Malaga, Spain - to Bilboa, Spain

The trip to Madrid is much, much faster by train, and you'd avoid the cost and hassle of parking in Madrid. From Madrid to the Basque Country is perhaps a bit faster by car if you believe ViaMichelin's estimate (said to be optimistic), don't add time for any stops and don't count time at the car-rental counter. If you travel by train, it may prove best to visit San Sebastian before Bilbao. Service to that part of the country is not very frequent.

Given the little time you seem to have for Madrid, I'd seriously consider simply flying straight to Bilbao. Skyscanner is a good source for flight schedules and fares.

Check Renfe for rail schedules and ViaMichelin for driving times and estimated costs (excluding the cost of the car rental itself).

Thank you for your prompt reply. We are however driving - as we will then continue to drive the town of Biarritz - then Bordeaux region - then Mont St. Michael - the Normandy Beach's - Versailles - Giverny - and Paris for 7 days.
Would still appreciate input for Malaga - Madrid - and Bilboa region for sights to see and great food. We are "foodies."

Thank you

I trust you have checked car-rental costs? I've never rented in Europe, but others have mentioned really exorbitant drop charges for trips like yours.

Yours sounds like a rather long trip. I wonder whether you could save money by leasing a car rather than renting. But I think most lease pick-up locations are in France.

Madrid is an option for picking up a French "leased" car - see http://www.autoeurope.com/long-term-car-rental/locations/. For regular rentals on the French side of the border, Avis is located at Hendaye train station.

My car is already paid for and picking up in Malaga. Yes there is a drop off fee for Paris. No big deal for us though. The freedom and flexibility is worth it to us.
Still looking for worthwhile sights to see and restaurants

Thank you all