About Malaga
Shadowed by other Andalusian cities for years, the port city of Malaga has finally stepped into the spotlight! Malaga offers a rich history, architectural treasures, colourful plazas and a sizzling nightlife. Both chic and cosy in feel, Malaga is a city of captivating landscape and tranquil beaches perfectly suited to relax, dine and be grateful to be alive.
If you're playing with the idea of hiring a car in Malaga, you're in luck, since there's always plenty of car hire possibilities either at Malaga airport or in the city centre.
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Basic info and car hire in Malaga
- Location: South of Spain, Andalucia region.
- Population: 1,632,949 (2014)
- Official language: Castilian Spanish.
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Weather: Subtropical Mediterranean climate. The average summer temperatures are above 20°C/68°F and the average winter temperature are around 13°C/55.4°F. Spring and autumn experience nice weather with autumn being warmer (20°C/68°F) than spring (15°C/59°F). Read more »
- Holidays in Malaga: For public holidays in Spain click here »
- Internet coverage: Many hotels, bars, restaurants and cafés offer Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is available throughout the city centre also, although the signal can be weak in the narrow city streets. Read more »
- Road conditions: Roads are well maintained and have good connections.
- Car hire in Malaga: Prices for hiring a car in Malaga vary from around 7 – 8 €/day. The most common car hire pick-up location is the Malaga Airport. Keep in mind that prices change frequently. To ensure you have the lowest car hire price, make a car booking from 3 to 8 weeks prior to your vehicle collection. Alternatively, it's possible to get a great last minute car hire deal also. Find the best car hire deal in Malaga!
Driving in Malaga
The roads in Malaga are well maintained, however, they often experience heavy traffic. The high season in Malaga are the hot months of June, July and August. So, if you like it hot, visit Malaga in the summer. For sightseeing we recommend spring or autumn. Skiing and skateboarding are also available in nearby Sierra Nevada. The maximum BAC level is 0.05% for drivers of private vehicles. There is a Zero Tolerance law for novice drivers who have held a driver's licence less than two years and for young drivers 21 years of age or younger. Car hire in Malaga is very popular, and therefore considerably low-priced. There's plenty of rent a car companies to choose from, such as Sixt, Europcar, Keddy and more, so you'll definitely find something that will go hand in hand with your needs and expectations!
- Age limits: 21 (minimum age may vary according to car hire companies. A young driver fee will apply to drivers under 25 years of age. In order to rent a car, it is required that a driver has held a driver’s licence for a minimum of one year).
- International driving permit: Yes, if you are a non-EU licence holder.
- Additional papers: ID (passport), a valid driver's licence and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to buy insurance at the car hire company, in case your policy doesn't cover your insurance while driving in Malaga).
- Additional requirements: Warning triangles, reflective vests and a hands-free equipment with hearing aids are required when talking on your phone while driving.
- Children in the car: All car occupants must wear seat belt. Children, younger than twelve or under 1.35 metres tall, can only travel in the front passenger seat if it is in a special rear-facing children’s seat.
- Driving side of the road: Right.
- Lights: Headlights are required when driving in a tunnel or during conditions of poor visibility.
- General speed limits: 120 kph on motorways, 100 kph on highways, 100 to 80 kph outside cities and 50 kph in populated areas.
- Parking suggestions: There are many underground parking garages in the city as well as public car parks. Read more »
What to see in Malaga
For a great start to your trip, visit the Historical Core of Malaga and admire the various architectural styles. Even if you’re not psyched about museums, there are two that are definitely worth a visit – Picasso Museum and Bullring and Bullfighting Museum. And lastly, hit the popular Malagueta Beach!
Our favourite spots
Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle
Alcazaba is a Moorish fortress-palace built in 700 CE to protect the city from pirates. If you decide to hike up the mountain above this ancient construction – where, walking up on a sunny day, you can even see Africa – you will reach the Gibralfaro Castle. From there you can admire the beautiful Andalusian coast and the city of Málaga spread out in front of your eyes!
