Top road trips in Malaga

Malaga

Malaga continues to break records for tourist arrivals year after year, making it one of Spain's most visited cities by both national and international travellers. The region offers a wide range of activities, from water sports to visiting charming villages and exploring scenic driving routes. With its stunning coastline, breathtaking mountain views, and delicious cuisine, Malaga is the perfect destination for a holiday with family or friends.

Given all these options, hiring a car in Malaga has become essential, allowing you the freedom to explore the province at your own pace. Additionally, it enables you to venture into other parts of Andalusia and discover the southern charm of Spain. At DoYouSpain, we've brought together the top 3 road trips in Malaga for you to choose the one that best suits your adventure.

Why should you do a road trip through Malaga’s villages?

Rural tourism has become a popular choice for tourists from big cities who seek nature, tranquillity, and fresh air. This trend has made the Costa del Sol a go-to destination for those wishing to enjoy scenic driving routes through Malaga’s most beautiful villages. As a result, more rural hotels have been established, offering the comforts of a large city hotel but in charming coastal or mountain village settings.

Exploring Malaga by car allows visitors to experience the entire region and its surroundings, discovering its traditional essence beyond the city. If you are looking for a rental car to do a road trip, DoYouSpain is the best option.

Best routes in Malaga and surroundings by car

Planning a trip to Malaga but not sure which route to take? We've compiled a list of the most recommended car routes in and around Malaga to help you choose the one that best suits your needs. If you don't have enough time to visit the city, you can always make an itinerary of what to see and do in Malaga in just a few days.

5-day route through the province of Malaga

Begin your journey by dedicating the first day to exploring the historic centre of Malaga. Visit Plaza de la Constitucion and the famous Calle Larios, where you can find the best shops in the city. In this area, you'll also come across the Cathedral of Malaga, known as "la manquita" (the one-armed) due to its missing tower and dome.

On the second day, continue your trip by visiting the Museum of Malaga and the Alcazaba. These sites will give you a deeper understanding of the city's rich history and culture.

The third day is planned for visiting Frigiliana and Nerja, two of the most beautiful villages in Malaga. Frigiliana is just a 45-minute drive away, and from there, it's only 10 more minutes to reach Nerja. Don't miss its stunning beaches and the famous Balcon de Europa, where you can enjoy incredible views of the region. If you find yourself enchanted by this area, consider dedicating an entire day to a specific car route through Axarquia.

On the fourth day, head to Marbella and Mijas, both located on the coast and just a few miles from the city of Malaga. These destinations offer a blend of beautiful beaches and charming village life.

Ruta en coche por la costa de Málaga

Finally, on the last day, experience one of Malaga's top excursions: El Caminito del Rey. This is a network of walkways along the walls of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, in Ardales. This thrilling hike will leave you with unforgettable memories of your trip.

Route by car along the coast of Malaga

Although this route can be completed in a single day, we recommend spreading it out over several days to fully enjoy the charm of each location. Begin your journey at the Natural Park of the Cliffs, where you can take advantage of the hiking opportunities. Your next stop will be Torrox, specifically Torrox Costa, continuing your route along Malaga's coast. While there, you can also explore the village.

Next, head to Torre del Mar, one of the most tourist-friendly towns in the Axarquia region. Here, be sure to enjoy its beaches and beach bars. As you continue south, your next stop will be Benalmadena. Don't miss the chance to try some typical prawns in pil-pil sauce, an essential part of Andalusian cuisine. Finally, finish your coastal route in Fuengirola, where, in addition to its beautiful beaches, you should visit the historic Sohail Castle.

Hiking in Malaga: Route to the Peñon de los Enamorados

For mountain lovers planning a hiking route in Malaga, the trail to the Peñon de los Enamorados in the village of Yunquera is highly recommended. While there are several starting points for this hike, beginning from the Mirador de Luis Ceballos is particularly rewarding. After approximately three and a half hours, you’ll reach the destination, where the majestic Peñon de los Enamorados awaits.

Top tips for planning car routes in Malaga

When planning your trip to Malaga, there are a few factors to consider for an optimal car route experience. At DoYouSpain, we want to share some recommendations to ensure your trip is unforgettable, covering everything from accommodation to car hire and activities.

Plan your travel dates in advance booking in advance

This allows you to secure the best deals on everything from accommodations to car rentals. We also suggest booking tickets to museums or tourist attractions as soon as your travel dates are set to ensure access to everything you plan to see.

Decide on places to stay

If your itinerary involves driving tours around Malaga, consider staying overnight at one of the stops on your route. This saves time and makes the most of your exploration without the need to return to the same place to sleep each night.

Book a hire car in advance

Once your travel dates are confirmed, book a hire car in Malaga to lock in the best rates. Prices can increase as your pick-up date approaches, so booking early through DoYouSpain ensures you get the lowest price guaranteed.

Car Hire in Malaga with DoYouSpain

Hiring a car in Malaga is essential to truly explore the region. At DoYouSpain, we compare hundreds of offers every second from the best car hire companies in Spain, ensuring you get the best and cheapest options. This way, we guarantee that you're always booking at the lowest price.

You can conveniently pick up your rental car at Malaga Airport, Maria Zambrano Train Station in Malaga, or any of the destinations we've mentioned, such as Benalmadena. If you have any questions during your booking process, feel free to contact us by calling +34 964 830 995 or through our online Customer Area.