Malaga Car Hire

Find the best deals in Malaga

With a massive choice from the biggest brands, Enjoy the best way to find the best prices for car hire in Malaga.

  • Huge choice of cars to suit every budget
  • Save up to 70% compared to buying on the day
  • 10 years experience in car hire

Essential Tips for Car Hire in Malaga, Spain

Located in southern Spain, Malaga is renowned for its glorious sunshine all year round, rich heritage, and vibrant culture. With so much to see and do, driving is the most efficient method of sightseeing in Malaga. Navigating the city streets offers a mix of historic architecture, vibrant markets, and bustling cafes. The coastal routes have you mesmerized with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Having a car rental also allows you to venture beyond the city into surrounding areas and unexplored locations that aren't accessible by public transport.

While driving around Malaga is relatively easy, ensure you consider the following points before getting behind the wheel:

  • Book your vehicle from airports: Booking your vehicle from Malaga Airport can help you find better deals. This keeps you within your budget, allowing you to spend more on your trip to Malaga.
  • Book in advance: Car rentals are a popular choice amongst tourists, especially from Malaga Airport. Leaving your booking till the last minute could mean that you're stuck with limited availability and higher prices. We recommend you book at least three months in advance to avoid missing out on more options and better deals.

Whether you’re visiting Malaga for business or pleasure, Enjoy Travel is here to find you the perfect car hire. We offer low-cost and reliable vehicles at competitive rates. Book today with Enjoy Travel for a memorable experience.

Budget-Friendly Car Hire in Malaga

view from Gibralfaro castle
Burriana beach

Booking with Enjoy Travel allows you to choose from a wide range of vehicles. Our selection caters to a variety of preferences, needs, and budgets. When seeking low-cost, efficient, and convenient travel, look no further than Enjoy Travel. You'll be able to explore the city at your own pace and on your own terms. We offer budget car hire all year round, even during Malaga's peak tourist seasons.

Securing the Best Deals

We advise you to book at least three months in advance to secure the best deals. This is a crucial step for traveling during Malaga's peak tourist season, which falls during the summer months of June to August. You'll find prices to be significantly higher and limited availability.

Understanding Malaga’s Driving Regulations

Driving can be a wonderful experience in Malaga with the superb scenery and diverse landscapes. The roads are smooth and well-maintained, ensuring an enjoyable experience. However, it's important to make sure you're well-equipped with the rules of Spanish roads before you jump behind the wheel. Take the following points into consideration to ensure a smooth-sailing driving experience in Malaga:

  • Drive on the right side of the road with passing and overtake on the left.
  • Speed limits are 120km/h on motorways, 90km/h on rural roads, and 50km/h in urban areas. Make sure to prioritize posted speed limits on the roads.
  • At all intersections, priority must be given to traffic approaching from the right unless there are road signs indicating otherwise.
  • When driving on mountain roads, be careful to take it slow and pay extra caution when on winding roads, especially during bad weather.

Rules of the Road for Renters

  • The minimum age for car hire is typically 21. Some companies require a minimum age of 25, a license for a minimum of one year, and a credit card in your name. Check specific rules with individual rental companies before booking.
  • Ensure you have all relevant documentation with you when driving your rental vehicle, such as a full valid UK driving license, insurance, ID, or registration.
  • All drivers are forbidden from using headsets or headphones while driving, whether for music or calls.
  • All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seatbelt when the car is in motion.
  • If you can, avoid driving during rush hour, which is usually between 7am-9am and 4pm-7pm on weekdays.
  • The legal blood alcohol limit in Malaga is very low so it is best for the driver to avoid alcohol.
  • It is mandatory for children under the age of 12 or below 135cm to be seated on a booster seat.
  • You are required to use hazard lights when parked on the side of the road at night.

Parking in Malaga: A Guide

Parking in Malaga presents both challenges and opportunities. While the city offers various parking options, including street parking, parking garages, and designated parking zones, availability can be limited. Tourist areas, in particular, and peak seasons can prove to be difficult. Street parking, denoted by blue lines, often has time restrictions and requires payment at parking meters or via mobile apps.

Finding Convenient Parking Spots in Malaga

Finding convenient parking spots in Malaga can be challenging, but several options can ease the process. Utilize public parking garages located throughout the city, including the underground parking at Plaza de la Marina. Street parking is available, but be mindful of time limits and payment requirements. Consider using parking apps for real-time availability updates.

Top Attractions in Malaga

Colomares Monument Castle
Malaga view

Malaga is packed with history, culture, nightlife and natural beauty. Let’s take a look at some of the best spots for a memorable trip.

Discovering the City’s Highlights

  • The Picasso Museum: Born in 1881, Pablo Picasso dominates the direction of art in the early 20th Century. The Malaga Picasso Museum, opened in 2003, features a wide collection of work donated by the Picasso family. Not only does the museum have a permanent collection of works by its namesake, but it also hosts regular temporary exhibitions of other Spanish and international artists. Opening hours and admission prices vary throughout the year, so be sure to visit the official website for the latest information.
  • Alcazaba: Built in the middle of the eleventh century, this is one of the most important forts remaining from Moorish Spain. Overlooking the city and the sea, its location was its greatest strength, and the greatest architects of the time provided the strength of its beauty, which can be enjoyed today.
  • The Botanical Garden ‘La Concepcion’: This beautiful Botanical Garden is an escape into the magical, mysterious world of plants, including a brilliant route named Around the World in 80 Trees. The Historical Garden features over 3000 plant species, including specimens over 100 years old.

Transport Options in Malaga

Public transport is available, but the best option to get around Malaga is with your own car hire. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and not have to worry about public transport schedules.

