Renting a car and driving is easily the best way to see France. This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about driving in France. That way, you can rent a car and enjoy your holiday traveling around France with maximum peace of mind.
To keep things simple, we’ve divided this guide into the following sections:
Simply because you are a tourist does not mean you should drive recklessly. Respecting traffic laws applies to both citizens and tourists, and understanding the various legal requirements will save you from a lot of trouble in France.
First, in France, the driver and steering wheel is on the left side, but people drive on the right side of the road. So if in your country drivers keep right, this will be the first confusing part of driving in France.
Do You Need An International Driving Permit In France
No! You can use your home country license to drive in France as long as you are a tourist and thus don’t intend to stay for a long time in France. Additionally, you must be over 18 years, and the license must be in the Roman alphabet. So if your country issues driving licenses to people under the age of 18, you cannot drive a car in France, but you are allowed to drive a scooter or a small motorbike.
Here are other legal requirements you need to observe when driving in France.
Speed Limits
Type of Road
Maximum Speed (km/h)
Main Roads within city limits
50
Main Roads outside city limits
80
Two-lane expressways
110
Highway
130
Alcohol Limit
In France, you are arrested with a BAC of 0.05% or o.5g/l.
If you are a new driver i.e. you have had your license for less than three years, the limit is 0.2g/l.
Never drink and drive.
Speeding Fines
Here are penalties you can face for breaking driving laws in France:
French traffic authorities can impose on-the-spot fines of up to 750 euros
You can pay anywhere between 11 and 750 euros for breaking traffic laws. The amount can be reduced if you pay on time and increased if you are late.
Your vehicle can be confiscated for serious traffic offenses such as:
Hit and run
Refusing to stop when a traffic officer stops you
Driving without a license
Driving without insurance
Being caught repeatedly for driving under the influence
What You need when Driving in France
A valid driving license is a must-have, no matter the country you’re in. However, there are other things you must have when driving in France, which are not all standard requirements in other countries:
Reflective jackets, one for each occupant, and they must be within easy reach
Warning triangle
breathalyzer/alcohol test
A spare bulb kit
Snow chains in some areas, especially during winter
Check your rental car, it should be equipped with all the necessary items listed above.
If you are on a road trip and intend to enter France by car, you can not carry meat, milk, or other dairy products brought in from outside the European Union.
Is Driving in France Safe
In general, France is perfectly safe to be discovered by car. Remember to stay alert and vigilant, just as you would in any other place around the world.
Remember to follow the traffic laws so that you don’t risk ruining your vacation with a hefty speeding ticket.
Driving In France- Key Tips
Holidays are for fun and creating beautiful memories, whether you are alone with friends or family. Nothing dampens the holiday spirit like being pulled over by police, arrested, or fined.
So here are essential things you should know before renting a car in France.
Hands-Free and Bluetooth Devices
France has banned the use of mobile phones, Bluetooth, and hands-free devices. Keep your mobile phone away as you drive.
Road Tolls
If you intend to stick to city limits, you are safe. However, once you are out of the city limits, the major highways are toll roads, and they are marked by blue and white signs.
You pick a toll ticket when you enter the toll portion of the highway, and you will pay at the exit. Toll roads are paid by the kilometer so make sure you include these when budgeting your road trip.
Speed Camera Detectors
Speed camera detectors alert you when you are speeding so that you can slow down. But you will have to do without them when driving on French roads. If your navigation system comes with speed camera detectors, you will have to disable them unless you are ready to pay a €1500 fine.
Clean Air Sticker
Each country has set its own rules and regulations on pollution, and French is no different. Some French cities have adopted clean air zones, and unless your car displays a clean air sticker, you may not be allowed to drive through these cities. If you are caught inside the zone without one, you will pay a fine of 64 euros.
To drive freely through the clean air zone, ensure you get a clean air sticker online by entering your vehicle’s details. The categories of vehicles that can enter clean air zones vary from city to city, so make sure you start this process before your holiday starts. That way you will organize your trip and sightseeing based on the cities you can enter with your car.
Bonus- Rent A Car In France
Looking for a rental car in France? We’ve got you covered!
Head over to Rentalmoose and find your perfect rental car for your trip to France. Browse through over 15 000 locations worldwide, pick from a selection of trusted suppliers, and choose from thousands of different vehicles.
We plant a tree for every booking made with our platform. Reduce your carbon footprint when renting a car with Rentalmoose.
Spain is the ideal destination to discover by car. Before setting off in this exciting country, make sure you know all the regulations and rules of the road! This is your definitive guide to driving in Spain for both first-timers and experienced travelers.
Our guide covers anything from the basic legal requirements all the way to unspoken rules of the road only the locals know about. You can click any of the bullet points below to quickly jump to each blog post section.
You need to be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Spain. Note that all drivers must hold a valid driving license. Depending on where you are from, you may need an International Driving Permit as well.
Do You Need An International Driving Permit In Spain?
Yes, you do need an International Driving Permit to drive in Spain if your driving license was issued outside of the European Union. This means that travelers from countries such as the US, the UK, or Australia will need to get an IDP to drive in Spain.
If you have a driving license issued in a country that’s part of the EU, you do not need an IDP.
Tourists can use an International Driving Permit for up to 12 months in Spain. Remember that an IDP is only a translation of your original driving license. It is only valid when accompanied by your original driving license.
Speed Limits In Spain
Road Type
Maximum speed (km/h)
Residential Area
20km/h
Built-up Area
50km/h
Outside Cities
70-100km/h
Highways
90-120km/h
The speed limits above generally apply to most roads in Spain, unless road signs enforce a different speed limit.
Note that the speed limit on every road type is decreased to 50km/h whenever the visibility drops below 50 meters. This rarely happens, but can be caused by extreme weather conditions such as snow, fog, or heavy rainfall.
Rules Of The Road In Spain
General Rules and Regulations
You must hold a valid driving license, and an IDP if necessary, to drive a car in Spain.
Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
All occupants must have their seatbelts fastened at all times.
Drinking and driving is a crime. The maximum blood alcohol levels may not exceed 0.5g/l, or 0.25mg/l when tested with a breathalyzer. Never drink and drive.
Child Seats
Children under 135cm tall cannot ride in the front seat of a car. Additionally, they must travel in an approved child restraint, child seat, or booster seat that’s appropriate to their size.
Use of Mobile Phones
It is illegal to use a mobile phone without a hands-free kit. Texting and driving, driving with an earpiece or headphones are all traffic violations that are strictly enforced. Do not use your phone while driving in Spain, keep both hands on the wheel and focus on the road.
Overtaking and Using The Left Lane
You may only overtake on the left side. This applies to all road types, from multi-lane roads in cities to highways.
Stick to the right lane when driving on a highway. Only use the left lane to overtake slower traffic.
Right of Way
Generally speaking, the car on your right-hand side has the right of way at an intersection. Naturally, this rule only applies if there are no stop, yield signs, or traffic lights that would indicate otherwise.
Turning Right On Red
This may come as a shock to drivers coming from countries where turning right at a red light is allowed. Turning right on red is forbidden all across Europe. Some countries may have arrows next to the lights (either green or flashing yellow, depending on the country) that indicate when turning right is allowed, though.
Speeding Tickets
You will be required to pay for any traffic violations on the spot if caught red-handed. In addition, the police may impound your vehicle if you are unable to pay the speeding ticket on the spot. You will receive the vehicle back once the ticket has been settled.
For maximum peace of mind, it’s best to stick to the speed limits when driving in Spain.
Toll Roads In Spain
Most of the roads throughout Spain can be driven on for free. However, there are some paid highways and toll roads scattered around the country. The following Spanish highways are toll roads:
AP-51 from Villacastin to Avila
AP-6 from Villalba to Adanero
AP-61 from San Rafael to Segovia
AP-68 from Bilbao to Zaragoza
AP-71 from Leon to Astorga
C-32 from Castelldefels to El Vendrell
You can check out the current fees for each one of these Spanish toll roads on this website.
Local Tips For Tourists Driving In Spain
Hazard Lights On Highways
This is good practice, no matter the country you’re driving in. Turn on your car’s hazard lights when approaching a traffic jam on a highway or expressway. That way, the drivers behind you will know to slow down in time.
Driving On Roundabouts
Pay attention when approaching a roundabout in Spain, especially in busy areas.
Unnecessary Use of The Horn
Excessive and unnecessary use of the horn is not only annoying but also forbidden by law. Drivers who honk for no reason can receive a penalty.
Paid Parking In Cities
Look out for parking meters, especially in large cities. Many areas require payment to park, even on-street spots. Trying to find a parking space in Madrid or Barcelona can be a stressful and chaotic experience. You may want to look for paid parking lots ahead of time.
You cannot park within 5 meters of an intersection or a bend. Otherwise, the vehicle may be towed at your expense.
Bonus- Rent A Car in Spain
Looking for a rental car in Spain? We’ve got you covered!
Head over to Rentalmoose and find your perfect rental car for your trip to Spain. Browse through over 15 000 locations worldwide, pick from a selection of trusted suppliers, and choose from thousands of different vehicles.
We plant a tree for every booking made with our platform. Reduce your carbon footprint when renting a car with Rentalmoose.
