Beach, mountain or city break? Which car to hire for your trip: a guide to getting it right

Every trip is different. Some are about getting lost in hidden coves, others about discovering hilltop villages, and others about experiencing the city like a local. It’s not the same to go on a road trip through several cities as it is to take short drives. Nor is it the same to travel solo, as a couple, or with family or friends.

Space needs and driving comfort vary, and the type of car you choose should match those needs.

We specialise in car hire from Spain’s main airports. Many travellers pass through our offices to explore Spain, which is why we adapt our fleet to suit all kinds of travellers.

To help you make the right decision quickly and easily, we’ve put together this practical guide to help you choose the ideal hire car based on your destination and travel style.

To figure out what your trip requires, start by answering these questions to help guide your decision:

• What’s the destination: beach, mountain or city?

• Will you be driving a lot or mostly taking short trips?

• Are you travelling alone, as a couple, with family or with friends?

• If you love driving, is there a specific type of vehicle you'd like to try?

• What’s your travel budget? Sometimes the difference in price between standard and premium models isn’t that big.

Planning your answers will help you make better decisions and avoid a lot of hassle.

Beach trip: comfort and space to enjoy the sun

If you're travelling solo or as a couple to the beach

Our recommendation: an economical B-type car (Skoda Fabia, Hyundai i20, Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta or similar) or B2 (Audi A1 Sportback or similar).

These models are agile, compact, easy to park in tourist areas, and offer enough boot space for your luggage and beach towels. Ideal for exploring the coasts of Ibiza, Alicante or Mallorca. If you want a bit more style, the B2 class with premium brands like Audi A1 is perfect.

If you're travelling with friends

Go for a Group C2 SUV (Volkswagen Taigo Mas, Renault Captur, Opel Crossland X or similar), C3 (Renault Captur, Opel Crossland X or similar automatics), or Group E (larger capacity models like Opel Grandland X, Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson or similar).

All offer enough space for everyone and are perfect for hopping between beaches. If you’re carrying sports gear like paddleboards or just want more room, Group E is your best bet.
If you’re planning to cover long distances, a fuel-efficient trip with the E8 (a hybrid SUV like the Renault Symbioz Hybrid) is an excellent choice.

If you're travelling with family

Your best option is a Group D car (Ford Focus SW ST Line, Ford C-Max or similar) or Group F (Mercedes T-Class or similar). These offer more boot space, comfortable seating and stability for long journeys.

If you’re a larger group—family or friends—choose a 7-seater (G1 or E25) or a 9-seater van (G2). Everyone fits in!

📌 Wiber Tip

Choose the All Inclusive Rate for complete peace of mind and pick up your car with the Wikey SmartBox—no queues, just a few minutes and you're off.

Mountain trip: power and safety on every bend

If you're going solo or as a couple

A compact car from Group C (Mercedes A-Class or similar) or a light SUV from Group C2 (Volkswagen Taigo Mas, Renault Captur, Opel Crossland X or similar) is your best companion for winding roads and secondary routes.
They offer good grip, visibility and agility, with enough space for a backpack or hiking gear.

Mountain trip with friends or family

Time to embrace adventure! If your route includes dirt tracks or rural roads, go for a Group C13 (Jeep).
Or choose a larger SUV from Group E (Opel Grandland X, Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson or similar) for added space and comfort.

Other options include a Group F family van (Mercedes T-Class or similar) or a 7-seater SUV (G1 or E25) if you're a larger group. They provide comfort, stability and plenty of room for backpacks, coolers and hiking boots.

📌 Wiber Tip

In mountain areas, visibility and stability are everything. A hybrid SUV (E8 like the Renault Symbioz Hybrid) helps you save fuel without compromising on power.
And don’t forget to choose a rate that includes good roadside assistance coverage.

City break: a nimble, easy-to-park city car

Generally, a small car is the most practical choice for a city trip—to Málaga, Valencia, Seville, and so on. Especially if you're travelling alone or as a couple.

Nothing beats a Group A car (Toyota Aygo, Ford Ka or similar). Compact, easy to park and with electric options for low-emission zones.

If your trip includes short day trips nearby—whether with your partner, friends or family—it might be worth choosing a more comfortable option.
You could go for a Group B model (Skoda Fabia, Hyundai i20, Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta or similar) or B2 (Audi A1 Sportback or similar). They’re agile in cities, offer a premium design if you opt for the higher-end version, and reduce driving stress if you choose an automatic.

Other alternatives include a compact estate from Group C (Mercedes A-Class or similar) or an urban automatic SUV (C3, like Opel Crossland X or similar), which gives you more room for shopping or luggage.

📌 Wiber Advantage

Did you know? With the SmartCar rate, you can unlock the car with your phone—no need to go to the desk. It’s perfect for quick getaways to cities like Seville or Valencia. In Seville, you don’t even need to go to the airport—you can now hire a SmartCar directly at Santa Justa train station.

Our goal is to make the car fit your needs—not the other way around. With a refreshed, varied fleet and transparent rates, you can focus on enjoying your trip. We’ll take care of the rest.

Want it even clearer and simpler?

Check out this decision table we've prepared based on your type of trip.