If you’re looking to explore Spain’s southern region, Málaga is a great city to kick off your travels. Often referred to as the gateway to Andalucía, this bustling city on the Mediterranean coast is perfectly situated and well connected by public transportation to Andalucía’s biggest attractions and charming villages.
Whether you love history and art, explore the outdoors, or escape to a quaint whitewashed town, these are the best day trips from Malaga you shouldn’t miss.
Table of Contents
- Granada: Home to the world-famous Alhambra
- Córdoba: Best day trip from Málaga by train
- Ronda: Historic town in the countryside
- Nerja: Laidback beach town on the Costa del Sol
- Mijas: Charming pueblo blanco
- Gibraltar: Natural beauty, history, and yes…monkeys
- Caminito del Rey: Day trip for the outdoor lovers
- Marbella: Mediterranean beach paradise
- Antequera: Day Trip that’s off the beaten path
Granada: Home to the world-famous Alhambra
Granada is normally on the top of traveler’s lists visiting Andalucía. It’s one of the last places in Spain that maintains a strong tapas culture. Here, with the order of every drink you’ll get a tapa for free. If you’re going to Granada, it’s likely because you want to see the Alhambra, an incredible Moorish palace. The complex itself is large and the monument recommends at least three hours. Be sure to book your Alhambra tickets far in advance.
Things to do in Granada
- Visit the Alhambra
- Get lost in the Albaicin, Granada’s oldest neighborhood
- Climb to Mirador San Nicolas
- See the tombs of the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand and Isabella
- Enjoy free tapas
How to get to Granada from Málaga
- By car: 1 hour 30 minutes
- By bus: Approximately 2 hours
Córdoba: Best day trip from Málaga by train
Córdoba is a fantastic day trip from Malaga by train. Just about an hour’s ride, you’ll have plenty of time to explore. The city’s main attraction is the Mezquita, a mosque turned cathedral–a perfect representation of the city’s past and the south of Spain’s Moorish roots, Construction of the mosque began in 784 and when it was completed it was the second largest mosque in the world. After the Spanish conquest in 1238, it was again converted to a cathedral. I recommend buying your Mezquita tickets in advance.
Córdoba also draws visitors in springtime (usually in May) for its Festival de los Patios, an annual competition that opens over 50 private patios to the public. Gorgeous displays of flowers and idyllic hanging pots–Córdoba’s courtyards are a sight to see. Luckily, a few patios are open all year for visitors.
Things to do in Córdoba
- Explore the Mezquita
- Eat salmorejo, a thicker version of gazpacho
- Check out the iconic patios
How to get to Córdoba from Málaga
- By car: 1 hour 50 minutes
- By train: 50 minutes
- By bus: 2 hours 30 minutes
Ronda: Historic town in the countryside
Ronda is another unique city that feels quintessentially Spanish. The impressive bridge built over a gorge is sure to take your breath away, as well as the sweeping green plains that surround the city. Ronda is a smaller town and you’ll be able to see its main sights all in a relaxed day trip.
Things to do in Ronda
- Marvel at the Tajo gorge
- Walk across Puente Nuevo
- Descend into a Moorish water mine at Casa del Rey Moro
How to get to Ronda from Málaga
- By car: 1 hour 15 minutes
- By bus: Approximately 3 hours
Nerja: Laidback beach town on the Costa del Sol
Get a taste for another seaside town on the Costa del Sol. Nerja is a jewel on the Mediterranean Sea with spectacular beaches and turquoise waters. Take in the natural beauty visiting prehistoric caves, kayaking on the sea, or simply enjoy a relaxing beach day laying in the sand. Once you visit Nerja, you won’t want to leave.
Things to do in Nerja
- Sunbathe on the pristine beaches
- Go kayaking
- Enjoy panoramic views from the Balcon de Europa
- Check out the Nerja caves
- Visit nearby Frigiliana, a typical pueblo blanco
How to get to Nerja from Málaga
- By car: 45 minutes
- By bus: 1 hour 30 minutes
Mijas: Charming pueblo blanco
Mijas is a charming mountain village and one of the emblematic pueblos blancos closest to Malaga. I have to be honest, the secret is out about Mijas. It has become quite touristy and no, donkeys don’t draw carriages anymore in these little towns. But for a foreigner, the whitewashed houses and stunning vistas really grip you. I think it’s okay to enjoy Mijas for what it is, an idealized Spanish town, but don’t expect an authentic glimpse into everyday life.