Driving in Greece for the first time can seem a little overwhelming, even for tourists visiting from neighboring countries. Some of the local traffic laws and regulations aren’t as common as you may think. That’s why it’s best to come prepared. We’re here to help! Check out all you need to know about driving as a tourist in Greece.
For maximum convenience, this blog post is divided into the following parts (click the links to quickly jump to each section)
Looking for more travel inspiration? While you’re at it, check out some of our top hand-picked destinations around Greece, perfect for your next holiday.
Tourists Driving in Greece- Legal Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving license to drive in Greece. The driver must also have their ID or passport, depending on the country they’re coming from.
Always make sure that all the required paperwork is in order before getting behind the wheel. If not, you risk losing all insurance in case of a collision.
Note that an International Driving Permit may be required, depending on where you’re coming from. More on that below.
Do You Need An International Driving Permit in Greece?
Yes, you do need an international driving permit to drive in Greece.
Unless your driving license was issued in EU and EEA countries. If not, you will need to get an IDP to legally drive a car in Greece.
An International Driving Permit is essentially a translation of your domestic license. Note that it has to be presented alongside your original state-issued license to be valid.
While many local rental agencies throughout Greece will accept foreign licenses without an IDP, this process is not lawful. Driving in Greece without an International Driving Permit (except for those issued in EU and EEA countries) can land you in quite a bit of trouble.
Speed Limits in Greece
Below you’ll find the standard speed limits. Follow them, unless signs state otherwise.
Urban Areas- 50km/h (30mph)
Outside Urban Areas- 90-110km/h (55-70mph)
Motorways- 120km/h (75mph)
Think twice before speeding in Greece! Violations up to 20km/h over the limit are subject to a fine between 40 and 100 euros. If you’re caught going 50km/h and above over the limit, your license can be suspended for 60 days. Serious speeding can be punished by as much as 350 euros, as well as court for the most serious offenses.
Regulations and Traffic Laws in Greece
Traffic in Greece is on the right-hand side of the road. Check out some more useful regulations that you should be aware of before driving in Greece.
Seatbelts
All occupants in a car must have their seatbelts on at all times. Those who fail to comply risk getting a 350 EUR penalty.
Overtaking and Lane Changes
It is illegal to overtake at junctions, pedestrian crossings, bottlenecks, speed bumps, bends, and whenever the visibility is too poor to execute the maneuver safely. Crossing solid line markings on the road is forbidden, too.
Changing lanes at junctions and pedestrian crossings is illegal, much like overtaking.
Drivers should remain on the right-most lane of multi-lane roads unless overtaking slower vehicles. The left lane is strictly for overtaking only.
Right Of Way
Cars on your right-hand side have the right of way at an intersection unless signs state otherwise.
This also applies to roundabouts- cars that are already on the roundabout must yield to those entering. However, most of them have signs that state otherwise and force the entering cars to yield instead.
Turning Right On Red
Turning right at a red light is strictly forbidden in Greece. Some traffic lights have a separate light for right-turning cars- either a green arrow or a flashing yellow one.
Children, Child Seats & Restraints
It is forbidden for kids under the age of 10 to ride in the front seat of an automobile.
All children until the age of 12 must be placed in a child restraint that fits their size. Furthermore, kids aged 4 and under must have a child seat.
Children that are either older than 12 or over 1.35m tall don’t need a child restraint anymore.
Headlight Use Regulations
If the visibility is poor during the daytime, drivers are required to switch on dipped headlights.
Full beam headlights cannot be used in urban areas.
Drink & Driving
The maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05%. Anything above the said limit is considered driving under the influence.
Naturally, this is very illegal and strictly enforced. Drink driving is not only incredibly dangerous but also a serious crime. Never drink and drive.
Toll Roads in Greece
There are only two toll roads in Greece, both located on the mainland. One of them is the route from Athens to the Peloponnesus, while the other is a highway from Athens to Thessaloniki.
All other roads in Greece can be driven on for free.
Local Tips For Driving In Greece
Don’t use your horn unless it is crucial to do so. Unnecessary use of the horn can be punished with a ticket
Most drivers won’t stop to let pedestrians cross at zebra crossings. If you do so, prepare to get honked at, or even rear-ended in the worst-case scenario
Locals use hazard lights when preparing to park, especially in large cities like Athens or Thessaloniki
Look out for motorbikes, as many riders tend to not follow the laws very carefully. Steer clear!
Potholes are plentiful, especially in remote parts of the country. Look out!
Driving in Athens is very chaotic. If you’re only going to visit Greece’s capital, consider using public transport and taxis instead
BONUS- Rent A Car in Greece
Looking for a rental car in Greece? We have got you covered!
Go to Rentalmoose now and choose from over 15 000 locations worldwide. We only work with verified suppliers, such as Hertz or Europcar.
Rentalmoose plants a tree for every single booking made with our platform. Click the banner below to get started!
Renting a car has never been this easy! With Rentalmoose, you can book a rental car within just a few minutes. Here’s how to rent a car using our innovative platform.
1. Choose A Location
This is the first step to booking your rental car with Rentalmoose. Simply head over to our platform and type a location in the search bar. This can be anything from an airport or train station, through to cities and their districts, or a selection of different regions.
We serve over 15 000 locations all over the globe. That way, you can rest assured that we’ll have offers for you. No matter where in the world you’re going.
The number next to the location indicates how many rental cars are available in that spot. Note that some of the locations in our database have too many rental cars. You’ll be asked to provide a more granular spot from a more specific locality level.
For example, let’s say you’re looking for a car in LA County. Since we have roughly 200 cars there, you’ll have to clarify a more specific pick-up spot somewhere within LA County. You’ll only see the most relevant offers that way.
2. Select Your Dates For Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Once you’ve picked your desired location, you’ll need to specify two dates to rent a car with us.
The Pick-Up date is the day when you’ll grab the keys to your rental car. This date will also mark the beginning of your rental period.
The Drop-Off date is when you’ll give the car back to the rental company. This will also mark the end of your rental period. It’s crucial to return the rental car by that day. Otherwise, you can face additional fees for late drop-off.
Once your dates are locked in, this is where things get really exciting!
3. Browse Through Different Rental Cars
The destination is picked, and the dates are selected too. Now, you’ll get to see all the different cars to choose from!
All of the rental cars you see are offered by our trusted, verified suppliers. You can sort the results by best value (lowest daily rate) or see the most expensive picks first. Click the different body styles to filter out the ones you wish to book. You can also use the map view to get a more detailed look on where the rental cars are located.
Remember that you’re booking a car class, and not a particular make and model. Even though you see a Ford Focus in the picture, it does not necessarily mean that you’ll get the same model. You can read more on that and the meaning behind the “or similar” in this blog post.
Note that you may need to wait a couple of seconds for all of the available cars to load, depending on the speed of your internet connection.
4. Optional- Tick Any Additional Filters
This step is completely optional. You can hit the “Advanced Search” button to apply extra filters or modify your request.
Different Drop-Off Location
The “Same Drop-Off Location” is enabled by default. Untick the box and specify your drop-off location for a one-way rental. Note that these are usually subject to an extra fee.
GoGreen- Electric And Hybrid Cars
GoGreen filters allow you to easily browse through electric cars and hybrids. Note that these types of cars are not very common among rental companies just yet, so not every location is going to have rental cars that meet the GoGreen criteria.
Deposit
Most suppliers will require a safety deposit. You can filter out rental cars with high deposits by choosing relevant prices from the drop-down menu.
Self Liability/Deductible
This is the maximum amount of money you’ll need to put towards repairs in case of damage to the rental car. Premium insurance plans may bring this number all the way down to zero. Find out more about rental car insurance.
Allowed Mileage
Some rental companies set a daily mileage allowance, passing it will cost extra money added on top of your final bill. Pick rental cars with unlimited mileage if you’re planning to go on a long road trip.
Transmission
Pretty self-explanatory. If you’re not comfortable with a stick shift, you can filter them out in favor of automatics. This is how to rent a car with your desired choice of transmission.
5. Pick Your Desired Rental Car And Click “Book And Pay Now”
Once you’ve picked your favorite rental car, proceed by clicking “book and pay now”. The amount you see on the bottom is how much you’ll have to pay to reserve the car. This is not the final quote for the rental– this will be displayed next to underneath the photo of the car.
Don’t worry, you do not have to pay anything just yet!
6. Add Any Additional Items And Click “Book And Pay Now”
You’ll see the details of your booking once again, this time in a clearer layout. Here, you can also see some helpful information regarding the booking- like what exactly is included in the price, the driver requirements, and so on.
Read and accept our Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy, as well as the T&Cs of the rental company. Once the two boxes are ticked, you can hit the “Book And Pay Now” button once again. If you have a coupon, click “USE COUPON” first, type it in, then press “apply” to lower the reservation fee.
Rentalmoose insider tip: We offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before the pick-up date. This applies to every rental car booked with us.
7. Fill In The Driver & Payment Details
It’s crucial to fill this info correctly, as it will be double-checked by the rental company during pick-up. Fill in the driver details, as well as the payment information. This is the last step on how to rent a car via Rentalmoose!
Note that the credit card used here has got to be under the same name as the primary driver. Additional drivers need to be reported to the rental company beforehand. If you let unauthorized drivers use the rental car, all your insurance can become invalid.
