Car Hire Marbella

With the refreshing waters and sandy beaches of the Mediterranean to the south and the looming Sierra Blanca Mountains to the north, the southern coast of Spain is a true delight to travel by car. Kissed by the sun for much of the year, it’s no surprise that Marbella and its wider province of Malaga form a popular location for excursions.

Tracing the coastline, the main road in Malaga is the AP-7 – which conveniently links you to all the main resorts. Major roads also connect the region with intriguing destinations and vibrant Spanish cities further afield, so if you fancy a day trip while here you can visit other hotspots such as Gibraltar and Seville.

Once you head further inland, you’ll find the roads become much quieter. The A355 will take you north-east towards the Sierra Blanca Mountains and the A397 goes north-west to Ronda. When driving around the city itself, you will find Marbella simple to navigate. The N340 is a convenient road that runs east to west through the main town. There’s also the Calle Serenata that runs north to south, right through the heart of the city.

In terms of parking, any street that is marked with a white line is free, while those marked with blue and green lines are pay and display areas.

In Spain, driving is on the right-hand side of the road and you overtake on the left. Speed limits can be as high as 120km/h on Spain’s motorways, and typically drop to 50km/h in urban areas. Always ensure you keep an eye on signs for the route that you are on however, as this can vary. 

Take a warm, relaxing stroll on the beach by day then dance your way through the night – Marbella is a city with many faces and much to enjoy. You can soak up the atmosphere in one of the many night-life venues on the Golden Mile, or embark on a characterful adventure into the Spanish past. Regardless of your desires, this coastal location is brimming with possibilities.

The Old Town

Lined with pristine white buildings adorned with flourishing flower boxes, Casco Antiguo (or the ‘Old Town’) is mesmerising by day and night.

Here you’ll find a plethora of unique eateries and bars in which you can enjoy locally influenced cuisine. Nestled against the historic walls and amid some of the city’s most eye-catching traditional buildings, Marbella Patio serves traditional Andalusian dishes that are perfectly complemented by the simple yet beautiful interior. There’s a different menu for practically every day of the year, and the chefs regularly shake things up. Request a table out on the patio and you can watch other adventurers pass you by.

A must-visit hub in this wonderful district is Plaza de los Naranjos, or ‘Orange Square’. Lined with the colourful fruit trees that give the meeting place its name, it is alive with a bohemian spirit and friendly atmosphere that’s just as bright. 

As well as a main shopping and dining location in Marbella, the Old Town also offers you a chance to let your hair down. Park up the car for the evening and pay a visit to one of the quirky bars lining the streets to listen to an array of musical genres.

Perfect beach days

It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit Marbella – a visit to the beach is always enjoyable.

If you’d like to stay closer to the town, Bounty Beach is one of the trendiest locations to spend your day. Local musicians serenade sunbathers, and the atmosphere is cool and relaxed throughout.

If you’re up for a coastal-view slightly away from the centre, Playa Alicate is about 10 minutes’ drive east and just 8km from Marbella’s heart. Known as a haunt of celebrities such as Antonio Banderas, this Mediterranean beach has great venues to grab a refreshing drink and snack to keep you energised throughout the day. The nearby restaurant Los Sardinales also offers exceptional views over the sea.

Puerto Banus

Heading west just out of town, meanwhile, Puerto Banus is the heart of the party scene on the southern coast. Funky Buddha is an exclusive VIP club that is brought to life with the sound of DJs, while La Suite offers a unique combination of New York loft style and Roman heritage, blending the modern and the classic in a glamorous venue that’s a treat for the eyes and the ears. There’re even a few Irish bars, such as the lively Irish Tavern, should you fancy indulging in a taste of home.

Those looking to enjoy a night out can leave the car behind, and head back to their hotel via foot or taxi.

With a wealth of gorgeous beaches and historic streets to explore, ensure you soak up southern Spain’s allure with car hire in Marbella.