If your trip to Málaga is all locked in but your travel itinerary is looking a little empty, let us give you a few hints and tips.Experience the best that this place has to offer by adding Málaga Cathedral and Malaga Roman Theatre to your travel itinerary. If you’ve got an extra day or two to spare, drop by Alcazaba and Picasso’s Birthplace too.Not too far from the city center, Malagueta Beach is one attraction you might like to consider putting on your to-do list. Picasso Museum Malaga and Calle Larios are also nearby and worth checking out.

We know you can’t wait to test out these new wheels of yours. How about a day trip out to Playa Carabeillo? Just 30 miles away, roll down those windows and enjoy the wind in your hair on the drive there. Nerja Beach, Balcon de Europa and Nerja Caves alone justify the drive out here. Situated 60 miles away, Playa de la Alcaidesa is another popular destination. If you visit, make sure you check out Valderrama Golf Club, San Roque Club and Almenara Golf Resort.

Málaga is home to some stunning stretches of coastline, and what better way to experience them than from behind the wheel of your very own rental car. See what interesting shells and treasures you can find strewn along the shore at one of these well-loved beaches:

• Banos del Carmen Beach (2 miles away).
• La Misericordia Beach (3 miles away).
• Las Acacias Beach (3 miles away).

Meet some of the local people while you’re in Málaga by cruising off to an event at one of the top convention centers. There are some fantastic things on, so check out the schedule and write down a date. Recommended places include:

• Trade Fair and Congress Center of Malaga (2 miles away).
• Palace of Congresses and Exhibitions (8 miles away).

Málaga has loads on offer. You could chill out for a week or two here and not get bored. To take in as much as possible in this bustling metropolis, a rental car is a must. Keep in mind that driving around the city often goes hand in hand with tight streets and sparse parking spaces. But don’t worry — an economy or a compact car will make this much easier to manage. If you’re in the mood to venture out of the city and explore some of the sandy shores that Málaga is known for, you’ll probably prefer a car with more room. A full-size or mid-size SUV will make that scenic road trip even more fun.

You’ll be glad to know that there’s a great range of both luxury and economy vehicles to rent in Málaga. What you end up going for will depend on how much you’re willing to spend and the activities you’ve got planned. Prestige vehicles are all about mod cons and comfort. If you’re splashing out, why not pick a high-end SUV, or perhaps a stylish mid-sized sedan? On the other hand, if you’re just after a set of wheels to get you around town as efficiently as possible, stick with a no-frills compact vehicle (or something else that won’t burn a hole in your wallet).

You’ll need to keep to the right when driving in Málaga. In addition, exercise a bit of extra caution if it’s your first time on the road here. Once you’re familiar with how the locals drive, relax and enjoy the scenery!

It’s relatively easy to find somewhere to park in Málaga, although you might find it difficult to get a spot in the busiest streets. Staying at a hotel that offers on-site parking is a smart move.

Since the population of Málaga is only 568,300, you shouldn’t have too much difficulty with traffic congestion. That being said, major roads can get busy in the rush hours before and after work, so you may want to avoid driving then.

While cruising through the streets of Málaga, keep in mind that the speed limits usually range from 50km/h to 120km/h. Residential zones are 50km/h unless indicated otherwise.

Normally, one of two things will happen. Your rental company may charge the amount stated on the fine to your credit card. This is the most common practice. Alternatively, it may supply your contact details to the relevant local authority so the fine is issued to you directly.

It’s illegal to use your cell phone while you’re behind the wheel in Málaga, and you could also be issued a fine for simply holding a phone if you’re in control of a vehicle. That being said, using hands-free or Bluetooth functions is allowed, as long as your attention stays on the road.

In Málaga, it is a fineable offence to operate a vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol content) greater than 0.05%. If you plan to have a few drinks over dinner, leave the car at your hotel.

Turning on a red light isn’t allowed in Málaga. Always keep an eye on traffic signs and lights to ensure you don’t break any traffic laws.

Yes. However, there are exceptions for certain vehicles operated by public transportation systems.