8. Pay For The Reservation (& Plant A Tree!)
Last but not least, you’ll need to pay the reservation fee. Once again, this is the price to lock in your booking. You’ll still need to pay the rest of the total quote at the rental desk, so plan accordingly.
We charge a small tree-planting donation for every booking made with our platform. That way, we’re able to plant a tree every single time anyone books a rental car using Rentalmoose. This is one of the ways we contribute towards a better tomorrow.
9. Your Booking Is Confirmed
That’s it, you have booked your rental car via Rentalmoose! You’ll get the booking confirmation sent to you by email. It’s best if you print it out and present it during the pick-up process.
What are you waiting for? Click the button below to get started!
At first sight, you may think that only a handful of countries drive on the left-hand side of the road. It may surprise you to hear that there are over 60 countries that drive on the left! That’s roughly a third of all countries in the world!
It’s crucial to know what side of the road to drive on, especially if you’re visiting a country for the first time. Driving “on the wrong side of the road” may seem a little scary at first but you should be able to get the hang of it fairly quickly.
A quick tip: If you’ve never driven on the left side of the road before, you may want to get an automatic instead of a manual car.
These countries are scattered all across the planet.
Why Do Some Countries Even Drive On The Left?
First of all, let’s understand why nearly a third of all countries in the world drive on the left side of the road. It’s time for a quick history lesson.
Let’s go back a few hundred years, way before cars were even a thing and people used horses as a primary source of transportation. Back then, horse riders in the UK would ride on the left-hand side of the road. This meant that their right hand was unobstructed. That way, they could easily access their swords and always had a free hand to greet passersby.
In America, on the other hand, a wagon led by two horses was a very popular setup. Riders would sit on the horse on the left-hand side, leaving their right hand free to whip the other horse when necessary. As the wagon was usually pulled by two horses, riding on the right-hand side of the road provided better visibility.
The trends carried over when people started switching from horse-drawn carriages to cars. As a result, most countries influenced by the UK still drive on the left-hand side of the road to this day. Roughly 70% of the world drives on the right.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the list of countries!
African Countries That Drive On The Left
A total of 15 countries in Africa have traffic on the left side of the road. These include the well-known tourist hotspots, such as Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa. Keep this in mind when renting a car there.
Botswana
Kenya
Lesotho
Malawi
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
South Africa
Swaziland
Tanzania
Uganda
Saint Helena
Seychelles
Zambia
Zimbabwe
A busy intersection in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
American Countries That Drive On The Left
As previously mentioned, there aren’t any countries that drive on the left in North America. However, the same cannot be said about the Caribbean. In fact, 19 countries in Central and South America drive on the left side of the road. You may be surprised to hear that this includes the US Virgin Islands!
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Bermuda
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Falkland Islands
Grenada
Guyana and Suriname
Jamaica
Montserrat
Saint Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands
British Virgin Island
US Virgin Islands
A colorful street, Cayman Islands
Asian Countries With Left-Hand Traffic
15 countries in Asia drive on the left side of the road. If you’re planning to go to Bali, drive across Malaysia, rent a car in Singapore, or any of the other countries listed below, be ready to drive on the left. The traffic culture may seem a little chaotic in some Asian countries!
4 European countries have traffic on the left-hand side of the road. Europe is the continent with the fewest amount of countries with left-hand side traffic. Aside from Antarctica and North America that don’t have any, that is.
Last, but certainly not least, is Oceania. Most travelers know that Australia and New Zealand both drive on the left. However, a whopping 14 countries on this continent drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Use Rentalmoose the next time you book a rental car anywhere in the world. Our platform serves over 15 000 locations worldwide. We only offer rental cars from trusted, verified suppliers. You’ll find LHD and RHD cars, depending on your desired destination.
Rentalmoose is working towards a better tomorrow. We plant a tree for every booking made with our website. You can use our GoGreen filters to only look for eco-friendly electric cars, hybrids, and PHEVs.
Looking for the best beaches in Croatia? We’re here to help! Check out 20+ of our favorite destinations for beachgoers in Croatia.
We’ve grouped these beaches based on their locations. This travel guide is divided into the following sections (you can click the links below to quickly jump to each one)
Note that while most of the beaches along the Adriatic Sea are either pebble or fine gravel, we’ve also hand-picked some of our favorite sandy beaches in Croatia. These are a lot harder to come by, though. The beach type is written in bold letters for every beach on our list.
You can also check out all of the best beaches in Croatia using the interactive map below.
Without further ado, let’s dive into some of the best beaches in this part of Europe!
We kick off our list with a hidden gem near the resort town of Pula, at the Northern tip of Croatia. Like most beaches in the country, Brioni is a rocky beach. Some parts are paved for easier access, however.
The proximity to touristic resorts makes Brioni Beach the perfect spot for watersports and activities for the entire family. You can also go for a dip in the crystal-clear waters, all under daily lifeguard supervision. This is the ideal alternative when the nearby Hawaii Beach gets too busy.
Hawaiian Cove Beach, Pula
Hawaiian Cove Beach, often simply called the Hawaiian Beach, is perhaps the most popular one near the resort town of Pula. This pebble beach is surrounded by rocks from both sides, making for a very pretty and cozy setting.
Nearby facilities are plentiful. After all, Pula is a resort town full of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. You can easily spend the entire day here!
Don’t miss the nearby Verudela Canyon, too.
Pinizule Beach, Premantura
This gorgeous beach is an absolute must when visiting the Kamenjak National Park. It lies just a short drive south of Pula. This is another gorgeous pebble beach that tends to get crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
This beach is rather cozy and there isn’t too much space. It’s best to come here early in the morning to get the best spot and beat the crowds. The local snack bar is the perfect spot to recharge your batteries, cool down in the shade, or grab a quick bite.
Klancac Beach
This gorgeous pebble beach is located roughly an hour out of Rijeka. Visiting Klancac Beach is well worth it, even for the drive itself. The coastal road from Rijeka is one of the best drives in this part of Croatia.
Klancac Beach is a little pebble cove, surrounded by rocks and wonderful scenery. There aren’t any amenities here, so make sure to bring your own snacks and water. Despite not having any facilities, this beach can still get pretty crowded during peak season.
Sveti Ivan Beach
by Tim Ertl
Let’s get one thing straight- this gorgeous beach is not easy to access. You’ll have to drop your rental car off at the hilltop car park and then make your way to the coast on foot. It may not sound too appealing to most tourists, making Sveti Ivan rather calm and not overcrowded.
The hike is well worth it, though. This pebble beach is renowned for its gorgeous natural setting and turquoise waters, ideal for a dip or snorkeling. There are no amenities here whatsoever. It’s just you and nature, enjoy!
Mali Bok
by Tim Ertl
When it comes to accessibility, Mali Bok Beach is similar to the Sveti Ivan Beach mentioned above. Both beaches require a bit of a walk to reach. In fact, the two beaches lay directly opposite each other!
Once again, those who decide to take the hike will be rewarded with a gorgeous, secluded pebble beach. Mali Bok is a popular tourist spot despite its remote location, so it’s best to arrive early and get the best spot.
You can drop your car off at the hilltop car park and then make your way down to the coast. The walk should take under half an hour each way. Mali Bok does not have any amenities onsite.
Kacjak Beach
This pebble beach is one of the top picks among locals and tourists alike. Kacjak Beach lies just a few kilometers up north from Dramalj.
This spot features affordable sunbeds, a waterfront snack bar, a shop, and plenty of space for everyone. Kids can spend time at the floating water park, or play a round of mini-golf. Kacjak Beach is the perfect spot for a fun-filled day with the entire family.
Oprna Bay- Stara Baska
This is by far the nicest beach on Krk, a Croatian island in the Northern part of the country. Oprna Bay, also referred to as Stara Baska, is a quiet pebble cove which is the epitome of a dreamy beach on the Adriatic Sea.
Despite the remote setting of the beach, you can still rent sunbeds and umbrellas from the local bar to enjoy some shade. Note that there isn’t any car park here. You’ll need to drop your car off at the side of the road, as mentioned by Hitched to Travel, and walk on down to the coast.
Paradise Beach
Paradise is easily the most appropriate word to describe this gorgeous beach. This is a relatively wide sandy beach, which is quite rare in Croatia. If you’re looking for soft sand rather than pebbles somewhere in the Northern Adriatic Sea, this is the spot!
The beach stretches for 2 kilometers, there’s enough space for everyone. It’s also packed with fun things to do and amenities of all kinds, including beach volleyball, parasailing, and even parties once dusk falls.
Reaching Paradise Beach is a bit of an adventure in itself, as the beach is located on a small island. You can drive down the coast, south from Rijeka, and hop on the ferry in Stinica. Alternatively, you can hop on a ferry from Krk Island and drive across Rab Island till you reach Paradise Beach.
Party animals take notes, Zrce Beach is known for its clubs. Lots of different festivals take place here throughout the year. Partygoers can enjoy the music, and then cool off in the crystal-clear waters of this gorgeous pebble beach.
You can check the list of upcoming festivals and events on the Zrce Beach website. This party hotspot lies around halfway between Rijeka and Split, and just an hour drive away from Zadar.
