Car Travel

A car allows you to explore Andalusia's mountain villages. Mountain driving can be hair-raising but is getting better as highways are improved.

Málaga is 536 km (333 miles) from Madrid, taking the A4 to Córdoba, then the A44 to Granada, the A92 to Antequera, and the A45; 162 km (101 miles) from Córdoba via Antequera; 220 km (137 miles) from Seville; and 131 km (81 miles) from Granada by the shortest route of the A92 to Loja, then the A45 to Málaga.

To take a car into Gibraltar you need, in theory, an insurance certificate and a logbook (a certificate of vehicle ownership). In practice, all you need is your passport as well as a valid driving license. Head for the well-signposted multistory parking garage, as street parking on the Rock is scarce.

National Car-Rental Agencies

Helle Hollis. Andalusia. 952/245544; www.hellehollis.com.