Almost all garages sell petrol at the maximum price permitted by the government. This can vary. As a general rule, most stations are self service. The exception is in some rural areas. Credit cards are universally accepted and tipping is not expected – regardless of what you might read in a guide book.

Spanish vehicle number plates feature the European logo (a circle of yellow stars on a blue background), above "E" for España (Spain), on the left-hand side of the plate. The format of the registration number itself comprises four numbers followed by three letters. They are sequential on a national (rather than regional) basis.

The National Traffic Authority in Spain is called the DGT – “Dirección General de Tráfico” and co-ordinates traffic across the country. The DGT’s website provides some information in English and is a good place to start looking for information about any official documents you would like to acquire, such as the Spanish point-based driver’s license.

All of the provincial capital cities of Andalucia are now linked by two lane fast motorways. The toll motorways are from Seville to Jerez (free of charge since the 1st of January 2020) and from Malaga to Marbella, from Marbella to Estepona and from Estepona to Sotogrande. The A-P46 Motorway from Malaga to Villanueva de Cauche on the A45 towards Antequera is also toll.

Motorcycle drivers must have the appropriate license and insurance at all times, and properly fitted helmets are compulsory on all bikes, even on small motorbikes under 50cc. These drivers are also required to follow all of the same rules set down for any other vehicle driver.

In addition to losing points from the point-based driving license, traffic law violators in Spain also receive fines. As a tourist or holidaymaker you will be asked to pay the fine on the spot. If you do not have the cash with you a traffic officer will accompany you to a cash point to withdraw the money, otherwise a friend or family member can bring themoney to you.

Depending on where you are coming from, drivers in Spain will seem either aggressive or polite! Visitors or new residents from countries where driving is more chaotic will probably be pleasantly surprised at the law and order on Spanish roads. However, those coming from North America or Northern European countries are often overwhelmed at first – particularly when they reach their first roundabout!

These are the most basic requirements for drivers on Spanish roads: Driving license, car document and insurance must be carried at all times. Seat belts are worn in front and back seats at all times. Blood alcohol levels must register less than 1.2mg/0.6ml of alcohol be in the blood. (This limit is lower than in many other countries and can be reached after consuming as little as one small glass of wine or beer).

In this section we have suggested some itineraries that you can use as a base for tours in Andalucia. These itineraries also link together many other information pages. As always the greatest problem is how to fit so much in a limited period of time and have a holiday as well rather than win an endurance award. You will need a good map.

Five excursions - Gibraltar and Los Barrios shopping, the Ruta del Toro to Jerez, Tarifa and the beaches and villages of the Costa de la Luz, Castillar, Jimena and inland villages and the Costa del Sol.