Looking into Benalmadena Car Rental?
In that case, you’re at the right place!
As I live next to Benalmadena and have lots of experience with car rentals, this article will show you the best options for car rentals with lots of local tips and insights.
BEST BENALMADENA CAR RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS
Skip the long text and book with the best company for car rentals in Benalmadena: Discover Cars.
This price comparison platform will find you the best car rental deals from international and local companies, in just a few seconds.
CAR RENTAL BENALMADENA
Renting a Car in Benalmadena: All You Need To Know
Below are the most practical tips for selecting the best car rental company and also some things you should consider before you rent a car.
At the end of the article, you will find my recommendations on what areas and exciting places to explore with the car, in the area of Benalmadena and beyond.
Let’s get to it!
BEFORE YOU BOOK A CAR RENTAL IN BENALMADENA
One issue that needs your consideration before you book any rental car is parking!
If you’re staying in an apartment, it’s super important to check whether the place has a dedicated parking lot in the building. Most places have parking within the building, but it’s not allocated per apartment, making it tricky to find a parking place for your car. This is especially an issue in the summer when the building has increased occupation capacity.
If you’re staying in a hotel, check how much they charge for car parking, as it can be quite a lot in some places. If you still want to stay in the place, check what public parking is available nearby (I shared a map below), which can save you a lot of money for minimum inconvenience.
Click the link below to filter hotels with free parking at booking.com (I always use them for all my trips) – you will find the parking filter on the left side in the filter options under facilities.
BOOK A CAR RENTAL IN BENALMADENA
1. CAR RENTAL COMPANY TO USE
I recommend using Discover Cars, an award-winning car rental comparison site that will get you the best deals from dozens of local and international car rental companies so that you can find the best deals on car rentals in seconds.
The company is super transparent and has some of the highest customer satisfaction rates in the industry (4.4/5 on Tripadvisor), so you can be confident in booking through them. Here are some other advantages of using them:
- Get the best price on car rental in seconds
- Trusted reviews for each car rental company are available on the platform
- Completely transparent with no hidden fees
- Much better deals than trying to source a car rental locally
- No language barrier
- 24/7 multi-language customer support helping you with the booking or any issues
- Free cancellation
- Lowest prices thanks to deals with lots of local companies
2. HOW TO BOOK A CAR RENTAL IN BENALMADENA
It’s super easy – add your journey details to the table below, generating quotes and price options for your car rental. I have added some explanatory comments below the table.
Small print: on top of the search button, you will see a small note about the driver’s country of residence and age – make sure that reflects your residence and age so you get the most accurate quote for car rental.
3. CHOOSE YOUR CAR RENTAL QUOTE
Once you have added the details to the form, you will have many options and quotes from different companies.
Please pay attention to the review rating for each transport company and avoid using those with low ratings, as you’ll most likely get into some issues using them, or they will be very difficult in case something goes wrong on the road.
The terms for each car rental option are clearly displayed on the overview, with the fuel policy, pick-up location and other important rental terms.
4. CAR INSURANCE COVERAGE
Once you select your chosen company, you will be navigated to the booking details page, where you should check carefully that all the details are correct.
I highly recommend taking the full coverage option from Discover Cars as it’s the best peace of mind service if something goes wrong while driving in Spain. If you have your own independent insurance, they might not accept it, or it might not cover everything you need, like damage to the windshield or similar.
5. PAYMENT TERMS & EXTRAS
If you’re travelling with kids, you can add car seats or booster seats to your booking on the booking detail page – check that you’re happy with the rates charged; otherwise, check a quote from a different company.
In most cases, you will pay a small deposit for the car rental, and the rest will be paid on the pickup date in the agreed location.
Please double-check that the car company does not require cash payment, as some smaller ones do. Also, double-check whether any security deposit is due so you don’t have any nasty surprise payment as you arrive to pick up the car.
CHEAP CAR HIRE IN BENALMADENA
If you’re looking for cheap car hire in Benalmadena, your best chance to secure the lowest price for car rental is by using Discover Cars.
Discover Cars is a price comparison site for rentals, so they give you price quotes from many local and international rental companies so that you can select the best price for you.