Kraljicina Beach
Kraljicina Beach, which translates to Queen’s Beach, is one of the best sandy beaches in all of the Adriatic Sea. This dreamy destination stretches for around 8 kilometers, full of soft golden sand and plenty of activities.
What makes Kraljicina Beach so special, apart from its jaw-dropping natural setting and soft sand, is the proximity to the largest mud springs in the country. You can go for a mud treatment first, and then cool off in the turquoise waters of the sea. As this is a gorgeous lagoon, the waters are calm and free from strong currents.
Sakarun Beach
Once you arrive at Sakarun Beach, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled somewhere to the Caribbean. Make no mistake, this spot is truly special. This sandy beach looks like something out of a fantasy. Soft sand, crystal-clear waters and a gorgeous natural setting all make this one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Croatia.
The beachline of this gorgeous lagoon stretches for about a kilometer. You can grab a meal at one of the two waterfront restaurants and make use of other amenities, such as showers and locker rooms to store your belongings. Expect this spot to get crowded during peak season.
Podvrske Beach
Podvrske Beach is a dream-like pebble beach near Zadar, roughly an hour’s drive south of the city. It’s renowned for its unique oval shape. There’s a sandy beach directly on the other side of the cove, too. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
You can grab a quick bite to eat at the local snack bar, too. Those who love this area so much can spend the night at the nearby campground.
Travelers who enjoy combining a beachday with city life need to visit Mala Raduca Beach. This pebble beach is located in the heart of Primosten, a colorful town on the Croatian coast. It may not be the biggest, though it surely is one of the most vibrant beaches ideal for people watching.
Mala Raduca Beach is favored among locals, especially those who live in Primosten. The town itself is home to various local eateries, bars, and other cool places to hang out.
Stiniva Beach
Dronepicr
This is it- one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Stiniva Beach is an absolute must-visit. It’s located on Vis Island, and the best way to access it is by boat, for example on a boat tour from Split.
This pebble cove is surrounded by dramatic cliffs. As a result, you won’t need any umbrellas as there’s natural shade here. The opening between the two cliffs is just a few meters wide, making the waters calm and free from rapid tides and large waves. After a day at the beach, you can enjoy a meal at the local tavern right off the coast.
Velika Beach
Yet another sandy beach in this part of Croatia. Travelers who come to Velika Beach can expect lots of space, umbrellas, sunbeds, and plenty of attractions and amenities. Once dusk falls, you can cross the street and pop by one of the waterfront bars and eateries. This is also one of the best spots for watersports near Split.
Note that the sand here is fine, and not exactly the soft kind you would expect at the Caribbean. Nonetheless, it can be a good break from all the pebble beaches in the area.
Golden Horn Beach
If you were to only visit one beach during your time in Croatia, it should be this one. Golden Horn Beach is one of the most legendary beaches in all of the Adriatic, and our personal favorite beach in Croatia.
Contrary to popular belief, this beach is not sandy. Instead, the coast is covered in very fine gravel. The texture is quite similar to sand, and it is easy to confuse at first sight. Golden Horn Beach lies just two kilometers away from the port in Bol, where restaurants and shops are plentiful.
Punta Rata
Punta Rata is quite a unique beach. The shore is pebble, though once you enter the water you’ll notice that the seafloor becomes sandy.
This award-winning beach has received the Blue Flag for its clear waters. The local beach bar serves quick bites and drinks, as well as ice cream. Activities available here include a selection of watersports, tennis, volleyball, and even indoor football.
Makarska Beach
The Makarska Riviera is one of the most famous destinations among beachgoers in all of Croatia. This part of the Adriatic coast is famous for its gorgeous natural setting and quiet pebble coves surrounded by dramatic coastline. The beach with the same name is arguably the best one here. Note that it is also one of the most popular ones in the area, so expect plenty of people enjoying Makarska Beach during the summer.
The Makarska Beach is a vibrant city beach that’s bound to be full of life whenever you go. The pebble shore stretches for kilometers, and the seemingly endless beach is full of activities and amenities. After a day at the beach, you can stroll over into the city and enjoy the best of what this region has to offer.
Dubrovnik is often called the city of caves for a reason. Tourists who come here can enjoy a drink at a cave bar, sleep in a cave hotel, and even spend a day at the magical pebble Betina Cave Beach. This may not be the biggest beach in the country, but it sure is one of the most unique and best beaches in Croatia!
Betina Cave Beach is by far one of the most difficult ones to reach, despite being situated near the heat of Dubrovnik. It can only be accessed by water- you’ll need a boat to get here. The magical setting inside of a cave, as well as the unbeatable privacy makes this very worthwhile, though.
Banje Beach
Looking for the best beach club in Croatia? Or perhaps a beachside restaurant, as opposed to a pretty basic snackbar that can be found at most public beaches? Either way, Banje Beach in Dubrovnik is worth at least a short visit!
The upscale restaurant and beach club is what makes Banje Beach stand out from the crowd. Come here after dusk falls and enjoy one of the wildest parties in Dubrovnik, or unwind during the day and go for a swim in the gorgeous waters of the Adriatic. This is the place to party in town, both day and night.
Divna Beach
Divna Beach is one of those postcard-like, perfect beaches in all of Croatia. The color of the water is simply unbelievable and it will surely amaze you every single time you come to this beach.
The pebble shore stretches for a few hundred meters, there’s plenty of space to sunbathe. Don’t let the nearby trees fool you, there isn’t any natural shade here nor sunbeds available for rent- you’ll have to bring your own. You can purchase basic foods and drinks at the local snack bar.
Sunj Beach
It really doesn’t get much better than this. Many travelers would argue that Sunj Beach is one of the best beaches in Croatia. After all, this gorgeous spot seems to be the perfect balance between a secluded spot and a vibrant one. Sunj offers a little bit of both!
You’ll need to hop on a boat from Dubrovnik to reach Sunj Beach, as it’s situated on Lopud Island. A sandy shore, calm tides and plenty of amenities draw in hundreds of tourists every day. There’s also a naturist section of the beach up on the left-hand side of the cove, if that’s your thing.
Bonus- Rent A Car In Croatia
Getting a rental car is hands-down the best way of getting around all of the best beaches in Croatia. You could even extend your holiday and go on a grand road trip across the Balkans all the way down to Montenegro.
Be sure to rent a car for this trip via Rentalmoose. Choose from over 15 000 locations worldwide, we only offer rental cars from trusted and verified suppliers.
Rentalmoose cares about the environment and contributes towards a better future of our planet. We plant a tree for every booking made with our platform.
The Pacific Coast Highway is hands-down one of the most legendary drives in the entire world. Check out some of the absolute must-visit spots along this famous road.
Pacific Coast Highway- Before You Leave
What Time Of The Year Is Best To Drive The PCH
The best time to do the Pacific Coast Highway drive is anywhere from early spring to late fall. Note that the highway is at its absolute busiest during the hottest summer months. Head here in either spring or fall to beat the crowds.
Which Direction To Drive The Pacific Coast Highway
We recommend driving along the PCH southbound. Primarily because that way you’ll always be closer to the coast. That way, you can enjoy the gorgeous views without being obstructed by oncoming traffic. Most of the overlooks and vista points are located by the coast, and making a right turn when heading southbound is simply more convenient.
What’s more, . However, this all boils down to personal preference. No matter whether you choose to start up north in San Francisco or down in LA, you can rent a car for a one-way rental and drop it off in the other city. Unless you choose to extend the trip and head inland to some of the glorious spots across California, Nevada, or Utah.
Must-Visit Places Along The Pacific Coast Highway
Click one of the links below to quickly jump to each section of the travel guide.
Colorful murals in Chinatown with the famous Transamerica Pyramid visible in the distance.
Your Pacific Coast Highway road trip begins (or finishes?) in the charming city of San Francisco. If you have the time, it’s definitely worth exploring San Francisco for a few days before heading further. You can check out our California Road Trip Guide to see our favorite must-see attractions in town. Don’t miss the Transamerica Pyramid, Chinatown, and a boat tour to Alcatraz.
Rentalmoose insider tip: Smash-and-grab break-ins remain painfully popular in San Francisco. Remember to keep all valuables outside of your rental car. Leaving phones, bags, and electronics in plain sight encourages thieves to try their luck.
Devil’s Slide Trail
Devil’s Slide. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
As you head southbound along Highway 1 out of San Francisco, stop at the Devil’s Slide. This gorgeous promontory is the first of many dramatic landscapes you’re about to see during your drive down the PCH.
The name of this spot is not accidental- there’s a paved pedestrian path here that used to be a part of the Pacific Coast Highway.
Quick history lesson: Devil’s Slide was famous for its frequent closures caused by landslides. The road was shut down for good in 2013, but major landslides caused disruptions as early as the 1930s. Today, pedestrians and bicyclists can enjoy a hike down the former part of Highway 1, while cars have to use the Tom Lantos Tunnels instead.
It’s the perfect spot to stretch your legs before driving further.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
As you continue along the dramatic coastline, leaving Devil’s Slide behind, allocate plenty of time to stop at countless overlooks to admire the scenery. Don’t rush this drive- it’s best to leave San Francisco in the morning and prepare to spend the entire day driving down this Scenic Byway. Afterall, Pacific Coast Highway is considered one of the best roads in the world.
