Motorhome hire in Alicante: the complete guide

Alicante is one of the easiest places in Europe to start a motorhome trip. You fly into a busy international airport, the coast runs both ways and the sun shines for most of the year. Here's how it works with OneVan, from landing to handing back the keys.

We're a small local hire company with 7 motorhomes of our own, based in San Juan de Alicante. You deal directly with Isaac, the owner, not a call centre.

Why start your trip in Alicante

• Easy to reach. Alicante-Elche airport has flights from across the UK and Europe.
• Reliable sunshine. According to AEMET, Spain's national weather service, Alicante averages around 2,850 hours of sunshine a year. In January the average daytime high is about 17 °C.
• Plenty on the doorstep. Santa Pola, Elche and Benidorm are all under an hour from our base.
• Room to roam. Head south to Andalucía, north to Valencia or west into Portugal.

Getting from the airport to our base

Our base is at Calle Sierra del Maigmo 2, 03550 San Juan de Alicante. It's about 25 km from the airport, roughly 25 minutes by car.

The two easiest ways to get there:

• Taxi or ride-hailing app from the terminal. The simplest option with luggage: about 25 minutes door to door.
• The C-6 bus to Alicante city centre. It takes around 20–30 minutes. From the centre it's another 10 km or so to the base, best done by taxi.

Want an airport pick-up? Ask when you book and we'll tell you what's possible for your day and time. If you're driving down instead, you can leave your car at our base while you travel.

There's more detail on our Alicante airport page.

Timing your flights

• Collection from 4 pm, Monday to Saturday. We don't hand over motorhomes on Sundays.
• Return by 12 noon. In July and August, returns aren't possible on Sundays either.

Landing in the morning? Have lunch in Alicante or a swim at San Juan beach, then collect in the afternoon. On your last day, return in the morning and book a mid-afternoon flight home.

What you need to hire

• To be 25 or over.
• A full category B car licence, held for at least 2 years.
• Your original passport or national ID card on the day.
• A credit or debit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.

All our motorhomes are under 3,500 kg, so you drive them on a standard car licence. If you're not sure about your licence, ask us before you book.

One thing for UK drivers: Spain drives on the right. Take the first hour gently, on the motorway, and it soon feels natural.

Prices and how you pay

Prices start at €99 a night, depending on the motorhome and the season. Summer, Christmas and Spanish bank-holiday weekends carry a seasonal supplement.

Every hire includes:

• 200 km per night on hires of up to 6 nights, and 300 km per night from 7 nights.
• Fully comprehensive insurance with OneVaner Cover and a €900 excess.
• 24-hour roadside assistance.
• The €35 final clean, already in your total.
• Full water and gas tanks and a fully kitted-out kitchen.
• A route made for you: just ask for it whenever you like.

You pay the full amount when you book, in one card payment. On the day you collect, a €900 security deposit is requested on a credit or debit card, and it's returned at the end of your hire if there are no issues.

Fuel, bedding (€35 per set) and any extras you choose are on top. If you drive more than the included mileage, extra kilometres cost €0.25/km on return, or €0.20/km if you buy them when you book.

Stay 7 nights or more and you get 10% off; 14 nights or more, 20% off. It's all laid out on our prices page.

Routes near Alicante

The southern Costa Blanca: your first night

If you collect at 4 pm, there's no need to go far. Santa Pola is about 35 km from our base, with salt flats full of flamingos, a working fishing port and long sandy beaches. Next morning, hop on the boat to Tabarca, the only inhabited island in the Valencia region and a protected marine reserve.

Carry on south to Guardamar del Segura for dunes and a pine forest right by the sea. On the way, stop in Elche, whose Palm Grove is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The northern Costa Blanca: coves and white villages

Head north for Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Jávea and Dénia. This is the stretch for hidden coves, cliffs and whitewashed old towns. It's quieter outside July and August.

Further afield: Andalucía and Portugal

With a week or more, you can drive down through Murcia to Cabo de Gata in Almería, then on to Andalucía and Portugal. From 7 nights you get 300 km per night included, which covers a long trip.

You're welcome to leave Spain and take the motorhome on a ferry, as long as your destination is in the EU, such as the Balearic Islands.

When to go

• Spring (March to June): mild temperatures and fewer people. Ideal for mixing coast and countryside.
• Summer (July and August): heat, beaches and a lively atmosphere. Book early, and remember there are no Sunday returns.
• Autumn (September and October): the sea is still pleasant for a swim and the roads go quiet.
• Winter (November to February): sunny, mild days, perfect for longer trips.

Winter sun in a motorhome

Escaping a grey British winter? With average highs of around 17 °C in January, lunch outside is on the cards most winter days.

For longer stays we offer the Winter month: 28 nights or more, starting between 1 November and 21 February, with 25% off. It includes a free check-up at our base every 4 weeks.

You could base yourself at a long-stay campsite and take day trips along the Costa Blanca, or head south towards Andalucía and Portugal. Every motorhome has heating and hot water.

Where to stay overnight, and the rules

In Spain you can park a motorhome anywhere a car can park and sleep inside. The rule is that it mustn't take up more space than the vehicle itself: no awning, tables or chairs outside, and never empty waste water in the street.

Local councils can restrict parking with signs, so always follow them. To fill up with water, empty your tanks and hook up to electricity, use a campsite or a motorhome aire.

Tips for your first trip

• Pack soft bags rather than hard suitcases: they fit much better in the lockers.
• Keep your first night close. That way you're not driving in the dark on day one.
• Mind the height and length. Old streets, petrol stations and car parks with height barriers need care.
• Bring it back with a full tank. Otherwise we charge the refuel plus a €15 handling fee.
• Ask for your route. It's included: tell us how many days you have and what you enjoy.

When you're ready, choose your motorhome and dates on our fleet page. If your dates are flexible, have a look at our last-minute deals.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hire a motorhome in Alicante with a UK driving licence?

You need a full category B licence held for at least 2 years, and you must be 25 or over. If you have any doubts about your licence, ask us before booking.

Is there a security deposit?

Yes. €900 is requested when you collect the motorhome, on a credit or debit card in the driver's name. It's returned at the end of your hire if there are no issues.

Do you pick up from Alicante airport?

Ask us and we'll explain the options. Our base is about 25 minutes from the airport by taxi.

When is the best time for a motorhome trip around Alicante?

Spring and autumn for coast and countryside without the crowds. Winter for long stays in the sun: the Winter month gives you 25% off from 28 nights.