Things to do in Mijas
- Wander the streets
- Visit the Ermita de San Anton
- Stroll the cliff walk and botanic garden
How to get to Mijas from Málaga
- By car: 30 minutes
- By bus: 1 hour 30 minutes
Gibraltar: Natural beauty, history, and yes…monkeys
Gibraltar is a fascinating day trip and a great choice for history buffs. This rock has found itself at the center of global conflicts due to its strategic location during the Napoleonic wars, World War II, and even during Brexit. It’s possible to visit Gibraltar from Malaga in one day if you’re efficient with time, but you’ll need a car to get there for a worthwhile day trip.
Things to do in Gibraltar
- Take the cable car to the top of the Rock
- Visit the nature reserve and St. Michael’s Cave
- Explore military tunnels from the 18th century and World War II
How to get to Gibraltar from Málaga
To avoid waiting in traffic at the border between Spain and UK entering Gibraltar, park your car in or take the bus to La Linea de la Concepción, the Spanish town closest to the border. You’ll simply walk across the border and save a lot of time.
- By car: 1 hour 30 minutes
- By bus (to La Linea de la Concepción): 2 hours 30 minutes
Caminito del Rey: Day trip for the outdoor lovers
Walk one of Spain’s most famous routes and see its beautiful countryside from new heights–literally! Here you traverse a path built into a gorge 100 meters high culminating with a suspension bridge that takes you across the Guadalhorce River. Named after Spain’s King Alfonso 13th following his 1921 visit, the Caminito del Rey it’s nothing short of spectacular. Because of this hike’s popularity, you’ll want to book your tickets in advance.
Looking for more hikes? Check out my post on the four best hikes in Málaga.
How to get to Caminito del Rey from Málaga
- By car: 50 minutes
- By train (to El Chorro – Caminito del Rey): 40-50 minutes. Shuttles depart to and from the train station throughout the day to Caminito del Rey. It’s a 15-20 minute ride. Tickets can be purchased in advance or paid in cash to the driver.
Marbella: Mediterranean beach paradise
A famous hangout for the rich and famous, this iconic beach town is about an hour away by car or bus. While the yachts in Puerto Banus will remind you of the city’s wealthy visitors, I was surprised how much Marbella reminded me of a typical town on the Costa del Sol. It has the best of both worlds–a great coastline with a beach and typical Old Town with whitewashed buildings usually found in the mountains.
Things to do in Marbella
- See the yachts at Puerto Banus marina
- Spend a day at the beach
- Eat lunch at one of the seaside restaurants
- Wander through the beautiful Old Town and see the orange trees in Plaza de los Naranjos
How to get to Marbella from Málaga
- By car: 43 minutes
- By bus: 50 minutes
Antequera: Day Trip that’s off the beaten path
For an off-the-beaten path day trip from Málaga, check out Antequera. Heading north away from the sea, Antequera’s rolling green plains is a refreshing change of scenery. Enter Antequera, you can’t miss the massive Peña de los Enamorados, a folk tale about two tragic lovers. Its two major attractions, El Torcal and the Dolmens are outside the city center, but don’t miss this part! Antequera has a beautiful historic center to wander and some fantastic nearby restaurants, including Arte y Cocina, El Parador, and Restaurante Plaza de Toros (where yes, you can dine in a bull ring!) Advance reservations recommended at all these popular eateries.
Things to do in Antequera
- Hike the El Torcal Natural Park and be amazed by its curious rock formations
- Discover the Dolmens, a UNESCO Heritage site
- Visit the picturesque Plaza de Santa María and take in panoramic views from the nearby viewpoint
How to get to Antequera from Málaga
- By car: 48 minutes
- By train: 26 minutes
Halley Rogers 