Don’t miss the Pigeon Point Lighthouse- a landmark roughly halfway between Devil’s Slide and Santa Cruz. The Pigeon Point Viewpoint parking lot is easy to miss- it’ll be on the right side if you’re driving from San Francisco, just a few hundred yards after a slight left bend. You can leave your car there and walk for better views of the lighthouse, too.
Santa Cruz
As you continue further south, the Pacific Coast Highway will lead you to the iconic town of Santa Cruz. A stop here is an absolute must, even if it’s only for a quick photo or two.
You’ll quickly notice that Santa Cruz has this classic Californian surf town vibe. Take it all in at the vibrant downtown, or head down to Cowell Beach and stroll down the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. You can park your rental car directly on the Santa Cruz Wharf ($1 per hour).
Monterey
Bixby Creek Bridge at the Big Sur- roughly half an hour south of Monterey along the PCH
Monterey is a famous coastal town just a short drive south of Santa Cruz. You won’t miss it- the Pacific Coast Highway passes right through Monterey.
If you have the time, do consider driving down the scenic 17-Mile Drive. This scenic drive has 17 different overlooks that offer breathtaking coastal views. Note that it costs around $10 to enter this road unless you spend over $35 at local resorts at Pebble Beach.
You can also drop by the Monterey Harbor right in the heart of this cute town, although we do prefer the one in Santa Cruz. Cannery Row has some of the best local eateries.
Auto fans should definitely pop by the Monterey Car Week. This week-long car show takes place every summer, during which you can admire some of the world’s most elegant cars, both classic and modern, at various events in the area.
Big Sur
Big Sur is the main reason why so many tourists flock to the Pacific Coast Highway each year. This picturesque region of California is located roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and Highway 1 will take you right across it. Photos really don’t do it justice. These landscapes are simply incredible.
The Big Sur is also why we recommend driving down the PCH southbound. You’ll be directly by the coast. That way, you can expect unobstructed views of all these scenic spots on your road trip.
Don’t miss a photo opportunity at the legendary Bixby Creek Bridge. Pull over at the overlook and admire one of the world’s most iconic coasts.
Cottages Grocery Restaurant- Food Stop At The Big Sur
The majority of the coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles remains untouched. In practice, this means that restaurants aren’t as easy to come by as you might expect, at least by American standards. The last time we drove down the Pacific Coast Highway in March 2022, we ended up stopping at Cottages Grocery Restaurant for lunch.
This cute eatery has an adorable local ambiance, as well as delicious food. It’s not a popular pick by any means. In fact, it’s a little hidden gem despite being situated right on the Pacific Coast Highway. Come by, you won’t regret it!
Piedras Blancas- Elephant Seal Vista Point
Elephant seals clearly living their best life on a sandy beach in California.
You may have spotted elephant seals already, either chilling at one of the piers in San Francisco or sunbathing somewhere along the Big Sur. However, the Vista Point at Piedras Blancas is easily the best and most accessible spot to observe these glorious creatures.
Admire these playful animals from a viewing platform just meters above the sandy beach. There’s a large complimentary car park directly by the platform.
San Simeon & Hearst Castle
Mike McBey
This next stop along the PCH is just a couple of minutes south of the Elephant Seal Vista Point.
You can turn left off the Pacific Coast Highway to reach Hearst Castle. This extravagant property was built back in the 20th century and can be explored on a guided tour.
Hearst Castle is expected to re-open in the first half of May 2022, following a closure caused by a storm that damaged the access road. We were there back in March when the castle was still closed. Nonetheless, it looks spectacular in pictures.
Cambria
Cambria is another cute coastal village that you’ll drive through during your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. This tiny town makes for a great spot to stop and stretch your legs for a while. Walk the pretty boardwalk, dine at one of the local restaurants, or simply take in the views at Moonstone Beach.
Morro Bay State Park
The State Park at Morro Bay is perhaps the best spot along the Pacific Coast Highway to look for local wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may find cute animals such as sea otters or colorful monarch butterflies. Hike down one of the park’s numerous trails and try your luck. Keep your eyes wide open!
Santa Barbara
Pixabay
This may be a bit of a controversial opinion. We found the stretch of Highway 1 from Morro Bay through to Santa Barbara to be the least exciting part of the journey. This could have been because the Pacific Coast Highway isn’t exactly on the coast between these two towns, or because we chose not to stop at one of the wineries near Los Olivos. Either way, this part of the PCH was a little underwhelming after the jaw-dropping landscapes of the Big Sur.
As you approach Santa Barbara, you’ll find yourself back on the Californian coast. There are a couple of overlooks and pretty beaches between Gaviota Beach and the town of Santa Barbara, take your pick.
Once you’re in Santa Barbara, consider popping by Stearns Wharf– a pier lined with restaurants, bars, and shops right by the heart of this coastal town. Afterward, you can stroll down the sandy East Beach and make your way over to the Santa Barbara Zoo.
Locals often hang out at Hendry’s Beach, also known as Arroyo Burro Beach. There, you’ll find anything from barbecues and picnic tables to restaurants and shops. Note that many people bring their dogs to enjoy the beach with them.
Malibu
Let’s get one thing straight- everyone has heard of Malibu. This is the place to be. Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu is an absolute must. At the very least, you’ll get proper bragging rights for seeing this lavish town.
There are a couple of public beaches where anyone is free to sunbathe, go for a dip in the Pacific Ocean, or just hang out for an hour or two. The famous Billionaire’s Beach, also known as Carbon Beach, is off-limits unless you own one of the outrageously expensive beachfront properties there. The houses, both on the coast and further up in the hills, are a cool sight to see, too.
As you come towards the end of your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, consider stopping at Cafe Habana for dinner. This trendy eatery offers a variety of Cuban and Mexican dishes. Dining here won’t break the bank, at least in comparison with some of the other restaurants in Malibu.
Los Angeles
Your Pacific Coast Highway road trip has come to an end! The final stretch of the PCH from Malibu to Los Angeles can get quite busy, especially during peak hours, so plan your trip accordingly. You could always extend the road trip and drive along Highway 1 further south until you reach San Diego.
Once you’re in Los Angeles, however, don’t miss the famous Santa Monica Pier. Stroll down the lengthy pier, check out the iconic theme park, get a photo at the end of Historic Route 66, or dine at one of the restaurants. Be sure to walk all the way until the end of the pier for the best views of the coast, too.
You can then continue south for a few miles until you reach Venice. Here, be sure to check out the boardwalk at Venice Beach, people-watch at one of the cafes, or play basketball at one of the courts. Don’t miss the nearby Venice Canals, as they’ve been featured in countless movies and TV shows. Californication, to name one of many.
Bonus- Rent A Car To Drive The Pacific Coast Highway
Unsurprisingly, a private car is the absolute best way to make the most of a trip along the legendary PCH. Our partners offer one-way rentals from multiple locations in San Francisco and Los Angeles. In fact, we serve over 15 000 different locations worldwide.
Get your car from Rentalmoose. We plant a tree for every booking made with our platform.
It’s no secret that not all automobiles are created equal. The same goes for electric cars and hybrids. These are the most expensive electric cars you can buy this year. Note that only cars that can be purchased for the 2022 model year have made this list.
Check out this blog post to learn about the most expensive EVs of all time.
Most Expensive Electric Cars On The Market In 2022
General Motors recently revived the legendary Hummer nameplate. The all-new GMC Hummer EV is nothing like its gas-guzzling predecessors, though. In fact, this latest GMC pickup truck features a fully electric drivetrain!
In its most powerful variant, dubbed the Edition 1, the Hummer EV is expected to make as much as 1000 horsepower from its tri-motor electric drivetrain. The price tag sits at a firm $100 000, making it one of the most expensive electric cars on the US market in 2022. The spirit of the original Hummer lives on when it comes to this electric beauty- both cars perform exceptionally well off-road.
Audi e-Tron S Sportback- $106 000
Audi Newsroom
Similar to the previously mentioned GMC Hummer EV, this upscale SUV features a fully electric drivetrain that’s made up of 3 separate motors. This allows for a total power output of a whopping 469 horsepower, along with a sprint to 60mph (97km/h) in only 4.3 seconds.
What’s more, the Audi e-Tron S Sportback can drive over 210 miles (335km) on a single charge. The car’s battery pack can reach 80% charge within just half an hour of charging, too.
All of these cool features do come at quite a high price tag. The most powerful variant of the Audi e-Tron S Sportback will set buyers back by over $100 000, prior to any tax reliefs and rebates. Buyers in Europe should prepare at least €80 000, though the pricing fluctuates depending on the country.
Tesla Model X Plaid- $128 000
Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
Tesla is unarguably one of the key automakers that’s responsible electric cars going mainstream. These high-tech EVs are both popular and rather pricey, and the high-performance Model X Plaid is no different. Let’s not forget that the regular Model X is already far from affordable- this EV starts at nearly $110 000 before extra options.
Buyers who are in the market for a Tesla Model X Plaid, which is a souped-up variant of the regular Model X SUV, should prepare at least $128 000 to purchase one. In return, buyers can get their hands on a monstrous electric SUV that can accelerate to 150 miles per hour (240km/h) in just 10 seconds! Fast enough to justify such a high price tag, if you ask us.
