COSTA DEL SOL is one of the most popular tourist areas in Spain, with plenty to do and see around. Many of its visitors therefore decide to rent a car for their holiday, so they are able to fully explore the many towns, beaches and attractions that Costa del Sol is home to. Hiring a car gives you the flexibility to do so more comfortably and at your own pace. Here’s what you need to know about exploring Costa del Sol with a car rental. 

How easy is it to rent a car in Malaga?

Hiring a car is typically a very straightforward process. You can either opt for the Malaga airport car hire, so you have a vehicle from the moment you land, or hire one in the city centre or Malaga. The airport tends to be the more convenient option for most visitors, given that you will have to drop the car off at the same location you picked it up from. 

While you can rent a car on arrival, it is always recommended to pre-book one in advance to ensure availability as well as avoid huge queues in the airport. You can do this either online or over the phone. This is especially true during the peak tourism months. 

The pick-up process is generally very quick and easy, as long as you have all of the necessary documents with you, including a valid driver’s licence and a credit card to pay for the rental. Some car hire vendors will also request a deposit, which will be refunded once you return the car. You will then be given the keys and other paperwork – ready to go! 

Reasons to rent a car

There are many reasons why you may want to rent a car when visiting Costa del Sol. Besides the general convenience and comfort of it, having your own vehicle provides you with much more flexibility when exploring the area. 

Costa del Sol does have public transport as well as guided tours that you can use, however, those can be quite limiting. You will have to be organised with the schedules and it may take multiple changes before you get to a specific location. Not to mention, local buses and trains can get extremely busy during the summer season. 

Additionally, renting a car can often be more cost-effective than going on organised tours, for example. If you are looking to buy tour tickets as a whole family, the costs will add up. Group tours are also not ideal if you want to change your plans last-minute or want to stay in a particular town for longer than planned in the itinerary. 

Driving in Spain

As with every country, it is important that you familiarise yourself with the local driving laws and regulations as well as the road etiquette. Here are a couple of key things you should know about driving in Spain. 

First of all, like the majority of European countries, Spain drives on the right-hand side of the road. This can take some getting used to if you are used to driving on the left. It’s also important to look up the local speed limits, traffic laws, parking restrictions and other road signs that may be different to those in your home country.

It is also worth noting that Spain has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to driving under the influence. It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05% or higher. Breaking the law can result in severe penalties, including fines, licence suspension or even jail time. 

Your rental vehicle should already have all of the compulsory items inside, such as a first aid kit, a warning triangle and a visibility vest. However, it is your responsibility to always have all the necessary documentation with you, in case you get stopped. 

Discovering Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is a beautiful and vibrant region in southern Spain, known for its sunny beaches, lively nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. With a rental car, you can explore all that the region has to offer at your own pace.

One of the most popular destinations is the city of Malaga, which is known for its stunning architecture, museums, and restaurants. Other popular towns include Marbella, with its luxurious resorts and beaches, and Nerja, with its charming old town and stunning coastline. Some of the best beaches in the region include Playa del Palo, Playa de la Malagueta, and Playa del Cristo.

But, the Costa del Sol is more than just sun and sand. The region is also home to many historic sites and cultural attractions, including the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Mezquita-Cathedral in Cordoba, and the Moorish castle of Alcazaba in Malaga. If you want to visit some small charming towns with narrow streets and whitewashed buildings, Mijas, Ronda and Frigiliana are ones to check out. 

For those interested in nature, there are also many parks and nature reserves in the region, including the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park and the El Torcal Natural Reserve.

In conclusion, renting a car in the Costa del Sol is an excellent way to explore all that this breathtaking region has to offer. With a rental vehicle, you can travel at your own pace, avoid the crowds and long lines of public transportation, and discover the hidden gems of Costa del Sol.