With or without a car: getting around from Vélez de Benaudalla
A car opens up the coves, the Alpujarra and easy days in Granada. Without one, it is possible — but plan carefully.
✓ Facts checked on 8 November 2026
With a car
Easy main roads
The A-44 runs from Granada to the coast and ends at Vélez de Benaudalla; the A-7 follows the coast towards Almuñécar and Málaga. Both are autovías (motorways).
Where a car makes the difference
Small coves such as El Caletón and El Cambrón, the Alpujarra villages on winding mountain roads, and combining several places in one day.
Parking
In central Granada parking is limited; plan where to leave the car. At the beaches, car parks fill early in summer. Near the apartment there is a public car park.
Without a car
Coaches
ALSA operates coach routes between Granada and Motril and along the coast. Timetables and stops change: check on the operator’s website which services stop at Vélez de Benaudalla.
Granada by coach
Coaches arrive at Granada bus station, outside the historic centre; from there, city buses and taxis take you to the Alhambra and the centre.
What is hard without a car
The Alpujarra villages, remote coves and spontaneous changes of plan.
Honest advice: if you will not rent a car at all, a base in Motril, Almuñécar or Granada city will be easier day to day than a village. Rincón Salvaje suits travellers with a car best.
A middle way
Many visitors rent a car for part of their stay only — for example for the Alpujarra and the coves — and spend the other days walking in the village or relaxing at the apartment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to stay in Vélez de Benaudalla?
It is strongly recommended. Coaches exist but are limited, and many places are spread out.
Is there a bus from Vélez de Benaudalla to Granada?
ALSA runs coaches between Granada and the coast. Check on alsa.com which services stop at Vélez de Benaudalla and when.
Are the motorways tolled?
The A-44 and the A-7 between Motril and Málaga are autovías. On the western Costa del Sol, the parallel AP-7 is a toll road.
Sources · Facts checked on 8 November 2026