Marbella is a wonderful destination for those that love to drive!
Spanish motorways around Marbella are quiet and well-maintained, making driving smooth and enjoyable—even for first-timers. There are some legendary driving roads to tick off your bucket list, and with an average of 320 sunny days every year and a fab mix of destinations and landscapes, it’s a driver’s dream.
A driving holiday in Marbella is more than just a getaway—it’s a gateway to southern Spain’s most dazzling treasures and boasts some absolutely stunning scenery very close by.
The Costa del Sol’s roads offer jaw-dropping Mediterranean views at every turn, as well as mountain landscapes, beautiful countryside and lovely traditional white villages to visit in less than an hour. This means you can alternate lazy beach days with leaving the coast behind and seeing a whole different aspect of Spain.
Choosing a holiday rental in Marbella and hiring a car gives you a comfortable home base to explore from, but endless adventures! Enjoy the freedom to explore hidden gems off the beaten path, from olive groves to lemon orchards, and take easy day trips to places like Málaga, Estepona, and even Seville. No need to pack and unpack—settle in, relax, and let your itinerary evolve with your mood or the weather.
If that sounds like the holiday for you, here are some fantastic drives from Marbella to add into the schedule.
1. The Coast Road to Fuengirola
Driving from Marbella to Fuengirola via the coastal A-7 road is a sun-soaked, sea-kissed experience that’s a lovely drive, and takes you to a great destination too! It’s a 35–40-minute drive along the coastal highway which takes you along Marbella’s golden beaches and luxury resorts. As you continue, the scenery shifts to La Cala de Mijas, where the road hugs the coastline and offers stunning sea views, before the stunning Sohail castle welcomes you to Fuengirola.
Once you arrive, stroll along the long paseo lined with cafés, shops, and boasting fantastic beaches. Pop into the Miramar Shopping Centre, or visit the lovely zoo BioPark Fuengirola – a real favourite for families. There’s also a great waterpark in Fuengirola called AquaMijas which is a perfect activity in the summer months.
2. From Marbella to Ronda
Driving the Ronda road is a rite of passage for car lovers. It’s packed with tight switchbacks, sweeping bends, and dramatic elevation changes that challenge and thrill drivers. It’s steeped in motoring lore and has become a favorite among driving clubs and motorcycle tours. You’ve probably seen it if you watch car shows, as it is regularly used for test days of new vehicles.
Now this is not one for nervous drivers! It’s like a natural racetrack carved into the mountains, offering a dynamic driving experience that rewards precision and control.
Passengers love it too, because as you ascend into the Serranía de Ronda, you’re treated to panoramic views of valleys, forests, and distant peaks. Frequent miradors (viewpoints) let you pull over and soak in the beauty—perfect for a breather or a photo op.
It’s a rare blend of technical driving and aesthetic pleasure, making it a bucket-list route for anyone who loves being behind the wheel.
Whether you’re in a convertible, a classic car, or just a rental with good grip, the Ronda road delivers a driving experience that’s as soulful as it is scenic. Ronda itself is a great place to visit too! Highlights include the famous gorge, walks through the countryside and visiting wineries. Find out more about things to do in Ronda
3. Drive through the Paraje Natural de los Acantilados to Maro and Nerja
Driving from Marbella to Maro and Nerja via the Paraje Natural de los Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo is one of the most spectacular coastal journeys in southern Spain. It’s a blend of Mediterranean beauty, cliffside drama, and charming Andalusian towns.
It’s a 2-hour drive along the A7 coastal road, without stopping, and takes you through the towns of Fuengirola, Benalmádena, and Málaga city. The highlight of the drive comes after Málaga, when you hit the N-340 near Almuñécar for the scenic stretch through the Paraje Natural de los Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo.
This protected area offers cliff-hugging roads, hidden coves, and dramatic sea views. Look out for Torre del Pino and Torre Caleta, ancient watchtowers perched above the cliffs and consider a stop for a dip at Playa del Cañuelo or Cantarriján Beach, both accessible from the N-340 near km 302.
Maro is a quiet village known for its proximity to the Nerja Caves, one of Spain’s most impressive natural wonders, which is well worth a visit. It’s also home to Playa de Maro, a stunning beach which is regularly voted one of the best beaches in Spain, as it is secluded and in a protected area tucked into the cliffs, with amazing snorkeling.
Nerja offers a lively old town, the famous Balcony of Europe, for epic views and beaches like Burriana and Calahonda. The coves are picturesque and the water is crystal clear – great for snorkeling. The Old Town has some fantastic shops, restaurants and bars and is really fun to explore.
This route is a feast for the senses: the scent of pine and sea salt, the sound of waves crashing below, and the thrill of navigating cliffside curves.
