Compare Nerja car hire

Welcome to Nerja, a world of Mediterranean beaches, mountain backdrops and Andalusian adventures. Hire a car in Nerja to explore the Costa del Sol or road trip to desert towns and cascading cave systems. This is not your usual beach break – unless you want it to be, of course.

Nerja’s proximity to stunning beaches and three of southern Andalucía’s mountain ranges means the town has a healthy supply of car hire companies. It’s always a good idea to compare rental firms to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Many of Nerja’s car rental companies can be found in the town centre, particularly along Calle Pintada just off the N-340. Here you’ll find:

• Europcar: (+34) 952 526 151
• Autos Nerja: (+34) 629 110 828 / (+34) 952 520 694 / (+34) 952 522 346
• Autos Tivoli: (+34) 616 230 275
• Autos Andalucía: (+34) 661 225 719

Whether you decide to grab your keys from a big-name brand or a local provider, it usually pays to book in advance. When booking online, you’ll have more vehicles to choose from, so you can seamlessly slide into your pick of compacts, SUVs, saloons and more.

When collecting your rental, you’ll usually need to show the booking agent your driving licence, passport and a credit card in your name. But always check on the requirements of your chosen provider before you set off from Blighty.

As with much of the Costa del Sol, Nerja’s nearest airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). As Spain’s fourth busiest airport, it’s great for a bargain flight from the UK at any time of year. It’s also a convenient starting point for exploring the resort towns that line the southern Spanish coast.

Pick up a hire car at the airport and you’ll usually arrive in Nerja in around 50 minutes (traffic permitting). The smooth and easy to navigate A-7 highway is a great introduction to driving on the other side of the road.

Once you’ve touched down, follow the signs for rental cars in the basement of Terminal 2. There are plenty of agent desks down here to choose from. Take your pick of the following:

• Avis / Budget: (+34) 902 109 384 / (+34) 902 112 569
• 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

Sorting your car rental in advance also saves you time and hassle upon arrival. Have your passport, driving licence and booking confirmation handy when you approach the desk and you’ll be behind the wheel in no time.

With a rental car, Nerja’s spectacular caves, stunning Maro Beach and the twisting banks of the Río Chíllar are easy to explore. It’s also your key (or keys) to unlock the rest of the Costa del Sol and surrounding area.

Pack a sun hat and a smile and head for the whitewashed village of Frigiliana. It’s just a 14-minute drive inland. But with snaking mountain roads and sensational scenery you’ll want to make it last a little longer.

Córdoba is another great choice for a day trip. Expect incredible architecture, culture and history spanning centuries. At around two hours it’s a slightly longer drive, but the A-45 will take you most of the way – and believe us, it’s well worth it!

Wherever you pick up the keys to your holiday wheels, there are a few things you’ll want to remember when driving under the Spanish sun. The first is the simplest yet most important: drive on the right!

It may take some getting used to being on the ‘wrong’ side of the road, but a little extra care at slip roads, junctions and roundabouts is usually all that’s needed.

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

You could risk a fine if you speed or forget to indicate too. And remember, many car rental companies will slap an admin fee on an already hefty fine.

Other than that, strap in and enjoy the ride.