Best Day Trips from Málaga
Málaga, the home of Picasso and a Mediterranean stunner that enjoys an average of 320 sunny days a year, is unsurprisingly a vacationers’ favorite. Bursting with art and overflowing with irresistible food, Málaga is just the spot to sit back and take in the sun and the sea breeze. But it is hardly necessary to list off reasons to visit the heart of the Costa del Sol, so in the following text we bring our top 10 day trips from Malaga to further enrich your sun-filled Andalusian tour!
Granada
About two hours from Málaga, the majestic Granada sits beneath the Sierra Nevada mountains, proudly displaying its immensely rich cultural heritage. One of the most visited cities in all of Spain, it owes a good deal of its popularity to the Alhambra fortress, the pinnacle of ornate Spanish Islamic architecture. That’s not to say that everything else about Granada is not just as enchanting, so prepare to be left speechless.
What to see and do
Naturally, the first thing that catches the eye in Granada is the massive Alhambra, atop the al-Sabika hill. This UNESCO protected fortified palace is a prime example of Moorish art and architecture. The Alhambra is extremely large and elaborately decorated, so it takes at least 4 to 5 hours to go around the entire complex. It is therefore best to book a tour with skip-the-line entry included. If you don’t have the time to climb up to the Alhambra, a walk along the picturesque Carrera del Darro street offers wonderful views of the palace. The lively passage, known for its cafés, restaurants and vendors, is part of the old Arab Albayzín district. Albayzín is a neighborhood of charming narrow streets, vibrant squares and remnants of Moorish structures. Visiting the Renaissance Granada Cathedral and the adjoining Royal Chapel, both with equally mesmerizing exteriors and interiors, can be done in one fell swoop. If possible, make sure to attend a flamenco show at one of the buzzing venues in the Sacromonte area.
Alhambra de Granada
Where to eat
Great news for budget travelers: in Granada most pubs serve free tapas with drinks! At Jardines De Zoraya you can enjoy a flamenco show with your dinner, and at Arrayanes you can sample Moroccan delicacies. Vegans will find Hicuri Art to be nothing short of paradise. Book a table at Mirador de Morayma to dine on Granada specialties whilst admiring the view of the Alhambra.
How to get from Málaga to Granada
The most convenient way to reach Granada from Málaga is by bus. Buses run frequently, starting from Málaga Central Bus Station and/or Granada Bus Station. The journey takes around 2 hours.
Seville
The Andalusian capital needs no introduction. Start your day early to get the most out of Seville, a multicultural and festive city that is a must-visit regardless of the time of year. Even moviemakers agree, as countless blockbusters and TV shows were filmed in the city. From its cathedral, the largest Gothic church in the world, to its after-dark atmosphere in the streets alive with music, there’s a ton of attractions and activities in Seville, so map out an itinerary!
What to see and do
It took a thousand years to construct the 42-meter tall Seville Cathedral on the grounds of a former mosque. La Giralda, the world-famous bell tower and a symbol of the city, was originally a minaret. Climb its stairs for unforgettable views! The cathedral is joined on the UNESCO heritage list by the Royal Palace, or Real Alcázar, a breathtaking site that showcases a blend of Christian and Mudéjar architecture. The third and final component of the World Heritage complex is the General Archive of the Indies, a fascinating museum of Spanish history. The entrance to the Archive is free! For a touch of modernity, check out the Metropol Parasol, the world’s largest wooden structure you can walk on. If you plan your trip right, you might be lucky enough to take part in one of many Sevillian festivals, such as the Feria de Abril in April, or Semana Santa during the week of Easter. To rest after all the sightseeing, eating and partying, head straight to the fairytale-like María Luisa Park and take a leisurely stroll along the awe-inspiring Plaza de España.
Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain
Where to eat
There’s no escaping the delicious tapas in Seville! The city’s oldest tapas bar El Rinconcillo is one of its best ones, along with the all-too-popular La Brunilda, or the award-winning Eslava. For a more varied selection, there’s the trendy conTenedor or La Taberna de Panduro Baños. On hot days, cooling off is easy with the yummy Freskura gelato, while the bustling Feria market is almost overwhelming with its myriad of fresh local produce.
