Now that you’ve immersed yourself in countless Malaga historic wonders, relaxed on stunning sun-soaked beaches, and tried city’s culinary delights, it’s time to extend your curiosity and exploration beyond its borders. Thanks to Malagas’ location, it isn’t only a great city break or holiday destination. It’s also a great starting point for discovering Andalucia!
Surrealistic landscapes, charming white villages, historic towns, vibrant cities, outdoor adventures, tasty food, unique festivals… You’ll find that all, and many more near Malaga. Ready to explore? Vamos, let us show you the best day trips from Malaga, Spain.
Note. Each place from this post is no further than a 1.5h drive from Malaga by car. Keep in mind that using other means of transport may take longer.
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Day Trips From Malaga – Towns
Benalmadena Pueblo
Benalmadena Pueblo is located about 30km from Malaga. Thankfully, despite the passage of time, the town retained the authenticity of a typical Andalusian village to this day. It’s full of narrow cobbled streets, and whitewashed houses generously decorated with colorful flowers.
However, Benalmadena Pueblo is most famous for Castillo de Colomares – a building that even though looks like a fairy-tale castle, in reality, is a monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus and his discovery of America. The most fascinating fact is that it was built by only… 3 people!
While there, you can also make a short trip to the coastal part of the town, Benalmadena Costa, and spend some relaxing time on the beaches and try delicious, fresh seafood – look for local specialty espetos. Visiting Benalmadena is without a doubt one of the best day trips from Malaga – this village can easily steal your heart!
Ronda
Ronda is located about 100km from Malaga. It’s one of the oldest towns in Spain – it was first inhabited by the Celts in the 6th century BC, and later by the Romans and Moors. Later, it was declared a city in the 1st century AD by Julius Caesar himself. Ronda’s most famous landmark is the spectacular Puente Nuevo bridge which has a height of an impressive 98 metres and connects the old town with its modern part. The city is also famous for its charming old town, spectacular views over the surroundings, and… being the birthplace of bullfighting! Currently, Ronda is one of the most visited towns in Andalusia.
Iznajar
Iznajar is located 85km from Malaga. It’s a hidden gem white village yet unknown to most travelers – and it’s a shame as it’s a truly delightful place worth exploring! Iznajar is perched on a small hill overlooking a blue reservoir, offering a mix of history, spectacular views, tranquility, and traditional Andalucian charm. So if you’re looking for a peaceful place away from the crowds with scenic views, Iznajar is the place to go! Without a doubt, it’s one of the coolest and most peaceful day trips from Malaga.
Marbella
Marbella is located about 60km from Malaga. It’s one of the most popular holiday destinations on Costa del Sol and one of the most popular day trips from Malaga. Marbella is most famous for its vivid nightlife scene with many nightclubs and bars, beautiful sandy beaches, an enchanting old town with a typical Andalusian vibe, as well as golf courses, and luxury shopping. There you’ll also find some unique sculptures designed by Salvador Dali!
Cordoba
Cordoba is located about 155km from Malaga. Once the capital of Islamic Spain, it’s now a place where history, culture, and stunning architecture blend perfectly. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most extraordinary cities in Andalusia! Exploring the picturesque old town, visiting flower-filled patios, admiring one of the most breathtaking landmarks in the country, and tasting local specialties make Córdoba a must-visit destination near Malaga.
Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo is located about 35km from Malaga. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most beautiful white villages Costa del Sol can offer. Mijas Pueblo is a typical charming Andalusian white village located at the altitude of 430 m a.s.l., at the foot of Sierra de Mijas. It’s packed with a maze of narrow cobbled streets, many charming corners, and whitewashed houses decorated with colorful flower pots. From the Mijas Pueblo, you can also admire magnificent views over the Costa del Sol.
Antequera
Antequera is located about 50km from Malaga. The town is situated at an altitude of 575m and is surrounded by a beautiful mountainous landscape. Thanks to its central location among the four big cities (Malaga, Seville, Granada, Cordoba) Antequera is known as El Corazon de Andalucia – the Heart of Andalusia. The town is also known as the City of the Churches, as it’s home to 33 of them – more per inhabitant than anywhere else in Spain!
What makes Antequera even more interesting is that three UNESCO World Heritage sites can be found there. But despite all of this, the town yet isn’t a well-known tourist destination and can be named a hidden gem in Andalusia. You can combine a visit to Antequera City with hiking in El Torcal, located only 15km away.
Frigiliana
Frigiliana is located about 60km from Malaga. This charming little white village is located at 320 m a.s.l and squeezed between the Mediterranean Sea and Parque Natural de Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama. Frigiliana is one of the best-preserved villages in the whole Province of Malaga and has a typical Mediterranean vibe. Spanish Tourism Board named it the most beautiful village in Andalusia. It’s a truly amazing place near Malaga for a day trip! You can easily combine a visit to Frigiliana with Nerja, as these two villages are located only 10km away from each other.