Here are some tips for saving on car rentals in Benalmadena:
- off seasons is the cheapest for renting cars (winter, and early spring & autumn)
- using standard manual transmission will be cheaper than automatic
- smaller cars are much cheaper than bigger, more spacious models
- booking in advance (at least a few weeks) will get you a better price than last-minute rentals
- the longer period you book, the better price you get on per day basis
- renting from Monday or during the week will be cheaper than starting the rental period on weekends
- some companies offer cheaper prices if you pay a bigger security deposit
- if you are a very young driver the rental will be generally more expensive
- pick up location in airport may be cheaper than middle of the city
LUXURY CAR HIRE IN BENALMADENA
If you’re looking for luxury car rentals, you will find the best options at Discover Cars. Add your trip details to the form below and then use the filter to show only luxury cars. You can also choose an automatic transmission and other settings in the filter.
Once you find a car you like, you can review the full rental terms on the next page and book in seconds. In most cases, just a small deposit needs to be paid and the rest of the rental price is paid on the pick up date.
CAR RENTAL BENALMADENA 2023
COMMON ISSUES WITH RENTAL CARS IN BENALMADENA
There are some common scenarios and issue you want to avoid and prepare for, I list all of them in here:
Anticipate Issues: Allow plenty of time before picking up and dropping off your car, especially if you have a flight to catch. Make sure you can deal with any issues that might arise without missing your flight.
Car defects: before you get into the car and drive off, check the contract for the car for any declared defects and inspect the car in person, taking photos of any issues you might spot that are not covered in the contract. Notify the member of staff to update the contract. Take a photo of the dashboard when you leave and arrive to have proof of the fuel levels.
Car equipment: it is a legal requirement to have a spare tire in the car, together with the yellow vest, medicine box, repair kit and safety triangles. Make sure you check them.
Petrol charges: if the company’s policy is to refund a full tank of fuel, ensure you know their rates beforehand. Also, check if there are extra admin charges for fueling up the car if you were supposed to return it with full fuel.
Making complaints: if you have any issues with the company, ask for a complaints book – it’s a legal requirement to have it and to be able to use it. The book has three copies: one for the customer, one for the local authority and one for the company. If they would refuse to hand it over, you can call the police, and they will ensure you can fill it in.
Child seats: some car companies have accessive charges for child seats. Make sure you check these properly so you don’t end up spending hundreds of euros just for seats. If this applies to you, and you don’t want to pay for seat rentals, you can always order some at amazon.es and get them delivered to your hotel or accommodation.
Navigation: many companies use excessive charges for GPS navigation when you really don’t need to pay for it. You can use many free app-based GPS navigations, which will work even without any data roaming. Alternatively, you can also get an e-sim card with a pre-loaded data package to use your standard GPS navigation from the phone.
CAR RENTAL BENALMADENA
DRIVING IN BENALMADENA
Get familiar with the area of Benalmadena before you rent your car.
MAIN ROADS & ACCESS TO HIGHWAY
Benalmadena consists of the coastal area around Paseo Maritimo (Benalmadena Costa) and the town up North called Arroyo de la Miel. There is also Benalmadena Pueblo, the old town located a bit further away in the hills.
To get to the main highway, you can continue driving on the N-340 road until you hit the connecting point, or drive up north from your location in Benalmadena until you reach the highway.
- N-340 road – this is the main traffic junction going alongside the coastline, it is intersected with roundabouts.
- Paseo Maritimo road – this is the road leading next to the sea. It is one of the busiest and most prone to accidents due to cyclists and frequent pedestrian crossings.
- The A-7 Highway – the main highway that passes on the outskirts of Benalmadena, which runs alongside to the N-340 in the north of the town.
PARKING IN BENALMADENA
In case you’re looking for parking options in Benalmadena, the map below shows you the location of all of them.
TRAFFIC LAWS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Driving licenses, car rental and insurance documents must always be carried in the car.
- Seatbelts must be worn at all times
- The maximum allowed amount of blood in alcohol is less than 1.2mg/0.6ml – this can be reached after consuming as little as a small glass of wine or beer
- Two warning triangles and a reflective vest must be in the car at all times
- Do not use mobile while driving
- Kids under the age of 12 must sit in the backseat.
- If you witness an accident, you must help the injured and call the police and ambulance if you’re the first one on the scene.
CAR RENTAL BENALMADENA
Rented a Car in Benalmadena, Now What?
If you have already found the perfect deal for your car rental, congratulations! Now the fun part begins!
