Road trip! Let’s hop in the car and discover Costa del Sol

The province of Malaga is filled with charming places—and the best way to see it all is on a road trip through Costa del Sol! Renting a car in the province of Malaga gives travellers many advantages, including the freedom to choose where they want to go and how much time they want to spend when they get there. Malaga has plenty of car rental companies where you can find your next ride, like Prima Rent A Car & Bike and Garcatri Deluxe Transport, for example. Rent a car and create your own adventure in Costa del Sol.

Driving route: Eastern Costa del Sol

1. Frigiliana

Start your excursion through eastern Costa del Sol by stopping in Frigiliana, one of the most beautiful towns in the region and one of the most photographed and visited places in all of Spain. Park your car and stroll down Zacatín Street and Amargura Street, where you will find beautiful white alleyways, stone paths and impressive views of the Mediterranean Sea from above.

2. Maro

Next, head to Maro and take in the views from the Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs Natural Area and Torre de Maro Viewpoint. Here, you’ll get an unparalleled panoramic view of where the sea and the mountains collide, along with steep cliffs, sparkling coves and untouched beaches. While you’re here, we also recommend seeing Nerja Cave, which is known as “the prehistoric cathedral” and is regarded as humanity’s very first work of art.

3. Nerja

Your next stop will be Nerja, where you can stroll along its famous ‘Balcón de Europa’ and get a beautiful panoramic view of the coastline. Visit its historic town centre and see famed monuments like the Church of El Salvador and the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Las Angustias. The TV series Blue Summer was filmed in the 1980s in this town, and fans of the show will love reliving its many sites or taking photos next to the famous Chanquete boat. You definitely need to try the local cuisine in Nerja, like the traditional “ajoblanco” dish with grapes.

4. Vélez – Málaga y Torre del Mar

Drive a few more kilometres and you’ll find Torre del Mar (​​Vélez - Málaga). This beach has been awarded a “Q” for quality and a Blue Flag. Along the promenade, there are plenty of beach bars where you can eat fried fish and other local specialities. Head into the historic part of Vélez - Málaga and discover its rich cultural heritage. Some monuments that are not to be missed here include: Marqués de Benieles Palace (a symbol of civil architecture in Axarquía), Hospital de San Juan de Dios (which was founded in 1487 by Catholic monarchs) and Casa de Cervantes (a 16th-century house where Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes is believed to have stayed).

5. Rincón de la Victoria

The last stop on this excursion is Rincón de la Victoria, a town that merges a unique, jungle landscape with spectacular historical monuments like Bezmiliana Castle or The Treasure Cave (the latter is filled with cave paintings). After you see all that, head to its beaches, where you can belly up to a local beach bar and eat traditional fare… like anchovies.

Driving route: Western Costa del Sol

1. Benalmádena

From Rincón de la Victoria, drive to the other side of Costa del Sol—to Benalmádena! Here, you’ll find a picturesque, historic town centre with narrow streets, quaint squares and plenty to do and see. Head to the Felipe Orlando Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (which has one of the best art collections in Spain), as well as Colomares Castle and Bil Bil Castle (an Arabic castle with a reddish colour that stands out amongst the coastal landscape).

2. Mijas

Next, visit Mijas, a beautiful Mediterranean town filled with white houses, narrow streets and the Old Town, which was declared a Historic-Artistic Site. Don’t miss the Wall, Viewpoint and Gardens of Muralla (it has the remains of the old fortress that Mijas was built on and around, and boasts one of the most impressive panoramic views of Costa del Sol) or Mijas Bullring (which is nestled on the rock and, from the outside, looks like a typical white house). Finally, Art lovers should visit the Center for Contemporary Art, which has works by Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Miró.

3. Fuengirola

Fuengirola is just a ten-minute drive from Mijas, and is known for having a long beach promenade that’s lined with lively bars and restaurants. It’s important to see Sohail Castle while you’re there (it has impressive views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Mijas mountains!), as well as Finca del Secretary, an archaeological site with remains from the first through fifth centuries AD.

4. Marbella

You can’t drive through Costa del Sol without stopping in Marbella—it’s one of the area’s most popular municipalities. This part of Spain is known for its glamour, culture and plethora of activities, and it’s a top destination for celebrities from all over the world. The beauty of its Old Town is undeniable; think: quaint alleyways, small town squares and whitewashed facades. Mixed into its fabric are a sea of luxury boutiques, the extravagant Puerto Banús shopping area, distinguished restaurants, beach clubs and more.

5. Estepona

Estepona is a real-life example of a traditional Andalusian town. While it’s known for its beaches, Estepona also has a stunning Old Town—one filled with flower-covered houses, outdoor sculptures, streetside murals and more. Stroll through the different neighbourhoods here and you’ll find art everywhere you turn. Estepona is a delight in every way.

And that’s it for our Costa del Sol road trip! While we only covered the east and west coasts here, there is still plenty more that awaits you in Malaga. If you enjoyed this trip, get back in your car and drive through the interior of the province to discover more. In Costa del Sol, life is all about the journey!