Explore local attractions
Nerja
Nerja is located about 60km from Malaga. Once it was a small fishing village, now it’s a popular holiday resort on Costa del Sol, which kept its traditional Andalusian charm with an old town full of old whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. Nerja is surrounded by mountains and sandy beaches that invite you to spend a day on them. The town is famous for Nerja Caves, where you can admire the world’s largest stalactite! You can easily combine a visit to Nerja with Frigiliana, as these two villages are located only 10km away from each other.
Setenil de las Bodegas
Setenil de las Bodegas is located 95km from Malaga. It’s one of the most unique white villages in Andalucia and what makes it stand out are the picturesque cave-like houses, restaurants, and small shops built directly into the cliffs! It’s a truly fascinating blend of nature and architecture. But don’t worry, there are more things to do in Setenil de las Bodegas that will make the trip worth taking. Winding streets, vibrant squares, historic landmarks, and breathtaking viewpoints await!
Estepona
Estepona is located about 90km from Malaga. This charming town is a hidden gem in Andalusia, yet not as popular and crowded as other places on the Costa del Sol. In the 60s, so not that long ago, it was a little fishing village and since then it developed into one of the biggest cities in the area. Nonetheless, Estepona’s old town kept its charm, and strolling along it feels like stepping back several dozens of years back. What’s more, the newest part of the city is filled with dozens of murals created by local artists.
Casares
Casares is located 100km from Malaga. It’s a white village unknown to many travelers who visit Costa del Sol, a beautiful hidden gem. And it’s a shame as it’s a delightful place worth exploring! Casares is a hilltop village, perched on a small hill. It offers a mix of history, stunning views, tranquility, and authentic Andalusian charm. So if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway from the crowds with scenic views, Casares is the place for you!
Torrox
Torrox is located about 50km from Malaga. It’s a small town located on Costa del Sol, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and at the foot of the Parque Natural de Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama. Torrox has the best climate in Europe, with an average annual temperature of 18°C. The town is divided into two parts: Torrox Costa and Torrox Pueblo.
Torrox Costa is full of beautiful beaches, and Torrox Pueblo is a white village full of narrow streets and whitewashed houses decorated with flowers. You can easily combine a visit to Torrox with Frigiliana or Nerja.
Granada
Granada is located about 130km from Malaga. It’s one of the most visited cities in Spain, where history comes to life at its best. Impressive Islamic fortress, Arab quarters, mesmerizing flamenco shows, stunning views at every step, traditional Arab baths, and a mix of cultures that intertwine perfectly with each other… Granada has it all and even more. Without a doubt, Granada is a great idea for a day trip from Malaga.
Day Trips From Malaga – Natural sites
El Torcal de Antequera
El Torcal de Antequera is located about 50km from Malaga. Hidden inland, El Torcal offers one of the most spectacular karst landscapes in Spain, and in the whole of Europe. This is a place where you’ll feel that you moved to another planet, and plenty of surrealistic rock formations will leave you speechless. What’s interesting, El Torcal de Antequera has been part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016. You can combine hiking in El Torcal with a visit to Antequera City, located only 15km away.
Caminito del Rey
Another great place near Malaga for a day trip is Caminito del Rey, located only about 60km from the city. It’s a 7.7km long, one-way picturesque trail that runs through cliffs, canyons, and a large valley. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most spectacular natural sites in Andalusia. Caminito del Rey offers quite a unique experience of strolling along walkways hanging over 100 meters up on a sheer cliff face. Once it was one of the most dangerous trails in the world due to its poorly maintained footbridges. But don’t worry it’s perfectly safe now!
Transport on day trips from Malaga
In our opinion, the best and fastest way of getting to the soon-mentioned places is by car. If you don’t travel in yours, you can easily rent the best one for your needs through the Rental Cars website.
Many of the places are also accessible by public transport, by trains or buses. You can search for the connections that might interest you on the rome2rio website.
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can take advantage of the guided tours from Malaga and let someone else take care of all the details. For a wide selection and well-reviewed tour options be sure to visit GetYourGuide or Viator.
Best Day Trips From Malaga – Summing up
As you can see now, there are so many amazing towns and natural places perfect for a day trip from Malaga. Andalusian white villages, historic towns, peaceful natural sites, vibrant cities… If you’re staying longer in the city you definitely won’t be bored and you’ll find the perfect places to visit for yourself. We hope our post was helpful, and now you’re one step closer to choosing your best day trips from Malaga, Spain. Enjoy the time exploring!
Our opinion & subjective ranking of best day trips from Malaga
So far we’ve spent almost 8 months in Andalusia and it quickly became our second favorite region in the country, after the Asturias in the North. We stayed near Malaga (twice) between November and January so there were no wild crowds and we explored most of the places in peace. We really enjoyed our trips! To be honest, we can’t think about the many downsides of this region… Ok, maybe besides horrendous eating hours which resulted in barely eating out around 1 PM.
So what are our favorite day trips from Malaga? Benalmadena Pueblo with Castillo de Colomares is our unquestionable number one. Next ones are Estepona, Antequera with El Torcal, Caminito del Rey, Frigiliana, and Ronda. We didn’t particularly enjoy Granada.
