Ultimate guide for all the must see places to visit near Malaga, Spain
If you’re looking for an exciting day out of Malaga, then you have a lot of amazing options!
With gorgeous beaches, historical sites and lively towns to explore, there are plenty of places to visit near the city that make it easy to take in everything that Andalusia has to offer.
From small fishing villages along Costa del Sol’s coastline to spectacular mountain ranges towering over olive groves, there is something here for everyone who loves adventure and discovery.
So grab your diary and start planning your next trip— let us guide you through some incredible day trips from Malaga that will give you memories to cherish forever!
Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough of Malaga? Have a look at our other posts about this beautiful Southern town:
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Best day trip from Malaga you must take!
1. Mijas
The magical, white town of Mijas is approximately 34 km away from Malaga. It is the third most populated town in the Malaga region. It’s also one of the best day trips from Malaga city in my opinion.
You need to distinguish between Mijas Costa and Mijas Pueblo. Whereas Mijas Costa is all about beach resorts, Mijas Pueblo has quaint, narrow streets and jaw-dropping views.
Mijas offers the visitors an eye-catching view of the Sierra de Mijas mountains and their surroundings.
Even the panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea and the coast will catch your eye at the first glance. It comes on top of the list while counting on the Malaga day trips.
The village is particularly famous for its donkey-taxis.
Book here your day trip to Mijas from Malaga
What to see and what to do in Mijas?
- Explore the charming beauty of the historic center and its whitewashed houses
- Enjoy the view from the top of El Compas terrace
- Plan a visit to the Contemporary Art Centre and the Museo de Miniaturas
- Pet the donkeys at the taxi stand
- Chill out at Plaza Mayor
How to take day trips to Mijas from Malaga?
By bus: There is no direct bus service from Malaga Airport to Mijas. You can take a bus to Malaga city or to Fuengirola and then another bus to Mijas. – Get tickets here
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
I also recommend visiting Mijas with a day tour. – Book here your day trip from Malaga to Mijas
2. Nerja
Located about 58 km east of Malaga, Nerja is one of the most popular tourist locations at Costa del Sol. It is distinguished for being a former fishing village.
Though the famous attraction of Nerja is the promontory- “Balcon de Europa” that offers an impressive view of the coast. It also features some beaches and typical Andalusian back streets to explore.
It’s one of the best things to do in Nerja.
Try to catch a terrace close to Balcon de Europa and enjoy the best views on the Mediterranean sea. The real highlight of Nerja is, however, its caves, las Cuevas de Nerja. – Get tickets here
Discovered only about 100 years ago, they are a spectacular tourist attraction that cannot be seen anywhere else in Andalusia.
Nerja is thus one of the best day trips from Malaga as it boasts some of the best beaches in Southern Spain.
What to see and what to do on a day trip from Malaga to Nerja?
- Enjoy the mesmerizing view from the balcony of Europe
- Explore the caves of Nerja. – Book here your tickets
- Drive a quad bike
- Wander around the historical center and its narrow streets. There are plenty of shops to be discovered.
- Enjoy kayaking, paragliding, fishing, snorkeling, and other water sports near Nerja.
- Relax on the beaches of Maro, close to Nerja
How to get there?
By Bus: There is no direct bus service from Malaga Airport to Nerja. Firstly, you need to reach Malaga city bus station by bus or train and from there, you can board a bus to Nerja. – Get tickets here
By Taxi: If money is not an issue, you can rent a private taxi to Nerja. It is the best option if you are traveling in a group as it would save you time and reduce the hassle of carrying luggage.
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
We’ve made everything easier for you and we have a guide on how to get from Malaga to Nerja so your holiday can be as seamless as possible.
I also recommend visiting Nerja with a day tour.- Book here your day trip from Malaga to Nerja and Frigiliana
3. Frigiliana
Frigiliana is an inland village in Andalusia that is located at a distance of about 59 km from Malaga. It is a charming and peaceful landscape that is surrounded by mountains.
Situated about 300 metres above sea level, the village offers stunning views on the coast and the Mediterranean sea. The white-washed houses set a perfect contrast against the blue skies and beautiful flowers grown in the plant pots.
