Hire Car Malaga Tips, Experiences & Comparison

Málaga – more than just the gateway to the south

Málaga, with a population of just under 600,000, is the second largest city in Andalusia, the southernmost province in mainland Spain.

Many tourists give Malaga a wide berth. With a population of over half a million, the city seems too modern, noisy and dirty.

These people are missing out on a whole lot, because just in the last few years Malaga has spruced itself up mightily.

New museums have sprung up, buildings have been refurbished, streets have been beautified. And also the surroundings of Málaga are extremely charming and easy to discover with a hire car.

Receiving the hire car

Most hire car companies can be found directly in Terminal 2 or 3, just look for the signs. However, there are also hire car companies that do not have their station directly at the airport but only nearby. In this case, a shuttle will take you to the rental station. And this can take time. It is best to find out where your hire car company is located before you book.

Finding the right hire car

Especially if you want to drive a lot with your hire car in Málaga and the lively beach towns, you should rather reach for a small car. This will make it easier for you to find a parking space and get through narrow streets. Before booking, just think carefully about how big your luggage will be, so that the boot is not too small when you get there.

Hire car prices

Countless tourists land at Malaga airport year after year. This makes for cheap prices with hire car companies, as competition is fierce. However, if the offers are too cheap, you should carefully read the fine print of the contract. Some rental companies will then try to cash in on the spot, for example by demanding that you buy a tank of petrol at a higher price. You can find more on the subject of rip-offs in hire car in our special.

hire car price comparison Malaga

Insurance

In lively Málaga with its turbulent traffic, a small accident can happen quickly. Please take out a fully comprehensive insurance without excess, in order to be best insured in case of damage. With the liability insurance you should pay attention to the sum insured. If it is too low, you may be asked to pay personally in the event of a major accident or personal injury. And that can mean financial ruin.

age limit

Be sure to find out if the rental company will rent to young drivers before renting the car. This is because some providers require drivers to be at least 21 years old or charge younger drivers an additional fee. And even senior citizens are not immune to such a rule. There are companies that no longer rent cars to people over 75.

Accessories

Maybe you need a mobile sat nav or child seats to drive the hire car. In this case, you should check with your rental company before booking to see if they have these items in stock and what additional costs you should expect when renting.

Free kilometers

Even if you want to travel long distances with your hire car, you should make sure that your rental agreement does not contain any mileage restrictions. Then it may be, for example, that you are allowed to drive with your rental vehicle only 750 kilometers, and that each additional kilometer traveled will be charged. And that can really add up.

Customer Satisfaction Hire Car

In Malaga there are more often customer complaints about outdated and poorly maintained hire cars. Especially with extremely cheap offers you should be careful and read the customer reviews on this portal before renting.

Safety vehicles

As rental vehicles in Malaga are more often in rather poor condition, you should test the lights and brakes before your first drive. Also remember to check your indicators and brake lights. And check that high visibility vests and first aid kits are on board.

Bail

There are always rental companies that charge a deposit to your credit card and only pay it back after returning the car after a significant delay. To avoid waiting for your money, you should prefer a rental company where the amount is only blocked.

Sights in Málaga

Paseo del Parque: Magnificent boulevard
Start your city tour at the port and stroll from here along the Paseo del Parque. This magnificent boulevard has recently been completely refurbished. Lush palm trees line the paths and there are all kinds of statues to discover in the park that tell something about the history of the city.

Not far from the boulevard you’ll find Malaga’s cathedral. It was built from the 16th to the 18th century and impresses mainly by its mighty interior with a length of 117 meters, a width of 72 meters and a height of 48 meters.

Museo Picasso: Testimonies of the famous artist
Just a few steps away from the cathedral you will find the Museo Picasso. The painter Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga and is the pride of the city. The museum was opened in 2003 and offers a good insight into the creative work of the great artist.

Alcazaba: Moorish fortress with a view
After the museum visit, you’ll have to do a bit of climbing to reach the Alcazaba. The former Moorish fortress is located on a hill and offers a magnificent view over the city. Back in the centre, you can now discover modern Málaga for yourself. Stroll down unfamiliar streets, explore shop displays, strike up a conversation with locals in a simple bar and feel the pulse of this fascinating city.

Arabic Baths: pure relaxation
If you need to unwind afterwards, you can visit the Arabic Baths on Calle Tomás de Cozár. They are open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and offer pure sweating pleasure.

The surroundings of Málaga

Paraja Natural El Torcal – Pure Nature
Nature lovers will be drawn to the Paraja Natural El Torcal. Here there are bizarre rock formations to marvel at, as well as orchids and birds of prey. Since the paths are not all well developed, you should only explore the nature park with sturdy shoes.

Antequera – Charming Old Town
The picturesque town of Antequera, 50 kilometres north of Málaga, is also well worth a visit. Especially the charming old town should not be missed. Stroll through the alleys, buy typical souvenirs and enjoy the good food in one of the many restaurants.

Find a good restaurant in Málaga

Málaga is a big city and can boast a variety of restaurants. Friends of Spanish tapas will be happy at Mesón Lo Güeno. The restaurant was founded back in 1967. The tapas are of first-class quality, the staff is friendly and the place is cosy.

Find the special hotel

The Parador Málaga-Gibralfaro leaves nothing to be desired. Luxuriously furnished rooms, a beautiful pool, a great bar, as well as the breathtaking view over the city make the stay an experience.

Suggestion of a round trip

Mijas: Picturesque mountain village
The small village of Mijas is a worthwhile destination for a first round trip by hire car. There, the Moorish past comes alive. Winding alleys are lined with white houses and the turbulent beach life suddenly seems far away. From Málaga, you can reach Mijas in just over half an hour.

Marbella: sophisticated seaside resort with flair
The next stop on the round trip could be Marbella, which is a half-hour drive from Mijas. In Marbella, you can experience an old town that is largely spared from car traffic. And along the palm-lined waterfront, buildings, some of them ostentatious, bear witness to Marbella’s past as the most fashionable seaside resort on the coast.

Ronda: Beautiful town in the rugged mountainous country
You can get back to the mountainous country when you steer the hire car to Ronda to conclude the round trip. The route is quite winding, so you should allow a good hour for the 60 kilometres. From Ronda, which sits at an altitude of 744 metres above sea level, you will enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

After a stroll through the picturesque old town, don’t miss a visit to the bullring, built in 1785. You’ll learn a lot about the history of bullfighting in the accompanying museum.
For the return journey to Malaga you need another hour. In your hotel you can then plan the next excursion with the hire car at your leisure.