Parking in Spain

Informartion about parking in the area of the Costa Tropical and Nerja in Spain.

Park smart in Spain

We understand all too well that parking in Spain can sometimes be a little puzzle, especially if you are not familiar with the local rules. Those color codes and regulations can sometimes be quite confusing, right? Not to worry, we've got your back! This handy page is just for you, whether you're a proud Dutchman or Belgian. We want to make sure you can park your car without worry and not encounter any unexpected fines. So, let's get those parking problems out of the way!

General guidelines for parking in Spain

Spain generally has similar parking rules to other European countries. Here are some general guidelines you can follow:

Blue and orange striped lines

The zone with blue and orange stripes refers to a specific area where special parking regulations apply. These areas are marked with both blue and orange stripes to indicate that specific parking rules apply here that differ from the regular blue zones. The parking rules of blue and orange stripes basically only apply during Summer and Semana Santa. The meaning of these color codes may vary depending on local regulations. In this case, for example, it may indicate that paid parking applies here, but the exact rules may be specific to this area and may differ from the standard blue zones. It is always wise to consult local signs and regulations locally to understand exactly what the blue and orange stripes mean in this particular context.

Blue Zone (Zona Azul)

This means that you are in a paid parking zone, where parking is regulated throughout the calendar year, with fixed dates and times. You may park here for a maximum of 2 hours, and this is valid Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Be sure to buy a parking ticket at a parking machine and place it clearly visible in your car. Keep in mind that parking hours are usually limited and this is usually indicated.

Yellow Zone (Zona Amarilla)

This marking indicates that parking is prohibited, usually for certain times or specific categories of vehicles.

White Lines

This means that parking is allowed, but local restrictions may apply. Always check for signs indicating specific restrictions.

Parking rules on the Costa Tropical

The Costa Tropical is a coastal area in the province of Granada, Andalusia. It is important to know that specific parking regulations can vary depending on the municipality and city you are in. In tourist areas, you will often find paid parking options such as parking garages and lots.

Local information and signs

Always remember that local information and signs guide the most current parking regulations. Traffic laws can change over time and can also vary between different regions in Spain. That way you can enjoy your time here worry-free!

Parking in a garage underground

When it comes to underground parking, you have flexibility and convenience at your fingertips. In these garages, you pay according to the time you spend there. The great thing is that most of these garages are open 24/7, so you don't have to return to your car in a hurry. Whether you want to park for just an hour, a day, a week or even a month, it's all possible. Don't hesitate to get in touch with the garage manager for more details. Sometimes you will come across signs with the word "Libre." Although this translates as "Free" in English, it actually means available and free parking spaces. In Spain, "Free" equals really free, without any payment. For those who park regularly, there are options for weekly, monthly and even a so-called "annual" parking pass. Note that this "annual" pass is actually valid for 10 months, from September to June. A slightly higher monthly rate applies for July and August, the high season. It is estimated that the 10-month pass costs about €500, while the monthly pass is around €70. Be aware that these are only estimated prices and may vary slightly. For the most accurate information, we recommend contacting the parking garages directly. You will recognize them on the map by the letter "P".

Parking fine in Spain

Just a little hiccup in your adventure? No worries, we've all experienced it. Just stay calm and embrace that laid-back Spanish mentality. Now, that fine seems pretty high at first glance, but if you look closely, you'll see that it's actually a modest amount, about 3 euros or thereabouts. But there's a catch: you have to pay this amount within a few hours. Do you wait longer? Then the amount goes up. But how do you actually arrange this payment? If there is a parking attendant nearby, feel free to walk up to him and hand him your fine. Payment can often be made by pin or cash. Should you have already bought a parking ticket from the parking attendant? Sometimes yes, so just pay attention. If there is no parking attendant nearby, look for the parking ticket machine. There is a code on the fine. Enter it on the machine and voila, the fine is paid.