Word of advice: The heat can turn this into a strenuous trip. We suggest you visit the castle early or late in the day and bring water with you. If you don’t feel like walking, make the trip on one of the hop-on-hop-off buses that circle the city.
Cars can be parked three minutes away at Callejón de La Fuerza.
More parking suggestions here »
Port of Malaga
Stroll through Spain’s oldest port and enjoy its hustle and bustle!
Cars can be parked five minutes away at the Marina/Central underground garage.
More parking suggestions here »
Conception Botanical Garden
This is the city's peaceful oasis. Discover the winding paths and snap photos of one of the most tropical and subtropical gardens in Europe.
Malaga Roman Theatre
The theatre was discovered in the 1950’s, but it was in built in the first century BCE already. Later on, the Arabs used its blocks to build the nearby Alcazaba.
You can leave your vehicle two minutes away at Calle Santa Ana.
More parking suggestions here »
Cathedral of Malaga
This city’s landmark is also known as La Manquita or the one-armed because of the famous non-existing tower. Due to the shortage of money in the 19th century they never built it.
Cars can be parked five minutes away at the Marina/Central underground garage.
More parking suggestions here »
Hotels in Malaga
Hotel California
A short walk from the nearest beach and from the city centre, Hotel California is a great pick!
Molina Lario Hotel
Located in the city centre, vith the view of the Cathedral, Hotel Molina Lario also has a top-class bar and restaurant and an open terrace. Parking available.
Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro
This hotel is situated opposite the Alcazaba (Citadel). Relax in their rooftop swimming pool and enjoy the wonderful views of the bay and city of Malaga. Free parking is available.
Hotel Don Curro
Yet again, close to downtown and beaches, hotel Don Curro has its own restaurant, parking, terrace and more.
Drive your rental car around Malaga
Depending on your interests and the length of your stay, there are many places to explore in the Andalusian region. So if not before, then now is definitely time to consider a car hire for your Malaga vacation. Once you have your rental vehicle, you can start planning your memorable road trips!
Driving about 43mi (70km) southwest, you will arrive at the resort town of Marbella. Stroll on the cobbled streets and enjoy the lovely boutiques and art galleries situated on the plazas. If you have a little extra time on your hands, explore the town’s districts.
Driving north there are quite a few destinations to see that are not particularly far away. The closest is the city of Granada, just 77mi (125km) northeast of Malaga. Granada boasts stunning medieval architecture, in particular, a series of palaces and gardens known as the Alhambra. About 100mi (16 km) north of Malaga lies the city Cordoba with numerous attractions and a charming atmosphere. You can also drive 125mi (200km) northwest of Malaga and reach Sevilla, a city of gardens, churches, museums, palaces and plazas.
Where to eat, drink and party in Malaga
Seafood dishes, cold soups, honey-based desserts as well as sweet Malaga wine are what you can expect in this city. Try the fried seafood platter, Fritura malagueña. Or for something lighter, head to the beach and pick any of the close by restaurants and dig in some roasted Sardines Espeto. Battle the heat like a local and order a cold soup – Porra Antequerana tomato soup with ham, fish and hard-boiled egg or Ajoblanco made with peeled and toasted almonds, garlic and olive oil are both refreshing and delicious. If you want to spice up your vacation with a lively night-time adventure, explore the streets of Plaza de la Merced, Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Granada, Calle Alcazabilla, Calle La Malagueta and Calle Larios.
Major events and festivals in Malaga
Malaga Carnival
January and FebruaryA huge celebration during Lent with dancers, street bands, parades and music.
Andalucia Day
February 28thThis modern holiday is celebrated with a fun parade across the entire Andalusian region.
The Night of San Juan
June 23rdA beach celebration with bonfires, food and great people. According to local legend, if you jump over the flare of the bonfire, you will be forgiven of all your sins!
Malaga Fair
AugustDon't miss seeing the lanterns and other paper decorations as well as ladies dancing in traditional flamenco dresses! Anticipate bullfighting in the afternoon with the locals!