There are several cute shops and the narrow, white streets are perfect to get lost. When looking for a relaxing day trip from Malaga, you should definitely consider Frigiliana.
Wondering what to eat in Malaga? You should definitely go for the boquerones en vinegar !
What to see and what to do in Frigiliana?
- Visit the Church of San Antonio.
- View El Ingenio- the old sugar cane factory
- Have a glimpse of extraordinary artwork at AmArte.
- Climb up to the Castle of Lizar.
- Learn about the history of Frigiliana at the Museo Arqueologico de Frigiliana.
How to get there?
By Bus: As there is no direct bus service from Malaga to Frigiliana, the best route is to travel via Nerja. – Get tickets here
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
I also recommend visiting Frigiliana with a day tour. – Book day tours here
4. Torre del Mar
Located about 36 km south of Malaga, Torre del Mar is a tourist resort that once was famous for agriculture and fishing. Now, it has been transformed into a renowned tourist location for a Malaga day tour.
It is famous for its 4 km long sandy beach that is lined with bars, restaurants and apartments.
You’ll find some of the best fish restaurants here, at unbeatable prices.
Visitors come mostly from Spain and Torre del Mar is particularly famous for boasting one of the longest beach promenades in Southern Spain. Make sure to try some espetos (grilled sardines) and fried boquerones!
When considering off-the-beaten-track day trips from Malaga, Torre del Mar should be on your list.
What to see and what to do?
- Explore the restaurants, bars, pubs and supermarkets in Avenida de Andalucia and Paseo de Larios. You’ll find loads of small shops that offer different cloth styles.
- If you are a shopaholic, don’t miss a visit to one of the largest shopping centres: El Ingenio Shopping Centre.
- Walk along the beach promenade and enjoy grilled sardines and tasty paellas.
- Play golf at Baviera Golf Course and Anoreta Golf Course
How to get there?
By bus: Take a bus to Malaga city and then board a bus to Torre del Mar. It will cost you approximately 15 € or $17. – Get tickets here
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
5. Marbella
Marbella is a beautiful city located in the heart of Costa del Sol and is a perfect spot for Malaga day tour.
It is located about 61 km from Malaga airport. Thanks to its warm temperatures in winter, Marbella is a fabulous place to enjoy your winter holidays in Spain.
It’s easy to see why it’s so popular to take a day trip to Marbella from Malaga.
Apart from providing travelers with popular beaches and sunny days, Marbella also offers other pleasant surprises including mountains, beaches for all tastes, excellent cuisines, leisure activities, culture and more. You can also find some of the most high-end beach clubs, restaurants, and shops here!
Marbella is particularly known for being a beach resort for the rich and famous. However, you don’t need to drain your budget in order to enjoy the city because there are plenty of things to do in Marbella for all budgets.
If you wind up falling in love and staying in Marbella for a few days, be sure to check out my guides on where to stay in Marbella, and the best places to visit near Marbella.
What to see and what to do on a day trip to Marbella from Malaga?
- Take a buggy safari to explore the rugged countryside that surrounds Marbella.
- Explore the Old Town of Marbella.
- Visit King Abd el Aziz Mosque.
- Take a break at La Alameda Park.
- Enjoy a packed cultural program of dance, jazz, concerts and more at one of the art galleries and theatres in Marbella.
- Enjoy the beach promenade and its countless beach bars.
How to get there?
By bus: Take a direct bus from Malaga Airport to Marbella which you will find at Terminal 3. – Get tickets here
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
I also recommend visiting Marbella with a day tour. – Book here your day trip from Malaga to Marbella
6. Ronda
Ronda is one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in Spain that is perched on the border of Tajo Gorge and is about 102 km west of Malaga.
The city features rock caves, stunning ancient architecture, and the most famous white villages. A trip to Ronda is one of the best day trips in Spain you can think about.
Especially when you are looking for day trips from Malaga by public transport. – Get tickets here
Besides its dramatic location on the rocks, the city is known for being one of the birthplaces of bullfighting.
What to see and what to do in Ronda?
- Visit Puente Nuevo, the so-called new bridge of Ronda.
