The Ultimate Guide To Renting A Car In Spain

Hot.

That was the first thing I noticed when I landed in Malaga.

But instead of sticking to the typical beach routine, I wanted more. I wanted to drive – to see those tiny towns that never make it onto the glossy brochures, to take spontaneous detours, and to chase sunsets that no tour bus could ever time right.

Renting a car at Malaga Airport was my first smart move. Within an hour, I was on the road with the windows down, Spanish music playing, and the coastline unfolding beside me.

I spent the following days road-tripping through Granada, wandering the maze-like Albaicín with the Alhambra glowing above me at sunset, and later heading north towards Montserrat, where the jagged mountains seemed to rise straight out of the clouds. 

And the beauty of it? I didn't have to rush. 

That's the real charm of renting a car in Spain (and even Italy, where I later continued my journey) — the freedom to explore beyond the tourist trail. One week I was driving past olive groves in Andalusia, the next, winding through Tuscany's golden hills, stopping whenever something caught my eye.

If you're planning a trip through Spain or Italy, having your own set of wheels isn't just convenient — it's the key to unlocking the best stories you'll bring home. 

Why Rent A Car?

Public Transport Vs Personal Freedom

You can absolutely enjoy a trip to Malaga without ever touching a steering wheel. The city is wonderfully walkable – from the historic centre to Malagueta Beach, everything feels close enough to explore on foot. And if you want to venture slightly farther, there's a reliable network of buses and metros that can take you around the city and nearby towns.

But once you've ticked off the main attractions, you'll start to feel the limits of public transport. Trains and buses in Spain, while convenient, only go so far – and they operate on fixed schedules.

I quickly realised how many of Andalusia's hidden gems weren't accessible without your own wheels. Those postcard-perfect whitewashed villages like Frigiliana or Mijas Pueblo, tucked high in the mountains, often require multiple bus changes or long uphill walks under the sun.

Discovering The Real Andalusia

The moment I picked up my rental car, my trip completely changed. I wasn't just following a guidebook anymore — I was chasing curiosity.

One morning I drove to Nerja, parked above the cliffs, and wandered down to Burriana Beach, where I spent hours swimming and eating grilled sardines by the shore. The next day, I took a spontaneous detour through Ronda, crossing the iconic bridge and sipping coffee overlooking the gorge — something I could never have fit into a bus schedule.

That's the beauty of renting a car: it gives you spontaneity. You can stop at a random vineyard, take the scenic coastal route, or spend an afternoon exploring a tiny café-lined village you didn't even know existed.

Road-Tripping Through Southern Spain

Malaga makes the perfect starting point for a road trip through southern Spain. Within 2 hours, you can find yourself wandering through Granada's Alhambra — its intricate courtyards and Moorish arches glowing gold in the afternoon sun.

On another day, I drove out toward Montserrat, its jagged peaks towering over the Catalan countryside, or followed the road to Seville and Córdoba, where the scent of orange blossoms fills the streets and tapas bars spill over with locals.

One of my favourite drives was along the Costa del Sol. The coastal road winds past turquoise water, tiny beach towns, and cliffs that catch the light at sunset. I'd roll down the windows, cue my playlist, and just let the scenery unfold — stopping whenever something caught my eye, like a small café overlooking the sea or a lookout point I couldn't resist pulling over for.

Before setting off, I made sure to pack the road trip essentials: a small cooler for snacks and drinks (lifesaver in the Andalusian heat), a power bank for my phone navigation, a hat and sunscreen, and a lightweight jacket for mountain drives. Having a rental car made it so easy to store everything in the boot — I never had to worry about lugging bags around between stops.

One highlight was detouring into a national park I hadn't even planned on visiting. The winding mountain roads led me through olive groves and pine forests until I reached a quiet lookout where I could see for miles. It was one of those unplanned, quiet moments that made me realise why I love road-tripping so much — you're never in a rush, and every wrong turn could lead to something unforgettable.

