Related guides Road Trips Verified drive times: Mijas 25 min, Marbella 30 min, Ronda 75 min via A-357, Caminito del Rey 1h10 (book 8 weeks ahead). Granada 1h50, Gibraltar 1h30 across the border. Benalmádena is the perfect base for an incredible Costa del Sol road trip. With a rental car, you have the freedom to explore beyond the beach and discover the diverse landscapes of Andalucía. From whitewashed villages to dramatic gorges, here are the top destinations for a drive from Benalmádena. Planning to explore Spain's northeastern coast on another trip? See our guide to car rental in Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava. This quick-glance table helps you plan your day trips with realistic timings and costs. Destination Distance from Benalmádena Drive Time (Approx.) Main Route(s) Toll Cost (One-Way) Key Tip Marbella 50 km 35 mins AP-7 €3.40 - €5.50 Faster and less stressful than the free A-7 coastal road. Ronda 100 km 1 hr 45 mins A-366 or A-357/A-367 €0 The A-367 route is less winding and generally easier to drive. Nerja (Caves) 75 km 1 hr A-7 €0 The Nerja Caves drive is easy; combine with a visit to Frigiliana. Gibraltar 115 km 1 hr 30 mins A-7 / AP-7 Up to €9.20 Park in Spain (La Línea) and walk across the border. Caminito del Rey 60 km 1 hr 10 mins A-357 €0 Book tickets 8+ weeks in advance for this popular hike. Granada 145 km 1 hr 50 mins A-7 / A-44 €0 A longer day trip; leave early to secure parking and see the Alhambra. The classic Málaga to Marbella drive presents a choice: the paid AP-7 (autopista) or the free A-7 (autovía). The AP-7 is faster, more direct, and bypasses the coastal traffic of towns like Fuengirola and Torremolinos. The A-7 runs parallel to the coast, offering sea views but also heavy traffic, numerous exits, and constantly changing speed limits. The A-7 is notorious for its variable speed limits, dropping from 100 km/h to 80 km/h and back again. This is a common spot for tourists to get fined. 🚗 Local Insight: The A-7 coastal road has frequent, often sudden, speed limit changes. Be aware of DGT fixed and section radar cameras, especially around km 968, 978, 1019, and 1049. Check our full guide to speed camera locations. For a 35-minute stress-free drive, the AP-7 toll is worth the cost. Tolls are paid by cash or card at the Calahonda toll booth. AP-7 Ausol Toll Rates (BOE 2025) AP-7 Route Segment Normal Season Rate Special Season Rate (High Season) Málaga → Marbella €5.50 €8.90 Málaga → Estepona €9.20 €14.95 A Ronda day trip is a must-do. The drive itself is part of the experience, taking you from the coast into the dramatic mountains. The most common route from Benalmádena is via the A-357 and then the A-367, which takes around 75 minutes. This road is well-maintained but features many bends and climbs. Drive defensively, don't rush, and use lower gears on steep descents to save your brakes. Be mindful of cyclists and the occasional goat. While the roads are safe, driver focus is essential. Tragically, Málaga province recorded 35 road deaths in 2025, with motorcyclists being particularly vulnerable on these scenic routes. The Caminito del Rey drive is an easy 70-minute journey north from Benalmádena, primarily on the A-357. The destination is a spectacular 7.7 km walkway pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge. Plan for the entire experience, including parking and shuttle buses, to take 3–4 hours. The most critical part of this trip is booking. Demand is extremely high year-round. 💡 Pro Tip: Tickets for the Caminito del Rey sell out fast. Book your slot on the official website (caminitodelrey.info) at least 8 weeks in advance, especially for summer visits. Last-minute tickets are virtually non-existent. Follow signs for the northern access point at Ardales, where the main car parks are located. After you finish the walk at the southern end (El Chorro), a shuttle bus will take you back to your car. Compare Car Rental Deals Technically yes, but practically no. While the drive from Benalmádena to the Gibraltar border at La Línea de la Concepción is a straightforward 90 minutes, taking a Spanish rental car across the border is a major contractual violation with most rental agencies. ⚠️ Warning: Driving a Spanish rental car into Gibraltar without explicit written authorization and supplementary cross-border insurance (often €40–€60) voids your entire insurance policy, including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), SCDW, excess cover, and any third-party excess insurance. Depending on the provider, this can also invalidate no-deductible or all-risk protection. Any accident or damage would be your full financial responsibility. Learn more about insurance and scam protection. The simple, safe solution is to park in Spain. Use a secure underground car park like Santa Barbara in La Línea, located a 5-minute walk from the border. You can then walk across the border and airport runway into Gibraltar hassle-free. Driving into Portugal from Spain requires specific preparation due to their electronic-only toll system. Spanish rental cars are not automatically equipped for this. You must inform your rental company that you plan to cross the border, whether you are heading to Faro or the wider Algarve. Under Decree-Law 84-C/2022, the company will activate a Via Verde transponder for your vehicle. They typically charge a daily administrative fee for this service, which is legally capped at €2.21 per day, with a maximum charge of €22.14 per rental contract. The actual toll fees are then charged to your credit card later. Before you start any Costa del Sol road trip, do a quick check to ensure a smooth journey. Documents: Do you have your driving licence, passport, and rental car agreement in the vehicle? Fuel: Is the tank at least half full? Petrol stations can be sparse in the mountains. Navigation: Is your phone charged? Have you downloaded offline maps for areas with poor signal? Payment: Do you have a credit card and some Euros in cash for tolls and parking? Passengers: Have water and snacks, especially if travelling with family. Planning a trip for a larger group? Consider a van rental for groups for extra comfort. Safety: Are the legally required two warning triangles and reflective vests in the car? Check the boot before you leave the rental depot. For day trips and longer escapes, a well-equipped car makes all the difference, whether you choose a Citroën C3, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, Dacia Sandero, SEAT Arona, Nissan Qashqai, Ford Focus, or a family-friendly VW Caddy Maxi.