4. Visit Granada
Driving from Marbella to Granada is a rewarding journey that blends coastal charm with mountainous drama—and once you arrive, Granada offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and scenic drives. This drive is 180km and takes around 2 hours via the A-7 eastbound to Málaga, then A-92 northeast to Granada.
Málaga is a lively coastal city with museums, beaches, and tapas bars—great for a quick stop en route. Then, as you approach Granada, the landscape shifts to dramatic mountain silhouettes and you’ll be driving in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
Once in Granada a visit to the Alhambra is a must, and you can drive up to the Alhambra and park at the official lots—ideal for early morning visits. But it’s important to note that tickets are limited and must be booked in advance.
You can also drive through the narrow streets of the Albaicín to reach the iconic viewpoint Mirador de San Nicolás. The gypsy quarter of Sacromonte is also a good place to explore by car, to see cave houses and flamenco venues.
However, we wouldn’t recommend trying to drive around Granada’s Old Town – this is best explored on foot, so find a public car park and walk around there.
Granada is a city where every corner tells a story—from Moorish palaces to flamenco rhythms echoing in the hills and it’s just a few hours from Marbella. Find out more about daytrips to Granada
5. From Marbella to Córdoba
Driving from Marbella to Córdoba is a stunning inland journey that takes you from coastal glamour to Moorish grandeur in just over two hours. It’s a 210km journey, which takes you through Malaga and Antequera. Whether you’re chasing history, architecture, or Andalusian charm, this route delivers.
Antequera is known as the “heart of Andalusia” and is rich in prehistoric sites like the Dolmen de Menga and dramatic rock formations like El Torcal. This is a scenic and cultural gem if you want to stretch your legs
Once you arrive at Cordoba, park outside the historic center—much of it is pedestrian-only. You must visit the spectacular Great Mosque, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the second largest mosque in the world and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain. Another World Heritage Site is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos a fortress and palace with beautiful architecture and gardens.
6. Marbella to Tarifa
Driving from Marbella to Tarifa is a coastal escape that blends Mediterranean elegance with Atlantic wildness. Whether you’re chasing windsurfing thrills or Moorish history, this route is short, scenic, and packed with character. You can get to Tarifa in just over an hour, and there’s lots to see along the way. Cruise past Puerto Banús and San Pedro de Alcántara, with glimpses of luxury yachts and beachside cafés, then on to Estepona, which offers a charming old town and a flower-filled promenade—great for a quick coffee stop. You’ll pass Manilva and Sotogrande and then skirt the edge of Algeciras Bay, with views of the Rock of Gibraltar in the distance.
The road begins to feel wilder as you approach the Parque Natural del Estrecho and the vistas are spectacular. Tarifa greets you with whitewashed buildings, windy beaches, and the southernmost point of mainland Europe. Explore the Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno, stroll the old town, or head straight to Playa de Los Lances for kiteboarding and sunsets.
This drive is perfect for a day trip or a weekend escape. Find out more about visiting Tarifa
7. Tourist route from Marbella to Gibraltar
Driving from Marbella to Gibraltar is a great option for a day out, which is a coastal adventure packed with Mediterranean charm, historic towns, and dramatic views. It’s 80 km from Marbella to Gibraltar and the drive itself takes between one and one and a half hours. You can go straight there and explore “The Rock” or stop off along the way. If you want to explore some of the areas on your way, then we’d suggest stopping off in Estepona to explore the Old Town, visit the Orchidarium or have a coffee on the long seafront promenade. Another nice stop is to see the 18th century fortress at Castillo de la Duquesa, you can also arrange a tour of some Roman ruins just outside the castle.
For a bit of glamour, head to Sotogrande Port. It’s ideal for lunch with a view of yachts and palm-lined avenues.
Once you cross the border (on foot or by car), you need to take the cable car up the Rock of Gibraltar for panoramic views and to see the Barbary Macaques – Europe’s only wild monkeys, which roam freely near the top of the Rock. Visit St. Michael’s Cave and the Great Siege Tunnels and take a dolphin watching tour out to the Gibraltar Straits. Lastly, a stroll down Main Street takes you to an England of old, with tax-free shopping, British pubs, and red phone boxes. It’s a unique mix of UK and Mediterranean living!
This route is perfect for travelers who want to blend beach towns, luxury stops, and a quirky slice of Britain in southern Spain. Find out more about visiting Gibraltar
As you can see, there’s so much to do and see when you hire a car during your holiday in Marbella. We have excellent car hire partners and you can book your hire car online on our website, or choose a private driver.
You can also browse and book wonderful vacation rentals in Marbella which make the perfect base for exploring what this great area has to offer. Take a look about our extensive selection on our website, or contact us to discuss the options.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
