Ponferrada is a historic town in the mountainous El Bierzo region of northwest Spain. The Bay of Biscay and the country’s border with Portugal are 100kms either side of Ponferrada. The town boasts cultural draws, delicious gastronomy and exciting nightlife. A comfortable transport option is a car hire in Ponferrada.

Ponferrada’s landmark tourist draw is Castillo de los Templarios. This gigantic Knights Templar edifice dates from the 12th century and is crowned by imposing towers and battlements. The streets surrounding the castillo contain several museums, lovely churches, eclectic eateries, hotels, pensions and nightlife districts such as Clock Street.

The Museo del Ferrocarril and music venues at La Universidad are just outside the town centre. International firms, such as Avis, and local suppliers offer car rental in Ponferrada from service depots in the town. Regional roads revolve around Ponferrada. The A6 Autovia del Norest, travelling from Madrid to Coruna, passes the north quarter of town.

An ideal means of reaching local destinations is with car hire in Ponferrada. Santiago de Compostela, Las Medulas, villages and wineries are all within driving range of Ponferrada. The gold mines at Las Medulas were the Roman Empire’s most prolific. The site has been UNESCO listed and features a moon like landscape riddled with tunnels and caverns.

Santiago de Compostela’s magnificently ornate cathedral supposedly contains St James’s remains. The cathedral is the terminus of the pilgrimage trail, St James’s Way. Santiago de Compostela is about a 1.5 hour cross-country drive from Ponferrada. Pre-booking cheap car hire in Ponferrada usually garners discounts on the standard rate.