Tesla Model S Plaid- $134 000
Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
The Tesla Model S Plaid is essentially a high-performance EV offered alongside the base model. This sedan made headlines a while back, all thanks to its jaw-dropping performance. That’s because the 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid can reach 60 miles per hour in less than 2 seconds. A 400-mile range (650km) is worth mentioning, too.
Naturally, this kind of performance does come at a hefty price. Buyers in the market for a brand new Tesla Model S Plaid need to prepare around $135 000 before extra options. As a result, this automobile is one of the most expensive electric cars on the market in 2022, and the most expensive vehicle currently sold by Tesla.
Audi e-Tron RS GT- $142 000
Audi Newsroom
The e-Tron RS GT is currently the most expensive electric vehicle sold by German automaker Audi. The four-door sedan is renowned for its exceptional performance, distinctive styling, and a lavish interior. All of those features are combined with an eco-friendly electric drivetrain.
In its most powerful version, the Audi e-Tron RS GT peaks at a whopping 637 horsepower. As a result, the car can reach 60mph in just 3.1 seconds! What’s more, it only takes around 20 minutes to reach 80% charge at a public fast charger.
BMW iX M60- $146 000
BMW PressClub
Believe it or not, the Tesla Model X is not the most expensive electric SUV available on the market. In fact, that title goes to the recently-unveiled BMW iX M60. This is the most powerful variant of BMW’s flagship fully electric SUV, the iX.
Two electric motors deliver an astounding 619 horsepower to all four wheels, along with up 1100 Nm of torque available instantly, unlike cars with internal combustion engines. Buyers looking for the best-in-class performance should re-consider getting this SUV, as the iX M60 needs 3.8 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour. That’s a bit more than the Model X Plaid, which costs around $10 000 less.
According to the German automaker, this lavish electric land yacht combines thrilling performance with unbeatable luxury. You could think of it as a fully electric counterpart of the legendary S-Class.
The car’s dual-motor electric powerplant instantly delivers 649 horsepower to all four wheels, allowing the EQS 53 4Matic+ to reach 60 miles per hour in just 3.4 seconds when using Launch Control. As always, luxury comes at a price. The whopping $170 000 price tag makes the highest-trim EQS one of the most expensive electric cars on the market today.
Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo- $187 000
Porsche Newsroom
Let’s be honest, electric cars don’t really get much better than this. Who wouldn’t want a high-performance German sedan, complete with a powerful electric drivetrain and an upscale feel both inside and out?
Despite having the word Turbo in the nameplate, the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo does not actually have a supercharger. Instead, the vehicle is powered by a dual-motor electric drivetrain rated at up to 750 horsepower. As a result, this EV can shoot up to 60 miles per hour in just 2.7 seconds!
In addition to jaw-dropping performance, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo doubles as the most expensive electric car available on the market today. That’s right, you can’t get any new EV that’s pricier than this one.
BONUS- RENT AN ELECTRIC CAR!
Renting an electric car can be a great way to stay eco-friendly when traveling, or simply find out first-hand why so many drivers switch to EVs.
Rentalmoose offers both electric and hybrids across some of the 15 000+ locations worldwide. Simply tick the GoGreen filters to freely browse through EVs and hybrids.
EVs certainly don’t have to break the bank, and these vehicles prove it. Check out 10 of the cheapest electric cars from across the globe. Note that some of the models are only available in specific parts of the world. Buyers from the US, Europe, and Asia will all find at least one model that suits them, though.
We’ve only included cars with fully electric drivetrains on this list. If you’re wondering what the difference between an EV and a PHEV is, check out this article.
10 Cheapest Electric Cars To Buy In 2022
10. Opel Corsa-E- $33 100
Opel Stellantis
The Corsa has been a vital part of Opel’s lineup for years. In fact, the Vauxhall Corsa is the best-selling vehicle in the United Kingdom. If you ever rented an economy car in Europe, there is a great chance that you have gotten an Opel Corsa. Now, the German automaker has introduced a cleaner, fully electric version of this beloved vehicle.
The Opel Corsa-E is one of the cheapest electric cars available on the market today, similar to its gas-powered counterpart which is also very affordable. The single-charge range can be as high as 400 kilometers (250 miles)in optimal weather conditions, thanks to the car’s 45kWh battery pack.
Rentalmoose tip: Wondering how long it takes to charge a 45kWh battery pack like the one in the Opel Corsa-e? Check out this insightful guide.
9. JAC iEV7S- $33 200
Never heard of this electric car before? We don’t blame you. You may be surprised to hear that this EV is actually offered for sale in Europe- a first for the Chinese manufacturer. One thing is for sure- you are bound to stand out driving one of these around.
Not only is the JAC iEV7S one of the most unique picks on our list, but it is also one of the cheapest electric cars you can get your hands on. Pricing starts at roughly $33 000, or €30 000. In exchange, you receive a 116-horsepower EV with a claimed range of up to 300 kilometers on a single charge.
8. Chevrolet Bolt EV- $32 000
Chevrolet Pressroom
The Bolt EV is perhaps one of the most futuristic-looking electric cars on the market today. The fact that it doubles as one of the most affordable ones, at least in the US, makes it even more attractive for potential buyers. Those who have driven one praise the car’s agile handling and best-in-class range.
Its 200-horsepower electric drivetrain has a range of up to 260 miles (420km) on a single charge. Buyers in America can drive off the lot in a brand new Bolt EV starting at just $31 995. And that’s before applying any tax reliefs, which are offered at both state and federal levels. Bad news for EV buyers in Europe- this model is no longer offered here.
7. Mini Cooper SE- $30 800
BMW Press club
An electric Mini Cooper is an exceptional eco-friendly alternative to the iconic hatchback. It comes powered by a 32.6kWh battery pack, which generates 181 horsepower. As a result, the Mini Cooper SE can sprint to 100km/h (60mph) in only around 7 seconds.
The range of the Mini Cooper SE is quite similar to its competitors. Drivers can expect to go up to 275km (170 miles) on a single charge in optimal weather conditions when driving in the city, or around 180km (110 miles) in cold weather. Pricing starts at a little under $31 000 (€28 000) before extra options. Buyers in the US should prepare at least $30 750 to buy an electric Mini, excluding additional state and federal tax reliefs.
6. Volkswagen e-Up! -$29 800
Volkswagen Newsroom
Volkswagen’s E-Up! is one of the best EV deals under $30 000 (€27 000). Many owners praise the car’s practicality, small size, and surprisingly agile performance. The E-Up! is available throughout Europe, though it cannot be ordered in North America.
This small city car can drive over 300 kilometers on a single charge in optimal conditions, thanks to its 32kWh battery pack. As a result, the E-Up! is a solid pick for both the daily commute as well as longer trips. It can also accommodate up to four occupants, although the rear seats are a little cramped.
5. Nissan Leaf- $28 000 (Cheapest Electric Car In The US)
Nissan Newsroom
The new Leaf has quickly made headlines directly after its debut. This is because the electric Nissan Leaf is officially the cheapest new EV available on the US market. That’s right, car buyers in the US can drive off the lot in a brand new electric car for under $30 000. The base price sits at around $28 000, before any additional state and federal tax reliefs. In practice, this means that the price can go down even further depending on where the vehicle is purchased.
The new Nissan Leaf features a fully electric drivetrain powered by a 39kWh battery pack. This equates to a range of up to 355 kilometers (220 miles) in optimal conditions. That’s quite impressive given the car’s affordable price tag. Buyers in Europe should expect to pay a little more, between $33 000 to $36 500 (€30 000- €33 000) for the base model.
4. Fiat 500e- $26 100
Fiat Stellantis
Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a fully electric version of the cute Fiat 500? Now is the perfect time to get behind the wheel of one, especially as it’s also one of the cheapest EVs on the market today. Its range is anywhere between 100 and 200 kilometers on a single charge, similar to most competitors.
The base 500e fitted with a small 24kWh battery pack starts at around $26 000 (€23 500). Buyers can also choose to upgrade to a larger 42kWh powertrain, starting at roughly $30 500 (€27 500).
3. Renault Twingo Electric- $25 000
Renault Media Website
An electric Twingo is another fun compact that doubles as one of the cheapest electric cars on the market today. Its small size makes it the perfect pick for commuting around the city, as opposed to cross-country road trips. Pricing starts at around $25 000 (€22 500) in France and fluctuates slightly throughout European markets. The model is not available in the US.
The range can vary anywhere from 100 to 200 kilometers on a single charge, depending on the weather conditions and the driving style. The 2022 Twingo comes powered by a 21.3kWh battery pack.
2. Smart EQ ForFour- $21 200
Courtesy of Smart
As the name suggests, the ForFour is a more spacious alternative to the similarly-priced Smart ForTwo. Smart’s electric four-seater gets up to 150km on a single charge. Though it may not be enough for a road trip, such a range is ideal for the daily commute within the city. Especially when making the most of top-up charging.
Sadly, the model is no longer sold in the United States. Back in 2019, a brand new ForTwo Electric Drive started at around $24 000 in the US. Buyers in Europe can currently pick a brand new one up for around $21 000, or €19 000.
1. Dacia Spring- $21 000 (Cheapest Electric Car In Europe)
Dacia Media Website
This is it- the cheapest new electric car money can buy. You can drive off the lot in a brand new Dacia Spring EV for as little as $21 000 (€19 000) depending on where you buy it. It’s no surprise that the Romanian automaker reached 40 000 orders within 8 months of launching this affordable model.
