Malaga Car Hire

Guide to Malaga

Located in southern Spain and enjoys around 300 days of sunshine throughout the year and is generally has warmer winters than any other European city. This is in part thanks to the Malaga Mountains to the North East of the city which block out much of the cold weather.

A Brief History

With the western Mediterranean Sea on your doorstep you’re bound to be tied up in the affairs of this significant historic region and Malaga’s history is very much shaped by its location. There is evidence to suggest an ancient Iberian tribe the Bastetani were the first inhabitants of the area now known as Malaga, but it was the Phoenicians who first founded a colony on the site. Throughout its history Malaga has been captured, lost and recaptured by a wide range of empires, from the Roman to the Byzantine.

The Muslim Conquest of Spain in the early eight-century (in which the city was captured) saw Malaga develop into a highly defended city within the new Muslim ruled Iberian Peninsula. By 1026 the city was the capital of an independent Muslim kingdom. This kingdom was conquered by the Nasrid Kingdom of Grenada in 1229. Later when Isabella and Ferdinand took the city in the late fifteenth century, they punished the Muslim population severely with a large proportion sentenced to death or sold as slaves.

Malaga Today

Malaga is Spain’s fourth largest economic region with tourism, tech and construction being its major industries. The city is a vibrant place rich with heritage and archaeology. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including an August Fair which celebrates traditional Spanish food, fashion and dance.

What to see & do in Malaga?

Museums and Galleries

The Picasso Museum

Born in 1881 and going on to dominate the direction of art in the early 20^th Century, Pablo Picasso is without a doubt Malaga’s most famous export. Opened in 2003 the Malaga Picasso museum 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 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.

Address: Palacio de Buenavista, Calle San Agustín, 8, 29015 Málaga, Spain

Phone: +34 9521 27600

The Pompidou Centre Malaga

In 2015 one of Paris’ most famous cultural destinations opened a pop-up outpost gallery in Malaga, which has proven to be a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With a fantastic permanent collection including works by Frida Kahlo and Francis Bacon, this museum, like it’s big brother in Paris is world class. Keep an eye out for special events and activities and look at the upcoming exhibition programme, as well as up to date admission charges and opening hours, on the centre’s website.

Address: Pasaje Doctor Carrillo Casaux, s/n, 29016 Málaga, Spain

Phone: +34 9519 26200

Historic Buildings and Archaeology

Alcazaba

Built in the middle of the eleventh century this is one of the most important forts remaining from Moorish Spain. The word Alcazaba comes from the Arabic al-qasbah and translates as citadel. Although a fort it is built in a palatial style so not only is the Alcazaba filled with history, it is also spectacularly beautiful. Overlooking the city and the sea its location was its greatest strength as a fort and the greatest architects of the time provided the strength of its beauty, which can be enjoyed today. In the summer months the Alcazaba is open from 9am to 8pm and entry is reasonably priced, call ahead for current prices.

Address: Calle Alcazabillia, 2, 29012 Málaga, Spain

Phone: +34 6309 32987

Parks and Gardens

The Botanical Garden ‘La Concepcion’

This beautiful Botanical Garden is an escape from the everyday into the magical, mysterious world of plants, including a brilliant route named Around the World in 80 Trees. Find tranquillity and peace as you wander the meticulously kept grounds featuring an enormous range of international plants. At the heart of the site is the Historic Garden which has since 1943 been recognised as a garden of ‘historical and artistic interest.’ The Historical Garden features over 3000 plant species including specimens over 100 years old. Standard tickets cost €5.20 and the garden is open 9.30am to 7.30pm April – Sept, with reduced hours in the winter months. Visit their website for latest opening times.

Address: Camino del Jardin Botanico, 3, 2901 Málaga, Spain

Phone: +34 9519 26179

The English Cemetery

A cemetery may seem an odd suggestion to visit on holiday but for anyone interested in the history of Malaga, architecture and landscaping, it’s a very good one. Opened in 1831 this is the oldest Anglican cemetery in Spain. Wander the grounds and admire the wide variety of interesting gravestones all set within beautifully kept and purpose-built botanical gardens. The cemetery is open Monday to Friday 9am – 3pm and Sat/Sun 10.30am – 3pm. General admission is €4 or €3 for concessions.

Address: Funacion Cementerio Ingles de Malaga, Avenue de Pries, 1, 29016 Málaga, Spain

Phone: +34 9522 23552

Where to eat in Malaga?

Taberna Uvedoble

For local cuisine with a modern twist look no further than the Taberna Uvedoble. This is a modern eatery offering an excellent selection of traditional Tapas dishes plus a full menu of individual meat and vegetarian meals. There is something delicious on their menu for everyone.

Address: Calle Cister 15, 29015 Málaga, Spain

Phone: +34 9512 48478

Mama Franca

This mid-priced family friendly restaurant serves up arguably the best Italian food in Malaga. Enjoy freshly baked pizza, home-made pasta and a wide selection of Spanish and Italian wines. Only the best ingredients are used to prepare the food here and it shows. This is a popular spot in the coastal area of Malaga so be sure to book a table in advance to avoid disappointment.

Address: Av. Imperio Argentina, 7, 29004 Málaga, Spain

Phone: +34 9511 53913

Príncipe de Asturias Restaurant

Located in the 5* Gran Hotel Miramar this beautifully appointed restaurant offers fine dining in gorgeous surroundings. Whether eating out on the balcony overlooking the sea or inside the main internal dining area you will feel the luxury from the moment you sit down. The food lives up to the setting too, with excellent grilled meat and fish and some spectacular deserts. Open 1pm – 3.30pm and 8pm – 11pm. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Address: Paseo de Reding, 22, 29016 Málaga, Spain

Phone: +34 9526 03000

Transport and car hire for Malaga

Malaga Airport

Located just five miles from the city of Malaga, this airport serves most international arrivals in the region. Its proximity to popular tourist destinations in the Costa Del Sol (Coast of the Sun), make Malaga airport Spain’s fourth busiest. Although the airport has three terminals only the newest, Terminal 3 is used for departures. Operators here are predominantly budget carriers such as EasyJet and Ryanair with the most popular routes to and from Malaga are London, Manchester.

Malaga Car Hire

There are a number of car hire companies based in the airport and in the city.

At the airport, you will find all of the popular well-known brands on-site such as Europcar, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Alamo, Enterprise and Sixt. But to save money it's worth comparing some of the local ones too such as Centauro, RecordGo, OK rent-a-car or Surprice where you will be able to find a Vauxhall Corsa or similar, from around £29.50 per day in spring, £33.90 in summer, and much cheaper from as low as £5 per day in the winter months.