Unless you are fortunate enough to have driven to Spain from the UK and around Europe you will mostly likely hire a car to get you around. Luckily there is plenty of choice when it comes to car hire in Spain. Cars are available to rent from many different companies and most offer a pick-up and drop-off service from Malaga airport which will allow you to enjoy a hassle free holidays should you decide on driving on the Costa del Sol.
There are many benefits of hiring a car in Spain most notably you will have the freedom to explore the area at your leisure without relying on public transport to get around.
The law in Spain requires you to carry some form of identification such as a passport. You will also need to carry with you the original car hire documents, an insurance certificate, your driving licence and a spare pair of glasses if necessary. The minimum age for driving is 18 years and seatbelts must be worn at all times by both driver and passengers.
Driving on the Costa del Sol is a perfect way to experience all the wonderful but hidden Andalucian villages that may be difficult to reach any other way. Driving just ten minutes away from the main coastal area will allow you to experiencing beautiful landscapes and stunning scenery with spectacular with a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
There are so many different little towns to explore, each one offering their own unique character. It would be easy to spend a whole day discovering the unique white washed villages. The most popular places to visit on the Costa del Sol include Mijas Pueblo, Nerja, Benalmadena, Marbella, Fuengirola, Ronda, Antequera,
Remembering that in Spain people drive on the right will serve both the driver and passenger well of course. Drinking and driving is something that isn’t taken lightly with heavy police fines and imprisonment being dished out to offenders. A couple of small beers, and will be over the limit so its very simple, whether you are in Spain or any other country, do not drink and drive.
Speed cameras are used in many locations on the Costa del Sol so be sure to stick to the speed limits which are:
One the spot fines will have to pay immediately unless you are a resident of Spain.
The main toll road ( AP 7 ) runs parallel to the main A7 / A340 coastal highway. The toll charge varies depending on the distance travelled. These roads are in the best condition due to their low usage by local residents. Prices can vary between 1.5 to 6 Euros a trip.
The Costa del Sol has to be one of the best places in the whole of Spain for this sport, be it professional practise or amateur. This region is home to around 70 beautiful golf courses that will make anyone who has the slightest interest in the sport, impressed. The great thing being that you can make a road trip out of your interest by visiting different places along the journey to your next Golf site.
This pretty Andalusian town is situated on the eastern ridge of the Costa del Sol, just a 50km drive outside of Malaga. The town is famous for its dramatic Maro cliffs, which harbor secluded coves and beautiful beaches like the famous Blue Flag Burriana Beach. The beach lends itself to a range of active holiday water sports including windsurfing, sailing and diving.
Having worked up an appetite, you’ll find plenty of waterfront eateries to tempt all palates. Fish is definitely the dish of the day here and it’s well worth sampling the low cost ‘just netted’ local seafood. Following a good feed, a stroll through the old town is advised. Nerja’s medieval center is steeped in history, evidence of which can be seen at the Balcon de Europa, which dates back to 1487. The winding cobbled streets of the old town quarters are the perfect place to invest in local produce like sweet fruity wine, olive oil and honey.
The whole region of Andalusia is synonymous with white washed villages and towns known as ‘pueblos blancos’. A pretty village worth checking out is Mijas. The town of Mijas is just a 30km drive from Malaga and is one of the most visited of the pueblos blancos. Despite its popularity with tourists, the town retains traditional Andalusian charm and hospitality. Many artists have made their home in Mijas, due to its picture-postcard location and laid back lifestyle. A wander through the sleepy old town offers the chance to browse the galleries and craft shops of local artisans. No doubt on your way you’ll pass easy-going villagers indulging in a spot of people watching from the comfort of their front door.
The beautiful marina of Puerto Banus and exclusive city of Marbella is just a 30km drive from Malaga Airport. The city of Marbella is a popular destination for wealthy European tourists which is specially evident in the world renowned Puerto Banus marina where multi million pounds yachts are a plenty. Puerto Banus is a playground for the rich and famous and it’s here that day-trippers come to eye-up their expensive toys. However, there’s more to Marbella than shiny yachts and flashy sailing boats. A little exploration uncovers fascinating cultural attractions and an exciting shopping scene.
Perhaps surprisingly, many of the city’s most appealing tourist sites offer free admission. A stroll around Parque de la Alameda is a cheap way to while away a few hours. It’s possible to see some works by the artist Salvador Dali for free here.
In the old quarters of the town you’ll find Villa Romana de Rio Verde & Las Bovedas, an ancient Roman Villa dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries. Interested visitors can avail of free guided tours. Las Murallas del Castillo Moorish castle will also impress those fascinated by the old town’s history.
Marbella is a hive of decadence and excess and those on budget will find that shopping here doesn’t come cheap. However, those ready and willing to splash the cash will find that Puerto Banus and the town centre offers a dream shopping experience as here, many exclusive and elegant designer stores have set up shop.
Finally, no journey to Marbella would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s fine beaches such as Guadalmina, Linda Vista and San Pedro De Alcantara.
The historic Andalusian town of Ronda can be reached within an hour’s drive of Malaga and is must place to visit. An interesting route worth following is the Sierra Bermeja road, which cuts through the mountains, offering stunning views.
The town of Ronda is famous as being the birthplace of modern bullfighting and to this day showcases the best local talent at the Feria Goyesca in September. The bullring is now an outdoor museum where visitors are allowed to wander around freely, imagining the gladiator-esque battles between man and bull.
More sedate attractions in Ronda include walking tours of the charming old town. A stroll through Plaza Duquesa de Parcent is one way to absorb the town’s architectural highlights. Here you’re guaranteed to get a good photo of interesting structures like the belltower of the Iglesia Santa Maria de Mayor and the dramatically arched town hall building. From here, it’s possible to walk to Ronda’s famous Puento Nuevo Bridge, which offers spectacular views of the plunging El Tajo gorge.