- Take a walk in Jardines De Cuenca.
- Go wine tasting at one of the premier wineries in Ronda.
- Capture the breathtaking views of dramatic mountains, fields, beaches, and the ancient cobbled streets of Ronda.
- Have a drink at Parador de Ronda, one of the best Paradores in Spain and undoubtedly the best Parador in Andalucia.
How to get there?
By bus: Taking a bus from Malaga Bus Station to Ronda is super easy. It will be a scenic and enjoyable drive. The round trip will take about 3 hours. – Get tickets here
By train: The train will take you faster than the bus, though you will miss some scenic beauty. The trip will take less than 2 hours. – Book here your train tickets in advance
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
I also recommend visiting Ronda with a day tour. – Book here your day trip from Malaga to Ronda
7. Archidona
The town is famous for its great culture and Mudejar style architecture. The most famous construction of Archidona is Plaza Ochavada, which has 8 corners.
This kind of construction cannot be found anywhere else in Andalucia.
If you are feeling in good shape, make sure to hike up to the Ferrata of Archidona, an old ermitage. It will provide you the best views on the stunning landscapes.
You can count on it for being one of the best Malaga day trips.
What to see and what to do in Archidona?
- Visit the Plaza Ochavada, one of the best epitomes of baroque Andalusian urban architecture.
- Visit the famous church of Archidona: Ermita de la Virgen de Gracia. The views are truly spectacular.
- Plan a visit to the caverns of Jumandy.
- Enjoy the panoramic view of the Grand Canyon waterfall. You can also swim in one of the small waterfalls surrounding this great waterfall.
How to get there?
By bus: There is a direct bus service from Malaga to Archidona and it will take about 1.5- 2 hours. – Get tickets here
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
8. Caminito del Rey
The Caminito del Rey (king’s path) is located between the municipalities of Antequera, Alora, and Ardales. It is about 61 km away from Malaga.
This 7.7 km long trail is one of the most dangerous trails of the world! It is a must-visit place for those who love adventures and want to add some adrenaline to their holidays. – Get tickets here
The Caminito del Rey has been fully renovated, thus it is less dangerous than it used to be. However, the views are still spectacular!
What to see and what to do at Caminito del Rey?
- Enjoy a thrilling walk on Caminito del Rey passage that hangs from the side of the mountain.
- Have a glimpse of history from the ruins of Bobastro.
- Visit the Cave of Ardales during your Malaga to Caminito del Rey trip.
- Get overwhelmed by the stunning views visible from the top of the Huma Mountain.
How to get there?
By bus: Depending on the availability of the bus, either you can take a direct bus from Malaga to Caminito del Rey or you can take a bus to Alora and from there, you can board another bus to Caminito del Rey. – Get tickets
By train: You can get a direct train to Caminito del Rey from Maria Zambrano station in Malaga. – Book here your train tickets in advance
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
I also recommend visiting Caminito del Rey with a day tour. – Book a tour here
9. Antequera and El Torcal
About 52 km away from Malaga lies Antequera.
This city is the perfect example of a provincial Andalusian town. It’s thus the best place to enjoy the beauty of Andalusia with a sense of remoteness.
Not far from Antequera, you’ll find el Torcal de Antequera, one of the best hiking trails near Malaga.
This nature reserve in the mountain range named Sierra del Torcal is located south of Antequera. It is one of the most popular karst landscapes in Europe and is famous for its unusual landforms.
El Torcal is perfect for outdoor lovers and hikers. When in Antequera, don’t miss the typical Spanish cold soup called “porra de Antequera”.
It’s one of the most typical foods from Andalusia.
What to see and what to do in Antequera?
- Visit the most impressive landmark of Antequera- the Alcazaba Fortress.
- Get to watch the popular bullfighting in Andalusia, the Plaza de Toros.
- Discover the charming artwork at Municipal Museum.
- Don’t miss to see the miniature model of what Antequera looked like in the 18th century.
How to get there?
