What places can we visit and see with a car hire in Malaga?

The famous Spanish Costa del Sol stretches from Malaga city west to Estepona. In the coastal strip of about 70 km are situated international resorts such as Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas and Marbella.

However, despite the famous model which has made known the area: the "sun and beach", the Costa del Sol has much more to offer to the visitor. Just look carefully or drive a few kilometrers away from the coast and you will find plenty of opportunities. For visiting Malaga by car and getting the most of your visit Malaga car hire is a great option.

Are you planning your first time visit and still wondering where to go and if Malaga car hire worth it?, continue reading and decide yourself.

In Malaga is situated the modern airport Pablo Picasso, the international gateway to the Costa del Sol and probably where we may want to check for car hire in Malaga. There are many websites offering their services, just be sure to use one you can trust, there are a few of those I can recommend for car hire in Malaga.

Now we have hire a car, where can we go?

In this city there are many interesting excursions to do, before or after the beach; we can visit the Alcazaba, the old Moorish fortress that overlooks the city, and at its feet the ruins of the Roman amphitheater. And if the heat is oppressive, we recommend a refreshing stroll through the Botanical Garden de la Conception, in the outskirts of Malaga.

El Torcal de Antequera is an impressive geological formation about a 25 minutes drive from Malaga; there are a couple of easy walking ways through fantastic rock formations, which are suitable for the whole family. Furthermore, we can visit the city of Antequera with a historic center full of churches and palaces of the 16th and 17th century or head for the castle to see the sunset.

In Benalmadena you will find the Tivoli Theme Park to spend a fun summer day for adults and children. And with the cable car in a short trip of about 20 minutes you can ride up to the top of the mountain with stunning views across the Costa del Sol at your feet.

If you want to know some of the "white villages " in the area, you always have the most accessible village close by: Mijas. Although in summer you'll find it overrun with other visitors who, like you, are looking for "the typical andalusian white village."

But the area has other "white villages", less exposed to mass tourism, a little more hidden maybe, but well worth the journey to them. These are Monda, Ojen, Casarabonela, Istan, Genalguacil and especially Casares.

The cosmopolitan Marbella has places to enjoy in complete serenity, away from the jet set. In the district of Trinidad, for example, we find cobbled streets full of bougainvillea and little bistros with a couple of tables on the sidewalk, a tiny church and the perfume of flowers at sunset.

Also, from the center of the city, we can drive up to the Viewpoint Mirador de Juanar, which is about 15 minutes away. A short walk on a pathway of about 1.5 km through pine and olive trees will take you to a natural balcony over the city, from where you can keep climbing to the top of the Sierra Blanca and there sit down and count the stars.

If you want to sacrifice a day at the beach for breathtaking views along with a lot of Andalusian history, visit Ronda, an hour's drive up into the mountains from Marbella.

You won´t regret it, you will be welcomed by the best of the bullfighting traditions, stories of bandits or the passage of Arabs and Romans in these parts. A city cut in half by its famous gorge, like two balconies looking out at the top of the rock, with majestic views and an unforgettable cuisine.

If you like sports, you'll find a great offer of outdoor sports of all kinds along the Costa del Sol. Regarding Golf, there are more than 30 excellent golf courses in the area. Furthermore, the Costa del Sol has some outstanding Marinas, such as Benalmadena, Cabopino, Marbella and Puerto Banús. The racecourse on the Costa del Sol is situated just a short distance from the beach of Cala de Mijas. Furthermore you can practice surfing, sailing, kite-surfing or horse riding.

You'll find a thousand temptations to not walk along the beach, though of course, it would be a shame to miss all the services and the Mediterranean Sea. And ... the beach bars, where you can find local fried fish specialties, seafood, rice and salads. The so-called Chiringuitos are another very typical and attractive offer on the Costa del Sol, you should not miss.

Coming to Malaga, even when searching just for sun and beach, means driving long distances...each of the most popular destinations are not close to each other and if we want to get one day to a wonderful beach in Nerja, and end the day shopping in Puerto Banus or Marbella, we may need a car.

I recommend checking a map and the distances involved. There is no train from Fuengirola in advance and locations like Nerja or Mijas Pueblo are not easy accessible for those without a vehicle.

Malaga is a place you will love and probably a single visit will make you come again the next year, why dont you give it a try?