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After discovering the wealth of historical sites, museums, beaches, shops and the culture of the formidable city of Malaga, there is still much to be had by venturing out of the city's boundaries and into sumptuous Andalucia. From world-famous golf courses, the 'white villages' in the rural hillside, the staggering beaches of the Costa del Sol to famous towns such as Marbella and the luxurious Puerto Banus all within driveable distance; you will quickly realise the extent of tremendous experiences less than one hour away.
Looking to the west of Malaga, car hire will unlock seemingly limitless activities and possibilities. Just 20 minutes from the city is the famous Costa del Sol resort town of Torremolinos. If Torremolinos doesn't sound appealing to your tastes, consider heading 15 minutes further west along the A-7 to Benalmadena. Unlike Torremolinos, Benalmadena has managed to avoid overexpansion and proliferation of garish concrete high-rises. Although during peak season the beaches can be very busy, you will find a number of excellent shops and be within a short drive of the quaint Andalucian village of Benalmadena Pueblo which overlooks the main town. Those traveling with children will be enthused by Benalmadena's sea life centre and the excellent Tivoli theme park. A short 15 minute drive from here will land you at Fuengirola. This charming town again has a vibrant nightlife; however, Fuengirola makes for an ideal place for tourists of all backgrounds. The town has five miles of fantastic beaches, including the famous Los Biloches, Gaviotas and Torreblanca (which are all blue-flag ranked) and features a pretty promenade along the coast lined with palm trees and colourful flowers. The town is also packed with fine restaurants and tapas bars and also has a number of family-friendly activities including a water park, Fuengirola Zoo, a miniature railway and a number of water sports opportunities. In terms of historical interest, you will find Sohail Castle sitting high above the town. Built during the Roman era, the castle also has Moorish features thanks to 12th-century renovations. If in the town on Tuesday, be sure to visit the Costa del Sol's largest outdoor market – El Baratillo de Fuengirola. Here you'll find everything from clothes and jewelry to crafts and fresh produce.
The area around Malaga is also well-known for its number of world-class golf resorts. The eponymous Mijas Golf Complex ranks as one of the favorites on the Costa del Sol, however, other top class courses can be found within a short drive of central Malaga; namely Anoreta Golf Club (designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros), Alhaurin (designed by Jose Maria Canizares), Bavieria, Guadalhorce, Lauro and Parador Malaga del Golf.
If the haute couture of Marbella was to your liking, then you will love Puerto Banus just 8km further west. The town is now internationally famous for its high-class living and glamorous social and fashion scene. The town is simply packed with high-end designer boutiques, five-star hotels and fine dining establishments – a veritable playground for the world's millionaires. However, you don't need to be a millionaire to enjoy Puerto Banus. Several internationally recognised chain restaurants have opened up here for example, making this serene coastal retreat more inviting for everyday tourists.
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The first of the mentionable highlights can be found just 45 minutes east of central Malaga in the form of the large resort town of Nerja. This former fishing village has enjoyed dramatic changes thanks to the influx of tourism without suffering the side effects of limitless high-rise buildings and overexpansion, thus retaining a unique and refined charm. As well as offering a vibrant nightlife, Nerja boasts a charming old town and is in possession of the immense 'Balcón de Europa' cliff that stands majestically above the Mediterranean donning exceptional views. Its most-visited attraction however is the Nerja Caves. Just 6km inland, the caves manifest themselves in the form of a complex system of limestone caverns believed to be inhabited as far back as 20,000 BC. Inside you will find artifacts including prehistoric paintings, archaeological finds, waterfalls and the immense Hall of Cataclysm where you will witness some truly awesome stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Although the town has suffered from a questionable reputation due to its hedonistic nightlife culture, there is no denying that Torremolinos has some of the finest beaches on the Costa del Sol. In fact, a mighty 9km of wondrous sandy stretches are at your disposal, but if you feel the beaches are too busy; you will find many good restaurants offering some of the freshest Andalucian fish dishes. If you are in Torremolinos out of the peak summer season, you will find it a welcoming, if not relaxing place with many attractions for the children still open.
Those looking to enjoy what some would term 'authentic Spain' after landing in Malaga tend to head inland and into the hills. A town which epitomises this term is Mijas, which is just 10km from Fuengirola. Mijas is known as one of Spain's famous 'pueblos blancos' (white villages) – which are literally towns characterised by small whitewashed houses which sit on the hillside. Mijas has retained much of its traditional values including 'donkey taxis' which can take you wherever you want to go in the town! From Mijas you will enjoy incredible views of the Mediterranean landscape over Fuengirola and beyond. The town itself features a network of small cobbled streets interspersed with restaurants, gift shops and more. History buffs will be entertained by the two Mudejar churches which were both built in the year 850 as well as several Roman, Moorish and Spanish buildings.
After considering the aforementioned towns and sites, those benefitting from car hire should almost definitely make the 45 minute drive along Autopista 7 from Malaga to the sumptuous and famous playboy playground which is Marbella. Despite its everlasting popularity, Marbella has kept true to its Andalucian flavor and style, whilst enjoying a cosmopolitan and modern feel in its architecture and lifestyle. The old quarter offers tourists a peek into this fine city's past; with Roman ruins visible as well as beautiful Moorish structures. Marbella is of course famous as well for its beaches. Fuerte, Bajadilla and Fontanilla all rank as some of Spain's most beautiful. Once you have taken in the exotic coastal setting, why not go and grab a bite to eat at one of the wide selection of great restaurants, or go and splash some of your currency in one of the many boutiques? The city is also plentiful of museums, art galleries, cinemas, theatres, clubs, bars, nightclubs and more. Also, make use of your hire car whilst in Marbella to go and explore the fascinating Pecho Redondo and Nagueles Caves nearby.
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