By bus: You can take a direct bus from Malaga bus station to Antequera and from there, you can board another to El Trocal. – Get tickets here
By train: If you are interested in traveling by train, you can board a train from Maria Zambrano station in Malaga to Antequera Santa Ana station. – Book here your train tickets in advance
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
I also recommend visiting Antequera with a day tour. – Book here your day trip from Malaga to Antequera
10. Granada
Granada city is the capital of Granada province located in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It’s located around 127 km from Malaga.
It is one of the most visited tourist locations that is loaded with artistic and architectural monuments.
The city is dotted with churches, monasteries, convents, hospitals, mansions, and palaces. A day trip from Malaga to Granada should be on the list of every visitor.
There are plenty of options to get to Granada from Malaga. Day trip to Granada, or opt for multiple day tours if you have more time.
What to see and what to do?
- Have a glimpse of the splendor that Granada had during Nasrid Dynasty by visiting The Alhambra.
- Explore the neighborhoods of the Sacromonte and the Albaycin.
- Enjoy mesmerizing sunset view at Mirador de San Nicolas.
- Have the fun of shopping at Alcaicera Market.
- Walk around the Carrera del Darro, one of the prettiest streets in Granada
How to do a Malaga day trip to Granada?
By bus: When traveling from Malaga to Granada, the bus takes you faster than the train. You can take a direct bus and the journey will take between 1h30-2 hours. There is no train connection between Malaga and Granada. – Get tickets here
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
I also recommend visiting Granada with a day tour. – Book here your day trip from Malaga to Granada
11. Seville
Rich in the Moorish heritage, the city of Seville is settled on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and is about 206 km away from Malaga.
With its great local wine, a range of cultural and artistic activities, fantastic traditional tapas, and a lot more, Seville is one of the most visited tourist locations in Spain.
Due to its beauty and architectural diversity, it’s also where several of the best movies set in Spain are filmed.
The capital of Andalusia is famous for its gorgeous Moorish architecture and delicious tapas! It’s also known as one of the best places to see world-class Flamenco shows.
Read more about things to do in Seville.
What to see and what to do in Seville?
- Visit the magnificent Giralda tower and the Seville’s Cathedral.
- Enjoy watching a live Flamenco show in the first ever Flamenco Museum- Museo Del Baile Flamenco.
- Wander through and explore the narrow streets of Santa Cruz.
- Watch the sunset view from Las Setas.
- Explore the Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija.
How to get there?
By bus: There are regular buses between Malaga and Seville throughout the day. You can board any Malaga to Seville bus; the journey can take anywhere between 3-4 hours. – Get tickets here
By train: Also, you can get a direct train from Malaga train station to Seville. The journey will take 2-3 hours. – Book here your train tickets in advance
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
I definitely recommend visiting Seville with a day tour in order to make the most of your time. – Book here your day trip from Malaga to Seville
12. Cordoba
Situated about 158 km away from Malaga, Cordoba comes after Malaga and Seville while counting on the largest cities of Spain.
It charms the visitors with its great monuments, cultural celebrations, and the best Andalusian traditions such as the Semana Santa in Spain (the Holy Week). Include it on your Malaga day trip list as it is a must-do when traveling to Andalusia.
Cordoba is particularly famous for its Mezquita (mosque) that was turned into a cathedral.
The narrow streets are the perfect place to get lost. You cannot leave without having tried the signature dish of Cordoba: the salmorejo (a cold, thick Spanish soup).
What to see and what to do in Cordoba?
- Visit the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and the masterpiece of Islamic architecture; La Mezquita. – Get tickets here
- Explore the multicultural heritage of Cordoba; Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. – Get tickets here
- Visit the Roman Bridge and Calahorra Tower.
- View a collection of Spanish paintings at Cordoba’s Museum of Fine Arts.
How to get there?
By bus: Regular buses run from Malaga to Cordoba the entire day and the journey takes between 2-3 hours. – Check schedules here
By train: A Malaga to Cordoba Train is the quickest way to reach Cordoba as it takes just 50 minutes. However, the journey via train will cost you more. – Book here your train tickets in advance
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
I definitely recommend visiting Cordoba with a day tour in order to make the most of your time. – Book here your day trip from Malaga to Cordoba
13. Tarifa
Tarifa is a bohemian town located in the southernmost part of Europe. It is about 161 km from Malaga.
