August in Malaga is More Than Just Heat: Your Car-Hire Guide to the Feria de Málaga and Hidden Fiestas.

When: Usually in mid-August, lasting for about a week

The main event in August is undoubtedly the Feria de Málaga – a week-long city festival that attracts visitors from all over Spain and the world. It has two completely different faces. 

The first is the Feria de Día (Day Fair), which takes place in the historic center of Malaga. The streets turn into a huge, vibrant open-air party. Music is everywhere, women stroll in spectacular flamenco dresses, and sweet, chilled Cartojal wine flows from small bars. 

The second face is the Feria de Noche (Night Fair), held at the specially prepared fairgrounds, Recinto Ferial, on the outskirts of the city. It’s a giant amusement park, full of lights, rides, and over two hundred casetas– private and public "booths" where the party goes on until dawn with live music, food, and dancing.

Participating in the Feria is a fantastic experience, but it can be a logistical challenge. During the day, the city center is closed to traffic, and at night, buses to the fairgrounds are packed. A rental car, used wisely, becomes a strategic tool. Here is our proven advice:

• For the Day Fair: Instead of trying to drive into the center, leave your car in one of the large underground car parks (e.g., near the port or the María Zambrano train station). This gives you full flexibility – you can return to your hotel to cool off or drive straight to one of the hidden beaches we've described here [internal link]. 
• For the Night Fair: Driving to the Recinto Ferial is the most convenient option. There are huge, well-organized parking lots right next to the fairgrounds, allowing you to return to your accommodation at any time without waiting in long queues for a bus or taxi. Renting a car in Malaga is an investment in your comfort.

When: Throughout the summer, with a peak of concerts in July and August.

If you're looking for something more sophisticated, Marbella (a 45-minute drive) hosts the Starlite Festival – one of Europe's most prestigious music festivals. Its uniqueness lies in its location: an old quarry, which creates incredible acoustics and a magical atmosphere. Getting there by public transport at night is very difficult, so a rental car gives you complete freedom to attend this exclusive event. You can find more information about this year's artists on the official festival website .

When: Always on August 15th.

Want to see something truly authentic? On August 15th, the picturesque white village of Cómpeta hosts the Noche del Vino (Night of Wine). It’s a traditional festival celebrating the local sweet Moscatel wine, with grape-treading demonstrations, tastings, and live music. Reaching this mountain village by public transport is practically impossible, especially in the evening. Only with your own car can you experience this magical night and return safely. It's trips like these that show the true advantage of renting a car at Malaga airport.

Pro-Tip: The dates of local fiestas can vary slightly. It's always a good idea to check the official schedule just before your trip!

The key to moving freely between all these attractions is the independence a car provides. Plan your trip wisely! Check Available Cars and Prices in Malaga!