Why It's Worth It

Renting a car isn't just about convenience – it's about connection. You move at your own pace, stop where the locals go, and see parts of Spain that organised tours skip entirely.

Whether it's stumbling upon a family-run tapas bar in the countryside or driving into the mountains to catch a panoramic view of the coast, having a car makes travel feel personal again.

The CarGest Experience

After a long flight, all you really want to do is grab your bags, pick up your car, and get going — not queue endlessly or fill out piles of paperwork.

That's why, before my trip, I decided to research car hire Malaga Airport options before my trip. There were plenty of choices, but CarGest caught my attention for its clear pricing and straightforward booking process — so I decided to give it a try.

Booking Online

The booking process was quick and transparent. The website clearly listed car types, insurance coverage, and add-ons like GPS or child seats, which made comparing options simple. I entered my travel dates, got an instant quote, and could see the full cost upfront — no hidden extras or sneaky small print.

I ended up choosing a compact car, perfect for navigating Andalusia's narrow village roads, and received my confirmation email within minutes. It felt like one less thing to stress about before my trip.

Smooth Arrivals And A Warm Welcome

After collecting my luggage, I followed the clear directions to the CarGest desk just outside Malaga Airport. A free shuttle picked me up within minutes and brought me to their office nearby. The staff greeted me with genuine smiles — the kind of warm welcome that immediately puts you at ease. I'd read a few positive Google and Trustpilot reviews mentioning how friendly their team was, and now I completely understood why.

Within a couple of minutes, the paperwork was done, the deposit was sorted, and I was handed the keys to a spotless, modern car — full tank, fresh interior, and ready to go.

Unlike some rental experiences I've had in the past, everything here felt organised and stress-free. Before I knew it, I was cruising out of the lot, the sun glinting off the windscreen and the open Andalusian road stretching ahead. The only question was: where would it lead me first?

On The Road

The car was comfortable and handled beautifully — smooth acceleration, strong air conditioning (a must in southern Spain), and great mileage for all the kilometres I covered. Having my own vehicle meant I could drive from Malaga to Granada, make a spontaneous detour to Frigiliana, and even chase the sunset at Nerja's Balcón de Europa without worrying about timetables or missed buses.

The only small downside was parking in central Malaga and Granada — like most Spanish cities, spots can be tight and pricey — but that's all part of the adventure. If I were to do it again, I'd probably go for an even smaller model to make city parking a little less stressful.

Returning The Car

Returning the car was just as smooth as the pickup. The inspection was quick, the staff checked everything efficiently, and the shuttle dropped me back at the terminal well in time for my flight. My deposit was released a few days later, exactly as promised.

Overall, my experience with CarGest was seamless — not perfect, but reliable, friendly, and exactly what I needed to explore Andalusia at my own pace. Having a car gave me the freedom to discover places I wouldn't have reached otherwise, and that sense of independence made the whole trip feel a little more personal.

Exploring Southern Spain by Car

There's something truly magical about driving through southern Spain. The landscapes change so dramatically — from golden beaches to rolling olive groves and sleepy whitewashed villages — that every hour feels like stepping into a new painting.

Having my own car meant total freedom to explore at my own pace, pulling over whenever a view caught my eye or a roadside café called my name.

Discovering Malaga City

Before heading out on your Andalusian adventure, spend at least a day exploring Malaga itself. Often seen only as the gateway to the Costa del Sol, this city deserves far more credit. Its historic centre is a joy to wander — imagine narrow cobbled streets shaded by orange trees, with tapas bars tucked between centuries-old buildings.

Start with the Alcazaba fortress, an 11th-century Moorish palace that offers sweeping views of the city and sea. History buffs will love the guided tours that reveal how Malaga fit into Spain's Islamic period. Art lovers, on the other hand, shouldn't miss the Picasso Museum, which showcases a stunning collection of works by the city's most famous native.

