Malaga Airport is just a few kilometers from the city: you can be in the center in about a quarter of an hour. You can collect your car at the arrivals desk or at another agreed-upon location, providing us with your flight and landing time, or you can have it picked up directly at your hotel.
The historic center, around Calle Larios and the cathedral, is largely pedestrianized and traffic is limited. If your hotel is there, it's best to have your car delivered directly to the entrance. Several Spanish cities have low-emission zones, so please let us know where you'll be driving when booking.
The Alcazaba, the Arab fortress built on the hill overlooking the city center, can be explored on foot through courtyards, fountains, and gardens. At its base are the remains of the Roman theater, excavated in the last century.
Higher up is Gibralfaro Castle, connected to the Alcazaba by a walkway within the walls. From the summit, the view encompasses the port, the cathedral, and the Malagueta bullring. If you don't want to walk up, a road leads almost to the castle: it's one of the few times in the city when it's worth driving, especially at sunset.
Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, in a house on Plaza de la Merced, now a museum. A few steps away, the Museo Picasso Málaga displays his works in the Palacio de Buenavista, a 16th-century palace.
On the harbor, the stained-glass cube of the Centre Pompidou Málaga marks the end of Muelle Uno, the pedestrianized dock lined with shops, restaurants, and docked yachts. Next to it runs the Palmeral de las Sorpresas, a palm-lined promenade along the water. Those arriving by boat can pick up their car directly at the harbor.
For those who love cars, the Museo Automovilístico y de la Moda, located in the old tobacco factory, exhibits vintage cars alongside haute couture clothing.
About an hour inland, the Caminito del Rey is a trail suspended along the walls of the Gaitanes gorge. Admission is limited: tickets must be booked in advance for a specific day and time. Plan your trip carefully, as the final stretch traverses hills with many curves.
For this trip, an SUV like the BMW X5 30d or Land Rover Defender 110 is comfortable on inland roads and leaves room for hiking boots, water, and a change of clothes.
Toward the east, the coastline becomes higher and more rugged. Nerja is about 45 minutes away: the Balcón de Europa, a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea in the center, and the Nerja Caves, with their large stalactite chambers, are the two main stops.
Frigiliana, about a quarter of an hour from Nerja in the hills, is a whitewashed village of Moorish origins with steep alleys and stairways. It can only be explored on foot; leave your car in the parking lots at the entrance to the village. On this stretch of coast, a compact convertible like the Porsche 718 Boxster or the Abarth 595 Turismo Cabrio is agile and pleasant.
Granada is about an hour and a half away. The Alhambra, with its Nasrid palaces and Generalife gardens, accepts a limited number of visitors per day, and the Nasrid Palaces can be visited at a fixed time indicated on the ticket: buy your ticket online weeks in advance, especially in spring and summer.
The Albaicín neighborhood, with the San Nicolás viewpoint facing the Alhambra, has very narrow streets: reach it on foot or by taxi. For a day trip there and back, a sports car like the Porsche 911 (992) S Coupé or an SUV like the Porsche Cayenne S Coupé make the highway comfortable. In winter, the peaks of the Sierra Nevada are covered in snow, and our cars always have winter tires.
For getting between the city center, the port, and Malagueta Beach, a compact car is the most practical: among our city cars, you'll find the Mini GP3 and the Smart Brabus, both easy to park. For a family, there's the seven-seater Land Rover Defender 110.
Malaga is a pleasant destination year-round. Winters are mild and often sunny, perfect for a weekend of museum visits; in July and August, the city is warm and crowded. If you then continue on to Marbella or Seville , you can drop off there.
How long does it take to get from the airport to Malaga city center? About a quarter of an hour's drive, depending on traffic.
Can you deliver the car to the port? Yes, if you're arriving by sea, we'll meet you at the port or at an agreed-upon point near the dock.
Do you need to book the Caminito del Rey? Yes, admission is limited and requires a reservation, with a set date and time.
Can you visit the Alhambra by buying tickets on site? It's risky: tickets often sell out, so buy them online in advance.
Which car for Nerja and Frigiliana? A compact discovery for the coastal road; in Frigiliana, continue on foot.
Can I leave my car in Granada? Yes, you can return it to another city, even outside Spain.
Is there a risk of receiving a different car than the one you booked? No, the model is always guaranteed. If your plans change, you can cancel free of charge up to 72 hours before delivery.