If you’re visiting Marbella for the first time, you might wonder if you really need a car. After all, the weather is great, taxis are easy to find and there are plenty of restaurants close to the beach.
But after spending time on the Costa del Sol, most visitors come to the same conclusion: having your own car simply makes the holiday better.
Here are five reasons why.
1. Marbella is bigger than most people think
People often imagine Marbella as just the old town and Puerto Banús. In reality, everything is spread out.
You might stay in Nueva Andalucía, have dinner on the Golden Mile, spend the afternoon in Cabopino and play golf in Benahavís the next day. A car makes moving between these places quick and easy.
2. The best places are outside Marbella
Some of the nicest places on the Costa del Sol are less than an hour away.
Ronda is perfect for a day trip. Mijas has beautiful streets and mountain views. Estepona has become one of the nicest towns on the coast, and if you have more time you can even drive to Gibraltar or Málaga.
Trying to visit these places by bus usually takes much longer and limits your day.
3. Shopping is much easier
Many visitors end up shopping at La Cañada, one of the largest shopping centres in southern Spain.
After a few bags, nobody enjoys waiting for a taxi or carrying everything onto a bus. With your own car, you simply load your shopping and head back to your hotel or apartment.
4. Golfers almost always rent a car
There are more than 70 golf courses along the Costa del Sol.
Most golfers don’t play the same course every day, so having a car makes life much easier. Golf bags fit comfortably in many rental cars, and you don’t have to rely on taxis every morning.
5. It isn’t as expensive as many people think
Outside the busiest holiday periods, renting a car in Marbella can be surprisingly affordable.
If two or three people are travelling together, the total cost is often similar to using taxis for airport transfers, restaurants and a couple of day trips.
For many visitors, it actually saves money.
A few simple tips
Book your car before you arrive, especially during summer.
Check what insurance is included before confirming your reservation, and make sure there are no unexpected fees.
If you’re arriving at Málaga Airport, collecting your car there is usually the easiest option. Marbella is only around 45 minutes away.
A little planning before your trip means you can spend less time thinking about transport and more time enjoying your holiday.
If you’re looking for a reliable car hire service visit https://rentacarmarbella.com/, it’s worth comparing local companies as well as the large international brands. Local businesses often offer more personal service, quicker collection and competitive prices.