No vacation in Spain is complete without renting a motorcycle in Malaga. The crown jewel of the Andalusia region of southern Spain, Malaga is a fantastic place to visit for any traveler making their way through western Europe. The city is situated along the glistening shoreline of the Costa del Sol and is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, along with a bustling nightlife scene and some fascinating historical sites.
Malaga is most well known for its notable prodigy, and one of the most famous artists of all time, Pablo Picasso. As a youth, Picasso was inspired by the vibrant city life of Malaga as well as the abundance of stunning natural scenery. The city is filled with bustling streets that offer endless opportunities for adventure. On the outskirts of the city, you’ll find breathtaking rock canyons, pristine beaches, and plenty of other natural treasures to explore. With so much to do in Malaga and the areas around it, the very best way to make the most of your time there is by renting a motorcycle.
This post will cover:
- Safety issues with driving a motorcycle in Malaga
- Where you can rent a motorcycle in Malaga
- The cost of renting a motorcycle in Malaga
- How to get an international driving permit
- Things to do with a motorcycle in Malaga
Is driving a motorcycle in Malaga safe?
Whether you’re planning a short trip to Malaga or staying for several months, the best way to experience all that the city has to offer is by renting a motorcycle. While some tourists may be nervous about riding a motorcycle in a foreign country, particularly if they have little experience with driving a motorcycle, driving in Spain is relatively safe. Roads in Malaga are typically well maintained, and the rules of the road are usually observed by motorists. However, there are some things you should be aware of before you hop on a rented motorcycle and start exploring Malaga.
The Spanish drive on the right side of the road. So, if you’re from the USA, this should feel natural to you. Unlike the USA, however, Malaga has far fewer left turns and far more roundabouts. Make sure to use your turn signals when entering or exiting a roundabout, and drive extra cautiously if you’re inexperienced with roundabouts. Spanish drivers can often be very aggressive and will want to pass you in the left lane. Drive carefully and allow other motorists to pass you rather than trying to speed up and keep pace with them. You should drive especially carefully in the Plaza Uncibay area of Malaga, as this is where most of the nightlife is concentrated and thus presents the greatest risk of running into a drunk driver.
All urban roads in Spain have a speed limit of 50 kilometers per hour (which is about 30 miles per hour) unless marked otherwise. If you observe the rules of the road, you should have no problem whatsoever driving a motorcycle in Malaga.
Where is motorcycle rental available in Malaga?
There are plenty of motorcycle rental shops all over Malaga. If you plan on flying into Malaga Airport, there is motorcycle rental available right outside the terminals. That way, if you’re traveling light, you can ride your motorcycle directly to your accommodation.
If you have too much luggage to carry on a motorcycle or you just want to arrive at your accommodation first, there are plenty of rental shops in the area around Malaga Airport as well as in the more central districts of Malaga. The historic Old Town district is littered with rental shops, as is the El Bulto district. Regardless of where you’re staying, you’ll be able to rent a motorcycle quickly and easily.
How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Malaga?
Motorcycle rental prices in Malaga can vary greatly based on which kind of motorcycle you’re looking to rent. As the canyons and scenic roads around the city are one of Malaga’s most popular attractions, some tourists prefer more powerful motorcycles for long cruises, while others simply want a motorcycle to take them through urban areas.
Scooters can be rented for as low as €25 per day. However, if you want a proper motorcycle, you’re looking at around €50 per day on the low end. Prices for motorcycle rentals in Malaga can go up to as high as €150 per day for powerful luxury bikes like a BMW R 1250 GS LC.
While some shops may include fees like insurance and helmet rental in their stated price, it’s best to check before signing anything. Less honorable shops may charge you after the fact with these kinds of fees, and that can get expensive.
If you plan on staying in Malaga for a long period of time, ask your shop if you can get a discount on a long-term rental.
How do you get an international driving permit?
While some travelers chose not to get an international driving permit while driving in Spain, you are definitely incurring a risk by doing so. Legally speaking, you must have an international driving permit if you’re a non-citizen driving in Spain. So, it’s probably better to get one instead of potentially getting into a sticky situation with Spanish police.
The process is easy. All you have to do is apply online here, pay a fee of $20, and your international driving permit should arrive in about two weeks. When driving in Malaga, you should carry your international driving permit and passport with you at all times.
Where should you go by motorcycle in Malaga?
Now that you know everything you need to rent a motorcycle in Malaga, here are some places to visit and things to do on your rented motorcycle:
- Perhaps the most famous attraction in Malaga is La Alcabaza. Located in Malaga’s central district and mere minutes from the Malaga Museum, it would be a shame not to at least stop by this historic hilltop fortress. The surprisingly well-preserved structure dates back to the Moorish period of the 11th century, and offers stunning views of the coastline as well as beautiful gardens to walk through.
- Take a 10-minute drive east along the coast from La Alcabaza and you’ll end up at Playa de la Caleta, one of Malaga’s most impressive beaches. Apart from enjoying the pure white sand and warm water, you can also walk along the promenade and look at the elegant 19th century villas and mansions that line the coast. There are also a few beach bars around Playa de la Caleta that are great for enjoying a cocktail or having lunch in the sun.
- For all you daredevils out there, the Caminito del Rey hike is an absolute must. Located about 70 kilometers outside of the city, you can park your motorcycle at the north access point and begin the hike right past El Kiosko restaurant. Once dubbed the “most dangerous hike in Spain”, this trail leads through reservoirs, mountains, gorges, and valleys, and offers some of the most stunning views in the region. Most of the time you’ll be walking along man-made suspended bridges that hang off the sides of cliff faces formed by the Guadalhorce River. The entire trail typically takes between three and four hours.
- If you’re more interested in the artistic history of the city, you can check out both the Casa Natal Picasso Museum, which is the artist’s birthplace, and the Picasso Museum, which houses a great collection of his artwork. Both museums are located about two minutes from La Alcabaza by motorcycle and have ample parking.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, lessons in history or culture, or simply to lounge on the beach, Malaga is a fantastic place to spend some vacation time. And if you want to get the most out of your trip to Malaga, renting a motorcycle is the way to do it.
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