People fall for Spain for all sorts of reasons. The old architecture that somehow still looks the part after a few centuries. That easy Mediterranean pace. The food. The wine. Landscapes that shift from desert to green coast in the space of an afternoon. If you're planning a trip and can't quite work out how to get around once you land, stick with me. This is a practical guide to renting a car so you actually get to see the good stuff.

Why bother with a car?

Honestly, a rental car changes the whole trip. You get to the landmarks, sure, but you also get everything in between them, which is often where Spain is at its best. It's handy too if you're basing yourself somewhere rural, or somewhere the buses only turn up twice a day (this happens more than you'd think). And if there's a few of you splitting the cost, it can work out cheaper than fistfuls of train and taxi fares. Whatever's pushing you towards a rental, do the boring bit first: shop around and compare prices before you commit.

How renting actually works in Spain

A car gives you the run of the place at your own speed, and it opens up the remote corners that public transport more or less ignores. Here's the stuff worth knowing before you book:

1. You'll need a valid driver's license from your home country.

2. Bring your passport too. They'll ask for it as ID when you collect the car.

3. Most companies want you to be at least 25. A few will bend that for drivers aged 21 to 24 who've got a clean record, so it's worth asking if you're in that bracket.

4. Book ahead. Really, do it in advance, especially in summer when everyone else has had the same idea.

5. When you pick the car up, walk around it and check for damage. Anything you spot, flag it to the rep there and then.

6. Get your head around Spain's traffic laws, which don't always match what you're used to at home. For one, you can't turn right on a red.

Where to point the car once you've got it

Spain is big, and it's varied, and there's a frankly ridiculous amount to see. Driving is the way to get to most of it. A few places I'd put near the top of the list:

1. Barcelona – gorgeous city, endless to do. Having wheels makes the sights far easier to string together.

2. Madrid – the capital, and it earns its keep. Big, spread out, and a lot easier to cover when you're not waiting on the metro to reach the outer bits.

3. Valencia – sits right on the Mediterranean, and it's a lovely one. Having the car means the beaches south of town are actually within reach.

4. Seville – down in the south, and one of my favourites. A rental makes getting round it a breeze.

5. Granada – also in the south, and worth every minute of the detour to get there. The Alhambra alone justifies the drive.

A few things to keep in mind behind the wheel

Spain's a brilliant country to drive through, and getting out on the road is a lovely way to see it. That said, a handful of things are worth filing away before you set off.

First, the traffic rules. Cars drive on the right here, and some of the signs and signals won't be quite what you know from home. Learn the local rules before you turn the key.

Second, keep an eye out for pedestrians. In a lot of Spanish cities they've got right of way, so give way when someone's crossing.

And third, watch out for pickpockets. Petty crime is fairly common, unfortunately, so keep your valuables close and stay switched on to what's going on around you.

None of it is complicated. Just worth knowing before you're already out there.

Keeping the trip stress-free

A few small habits go a long way towards a smooth rental. Read the agreement properly before you sign it. I know, nobody wants to, but understand the terms, and pay attention to the fine print on mileage and insurance in particular.

Ringing ahead to reserve is a smart move too. That way the car you actually want is waiting for you rather than whatever's left on the lot. And when you collect it, go over it carefully for damage. Spot anything and point it out to the agent so it gets noted on your contract.

Last thing: drive sensibly. Stick to the local laws and don't take chances that could hurt you or wreck the car. Boring advice, but it's the stuff that keeps a trip from going sideways.

The case for driving in Spain

Spain's a big place with a lot packed into it. Public transport will get you to the major cities and the headline attractions, no problem. But a car is what lets you see the rest. You set the pace, and you can pull over whenever something catches your eye.

Renting is straightforward, and there's no shortage of companies competing for your business. Compare the rates, pick the car that suits you, and get familiar with the local traffic laws before you drive off, since they may not match what you're used to.

Once the keys are in your hand, the whole country opens up. Winding coast roads, the odd village that never makes the guidebooks, a long lazy drive through the countryside with nowhere you have to be. That's the part you'd miss on a train.

Where to pick up a rental

Plenty of solid options out there. Need a little runaround for the city, or something bigger for a proper road trip? Either way you're covered. A few names worth a look:

-Avis: locations dotted all over Spain, so there's usually one close by. Wide range of cars, so you'll find something that fits.

-Budget: another reliable choice, branches across the country, and usually a bit friendlier on price if you're watching the budget (the name's not an accident).

-Europcar: worth a look too. The European branches tend to have the newer stock, for what that's worth.

What to watch for when you rent

Road-tripping across the country or just grabbing a car for a couple of days, a few things are worth checking either way. Some tips to keep it smooth:

-Know what insurance you've got and what the contract actually covers. Being underinsured when something goes wrong is a miserable surprise you can easily avoid.

-Read the conditions properly, mileage limits included, plus any charges for bringing the car back early or picking it up late.

-Have a valid license and a credit card ready at pickup. Some places will also want a deposit.

-Learn the rules of the road. In Spain, like most places, you give way to oncoming traffic when turning right at a junction. Brush up on the other common driving regs before you set off.

Tick those off and there's not much left that can trip you up.

One last word

Renting a car really is one of the best ways to see Spain on your own terms. There's so much worth stopping for, and having your own set of wheels makes all of it easier. Just do a bit of homework, go with a company you trust, and, obviously, drive safely out there.