Dacia is a Romanian automaker that’s a part of the Renault Group. The Spring has a range of over 250km on a single charge, though it can fluctuate quite a bit based on the weather conditions. The Dacia Spring is not available in the United States.
Bonus- Rent An Electric Car!
Renting an electric car can be a great way to stay eco-friendly when traveling, or simply find out first-hand why so many drivers switch to EVs.
Rentalmoose offers both electric and hybrids across some of the 15 000+ locations worldwide. Simply tick the GoGreen filters to freely browse through EVs and hybrids.
Electric cars are well on their way to becoming the future of mobility. While many automakers attempt to lower the pricing of their models to make EVs more accessible, others focus on producing high-end cars offered at jaw-dropping price tags. Some are limited to just a few units worldwide, hence the most expensive electric car may not be what you expect!
Note that we have only added cars with fully electric drivetrains. PHEVs and other types of hybrids are not added to this list.
We’ve also broken down this blog post into the following sections, leading up to reveal the world’s most expensive electric car. Click one of the links below to quickly jump to each section and find out how much each car costs.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled this fully electric variant of the SLS AMG supercar back in 2013. We can safely say that it was way ahead of its time. The SLS AMG Electric Drive came powered by a quad-motor powertrain, rated at 740 horsepower in total. As a result, this car can accelerate to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds!
The single-charge range of this electric supercar is 250 kilometers (160 miles) thanks to its 60kWh battery pack. That is more than double what most competitors offered at the time.
The German automaker built less than 100 units in total, valued at roughly half a million dollars (€450 000) each. This rare gem is worth even more money today.
Genovation GXE- $750 000
Courtesy of Genovation Cars
If you’re looking for ultimate performance, it doesn’t really get any better than this. The Genovation GXE is essentially a seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette transformed into a fully electric record-breaking supercar. The GXE also doubles as one of the most expensive electric cars of all time.
This 800-horsepower monster has gone down in history as the first electric car to surpass 200 miles per hour (320 km/h). In fact, its top speed is over 211mph (337km/h)!
The production of the GXE is strictly limited to just 75 units worldwide, each one worth over $750 000 (€680 000).
Rimac Automobili Concept One- $1 000 000+
Rimac Media Gallery
This Croatian automaker may have only been around for a little over a decade, but Rimac has quickly risen to fame. The Concept One was the brand’s first EV developed from the ground up. It’s extremely impressive, to say the least. Four electric motors power the Concept One. As a result, this electric supercar can reach 60 miles per hour in an astounding 2.8 seconds.
Only 8 examples were built, one of which was totaled by TV star Richard Hammond while filming an episode of the Grand Tour. That’s right, this show host is responsible for crashing what was probably the most expensive electric car at the time. Every one of the remaining 7 units is worth at least a million dollars (€910 000).
NIO EP9- $1 200 000
Courtesy of NIO
There’s a pretty good chance that anyone interested in high-performance cars has heard about this beauty. The Nio EP9 made headlines back in 2017, as this fully electric supercar broke the world record at the infamous Nurburgring racetrack in Germany. As a matter of fact, this car lapped the Nordschleife loop in a jaw-dropping 6 minutes and 45 seconds!
Each one of the car’s four motors makes a little over 335 horsepower, raising the total power output to nearly 1350 horses. The production run is limited to just 16 units worldwide. Oh, and this beauty isn’t even street legal. Owners can only drive their EP9s at the local race track.
Rimac Nevera- $2 500 000
Rimac Media Gallery
After releasing the previously mentioned Concept One, the journey of Croatian automaker Rimac was far from over. Back in 2021, Rimac unveiled the Nevera supercar- the fastest and most expensive electric car crafted by the company.
A 1914-horsepower quad-motor electric drivetrain powers the Nevera. The car entered production back in 2021, with a short production run limited to just 150 units worldwide. The price tag of the Nevera is equally astonishing as its performance- a brand new unit will cost roughly $2 500 000 (€2.27mln).
Lotus Evija- $2 600 000
Courtesy of Lotus Media Site
Lotus has always had a reputation for being one of the most innovative automakers in the world. After all, the brand arguably rose to fame after releasing the Elise. The Lotus Elise remains one of the best performance-oriented picks within its price range. The recently-unveiled Evija is in a whole different league, though.
At the time of its debut, the Evija was the world’s most powerful production car rated at 2000 horsepower. Its price tag is equally impressive. This electric supercar will set you back around $2.6 million (€2.37mln). The production run is limited to just 130 units in total, and all slots are reportedly sold out.
Pininfarina Battista Anniversario- $2 900 000
Courtesy of Pininfarina
Pininfarina is a legendary Italian coachbuilder and car design company. Designers from Pininfarina are responsible for designing some of the world’s most famous autos, including Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, or Lancias. Now, the company is making its very own electric supercar. It comes powered by a monstrous 1900 horsepower drivetrain. As a result, the Battista Anniversario is capable of a sprint to 100km/h in under 2 seconds.
Make no mistake, the regular Pininfarina Battista is already quite a special vehicle. Out of the 150 Battistas produced in total, only 5 will be made in the Anniversario trim level. Each one valued at $2 900 000 (€2.64mln).
Aspark Owl- $3 500 000
Aspark Press Material
Most of us wanted to own a spaceship back when we were kids, or at least a car that resembled one. Now, thanks to a small Japanese automaker, that dream is closer to reality than ever before.
The Aspark Owl is easily one of the craziest looking cars of all time. The exterior of was designed with peak performance and aerodynamics in mind, and it shows. The car’s drivetrain rated at over 1900 horses is worth mentioning, too. The Owl’s gigantic $3 500 000 (€3.2mln)price tag is easily its most impressive feature, though. This is the world’s most expensive electric car of all time, excluding crazy one-offs and concepts that were never available for buyers to begin with.
Aspark has reportedly already sold out all available slots. If you’re in the market for an Owl, you’ll have to wait for a couple of years. If a used one ever pops up on the market in the first place, that is.
Want to get behind the wheel of a hybrid, PHEV, or EV, but don’t know where to start? We’re here to help! Find out the difference between a hybrid vs electric cars, as well as PHEVs, and decide which one is best for you.
There are many reasons why you should start driving an EV, PHEV, or a regular hybrid. These vehicles are not only better for the environment, but can also quickly prove to be more fuel efficient and convenient. Not to mention their outstanding performance!
Let’s get back to basics, however, and distinguish the key differences between a PHEV, EV, and a hybrid.
We’ve broken this guide down into the following sections to make navigation easier. Click one of the links below to quickly jump to each section.
Plug-in Hybrid, Hybrid, and Electric Cars- The Basics
Generally speaking, hybrids and electric cars can be broken down into three types: PHEV or plug-in hybrids, hybrids, and EVs or fully electric cars. The key difference between all three being the drivetrain itself.
Plug-in Hybrids or PHEVs
PHEVs, also known as plug-in hybrids, have gained lots of popularity in the last years. One could even argue that they provide the perfect balance between gas and electric drivetrains. A PHEV features a regular gas-powered motor combined with an electric battery pack. Most can be driven in electric mode, though the fully-electric range is typically under 100 kilometers (60 miles).
As the name suggests, you can plug an PHEV to charge it. The ability to charge at home is extremely convenient and cost-efficient, especially for short trips. Longer trips may require the use of the car’s gas powerplant.
Hybrids
The drivetrain that powers a hybrid is virtually the same as the one found in a PHEV. Hybrid cars rely on the car’s gas engine as well as an electric drivetrain. Regular hybrids, however, typically have an electric motor that’s much smaller than the ones found in plug-ins.
As a result, regular hybrids aren’t able to drive anywhere near as far using electricity. In fact, some hybrids cannot be driven in fully electric mode at all!
Another difference between regular hybrids and PHEVs is the charging. Ever wondered how a regular hybrid charges the electric powertrain, since it cannot be plugged into external charges? In reality, hybrids are charged through regenerative braking, as well as help from the internal combustion engine.
Electric Cars or EVs
Electric cars are powered purely by electricity. Unlike PHEVs and hybrids, EVs do not have an internal combustion engine at all.
One of the key perks of driving an electric car is the fact that you can charge it for free at home. Since an EV is only powered by its electric drivetrain, the batteries are larger than the ones found in PHEVs.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look into the key differences between these car types!
Impact On The Environment
Naturally, electric cars take the cake here. This is all because, unlike PHEVs and hybrids, electric cars do not have an internal combustion engine at all. As a result, they do not burn any fossil fuels. While both PHEVs and hybrids generate some pollution, the figures are a lot lower than regular gas-powered cars.
Let’s not forget that the transportation industry is the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the US (source). Swapping your gas-powered vehicle for an electric car can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint and positively impact the envrionment.
Did you know you can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint while traveling? Use the GoGreen filters when browsing rental cars at Rentalmoose. That way, you will be able to filter only EVs and plug-ins. In addition, we plant a tree for every booking made with our platform!
Cost Efficiency
Curious about hybrid vs electric cars when it comes to cost efficiency? It should come as no surprise that electric cars remain the most cost efficient to drive. After all, EV owners can charge their vehicles at home, or make the most of extensive charging networks worldwide. Many chargers are free to use, too.
