The Mediterranean Highway (A-7) is a very large highway that crosses the entire Spanish coast of the Mediterranean Sea, from Algeciras to Tarragona. We are talking about 1,300 kilometers that surround Spain through the waters of the sea that surrounds Europe, Africa and Asia.
The AP-7 is a highway that links Guadiaro, belonging to San Roque (Cádiz), and the border with France. The first section of the highway was inaugurated in 1969 and, since 2021, most of it is free to use except for four sections, including the Torremolinos-Guadiaro section in the province of Malaga.
Which of the two roads to choose if you are traveling along the Costa del Sol? Here are their similarities and differences.
A-7: Slower and more dangerous, but free of charge.
The Mediterranean Highway A-7 as it passes through the Costa del Sol is a very busy stretch, not only for cars but also for heavy vehicles heading to the ports in the area. And, although during the vacation season it is much more so, throughout the year it is full of vehicles as it connects many coastal towns.
It is completely free of charge, but it carries much more traffic than the AP-7, which means that journeys are longer, traffic jams are a daily reality and the probability of accidents is greater. In addition, it has several sections of traffic limitation by radars, there are several sections with only two lanes and narrow curves, and it is full of access roads and exits, especially in the area of Mijas Costa and in the Fuengirola-Marbella section.
AP-7: Faster and safer, but expensive
The AP-7 in the province of Malaga, known as the Autopista del Sol, is 105 km long and consists of two sections: Malaga-Estepona and Estepona-Guadiaro. It runs almost parallel to the A-7 motorway.
Its main disadvantage is that it has a cost. According to 2022 rates, a journey from Guadiaro to Malaga in July (high season) costs €16.60 per vehicle and in November (low season), €10.20. It should be noted that high season is considered to be four months of the year, from June to September. Among the advantages, we highlight: it supports much less traffic and the accesses are much safer and more visible, especially the one that affects Malaga Airport, which avoids many traffic accidents and saves time. In conclusion, whether you choose one road or another for one reason or another, without a doubt the best way to travel along the Costa del Sol is with your hire car, which offers you more freedom, avoids vehicle maintenance costs and greater comfort. In Yellow Car you will find, among our fleet of more than 400 vehicles, the best options adapted to your budget 365 days a year.