Coastal trip

I haven't driven in Europe, but I see no reason why you couldn't do this, though I don't know how much of the time you'd be on a road that actually hugs the coast. A month would give you a decent amount of time. I can't resist pointing out, however, that there are an awful lot of great destinations in Spain that aren't on the coast. For starters, just in the eastern half of the country:

Granada (though I assume you've already been there)
Ubeda and Baeza
Cuenca
Teruel
Albarracin (high priority if only because it's really tough without a car)
Zaragoza
Girona
Figueres

If you like modernista architecture and are skipping Barcelona because of its tourist load, you should stop in Reus, just outside Tarragona. It has several beautiful modernista buildings; you can tour the interiors of two of them.

The road to Cadaques is very scenic, and the town itself is a handsome conglomeration of white cubes dripping with bougainvillea (in season). Cadaques is north of Figueres, not far from the border.

Actually on the coast we liked the Cabo de Gata area if you like nature and quiet (depends what time of the year you'll be visiting of course)
We also liked Peniscola, Salou , more here:
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2018/11/day-54-peniscola-and-salou.html
and on a different trip, Tarragona and the Parc Natural del Delta de l'Ebre

We spent a week in various towns on the coast. We stayed in Tamariu (north of Barcelona) for a few nights and used it as a base to visit Tossa de Mar, Figures, Girona, and got dinners in Begur. We also stayed south of Barcelona in Villanova i La Geltru and took a day trip to Tarragona.

I drove a piece of the road west from Malaga to Gibraltar and back. Going I took the slow road (2 lanes, trucks, roundabouts or traffic lights every 1/2 kilometer (at least that's what it felt like). Often the road was close enough for views of the Med. Going back I took the fast (toll) road. Easy to drive, but no views.

Do plan it out on Google maps. That's a very long drive, even on toll roads.

Any other ideas for costal towns? Almieira, Alicante? A costa brava spot that isn.t Cadaques? ( which we loved but have been).
Where are the overly touristed spots east of Malaga to avoid? Thanks

Here are some suggestions WHEN you're travelling through Catalonia, my neck of the woods, heading from south -coming from Malaga- to north -the border with Northern Catalonia (now part of France). You can plot these on a map to see the route:

DELTA DE L'EBRE
One of the best nature reserves in the South of Europe, with a stunning natural wetland, home to diverse wildlife, rice fields, and scenic coastal views. Also, for something unique, try eating oysters and mussels right in the middle of the bay at Sant Carles de la Ràpita. https://terresdelebre.travel/en -- https://musclarium.com/en/

TORTOSA
This city was a major hub during the Renaissance in the 16th century. If you're visiting in July, check out the Festival de la Reinaxença, a large historical reenactment involving over 3,000 locals and 500 actors. https://www.tortosaturisme.cat/en/ -- https://www.tortosaturisme.cat/en/the-city-of-the-renaissance/

PARC NATURAL DELS PORTS
Visit Horta de Sant Joan, where Picasso spent several summers, tour the wine cooperative in Gandesa (considered one of Catalonia's seven wonders and designed by Modernist architect César Martinell), and explore Miravet by the river Ebre, with a beautiful view from the town. https://www.tortosaturisme.cat/en/els-ports-natural-park/ -- https://turismehortadesantjoan.cat/en -- https://www.coopgandesa.com/en -- https://miravet.info/en/

FALSET
Explore the heart of Priorat wine country. https://www.turismefalset.cat/

REUS
The birthplace of Gaudí. https://www.reusturisme.cat/

TARRAGONA
A must for history buffs. Once the capital of the Roman province of Tarraco, it has incredible ruins to explore. If you visit in late September, you might catch the final of the Concurs de Castells, a human tower competition — it’s like the Super Bowl, but for Castells. https://www.tarragonaturisme.cat/en -- https://eng.concursdecastells.cat/

SITGES
It is known for its beaches, culture, and vibrant nightlife. https://www.sitgesanytime.com/en/

VILAFRANCA DEL PENEDÈS
The "capital of wine" and the centre of the cava and white wine-producing region. You can also visit the famous Codorníu wine cellars near Sant Sadurní d'Anoia. https://www.turismevilafranca.com/ -- https://www.codorniu.com/en/visits/our-visits

SANT CUGAT DEL VALLÈS
A quick stop to see one of Europe's best-preserved monasteries considered a Romanesque sculpture gem. https://visit.santcugat.cat/en/the-monastery-of-sant-cugat/

VIC
Known for its famous fuet sausage, which you can find at several local delis near the main square. Don't miss the farmers' market on Saturday mornings, and if you're visiting in December, check out the Medieval Market. https://www.victurisme.cat/?set_language=en -- https://casarieraordeix.com/en/vic-fuet-casa-riera-ordeix -- https://www.vicfires.cat/mercat-medieval-vic-2024

GIRONA
Often called the "second capital of Catalonia," Girona is well worth a visit. https://www.girona.cat/turisme/eng/index.php

CALELLA DE PALAFRUGELL
A charming coastal town. If you're there in early July, don’t miss the havaneres festival. https://visitpalafrugell.cat/en/calella/ -- https://www.havanerescalella.cat/en/

BESALÚ
One of Catalonia's most beautiful medieval towns. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unt9sWo5ckU

FIGUERES
Home to the Salvador Dalí Museum. https://en.visitfigueres.cat/

--part 1 --

PARC NATURAL DELS AIGUAMOLLS DE L'EMPORDÀ
A stunning nature reserve with plenty of bird-watching opportunities. https://aiguamollsdelemporda.cat/

EMPÚRIES
Explore the ruins of the first Greek colonies from 600 BC, a key part of Catalonia's ancient history. https://patrimoni.gencat.cat/en/collection/empuries

PERALADA
A town famous for its wine and summer music festival. https://www.visitperalada.cat/en/

ROSES
A beautiful town on the coast, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. https://livingroses.cat/en/

MONESTIR DE SANT PERE DE RODES
A remarkable monastery with panoramic views of the Costa Brava. https://patrimoni.gencat.cat/en/collection/monastery-sant-pere-de-rodes

PARC NATURAL DE CAP DE CREUS
A stunning natural park at the easternmost point of Catalonia, with dramatic landscapes. https://parcsnaturals.gencat.cat/ca/xarxa-de-parcs/cap-creus/inici/

Also, while in the Costa Brava, consider walking a Camí de Ronda, a series of coastal paths offering stunning Mediterranean views, cliffs, coves, and beaches. These trails vary in difficulty and provide access to some of the region's most beautiful coastal spots. http://www.camideronda.com/en/home.html

Since you didn't mention when you'll be in Catalonia, I couldn’t suggest specific festivals or heritage events, but there are plenty throughout the year. Some, like Carnaval de Sitges, Festa de la Reinaxença, and Festa dels Indians, are very visual and spectacular.

Enjoy your trip!