Since plug-in hybrids can be charged at home just like EVs, they can be equally cost efficient. It all boils down to how much of the driving is done in the car’s fully electric mode. If the car remains in electric mode only, it can be just as inexpensive to drive as an EV. This is not possible with regular hybrids that require support from the gas motor at all times.
It’s also crucial to note that even if a plug-in hybrid is only driven in electric mode, it’s highly recommended to have some gas in the tank. Driving a PHEV with no fuel in the gas tank can cause irreversible damage to the vehicle!
Range
Automakers have continuously been increasing the range of their electric vehicles for the past years. This is a much needed step to convince more buyers to go either fully electric or switch to a hybrid or a PHEV.
According to a report by InsideEVs, the median electric car range has surpassed 250 miles (400km) in 2020. In comparison, that same figure was at under 100 miles (160km) just 5 years earlier. It can safely be assumed that this number will only continue going up in the next years.
If you’re planning to go on a long road trip, a plug-in hybrid may be the best pick. Strictly when it comes to range, that is. That brings us to the next point.
Charging Time
This is unarguably one of the most controversial points about driving EVs and plug-in hybrids. The truth is that, even with the introduction of fast superchargers, it still takes at least half an hour to charge an EV. That’s why plug-ins are simply the most convenient, at least in terms of the charging time. After all, you can simply fill up the gas tank and be on your way in just a few minutes.
The reality is that having to stop for at least half an hour for every few hours of driving isn’t too convenient. Especially considering that a gas-powered car can be filled up in just a couple minutes. Charging your electric car using a regular wall socket can take well over half a day.
Audi MediaCenter
For this very reason, most owners of EVs and plug-in hybrids prefer top-up charging. Instead of waiting for the battery to run out completely, EV owners prefer to tup the car up at work or overnight. The same way you’d charge your phone- most of us plug it in at night no matter if the battery is completely empty or not. That way, you can make sure that your vehicle is always charged when you need it.
Plug-in hybrids tend to have a much shorter range than EVs. A 2021 Audi Q5 plug-in, for example, has a range of just 20 miles in fully electric mode. While this can be enough for the daily commute, it won’t cut it for longer trips.
Charging time is not applicable at all when it comes to regular hybrids, however. As we already mentioned, they are charged through regenerative braking and/or the car’s gas engine. No external charging needed here!
Performance
You have probably heard that electric cars are famous for their physcis-defying acceleration. The Tesla Model S Plaid is powered by a monstrous electric drivetrain rated at over 1 000 horsepower. As a result, it can accelerate to 60 miles per hour (a little under 100km/h) in less than 2 seconds, making it the quickest EV as well as the quickest production car ever. That’s nearly a second quicker than a Lamborghini Huracan EVO, too.
The reason why modern electric cars are absurdly quick is actually quite simple. Electric powerplants are able to generate a lot of power virtually instantly. This means that the driver can access all the car’s power as soon as they put the pedal to the metal. In comparison, an internal combustion engine does require some time to reach peak power.
In terms of performance, it really is a no-brainer. Electric cars are the clear winner, followed by PHEVs and then hybrids.
Hybrid vs Electric Cars- Which One Is Best
It really depends. As you can see, there’s a variety of different factors that you need to consider before deciding whether to use an EV, PHEV, or hybrid. While a PHEV may be tempting for the daily commute, the 250mile+ median range of an EV can be the better pick for a long trip.
The choice between hybrid vs electric cars boils down to personal preference, as well as how much you value of the factors mentioned above.
Don’t forget to book your next EV/PHEV/Hybrid via Rentalmoose. Check out our platform to browse rental cars at over 15 000 locations worldwide. You can also tick the GoGreen checkbox to filter only electric and plug-in hybrids. Reduce your carbon footprint when traveling by car with Rentalmoose.
We plant a tree for every booking made with our platform!
Different types of electric car charging points nad kW ratings may seem a little overwhelming at first. Naturally, you’ll want to know how long it takes to charge an electric car before hopping behind the wheel of one.
No matter whether you’ve never driven an electric car before, or simply wonder what the different ways of charging an electric car are, this quick guide is for you!
For maximum convenience, this blog post is broken down into 5 different sections. Click the links below to quickly jump between relevant parts of the article.
To be completely honest, it depends on a few different factors. Charging an electric car can take as little as 20 minutes, or as long as an entire day in worst cases. What causes these figures to be so far apart? Continue reading to find out.
What Affects The Charging Speed of An EV
The time it takes to charge an EV all boils down to just 5 different factors:
Battery Size- a larger battery pack will take more time to charge than a small one.
Charge Level- naturally, the less charge your battery has the longer it will take to fill up
Maximum Charging Speed Of The Car- some electric cars will charge faster than others. Most EVs are able to utilize rapid charging points, unlike plug-in hybrids. Make sure that the maximum speed of the charger is either equal or larger than the rate of the eletric car.
Maximum Charging Speed Of The Charger- this is just as important as the maximum charging speed of your EV. For example, a Tesla Model 3 can gain up to 330 miles (530km) of range in just 30 minutes of charging. However, that can only happen when the car is plugged into a 150kW rapid charger. A slower charger will restrict the maximum charging speed, even if the car itself is capable of charging at a faster rate.
Outside temperature- you probably noticed that your phone’s battery does not perform well in the cold. The same goes for electric cars and their batteries. The range of an EV will be reduced in cold weather, and the charging time may be extended too.
Can You Charge An Electric Car At Home?
Yes! One of the great things about driving an electric car is that you can charge it right at home. Virtually all EVs come with adapters that let owners charge them from regular outlets.
Note that using your regular power plug is the least efficient way to charge your electric car. An EV may gain just a couple of miles of range per every hour of charging this way. In practice, this means that fully recharging the battery pack may take over a day, depending on the battery capacity. Nonetheless, it’s still a great way of top up charging an EV. What does that mean exactly?
Top Up Charging Explained
As the name suggests, top up charging is all about topping up the battery whenever possible. It proved to be more convenient for owners of electric cars, as opposed to only charging the car after letting the battery run out.
For example, an EV owner will often charge their car at the garage overnight or at their workplace, regardless whether the battery is empty or not. Continuously topping up the battery, as opposed to only charging it after it runs out all the way, is top up charging. Slower charging points are ideal for this.
Different Types Of Electric Car Chargers
As we have already mentioned, there are a few different types of electric car charging points. We can sort them by their maximum charging speed. Let’s start with the slowest one, which is a regular power plug.
Charging At Home- Level 1 Charging (The Slowest Option)
Range- roughly 5 miles (8km) / hour
Charging at home using a conventional socket is great for top up charging, or whenever you want to gain a bit of range over the course of a few hours. Afterall, it’s quite convenient to increase the range of your electric car if it’s going to be parked in one spot either way. It is, however, the slowest way to increase the range of an EV.
If the battery on your EV is completely drained though, you may want to reconsider charging the car using a standard plug at home. It can take well over a day to fully recharge, especially if the battery has a high capacity.
Luckily, there is a way more efficient solution for charging your EV at home!
Charging At Home & Public Stations-Level 2 Charging
Range- up to 40 miles (65km) / hour
Charging at home using a dedicated wallbox is a lot more convenient than a regular plug. You can expect to gain up to 40 miles, or 65 kilometers, of range per hour. An EV left to charge overnight is guaranteed to be topped up in the morning.
Many public charging stations utilize this type of connection, rated at between 6 and 20 kW.
The only downside is that a wallbox has got to be professionally installed at your home. If you’re on the go in a rental electric car, you can always double-check whether the hotel you’re staying at offers a level 2 charging point.
Fun fact: Tesla offers one of the most efficient charge-at-home wallboxes on the market. A 22kW home charger that comes with the Model 3 is able to add as much as 40 miles (65km) of range per hour!
Rapid Charging- Level 3
Range- fully charged in around an hour
Level 3 charging points are as close as EVs can get to gas-powered cars in terms of the filling-up time. A drained electric car battery should take no longer than an hour to become fully recharged. Level 3 charging stations are rated at anywhere between 50kW and 350kW. Naturally, the latter will charge even quicker.
If you drive one of the latest Tesla cars, however, there is an alternative that’s even quicker.
Tesla Superchargers (Also Level 3)
Range- fully charged in 40 minutes
Tesla Superchargers are undoubtedly the quickest way to fill up an electric car so far. It takes just 40 minutes to go from a drained battery to a full one. Most Superchargers deployed today are rated at between 150kW and 350kW, though even more powerful ones are expected to roll out in the near future.
Can non-Tesla electric cars use Superchargers?
Yes! Tesla recently made Superchargers available to other makes and models. That’s right, the network of 30 000+ Superchargers worldwide can be accessed by EVs of all kinds, and not just Tesla products.
Check the official website for more details. All you need to do to access a Supercharger in a non-Tesla EV is download the Tesla app.
BONUS- Rent An Electric Car
Curious to see what it’s like to drive an electric car? Look no further!
Go to Rentalmoose and browse rental cars in over 15 000 locations worldwide. Select the GoGreen filters to see EVs and plug-in hybrids in your desired location.
We plant a tree for every booking made with our platform.