Best Day Trips from Malaga

Granada and the Alhambra: Approximately 1.5-2 hour drive away will land you in this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace complex, with its intricate Moorish architecture and lush gardens, is a testament to Spain's Islamic heritage. Distance from Malaga: 151 km

Ronda: This town is dramatically perched atop a deep gorge, offering mesmerizing vistas of the surrounding countryside. It's a simple 1.5-hour drive from Malaga and a worthwhile road trip. Distance from Malaga: 101 km

Nerja and the Nerja Caves: The charming coastal town of Nerja is home to the Nerja Caves, an impressive collection of rock formations and prehistoric paintings. Distance from Malaga: 59 km

Optimal Driving Times in Malaga

Malaga Restaurants
Mijas

The best time to drive in Malaga would be before and after rush hours. From 8:00 to 10:00 in the morning and 17:00 to 19:00 in the evening.

Planning your Adventure

Having an itinerary and booking places in advance really helps to have a successful trip. This is especially important when traveling during peak tourist seasons like summer. Spanish roads are well sign-posted, and you'll be able to navigate your way easily, but to ensure full confidence when driving, it's best to utilize navigation services.

Weighing the Benefits of Car Hire in Malaga

Although it can give you more freedom and convenience, car hire is not everyone’s preferred method of getting around.

Advantages of Personal Mobility

Having your own vehicle allows full flexibility to explore Malaga at your own pace. The city is surrounded by incredible scenery which is most enjoyable when you're able to travel in your own time.

Potential Drawbacks of Hiring a Car

Parking can sometimes be scarce and expensive, especially in the center. Additionally, navigating through congested areas can be stressful if you are inexperienced.

Variety of Rental Vehicles in Malaga

Car hire is available from Malaga Airport, and Enjoy Travel works with a range of car hire suppliers to bring you reliable, clean, and secure vehicles. Our range includes small options like the Fiat 500, medium-sized vehicles such as the Peugeot 2008, and even larger vehicles like the Mercedes Citan.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Needs

When picking a vehicle, it's important to consider your personal circumstances and the number of people. Solo travelers and couples could benefit from a small or medium car, whereas families or larger groups would find a large car more convenient.

Partnering with Malaga’s Car Hire Providers

Enjoy Travel works closely with some of Malaga’s most premium and respected car hire companies. The companies are as follows: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Centauro, Click and Rent SL, Drivalia, Enterprise, Europcar, Firefly Car Rental, GoldCar, Goldcar PLUS, Hertz, Keddy, Key-n-Go, National, OK Mobility, Record Go, Sixt, and Thrifty.

Selecting a Reputable Company

Make sure to research the company beforehand and check reviews. To be completely satisfied, ensure that the services, prices, and reviews align with your expectations before booking.

Got a Question? Chat with our UK support team

Online chat help is open 08:30am to 17:00 weekdays. Email: [email protected]

ENJOY FAIR FUEL POLICY

FAQs about car hire in Malaga

Most frequently asked questions about hiring a car in Malaga

The city of Malaga is located just five miles from the international airport. Also nearby is Torremolinos and the rest of the Costa Del Sol.
Malaga is birthplace a number of famous faces, including actor Antonio Banderas, the writer and philosopher Maria Zambrano and most famous of all the artist Pablo Picasso, the city even has a museum dedicated to their favourite son.
This is dependent on the time of year and the particular size/make of car you’re looking for. In the summer months you will be looking to pay around €10 per day for a small car. In the winter and spring the same car would start from €3-5 per day.
The legal driving age in Spain is 18, however the car hire companies have their own rules, and often add a surcharge for under 21s or under 25s, with some not accepting drivers under 21 at all. Use our search tool to find the right deal and company for your needs.
120 KM per hour is 74.6 miles per hour.
This generally depends on your own preference. Malaga is warm throughout the year, even in winter temperatures stay amongst the warmest in Europe thanks to the mountain range at the north of the city. Malaga and the surrounding areas are heavily dominated by tourism so if you’re not tied to school holiday dates you will find it slightly less busy and may even save some money if you visit during term time.
We partner with several local and international hire companies offering an excellent comparison between them. Use our search tool to find the best deal for your dates, read genuine customer reviews and know that you’re always covered by our Fair Fuel Policy.
During the current Brexit transition period British drivers are able to drive in any EU country, for stays of up to 12 months, with their British driving license. After January 2021 rules are likely to change and further documentation may be required, keep an eye on this government website for the latest information.
Yes. The drive to Gibraltar from Malaga is just under two hours and takes you westwards along the coast. However, tourists often face problems getting into Gibraltar from Spain, though many manage the trip with no problems, we recommend being prepared for a long wait at the border and if possible, plan on spending a couple of days in Gibraltar rather than making a day trip.
Malaga is one of the cheapest cities in Spain to go on vacation this year according to recent rankings which indicates that the price, leisure options and the climate are the three most determining factors to pick it as your destination.
Renting a car in Malaga can be worth it if you use it to drive around the city and explore the region. It will enhance your overall experience.
Malaga follows the same traffic regulations as the rest of Spain. First of all, you drive on the right and in the roundabouts you give way to vehicles coming from the left.
Traveling to Malaga means seeing the Costa del Sol, the beaches, Marbella, Torremolinos and the historic centre of its capital.
The best months to visit Malaga are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November. On average, the warmest months are July and August. Malaga has dry periods in June, July and August.
For small cars the budget friendly options begin at £20 for a week, which means more or less £2.80 a day.
The cheapest offers allow you to rent a car for a whole month for £243, or £8 per day. As mentioned earlier, this depends on the season you book and the car type.
The average price of a litre of fuel in Malaga can vary between EUR 1.15 and EUR 1.01.

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