Spain does not signpost parking zones as systematically as we are used to — the key information is the colour of the line marking the bay. The system is the same nationwide; only prices and hours vary.
What each colour means
Blue (zona azul) is paid parking open to anyone. Buy a ticket from the kerbside machine, usually 1 to 2 euros an hour, and display it on the dashboard. Charging hours are typically 9am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm on weekdays, Saturday mornings, free on Sundays — always check the machine. A white line means free parking with no time limit. Yellow means no stopping or a loading bay; do not park there even for five minutes. Green (zona verde) is for residents; visitors can usually park but at a much higher rate and for one or two hours only.
Being towed, and what it costs
Parking fines run from 30 to 200 euros depending on the town and the offence, halved if you pay within 20 days. Towing (grúa) costs 100 to 150 euros plus a daily fee at the pound. On top of that the rental company adds an administration charge for identifying the driver. If in doubt, pay for an underground car park — in city centres they cost 15 to 25 euros a day.
One last thing worth checking in advance: coastal hotels and apartments often do not include parking in the room rate and charge 10 to 20 euros a day for it. Confirm this before you book. Tell us where you will be staying in your enquiry and we will put the parking details straight into the offer.