When you're ready for a slower pace, head to the Malagueta Beach or stroll along Muelle Uno, the modern harbour promenade filled with cafés and boutiques — the perfect spot to sip a cold tinto de verano and people-watch.

Coastal Drives Along The Costa del Sol

Leaving Malaga behind, the coastal drive itself becomes part of the experience. Heading east towards Nerja, you'll find yourself cruising between the calm blue of the Mediterranean and the rugged peaks of the Sierra Almijara. The Nerja Caves are an easy highlight, but I honestly loved the journey just as much as the destination — rolling down the windows, feeling the sea breeze, and watching little seaside towns pass by.

From there, I detoured inland to Frigiliana, one of Andalusia's most beautiful white villages (pueblos blancos). Its cobbled lanes are draped in flowers, and every corner seems made for photographs. You'll find local ceramic shops and viewpoints where you can see both the sea and the mountains at once — one of my favourite moments of the trip.

Hidden Gems On The Western Coast

If you head west from Malaga, the Costa del Sol takes on a different character — glitzier but still full of charm. Marbella is a good stop for a stroll through its old town, where bougainvillea spills from every balcony, and the air smells faintly of churros and sea salt.

A short 20-minute drive inland takes you to Benahavís, a peaceful mountain village that feels worlds away from the coast. It's known for its excellent Andalusian restaurants — perfect for a long lunch of grilled meats and olive oil-drizzled bread. I spent a quiet afternoon here, wandering its winding streets and chatting with locals who seemed in no rush to be anywhere.

Tips For Your Andalusian Road Trip

Before setting off, make sure you've packed for flexibility. A few essentials I found helpful:

• Offline Google Maps — signal can be patchy in mountain areas.
• Reusable water bottle — summer heat can be intense.
• Light layers — temperatures change quickly between coast and hills.
• Snacks — not every rural stretch has cafés or petrol stops.

With these on hand, you're ready for wherever the road takes you — from Granada's hilltop Alhambra to the surreal rock formations of El Torcal de Antequera National Park.

Andalusia's Heartland

If the coast is all golden beaches and salty air, Andalusia's heartland feels like another world altogether. Driving north from Malaga towards Ronda, the scenery transforms before your eyes — the road begins to twist and climb through mountain passes, olive groves, and sleepy hilltop villages that seem untouched by time.

I must have pulled over a dozen times just to take in the views. Every bend revealed another postcard-perfect scene — whitewashed houses clinging to cliffs, goats wandering along stony paths, and endless olive trees shimmering under the sun.

The Magic Of Ronda

Ronda itself is an absolute must on any road trip through Andalusia. The first time I saw the Puente Nuevo, the enormous stone bridge stretching across the deep El Tajo Gorge, I just stood there speechless. From the viewpoint near Plaza de María Auxiliadora, you get a sweeping panorama of the bridge, cliffs, and the green valley below — the kind of view that stays with you long after you've left.

The town is small enough to explore on foot, yet filled with history. I wandered its cobbled streets, stumbled upon tiny artisan shops, and ended up in a little café overlooking the gorge, sipping café con leche while the sun dipped low.

The Thrill Of Caminito del Rey

If you're craving a bit of adventure, drive east for about an hour to reach Caminito del Rey, near the village of Ardales. Once dubbed one of the most dangerous walks in the world, it's now fully restored and perfectly safe — though the thrill remains.

The narrow boardwalks cling to the sides of El Chorro Gorge, suspended high above turquoise waters. It's both exhilarating and humbling to walk between those sheer cliffs, feeling tiny against nature's grandeur. I booked my ticket online a few days ahead (highly recommended — spots fill up fast!), parked at the shuttle area, and walked the route in about two hours. Easily one of the highlights of my entire Spanish trip.

Small Detours, Big Memories

The beauty of a Spanish road trip lies in the unplanned moments. Some of my best memories weren't on the itinerary at all — a spontaneous stop at a family-run taverna, a wrong turn that led to a hidden lookout, or a quick dip in a river I hadn't even known existed.

