Malaga, the radiant capital of the Costa del Sol, or ‘Coast of the Sun’ as it’s known in English, is a true sun-lovers paradise. Famous for its coastal scenery, grand architecture, and lively streets and plazas, it benefits from almost 330 days of sunshine every year. The city is described as both historic and cosmopolitan, boasting an unmatched combination of golden beaches and exciting city culture, with plenty of things to see and do. Thrill-seekers can visit Tivoli World Theme Park whilst those looking for a chilled time can take a quiet stroll about the idyllic Parque de Malaga. And, when the sun goes down, you can enjoy the fantastic nightlife with a whole host of restaurants and clubs to choose from, as well as a flamenco show or two if you want a real taste of Spain on your nights out.
However, don’t just confine yourself to the city centre. Malaga is a wonderful place to base yourself if you want to get out and explore some more of Spain’s party pieces. From here you can discover little pockets of paradise around every corner in the Costa del Sol. Situated in the south of Spain right next to the Mediterranean, you will find panoramic views, landscapes, scenic drives, and so many more hidden gems.
Day Trips from Malaga
For some perfect day trip inspiration, here are three of the best driving roads near Malaga:
1. The N340 between Almeria and Cádiz
The longest road in Spain, this incredible highway runs almost parallel to the coast, joining up the Costa del Sol’s major cities. Over 1000km long, travelling the entire route would certainly take more than a day, with Malaga being just one stop among many on the ‘Spanish Route 66’. But, the section between Almeria and Cádiz is the perfect length for a day trip with stops in between. With the deep blue Mediterranean glistening in the sun on one side of you, and epic sand-coloured rock formations on the other, the idyllic views stretch out for miles and miles of open road.
Beginning in Almeria, fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones may recognise the Alcazaba of Malaga as a filming location, and non-fans will appreciate the unquestionable grandeur of the palace. Heading westwards along the coast, the road stays close to the sea to provide some fantastic photo opportunities. As you continue through the towns the N340 gets windy and hilly, which is great fun to drive and still shows off the stunning scenery throughout. Approaching the final stretch to Cadiz you are met with the rock of Gibraltar; an impressively tall and picturesque geological feature, next to which you can sometimes spot the coast of Africa in the distance on a clear day.
2. The scenic mountain roads to El Chorro
A small village just 60km from Malaga, El Chorro sounds like an unassuming place, however it is an area famed for its incredible natural landscapes. Set in the awe-inspiring southern Spanish mountains, it is located next to the famous Gaitanes Gorge, popular with thrill seekers who flock to the gorge to rock climb, hike, and walk the Caminito del Ray (King’s Pathway), a walkway that hangs 100m above the bottom of the gorge. But, it’s not just the destination that draws in visitors from all over the world, the driving roads up the rocks and mountains have been appreciated by bikers, hikers, and drivers alike. Stunning, scenic roads take you up the rocky formations in the heart of Andalusia, with incredible panoramic views around every smooth bend.
Whilst heading up the mountains it is worth taking the journey at a leisurely pace. There are plenty of scenic spots to pull over and park at, so be sure to stop at a couple and capture those once-in-a-lifetime photos. On your way up take a moment to stop off at the lake Conde de Guadalhorce Reservoir, situated on the left-hand side of the road. This idyllic lake is the perfect resting place for spotting a variety of local wildlife. Finally, once you reach the top you will be greeted with a breathtaking view of the Spanish landscape, the perfect reward for your day trip.
3. The Idyllic drive from Ronda, Grazalema, and Zahara
The famously beautiful town of Ronda, as well as the towns surrounding it, are a must-see for anybody looking to take some day trips in the Malaga area. Ronda itself is about an hour and a half’s drive to the west of Malaga, and after falling in love with the jaw-dropping bridges and other architecture, you can take scenic roads through the countryside to Grazalema and Zahara which are both equally stunning. We recommend starting at Ronda, taking the A372 to Grazalema, continuing onto the CA-9104 to Zahara, and looping around the southern edge of the beautiful Embalse de Zahara-el Gastor back to Ronda. All-in-all the round trip would take about 2 hours to drive - longer if you intend to stop and take pictures.
Conclusion
Sun, sea, and incredible views are just the tip of the mountain when it comes to a trip to Malaga. Discovering the city and it’s surrounding areas by car is a true joy, whether you’re climbing the rocky, scenic mountains up to El Chorro or taking the coastal path along the Mediterranean. With an abundance of enchanting views ready to greet you around every corner, you will never be disappointed as you discover what Spain and the Costa del Sol has to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Make the most of your Spanish trip and book your perfect rental car today.
If you want to really enjoy discovering the best driving roads near Malaga, you’re going to need to right wheels. Luckily, that’s our speciality. Here at HolidayCars.com we pride ourselves on doing whatever it takes to get you the right car for your needs, no questions asked. We use our high-quality comparison tools to compare the very best car rental agencies so that we can make sure you are getting affordable deals with fantastic benefits. So, all you need to do is book your car and then you can get packing.