The town is a must-visit destination for those who are looking for the best watersports in Malaga, particularly surfing. – Check classes here
Unspoiled sandy beaches, chilled-out atmosphere, and the charm of an Arabic city are the other reasons that make Tarifa a good option for a Malaga day tour.
What to see and what to do?
- Wander within the maze of shabby-chic squares and alleyways of the old town.
- Visit the only standing medieval gateway to Tarifa.
- Enjoy sunbathing and walking on golden sand at Playa de Los Lances.
- Capture the breathtaking views from the top of Mirador El Estrecho.
- Try and enjoy open-air sports and water sports. – Book lessons here
How to get there?
By bus: You can take a direct bus from Malaga bus station to Tarifa. – Get tickets here
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
14. Cadiz
The city of Cadiz is located about 235 km away from Malaga and lies in the southwest of Andalusia.
Although it’s a bit further away than most places on this list, it is incredibly easy to travel from Malaga to Cadiz.
If you can stay longer, I highly recommend it, but if not Cadiz is still one of the best day excursions from Malaga. It’s just a very long day!
Despite being a major city, Cadiz is probably one of Spain’s well-kept secrets.
If you want to travel to Andalusia like a local and experience the less-touristy side of the country, this is one of the must-do day trips from Malaga for you!
In addition to being a rich cultural heritage and a historical city, Cadiz also offers a wonderful atmosphere to the visitors. With its narrow cobbled streets, fabulous fish market and beautiful plazas, the city is not less than a gem to explore.
Cadiz played a particularly important role in Spanish history and to me, it’s in Cadiz where you get some of the finest tapas. Eating delicious food is one of the best things to do in Cadiz no matter when you visit.
What to see and what to do?
- Have a look at the religious paintings, sculptures, and artifacts at Museo Catedralicio. – Check tours here
- View relics from the Roman and the Phoenician civilizations at Cadiz Museum.
- Indulge in water sports and enjoy sunbathing at the famous beaches of Cadiz which include Playa de la Caleta, Playa de la Palma, and Playa de la Victoria.
- Explore the oldest barrio in Cadiz that was settled in ancient Roman times.
How to travel from Malaga to Cadiz?
By bus: You can book a direct Malaga to Cadiz bus offered by “Come” bus line. You can board this bus from Malaga city center or from Fuengirola, Estepona or Marbella. – Check schedules here
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
15. Gibraltar
It is one of the best-fortified places in Europe that has withstood numerous sieges throughout its history.
The place was settled many times by different people (among whom the Romans and the Moors were common) before it became part of Spain and then of the UK.
Gibraltar is truly a curiosity that needs to be visited as it’s ruled by British law. On top, the city is famous for its countless monkeys! – Check tours here
What to see and what to do during your day trip to Gibraltar from Malaga?
- Visit a few of the famous churches of Gibraltar, including St Mary the Crowned, the Cathedral of Holy Trinity and the King’s Chapel.
- View the giant cave- St Michael’s Cave in The Rock National Park.
- Capture the fantastic views of Gibraltar Straight and Africa from the Rock. – Book tours here
- Explore the endless tunnels at The Great Siege Tunnels.
- Sight the beautiful fauna and flora at Gibraltar’s Nature Reserve.
How to do a Malaga to Gibraltar day trip?
By bus: There is no direct bus or train link between Gibraltar and Malaga. Either you can take a bus to the border town of Gibraltar- La Linea or you can take Malaga to Algeciras bus that passes through Marbella. – Get tickets here
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car to get the most out of your day trip to Gibraltar from Malaga. – Check here the best rental prices
I definitely recommend visiting Gibraltar with a day tour in order to make the most of your time. – Book here your day trip from Malaga to Gibraltar
16. Tangier and Morocco
Tangier acts as Europe’s gateway to Africa and never fails to mesmerize its visitors. That’s the reason it is one of the most preferred locations for day trips from Malaga.
It is a classic port town in Morocco having a cross-cultural influence that is a mix of Spanish, North African, French, and Portuguese. Even the artistic and literary past of Tangier invokes a sensation of exotic mystery.
