Málaga is one of those destinations that welcomes families with open arms: sunshine almost guaranteed, beaches perfect for sand castles and a city full of exciting activities for all ages. So, on our recent family trip, we didn’t have the question of where to spend our holiday, but rather how to go about it. For us, there were two main options: using public transport and private tours or renting a car. We chose the latter and couldn’t have been happier with our decision.
Why I chose to rent a car instead of using public transport
Travelling with kids changes absolutely everything. Your priorities and your timing are all centered around the little ones, which can be very unpredictable. Although Málaga has excellent public transport options that are generally reliable and cover a good portion of the Costa del Sol, the thought of juggling the timetables doesn’t sound like a relaxing holiday. Besides having to work around bus schedules, public transport also gets super busy, which is also less than ideal with tired kids.
With a rental car, we could load up on snacks, spare clothes, beach gear and toys, without any compromises. If anything happened, we could simply go, without having to check the timetables. The convenience of a car is hard to match and it made the holiday a lot less stressful for all of us. Not just that, we could go on longer journeys, exploring the region, in the comfort of a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, where children can have a nap in the back in between destinations.
Road trip highlights around Málaga
Once you have a vehicle, it opens up so many new places in the Costa del Sol region which may not be easily reachable via public transport. Everyday feels like a new discovery, as you go on your mini road trips as well as leave room for spontaneous stopovers. Here are some of the highlights from our trip:
Coastal drives and seaside towns
Driving around the coast is truly magical in this part of Spain, with beautiful Mediterranean views greeting you every step of the way. There are so many family-friendly beaches you can stumble across, each with its own unique character. While some are buzzing with cafes and water sports activities, the others feel like private little heavens away from civilization…
One of the major highlights, Nerja, is a superb destination for a day out, visiting the magical Nerja caves on a boat tour. After that, you can go to the Burriana Beach for a swim or watch the sunset at the Balcón de Europa panoramic viewpoint – an unforgettable experience!
Scenic routes through Andalusian villages
Going inland feels like stepping into another world entirely. The Andalusian region is dotted with picturesque pueblos blancos (white villages) that cannot be missed. One of the must-visit villages is Mijas, known for its charming white washed houses and breathtaking views. The journey towards it, alone, was worth seeing for its stunning landscapes.
Another gem is Frigiliana, often hailed as one of Andalusia’s prettiest villages. Getting there from Málaga via public transport would be tricky, but with a rental car it was a spontaneous trip. The mixture of Moorish architecture and mountain views together with quirky little shops make for a lovely family day out.
Hidden gems only accessible by car
Well-known destinations are popular for a reason, but some of the best memories are usually made in the unexpected spots. Having a car meant that we could visit such cool spots as Río Chíllar, not far from Frigiliana. While doing the whole 16-kilometer hike along the river is not realistic with children, there are lots of shallow natural pools perfect for splashing around.
Another spectacular visit is the Montes de Málaga Natural Park, featuring lots of hiking and cycling trails as well as recreational areas for an epic picnic surrounded by mountain views. If you wanted to get to this park using public transport, you’d be quite limited to where the buses stop, whereas a private vehicle lets you drive up to all of the hidden spots.
CarGest: A reliable partner for my trip
We chose to use car hire Málaga Airport services, as we wanted to have a vehicle from the moment we land. CarGest stood out as one of the most reliable providers, making the process as easy as it gets. You can pre-book your car in advance using their simple booking platform, making any specific requests (e.g. a child car seat).
Once you land, the office is minutes away from the airport and the car is ready for you, no need to wait around in long queues. The staff was super friendly and we were given a support number in case anything happens throughout the week, providing that much-needed peace of mind for the whole holiday.
The value of renting a car at Málaga Airport
You certainly don’t need to rent a vehicle to have a great time in Málaga. However, having one really changes everything, allowing you to not just visit different places more conveniently, but also make last-minute decisions as and when you please. That is, of course, even more important if you plan on travelling with small children.