That's the freedom you get with your own car. You can chase the recommendations of locals you meet along the way or linger longer in places that tug at your heart. Andalusia rewards curiosity — the more you wander, the more it gives back.

Hidden Beaches of the Costa del Sol

Of course, no Andalusian adventure is complete without some beach time. But while spots like Marbella and Torremolinos get all the attention, some of the region's most beautiful beaches are the ones you won't find in guidebooks.

Drive just a little farther — and you'll find quiet coves like Playa de Maro near Nerja or Playa del Cañuelo, both surrounded by cliffs and only accessible by foot or local shuttle. These beaches are worth every bit of effort to reach. The sand is softer, the water clearer, and often, you'll have long stretches of it all to yourself.

Pack a picnic, bring a book, and spend the afternoon listening to the waves — it's Andalusia at its most peaceful.

Traditional Tavernas And Local Flavours

One of the joys of exploring Andalusia by car is discovering food in the most unexpected places. Forget the tourist traps — the best meals are found in small, family-run tavernas where menus are scribbled in Spanish and the dishes taste like someone's grandmother made them.

In Benahavís, I stumbled into a local eatery serving sizzling prawns in garlic oil, rustic bread, and cold local wine. In Ronda, I tried oxtail stew so tender it fell apart at the touch of a fork. And everywhere I went, people were kind — smiling, curious, and always ready to share a story or a recommendation.

My Honest Opinion

Renting a car abroad can be hit or miss, so I always go in with realistic expectations. During my time in southern Spain, I rented with CarGest after reading a few positive reviews — and overall, my experience was a good one. It wasn't perfect, but it made exploring Andalusia a lot easier and more enjoyable.

What I Liked About CarGest

Good range Of cars

I liked that CarGest had plenty of vehicle options to choose from, depending on your travel style and budget. I went with a compact car — small enough to handle the narrow roads of whitewashed villages like Frigiliana, but still powerful enough for longer motorway drives to Granada and Ronda. If you're travelling with family, there are larger SUVs and automatics available too.

Easy airport pickup

After landing in Malaga, I followed the signs to the CarGest desk and hopped on their free airport shuttle. The ride to their nearby office took less than five minutes, and I appreciated how organised everything was. The staff were friendly and efficient, and even though a few other flights had just landed, the wait wasn't too long.

Transparent Booking Process

What stood out to me most was how clear the booking process was. When I reserved online, I could see all the costs upfront — including insurance and optional extras like GPS — so there were no nasty surprises later. It felt good to know exactly what I was paying for before even stepping off the plane.

Flexibility and Clear Policies

CarGest's drop-off system was also convenient. I liked that they had a short grace period for returns and didn't make things complicated. Returning the car was smooth, and my deposit was refunded within a few days, just as promised.

What I Didn't Like About CarGest

Busy During Peak Hours

The only real downside was timing. When several flights landed at once, there was a small queue at the counter. It wasn't terrible, but if you're arriving during busy hours, I'd recommend packing some patience or booking a slightly later pickup.

Parking Challenges

Not their fault, though!

Finding parking in Malaga and Granada was the trickiest part of the trip — though to be fair, that's true for almost every Spanish city. Next time, I'd probably choose an even smaller car to make parking a little easier in tight village streets. 

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Looking back, renting a car in Malaga really shaped how I experienced southern Spain. Having that freedom meant I could slow down, take spontaneous detours, and see places that weren't packed with tourists — from quiet coastal towns to mountain viewpoints I'd never have found otherwise.

Driving from Spain into Italy later on made the whole trip feel like one long adventure — different landscapes, languages, and food, all blending together. Sure, there were moments of wrong turns and getting lost (especially in Granada's narrow streets), but honestly, those were some of the most memorable parts.

If you're planning to explore Spain or even continue into Italy, having your own set of wheels gives you a kind of independence no bus or train ever could. It's not just about convenience — it's about the stories that happen in between destinations.