Day trips from Malaga to Morocco are a great way to make the most of your trip to Andalusia.
What to see and what to do in Tangier and Morocco?
- Stroll around the golden sand and sparkling waters of the Beach Promenade.
- Enjoy the multifaceted aspect of Tangier by visiting St Andrew’s Church.
- Enjoy the sips of freshly prepared delicious mint tea in Petit Socco.
- Visit The Grande Mosquee Of Tangier.
How to get there?
By ferry: Though you can get a direct ferry from Malaga to Morocco, the best ports to get to Morocco are Tarifa and Algeciras. Depending on your current location, you can choose the nearest port. – Get tickets here
By bus: While traveling by bus, you can take a direct Malaga to Algeciras. From here, you can a ferry to Tangier. – Get tickets here
By Air: The quickest way to get Tangier is by Air but it will also be the priciest option. – Buy tickets here
I definitely recommend visiting Tangier and other Moroccan towns with a day tour in order to make the most of your time.- Book here your day trip from Malaga to Tangier
17. Fuengirola
People from all over take day trips out of Malaga to Fuengirola in order to spend the day on its sandy, sunny beaches, and the CostaWaterPark.
Since there are plenty of great things to do in Fuengirola, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular beach resort towns in Costa del Sol.
At only 33 km away, it’s also a great place to stop over on a road trip from Malaga along the coast down to Gibraltar or Cadiz.
Castle Sohail, which rests on a hill above Fuengirola offers visitors top-notch ocean views. From nearby there you can also get stunning photos of the sunrise or sunset over the coast.
Why take a day trip from Malaga to Fuengirola?
- Lounge on the sandy beaches and soak up the sun
- Enjoy the view and the history at castle Sohail
- Shop for souvenirs at Fuengirola Street Market
- Entertain the kids for hours at CostaWaterPark
- Explore nature at Bioparc Fuengirola
- Find out if great things really do come in small packages at the Museum of Miniatures
How to get there?
By bus: There are direct bus services to Fuengirola from Malaga Airport and Málaga Bus Station. The bus takes between 30-60 minutes depending on traffic and the number of stops along the way. – Check schedules here
By train: Take the train from the airport and Málaga Centro-Alameda Station, Málaga María Zambrano, or the airport. – Book here your tickets in advance
By car: If you plan on taking multiple day trips near Malaga, I recommend renting a car. – Check here the best rental prices
18. Torremolinos
Botanical gardens, crocodiles, water parks, beaches, and mouth water tapas; Torremolinos has it all! This is one of my favorite day excursions from Malaga! There are so many amazing and unique things to do in Torremolinos that you can easily spend days there.
Whatever you do, make sure to eat lots of food. If you only have one meal, I recommend lunch at El Gato Lounge.
But if you’re around for longer, or simply craving tapas, you have to walk around the city trying out as many tapas as possible, especially in the Carihuela district.
The nightlife in Torremolinos is also worth sticking around for. This is when things really ramp up and the city transforms itself.
Of course, there’s always the beach if you need even more reasons to visit. Torremolinos is home to some of the best beaches in Southern Spain!
What to see and what to do during a day in Torremolinos?
- Eat as many tapas as possible, especially some Spanish fried baby squid.
- Relax and sunbathe on the beach
- Enjoy the range of water sports available
- Shop to your heart’s content along Calle San Miguel
- Visit crocodile park
- Watch an Andalusian Horse show in El Ranchito
- Go out for a night on the town
How to get there?
By bus: There are bus services to Torremolinos from Málaga Bus Station several times an hour. In theory Torremolinos can be reached in 15 minutes by bus, but in my experience the traffic always makes it take at least 30 minutes. – Check schedules here
By train: There is also a train to Torremolinos that leaves from Málaga Centro-Alameda Station, and stops at the airport and Málaga María Zambrano. – Book here your tickets in advance
By car: For more convenience, you can hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
19. Estepona
For a resort town, Estepona is actually quite picturesque. It is known for its whitewashed old town full of flower-lined streets and cute cafes. But there are plenty more things to do in Estepona!
