Compare Marbella car hire

Marbella’s world-class nightlife, beautiful beaches and more than 300 days of sunshine make for a brilliant break at any time of year. But there’s more to this amazing city than sea, sand and champagne parties.

Hire a car in Marbella to explore the best of the city, its sun-drenched coastline and its stunning Andalusian surroundings.

The crown jewel of the Costa del Sol, Marbella might sound hard to leave but a hire car frees you up to discover the region’s secluded beaches, picturesque villages and mountain climbs.

With so much to see and discover it’s no surprise that there are plenty of car rental companies to choose from in Marbella. Just remember to compare car rental companies for the best deal.

Many trusted brands are conveniently situated along the coastal road behind Puerto Banús Beach, and similarly behind Playa del Faro, including:

• Avis / Budget: (+34) 951 324 060
• Marbella Rent a Car: (+34) 952 819 000
• Hertz: (+34) 952 773 191
• Sixt: (+34) 871 180 192
• Europcar: (+34) 911 505 000

The A7 motorway and AP7 toll road both run along the coast, making it easy to take an ocean drive eastward to Fuengirola or all the way westward to the beaches of Tarifa with views to Africa.

Head inland and you’ll find pretty little villages like Benahavis, Mijas and Casares (one of Spain’s prettiest pueblos blancos). Or take the scenic A-397 mountain road up to the stunning, gorge-divided town of Ronda.

Set between the national parks of Sierra de las Nieves and La Sierra de Grazalema, this spectacular town is a true taste of Spanish life – no wonder Ronda inspired figures like Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles and the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, who called it the “city of dreams”.

Approximately 50km (30 miles) and 40 minutes’ drive from Marbella is the nearest airport, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). Málaga Airport makes it easy to pick up a rental car and make your way to the sunny city in style.

Head to the basement in Terminal 2 after you’ve cleared customs to take your pick from international and local hire companies, including:

• Avis / Budget: (+34) 902 109 384
• Sixt: (+34) 871 180 192
• Europcar: (+34) 911 505 000
• Record Go: (+34) 936 192 468
• Goldcar: (+34) 918 341 400
• Hertz: (+34) 902 998 706
• Firefly: (+34) 952 244 942
• CarGest: (+34) 952 173 520
• Marbesol: (+34) 952 234 916

The drive from the airport is quite straightforward. After exiting the car park, take the Autopista AP-7 highway, which takes you almost the entire way to Marbella. It’s also an easy introduction to driving on the right.

With hundreds of direct flights between the UK and Málaga each week, it’s easy to find one that suits your budget and body clock.

If you want other options, Jerez Airport (XRY) and Granada International Airport (GRX) are less than two hours away. Both airports have plenty of reliable rental providers to choose from, including Avis, Sixt, Europcar and Marbesol.

Wherever you touch down, it’s always a good idea to book your hire car in advance. As well as saving you time and hassle at the airport, you’ll usually get a wider range of vehicles to choose from.

So, whether you’re a compact cruiser or a more upmarket tourist, you’ll have no problem securing your dream ride.

Hiring a car as your trusty steed makes it easy to explore Puerto Banús, Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square), Cabopino Beach and green after green of Marbella’s beautiful golf courses.

To hit the road for a little longer, head out of the city to the White Villages of Arcos de la Frontera, Casares and Gaucín. Or head along the coast to the luxury resort town of Sotogrande.

For a real change of pace, you can chill with the monkeys of Gibraltar in just over an hour.

Wherever you go to collect your car, there are few things to keep in mind once you’re in the driving seat. Fortunately, most advice is just good common sense.

In short, drive on the right, use your indicators (you may be fined if you don’t), don’t use your mobile phone, turn on your headlights in poor visibility and stick to the speed limits.

Unless clearly signed, go for 50km/h (30mph) in urban areas, 90km/h (55mph) on national highways and 120km/h (75mph) on motorways.

There are a few rather more quirky Spanish rules of the road to consider too. Avoid parking on bends, intersections or on sand near the beach. You could face a fine if you stop in the wrong spot.

Lastly, if other drivers flash their lights at you before overtaking on a motorway, don’t panic. By law, you have to do so to let the driver ahead know you’re about to pass.