Rent your car at Málaga Airport

Málaga's old town packs centuries of history into a handful of streets. The Alcazaba, an 11th-century Arab fortress overlooking the harbour, and the Roman Theatre at its feet are must-sees, as is the Cathedral of the Incarnation, known as "La Manquita" for its unfinished tower. A few steps away, the Centre Pompidou Málaga and the Picasso Museum round off a cultural offering that surprises those who only knew the city as a beach destination. Parking near the centre and exploring on foot is the best way to discover it.

Less than an hour from Málaga city, the Caminito del Rey runs along walkways suspended over the Gaitanes Gorge, with stretches more than 100 metres above the Guadalhorce River. It's one of the most photographed excursions in Andalusia and can only be reached by your own vehicle or organised transport, since there is no direct regular public transport connection from the city. Booking tickets in advance is essential, given the daily visitor limit.

To the east of the province, Frigiliana is considered one of the prettiest villages in Spain, with cobbled streets and white façades climbing up the mountainside. Nearby, the Caves of Nerja house geological formations up to 65 metres high and the largest stalagmite column in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. Combining both visits in a single day is only possible with your own car, since they are more than 50 kilometres from Málaga city and from each other.