Exploring the Costa del Sol region is easy, thanks to the region offering an extensive road network for venturing out into both the city and the wider area. If you take advantage of car hire from Malaga Airport, you'll be able to drive down the picturesque coastline routes, as well as take a tour inland to some of the small towns dotted around.

The MA-20 leads from the airport into the city - alternatively, you can take the MA-22 which will take you along the coastline to Malaga. The AP-7 leads south towards Marbella and Gibraltar and you can also take the A-7 east, past Malaga, along the coast before joining the A-44 to get to Granada.

You'll need to be aware of the toll roads when driving around Spain. While these may give you a quieter journey due to less people driving on this road, you will have to pay the fare, which varies depending on where you're travelling to and what road you're on.

Speed limits vary depending on the kind of road on which you're travelling. Motorways have a maximum limit of 75mph (120km/h), while built-up areas have a speed limit of 31mph (50km/h) and outside of built-up areas it's 55mph (90km/h). Dipped headlights must be used in tunnels and full headlights should not be used in built-up areas – you should use dipped headlights or sidelights. 

Parking in Malaga is relatively straightforward. Don't park on yellow or red lines, and always check the signs to ensure you return within the time limit. There are a number of car parks and multi-storey garages too where you can park for an unlimited time, with charges starting at around €1.20 per hour.

Hire a car at Malaga Airport and you’ll soon be on your way to sun-kissed fun.

With a lively atmosphere that draws in the crowds, food which tantalizes the taste-buds and a warm Mediterranean climate, this is a city beloved by tourists, business travellers and locals alike.

An effortless beach holiday

Just south of Malaga is the resort town of Torremolinos. With spectacular beaches and a picturesque coastline which stretches on for seven kilometres, this retreat can give you sun, sea and scenery all in one place.

Playa El Bajondillo is easily accessible from the old quarter of town and is one of the area's more central beaches. With sun loungers, shaded areas and plenty of room to grab a piece of sand to relax on, you can soak up the rays and enjoy a chilled-out day at the beach. Stroll down the lively promenade for shops and restaurants, many of which specialise in local seafood.

If you're looking for somewhere to take breathtaking pictures, head to Playa La Carihuela – the westernmost beach in Torremolinos. For water sports, take a trip to Playamar or, if you're looking for something a bit more secluded, go to Los Alamos which is the perfect place to avoid the crowds in the day time.

A playground for the rich

Around a 15-minute drive to the west of Marbella lies Puerto Banus, a costal retreat with all the charisma you'd expect from such a luxury location. The main focal point of the town is the incredible marina which can hold 915 boats.

Puerto Banus is also the ideal location for shopaholics, with designer brands, speciality food shops and interior décor shops situated across the area. Head into the heart of ‘The Port', shop in Marbella Old Town for souvenirs and, if you're looking for something with it all, visit La Cañada shopping centre on the outskirts of the city. With your Malaga Airport hire car you’ll have plenty of space if you get carried away with your shopping spree.

History in the making

To the east of Malaga Airport is the small village of Velez-Malaga. Capital of the Axarquia region, the village offers astounding architecture which can give you a glimpse into the country's past. The Palace of the Marquises of Beniel is a stand out, mixing Mudejar and Mannerist styles while incorporating a hint of the Renaissance. The palace is where the Spanish writer Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, stayed during his time here.

The Church of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion and the Church of San Juan Bautista can also be found in Velez-Malaga. Two of the most interesting religious buildings in the village, both were built blending the Mudejar and Gothic styles. Velez-Malaga was once surrounded by walls and, while a few of these have come down, the Keep and some of the walls have been reconstructed.

From the beaches which line the coast to the sights which tell the tales of the country's past, Malaga has something for everyone. So whether you're here on business or just taking a long relaxing break, Malaga can offer you exactly what you need and car hire from Malaga Airport puts you in the perfect place to explore it all.