Tucked away in the hills above Marbella, Benahavís is a peaceful Andalusian village that offers the best of both worlds: tranquility and proximity to the bustling Costa del Sol. But here’s the catch, public transportation is limited. If you're planning to explore beaches, historic towns, or hidden hiking trails, renting a car is essential.
Whether you're flying into Málaga or staying in the heart of Benahavís, this guide gives you everything you need to know about car rentals, including prices, providers, road trip ideas, and local driving tips.
💸 Best Car Rental Deals & Pricing
Car rental in Benahavís and the Costa del Sol is surprisingly affordable. As of now, you can find:
- Compact & Economy Cars from €12–17/day for a week-long rental
- SUVs and family cars typically start at €25–40/day
➡️ Prices vary depending on the season, rental duration, and pickup location (e.g., Málaga Airport is often cheaper than Benahavís center).
Top sources for price comparison:
- Sunnycars.nl – All-inclusive, no hidden fees
- Expedia – Flexible cancellation, loyalty deals
- Uber Rent – App-based car rentals in Benahavís & Málaga
💡 Tip: Booking early (especially in summer) can save you up to 30%.
🏢 Top Car Rental Providers
You have three options:
1. Airport Rentals (Málaga AGP)
- Best selection & pricing
- Ideal if you're flying in
- Longer queues, but flexible pickup/drop-off
2. Local Benahavís or Marbella Agencies
- Personalized service
- Possibility of delivery to your rental apartment
- Slightly more expensive, fewer vehicle options
3. App-Based Options (e.g. Uber Rent)
- Seamless booking & returns
- Good for short-term or last-minute trips
✅ All-inclusive vs. basic rental: Platforms like Sunny Cars offer zero-deductible insurance, unlimited mileage, and roadside assistance, a great peace-of-mind choice for international travelers.
Sources:
📋 Requirements & Local Rules
RequirementDetailsMinimum AgeUsually 21+, some providers require 25+Driver’s LicenseValid EU/UK license or international permitIDPassport + Credit Card in driver’s nameInsuranceCheck deductible; consider full coverageToll RoadsMany routes are free; AP‑7 is the main toll roadFuel PolicyOpt for full-to-full to avoid extra chargesCancellationFree cancellation often available up to 48h before
🚧 Spain uses roundabouts heavily, always give way to traffic inside.
🗺️ Sample Road Trips from Benahavís
1. Benahavís → Ronda
- Drive time: 1h15
- Highlights: Winding mountain roads, stunning views
- Must-see: Puente Nuevo bridge, Arab Baths
Scenic mountain road
2. Benahavís → Marbella Old Town
- Drive time: 30 mins
- Highlights: Walk cobblestone streets, eat tapas in Plaza de los Naranjos
Marbella Old Town street
3. Benahavís → Málaga City
- Drive time: 1h15
- Highlights: Picasso Museum, Alcazaba Fortress, Muelle Uno
Malaga city harbor
4. Benahavís → Playa del Cristo (Estepona)
- Drive time: 25 mins
- Highlights: Ideal family beach with calm waters
Parking spot nearby beach
More inspiration:
🧠 Local Travel Hacks
- ✔️ Free Parking Zones: Use Google Maps or apps like Parkopedia
- ✔️ Avoiding Tolls: Use Google Maps and enable “Avoid tolls”
- ✔️ Fuel Stations: Search for “Gasolinera Low Cost” to save money
- ✔️ Navigation: Google Maps or Waze work well across Costa del Sol
Street with free parking in Benahavís
✅ Summary
Renting a car while staying in Benahavís opens up a whole world of adventure, from historic hilltop towns to secret beach coves. With prices starting as low as €12/day, it’s an affordable and flexible way to explore the Costa del Sol.