Malaga Airport is the first point of contact that holidaymakers have with the Costa Del Sol. It's also where smart tourists pick up their rental car. Renting a car in Malaga Airport is an excellent idea and the reasons are manifold. Not only will you have the freedom to get to your accommodation without waiting on other travellers at airport coaches or being overcharged by airport taxi drivers, you'll also have the independence to travel from beach to city whenever you like. The following is a guide to the best ways to spend your time in Malaga.

Malaga Airport Mini Guide:

Malaga Airport is situated 8km southwest of Malaga and 5km to the north of Torremolinos. The airport is an important base for major carriers such as Spanair and Iberia, as well as budget airlines Ryanair and easyJet.

Things To See/Do in Malaga:

There's a lot more to Malaga than its airport. Often regarded as a mere gateway to the Costa del Sol, Malaga is a vibrant, cultured city that makes for an exciting destination in itself. The birthplace of artistic genius Pablo Picasso offers much in the way of things to see and do. Brimming with Andalucian charms, visitors to Malaga can glean both the best aspects of a beach holiday and a city break. The nearby La Malagueta is paradise for sun worshippers, while two museums, Malaga Picasso Museum and Fundacion Picasso are dedicated to the city's most famous surrealist. Both are must-sees. Other interesting sights include the elaborate Moorish Alcazaba palace and the Castillo de Gibralfaro, which provides excellent views over the city. Malaga offers some of the most diverse travel experiences anywhere in the Costa Del Sol. Wherever you end up visiting, you're sure to find fun and adventure.

Eating Out in Malaga:

Given Malaga's coastal location, fish makes for an excellent menu choice. It's worth sampling the local seafood on at least one occasion. Local specialities worth sampling include ?pescadito frito? (a dish of fried red mullet sardines, tuna and hake). If fish isn't for you, there are plenty of other tasty options on offer. Be sure to try ?patatas en ajopelo?, a traditional potato dish, ?ajoblanco? a type of Almond and grape gazpacho and ?embutidos de la sierra?, (tasty mountain sausages).

Day Trips/Events in Malaga:

Take advantage of Malaga's excellent location by making a car hire day-trip to any number of the fantastic nearby towns and villages. Worthy excursions include Ronda, a typically beautiful Pueblos Blancos (white town) which sits atop a spectacular gorge. Malaga is also convenient to major resorts such as Torremolinos, Nerja and Marbella. With careful planning, it's possible to fit in all the cultural charms of the city as well as the laid-back attractions found on its beaches. Don't forget tio bring a camera along to capture the stunning beauty of this region.

Malaga's events calendar is teeming with bright and vibrant festivals. Annual highlights include the religious celebrations during January's Noche de Reyes and Easter's week long Semana Santa activities.