Terrific place to visit/live. You'll love it ! It's the "snowbird" capital though so expect the winter season to be FULL of Northern Europeans and "Yanks" as well.
First, I hope y'all have already gone through the visas process with Spanish Immigration; they personify the worst in bureaucratic processes.
Secondly, Abbeygate (from the UK) was the insurance I used and they did a decent job. Most auto rental places will refer you to good local agents.
Thirdly, OBEY the traffic laws;the La Guardia Civil(the motorcycle cops too)can be your absolutely best friends or cause you some real problems.(don't make fun of their "Mickey Mouse" hats) Try to talk to them often and find one that can speak English; you'll never be sorry you did. Oh yeah,they use lots of traffic cameras on the highways; if you get your picture taken they WILL find you, eventually, and collect the fine (don't ask how I know ;~) Be sure and map out your travel route in advance; the roads get pretty narrow in places and not so many "caravans" go there. You will probably NOT want to tow; hang a couple of motor scooters off the back, bicycles are much too strenuous in the mountains.
If you haven't studied Spanish I'd strongly advise you start. You're gonna' find lots of towns/villages where they don't speak English. Great lunch, finger food and/or coffee in the local pubs and good local information. They'll help you find cheaper stuff as well. Especially if you want local crafts; half the shop prices.
The Marbella/Malaga area is gonna' cost you. Torremolinos is cheaper, especially during the winter season(naked people on the beaches though). Mijas is neat ! Rhonda is just a bit touristy but the people there are really warm and friendly. Stop into a restaurant on a Sunday and don't be surprised if they ask you to join a local family for lunch. The villages/towns in Axarquia are pretty, quaint, friendly and easily accessible. Go to the "awesome" Cathedral of Granada to see Ferdinand and Isabela's tombs. Don't miss the Alhambra and the Generalife !
If you go SW, park in a SECURED lot in Algeciras and take the ferry(hydrofoil) for a day trip to Tangiers(not Cueta); you'll never forget it ! Be sure and take your camera for lots of the "Indiana Jones" types of photos. (and a 3000 year old souk)
DON'T try to camp in a National Park ! The Ministry of Natural Environment speaks English and will help you with the National Park system planning/permission. There are lots of 'em and all beautiful. There are usually rv parks outside the entrances. DO go over to the coast in Portugal during winter/spring, you'll love it too; lots of history and historical buildings. Also, the entire Med. area has lots and lots of golfing, beaches, casinos, festivals, museums and Englishmen. Remember though, the nightclubs don't start up 'till about 10 p.m and go 'till dawn..every night. Enjoy !