In the section below, I added many ideas and tips on what to explore on short journeys out of Benalmadena or in the city itself. Get inspired to plan the perfect trip!
MOST POPULAR MONUMENT TICKETS
Here are some of the most popular monuments and activities, all within a short drive from Benalmadena.
- Benalmádena: Mount Calamorro Cable Car Ticket
- Benalmadena Aquarium Visit
- Málaga: Alcazaba and Roman Theatre Guided Tour With Entry
- Málaga: 2-Hour Historical Center & Cathedral Tour
- Museo Picasso Málaga: Ticket & Audioguide
- Granada: Alhambra, Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Guided Tour
7 MOST POPULAR DAY TRIPS FROM BENALMADENA
Are you ready to explore with your car? Here are the most popular day trip options from Benalmadena!
1. MARBELLA DAY TRIP
Distance: 44 km (27 miles)
Journey Duration: 43 minutes
What to See: Marbella old town, the coastal area and promenade, Alameda Park, Puerto Banus, Plaza de los Naranjos in Marbella old town, the Golden Mile (coastal promenade with some of the most expensive properties on Costa del Sol).
2. MALAGA DAY TRIP
Distance: 19.5 km (12 miles)
Journey Duration: 35 minutes
What to See: the Alcazaba Fortress, Gibralfaro Castle, the Roman Theater, take a stroll in Muelle Uno, visit the historic old town of Malaga, Malaga Cathedral, Picasso Museum, Picasso’s Birth Place in Plaza Merced, take a catamaran trip from Muelle Uno, sip a cocktail in a rooftop bar with a view of Alcazaba.
3. RONDA DAY TRIP
Distance: 108 km (67 miles)
Journey Duration: 1 hour 22 minutes
What to See: the Roman Bridge, Casa Don Bosco, the old Roman Baths, stroll through the local parks and admire views from the miradors (viewpoints), check one of the oldest bullrings in the country, and enjoy a short hike near the gorge.
4. NERJA DAY TRIP
Distance: 77 km (48 miles)
Journey Duration: 1 hour
What to See: the Balcony of Europe, coastal areas and beaches, the old town and the caves of Nerja. It’s also great for hiking and nature activities.
5. GRANADA DAY TRIP
Distance: 140 km (87 miles)
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
What to See: the Alhambra Palace with Alcazaba, Generalife Gardens, the old town of Albaicin, Sacromonte district with caves, Granada Science Museum, Carmen de los Martires gardens and much more.
6. ESTEPONA DAY TRIP
Distance: 75 km (46 miles)
Journey Duration: 55 minutes
What to See: the Orchidarium of Estepona, Estepona old town, Estepona Marina.
7. GIBRALTAR DAY TRIP
Distance: 120 km (75 miles)
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
What to See: the high street in the old town, the nature reserve with monkeys and St Michael’s Cave, Skywalk and the tunnels. Gibraltar Marina is great for lunch options too. Duty-free shopping in Gibraltar.
CAR RENTAL BENALMADENA
Frequent Questions About Car Rental in Benalmadena
Below are some of the most frequent questions about Benalmadena car rental.
If you have any questions that were not answered here, leave a comment under the article and I will answer it there.
WHERE CAN I FIND CAR RENTALS NEAR ME IN BENALMADENA?
The easiest way to find a car rental is to book it online at Discover Cars, which will show you the best deals from local car rental companies.
HOW CAN I GET THE BEST VALUE CAR HIRE IN BENALMADENA?
It’s best to check the deals and quotes for car rental online at Discover Cars – they will source offers from local and international companies, giving you lots of options and best prices.
WHY IS CAR RENTAL SO EXPENSIVE IN SPAIN?
The price of a car rental depends on many factors. In most cases, if you’re renting a car from bigger cities and in the main season in the summer, you can expect to pay much more.
WHO IS THE EASIEST TO RENT A CAR FROM?
It’s best to check the best details online, saving you much time sourcing individual quotes from local transport companies. Check Discover Cars to find the best quotes for car rental in the area.
IS IT EASY TO RENT A CAR AND DRIVE IN SPAIN?
Yes, it is! If you do it online you are also avoiding the language barrier and you will be able to find the best deals. At Discover Cars, you can compare quotes from many car rental companies and pick the one that works for you.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – if you decide to book using one of the links, I will earn a small commission that helps me run this site. This is at no extra cost to you.
