By car to Moraira
By car to Moraira – comfortable and flexible travelling
Driving to Moraira from the central Netherlands means around 2,000 kilometres and some 21 hours of actual driving time. Most travellers split the journey over two days with one overnight stop in France. The advantage: you bring whatever you like and you have your own transport once you are there, which is especially welcome on a long stay or a winter season. This page covers what to arrange beforehand: choice of route, tolls, low-emission zones and required equipment. The road numbers step by step are in the directions to Calamora.
Distance, travelling time and choice of route
There are two common routes to the south of France. The first runs through Belgium and Paris and then along the A6 to Lyon. The second goes via Luxembourg and eastern France towards Lyon and avoids the congestion around Paris. From Lyon, both follow the A7 down the Rhône valley and the A9 past Montpellier to Perpignan. Once across the Spanish border at La Jonquera you take the AP-7 past Barcelona and Valencia to exit 63 (Benissa/Teulada).
| Item | Indication |
|---|---|
| Distance from Utrecht | About 2,000 km |
| Actual driving time | About 21 hours |
| Usual set-up | Two days on the road, one overnight stop in France |
| Exit for Moraira | AP-7 exit 63, Benissa/Teulada |
Tolls in France, toll-free in Spain
On French motorways you pay tolls (péage) at the toll gates, so bring a credit card. In Spain things have changed for the better in recent years. The AP-7 between Tarragona and Alicante has been toll-free since 1 January 2020, and the stretch from the French border at La Jonquera to Tarragona followed on 1 September 2021. On the route to Moraira you therefore no longer pay any toll in Spain.
Low-emission zones and equipment
Low-emission zones in France
The A6/A7 past Lyon lies outside the Lyon low-emission zone (ZFE): if you simply drive past, you do not need a Crit’Air sticker. If you go into the city itself the zone does apply, and category 2 or better is required; without a sticker you take the A46 around. Paris has a low-emission zone too, on weekdays from 8am to 8pm. Order the sticker only through the official site certificat-air.gouv.fr, and do so well in advance: motoring organisations advise at least 14 days ahead, and in busy periods delivery can take longer.
Emergency beacon in Spain
Since 2026 a V16 emergency beacon has replaced the warning triangle in Spain. It is not compulsory for foreign-registered cars, but it is strongly recommended. If you hire a car locally, that beacon does have to be in it.
Check before you leave
Shortly before you set off, check the current rules on low-emission zones and required equipment with your own motoring organisation. Rules in French cities are tightened regularly.
What the drive costs
Tolls in France
Viaduc de Millau 11.30 euros outside the season and 13.80 euros from 15 June to 15 September inclusive; with a caravan or motorhome 17.00 and 20.70 euros (rates as at 1 February 2026)
Route du Soleil via Lyon allow roughly 100 to 130 euros one way for a car
The A75 route that road is 335 kilometres long and toll-free apart from the viaduct — a good deal cheaper, but slower
Paying credit card or a toll badge; not every foreign debit card works at the toll gate
Fuel
Price difference fuel is clearly cheaper in Spain than in France — so do not fill right up just before the border
Current prices in Spain geoportalgasolineras.es, the official price comparison site of the ministry
Current prices in France prix-carburants.gouv.fr, run by the French government
In Moraira itself Repsol on the Carretera Teulada–Calpe at km 6.5 and Cepsa on the CV-743 at km 4 (+34 965 741 384), both open daily from 6:00 to 22:00
Where to stop overnight
A logical place to break the journey is the south of France, for instance in the Rhône valley between Lyon and Orange, or further south around Montpellier. There are plenty of hotels along the French motorways for a short stop; in July and August it is wise to book ahead. If you would rather drive less in a day, make it three days with a second stop in northern Spain.
Arrival and parking in Moraira
At Calamora you park free of charge across the street, so there is no hunting for a space when you arrive. The centre of Moraira otherwise has a blue zone with paid parking; the hours differ by season, and on Sundays and public holidays it is free. Check the signs at the ticket machine.
The blue zone in Moraira
Rate 0.85 euros an hour for visitors, up to a maximum of two hours (1.70 euros); 20 minutes costs 0.25 euros
July and August Monday to Saturday 9:00–20:00
April to June, September and October Mon–Fri 9:00–14:00 and 16:00–20:00, Sat 9:00–14:00
November to March Monday to Saturday 9:00–14:00
Always free Sundays and public holidays, all year round
Where among others Avenida de Madrid — the same street as Calamora — Avenida del Portet, the road to Calpe and the road to Teulada
Paying at the machine, or with the Blinkay and Mowiz apps
If you forget 30 euros for no ticket and 20 euros for overstaying; settling on the spot costs 7 and 4 euros respectively
Traffic rules visitors often miss
Speed 120 on the motorway, 90 outside built-up areas and 50 or lower within them; towing a caravan 90 and 80
Alcohol 0.5 grams per litre, and 0.3 if you have held your licence for less than two years
Hi-vis vest must be within reach inside the car, so not in the boot
Bike rack a white 50 by 50 centimetre sign with red diagonal stripes is compulsory
Phone even holding it at a red light or in a traffic jam is prohibited; only in a car park is it allowed
Overtaking cyclists keep at least one and a half metres clear; this is enforced
Fines 50 per cent off if you pay within twenty days; without a Spanish address you pay on the spot or leave a deposit
Breakdown on the way
Emergency number 112, throughout Spain
Guardia Civil 062
Traffic information 011, the DGT line, 24 hours a day
Breakdown assistance +31 70 314 14 14 — check with your own breakdown insurer that mainland Spain is covered; cover for the Canary Islands is often a separate option
How to get around once you are there is covered on getting around Moraira. If you are coming for a few months, the page on wintering in Moraira is worth reading too.
Straight to Calamora
Wherever you are travelling from, Calamora is within walking distance of the centre of Moraira. We let our two apartments ourselves, so you book directly with us, with no intermediary.
A maximum of 4 guests may stay here (infants not included).
You will not be charged yet
Why book directly with us
- No middleman and no booking fees
- Twenty per cent today, the rest only six weeks before you travel
- Plans changed? Your payment moves with you to another date
- Personal contact with us about arrival, keys and tips
Frequently asked questions about driving to Moraira
How far is the drive to Moraira from the Netherlands or Belgium?
The distance is around 1,800 to 2,000 kilometres, on average 18 to 22 hours of driving, usually split over two days on the road.
Which driving routes are popular?
Common routes run via Lyon – Montpellier – Barcelona – Valencia, or via Bordeaux – San Sebastián – Zaragoza – Valencia. Both follow well-maintained motorways.
Where do travellers stop overnight?
Many travellers choose a single overnight stop on the way, for example in the south of France. There are plenty of fuel stops, restaurants and places to stay along the route.
Book your dream stay today
Calamora is a new apartment complex in the center of Moraira with a garden and swimming pool.
Calamora is beautifully situated on the central roundabout with the beautiful old olive tree.