Riding a Motorcycle in Spain as a Visitor: Licence, Insurance and What to Bring

Andalusia has some of the best riding in Europe: mountain passes above the Mediterranean, empty gravel tracks through cork forests, white villages and 300 days of sun. If you’re planning to ride here, this guide answers the questions we hear most from riders who join us from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the US.

We’re Gas & FUN, a family of riders from Marbella. Our story starts in 1970 with Motos Ortiz, and today we guide trail and off-road motorcycle tours across Andalusia, Portugal and Morocco.

Do I need a special licence to ride a motorcycle in Spain?

You need a valid licence for the size of bike you’ll ride:

• EU/EEA licence: valid in Spain as it is.
• UK licence: as a visitor, you can ride in Spain with your UK photocard licence.
• US, Canadian, Australian and other non-EU licences: bring your national licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Get the IDP in your home country before you travel.

Spain uses the European categories:

Bigger adventure bikes like the KTM 890 Adventure R need a category A licence. With an A2 licence you can still join us: our KTM 390 Adventure R and CF 450 MT are A2-compatible.

Is insurance included when I rent a motorcycle?

Third-party insurance is compulsory in Spain, and every rental bike must carry it. Check what the excess is and whether damage to the bike itself is covered.

Every one of our bikes carries third-party insurance, the legal minimum in Spain. Beyond that, cover varies by model: some bikes have more complete options, others (like enduro bikes) carry third-party only. Ask us about the insurance on the bike you choose.

We also recommend travel insurance that explicitly covers motorcycling (and off-road riding if you join an off-road tour). Many standard policies exclude it.

What gear do I need?

In Spain, a helmet and gloves are compulsory by law for motorcyclists. For trail and off-road riding we also recommend:

• adventure or off-road helmet and goggles
• jacket and trousers with protection, or body armour
• off-road or adventure boots (the item that matters most)
• a hydration pack in summer

Joining one of our tours? Riding gear is currently included in the price, so you can travel light and just bring your licence. Prefer your own kit? Even better: bring it and ride in what you know.

When is the best time to ride in Andalusia?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal: mild temperatures, green hills in spring, long golden light in autumn.

• Winter is still very rideable on the coast, which is why many Northern European riders come in December or February.
• July and August are hot inland. We ride early and keep to the mountains.

Riding in Spain: rules worth knowing

• Ride on the right and overtake on the left.
• Dipped headlights are required at all times.
• Helmet and gloves are compulsory.
• The alcohol limit is lower than in the UK or US: 0.5 g/l, and 0.3 g/l for riders with less than two years of experience.
• Carry your licence, ID or passport, and the bike’s documents.
• Off-road riding is only allowed on authorised tracks. Some natural parks restrict or ban motor vehicles. This is one of the big advantages of riding with local guides: we know where you can ride legally and where the good stuff is.

Ride on your own or with a guide?

Some riders rent a bike and explore on their own. We don’t rent without a guide, and here’s why.

The best trails in Andalusia aren’t on any map. They are the gravel tracks that link mountain villages, the climbs with the sea at your back, the lunch stop only locals know. A guided tour gives you:

• the right bike, ready to go
• local knowledge of what’s legal and what’s spectacular
• riding gear included, and we can arrange your transfer from Málaga airport
• someone to sort out the logistics while you ride

Ready to ride?

• See our guided tours in Andalusia →
• See the bikes in our garage →
• Or write to us on WhatsApp and tell us what kind of ride you’re dreaming of.

FAQ

Can I ride in Spain with a UK licence?

Yes. As a visitor you can ride with your UK photocard licence for the category it covers.

Do Americans need an International Driving Permit to ride in Spain?

Yes. Spanish authorities expect your US licence together with an IDP.

What’s the minimum age to join a tour?

There’s no minimum age as such. You just need a valid, recognised driving licence for the bike you’ll ride.

Can I ride off-road in Spain?

Only on authorised tracks, and some protected areas restrict motor vehicles. Our guides take you on legal trails only.

Where do your tours start?

From Marbella and Sotogrande. Our Marbella base is just 45 minutes from Málaga airport, and we can arrange your transfer from the airport as an optional extra. You don’t need to worry about getting to us.