If beautiful historic old towns are your kind of thing, then Estepona is definitely one of the best day trips from Malaga, Spain for you.
Although you could easily spend the entire day wandering through the old town and drinking coffee, there’s so much more to Estepona.
For starters, make sure to take some time to enjoy nature in the nearby Alpine park, as well as the Orchid House. And if you aren’t beached out yet, Playa Bahía Dorada is a quiet, pristine beach with white sand.
What to see and do in Estepona?
- Wander through the whitewashed old town and drink in the cafes
- Enjoy nature at the Orchid House
- Go hiking at the Alpine Park or the Pinsapar Estepona
- Peace out at Playa Bahía Dorada
- Learn about Estepona’s history at the Archaeology Museum
- Devour some of the best food of your life at Restaurante la Pampa
How to get there?
By bus: There are bus options from both Malaga Airport and Malaga bus station. From the city center, the bus takes around 2 hours. It is also possible to take a train to Fuengirola and then a bus onwards to Estepona. – Check schedules here
By car: The most convenient way to get there is by car, and it’s easy to hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
20. Benalmadena
In Benalmadena, you will find the world-famous Tivoli World theme park and Sea Life exhibition. Because of these attractions, it is one of the most popular excursions from Malaga for families. If you’re looking for a place to stay in this city, our guide to the best family hotels in Malaga might help you out.
It’s one of the best things to do in Benalmadena.
I was also surprised when I visited to discover that you can hike or take a cable car up to Mount Calamorro and see all the way to Africa! On a clear sunny day, of course.
The view over Benalmadena is pretty great, as well! This makes it one of the best day trips from Malaga.
What to see and do in Benalmadena?
- Take in the stunning views from atop Mount Calamorro
- Enjoy the rides at Tivoli World theme park
- Admire the marine life at Sewo Marina and Sea Life
- Feel like royalty at Colomares Monument
- Get your zen on at the Stupa of Enlightenment
- Have a stroll and a picnic at Batería Park
How to get there?
By bus: Benalmadena is just 21 km away from Malaga, and can be easily reached by bus from Malaga bus station in 30-40 minutes. – Get tickets here
By train: If you prefer the train, you can catch the train for Benalmedena from Málaga Centro-Alameda Station, Málaga María Zambrano, or the airport. They leave approximately every 20 minutes and take half the time of the bus. – Book here your tickets in advance
By car: The most convenient way to get there is by car, and it’s easy to hire a rental car. – Check here the best rental prices
Why go on day trips from Malaga?
Indeed, there are so many quaint, white villages and impressive towns near Malaga that you don’t want to miss them.
Whether you are looking for a picturesque mountain village or an imposing town such as Granada or Seville, you can easily get to them.
If you want to travel back in time, here you can find some of the best castles in Andalucia, and Alcazaba de Malaga is one of them.
There are lots of companies offering day tours in Malaga, Spain. However, many operators can take you in a very short time on day trips from Malaga in order to make sure that you make the most of your time.
If you decide to stay in the city for a few days, there are so many amazing things to do in Malaga (3-day itinerary), as well as a lot of exclusive things to do in Malaga at night. You definitely won’t get bored!
Of course, you also need to know where to find the where to eat in Malaga to make the most of your trip! You absolutely must try the popular local dish of Boquerones Fritos.
If you decide to stay longer here, have a look at our guide for the best boutique hotels in Malaga.
To make the most of your trip, I recommend this Travel Andalusia Like a Local Guide.
Short FAQ about day tours from Malaga
1. How many days in Malaga?
Although you can visit Malaga in one day and hit all the major sites, you should try to spend at least a couple of days in the city, and as long as possible in the region! That way you can get in multiple day trips from Malaga!
2. What to see around Malaga, Spain?
There are quite a few options for places to visit near Malaga no matter your interests. Many of the nearby towns and cities boast beautiful beaches, but there are also great museums, hikes and even castles. Some of the most popular day trips from Malaga are Ronda, Caminito del Rey, Nerja and Marbella.
3. What are the best weekend trips from Malaga?
If you have a bit more time, it is worth spending at least two days in Gibraltar, Sevilla, Cadiz and Granada.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!