storey stone buildings beside the road, often with a distinctive station platform-style terrace in front, and often with large stone block castellated corners, pitched roof and two chimneys.
You may have noticed old concrete milestones by the side of Andalucian roads - local and national, not motorways. While most of these were replaced long ago by painted metal signs, a few still remain, reminders of a bygone age of road travel.
All the town of Andalucia are linked by national ( N-340) (Red Signage) or Andalucia ( A-346) (Green sinage) roads. There are still some smaller provincial roads (MA-2547) (Yellow signage) and even smaller comarcal roads (C-4568)(Green Signage).
All it takes is a drive across Spain to see the legendary brandy advertisement that has become a symbol of Spanish culture both here at home and abroad. The Osborne Bull is the black silhouette of bull that stands on hilltops and along the roadside in many – but not all – parts of Spain.
Lookout for specific speed limits. These will be signed but if you are driving across country you may forget the specific limit applies. Tunnels and underpass even on motorways will be limited to 80 or 100 km/h. Sharp bends will be signed, cross country roads passing through villages will be 50km/hr or road intersections 80km/hr.
The main motorways in Spain are generally well signed. However, if you are unfamiliar with Spanish geography, you’d best travel with a good road map. This is because signs will indicate the next large town or city but may not direct you to major cities until you are relatively close.
GPS works well throughout Andalucia, but there is no substitute for a good road map, the most highly recommended is the Michelin 446 of Southern Spain.
Most Spanish petrol stations sell petrol at the maximum price permitted by the government, are self-service, except in some rural areas and accept credit card.