How to get from Málaga to Seville
The two easiest ways to get to Seville from Málaga are by train and by bus. While cheaper, the bus journey could be 15-30 minutes longer, for a total of approximately 2.5 hours.
Torremolinos
Those who wish to remain near the sea can tour the small towns of the Costa del Sol, the sunniest coast on Earth. A mere 16 kilometers from Málaga you will find Torremolinos, and just a bit further west Benalmádena and Fuengirola, the top three locations for a carefree beach day. Torremolinos maintains a pleasant balance between busy touristy areas and quieter, secluded ones.
What to see and do
Torremolinos has turned from a dormant fishing village into a full-blown attraction. The endless paseo marítimo follows the coastline, allowing for long relaxed strolls. Speaking of relaxation, the botanical garden Molino del Inca is a peaceful oasis in the midst of the vivacious town. There are several beaches in Torremolinos, but the easternmost Playa Los Alamos is more isolated, providing an escape from the crowds. You can even rent a boat in Parque La Batería for a lake adventure. Torremolinos is also home to the largest water park on the Costa del Sol. Benalmádena, in addition to being one of the coastal highlights, houses the largest Butterfly Park in Europe! Hop onto one of Benalmádena’s cable cars taking you up to Monte Calamorro for incredible views. Much like Torremolinos, Benalmádena offers a break from beach and water park activities with its Paloma Park, a haven for joggers, families and free-roaming rabbits! Finally, in Fuengirola the stretch of sandy beaches continues, perfect for surfing and all sorts of water sports. The town has infinite entertainment and dining options, and the lovely ethical zoo Bioparc is well worth a visit.
Where to eat
Spanish coastal towns are known for their chiringuitos, temporary beach bars serving food and drinks. In Torremolinos, there is La Moraga with a mixed Spanish and Asian menu, in Fuengirola there’s the Chiringuito Oasis, and in Benalmádena there’s Rafael. Plus, there are countless restaurants and bars in the towns’ central plazas and alleyways. Deciding on one might be hard!
How to get from Málaga to Torremolinos
Trains from Málaga Centro-Alameda station are slightly faster than the buses with an average journey of 22 minutes, and the return ticket to Torremolinos is approximately €3. The three coastal towns are all connected through frequent train and bus lines. Renting a car is another option for the Costa del Sol tour, keeping in mind the tolls and high gas prices.
Marbella
Further down the sunny coast, Marbella exudes both charm and luxury. Loved and frequently visited by numerous celebrities, it is studded with Michelin-starred restaurants, golf courses and docks for enormous yachts. Lesser known fact, however, is that its story goes way back to eras of Roman and Arab rule. Stunning mountainous scenery and the sandy paradise to the south envelop this city comprising neighborhoods each telling a different story.
What to see and do
Marbella is often wrongly described as the playground of the rich. While certain areas like the Puerto Banús marina are more on the elite side, the city is for the most part as authentic as other major Andalusian sites. To confirm this, explore Casco Antiguo, Marbella’s Old Town, and admire the 16th century edifices on the Plaza de los Naranjos. Marvel at the public sculptures by Salvador Dalí, one of the world’s greatest artists, while walking down the Avenida del Mar. For more art, stop by the refreshing Alameda Park to find gorgeous tile benches among lush vegetation, or roam one of many Marbella’s museums and art galleries. Due to its ideal location, the temperatures are just perfect year-round, so it’s never too hot to sunbathe at one of the beaches, or to try one’s hand at golf. Marbella is undoubtedly a top pick for day and night parties, and the renowned Nikki Beach definitely stands out among the party places to be!
Where to eat
Dining options in Marbella are as diverse as the city itself. The authentic Marbella Patio offers Andalusian specialties, while La Bodega del Mar is delightfully quirky, with unbeatable views and delicious sangria. For meals and cocktails on the beach, you can’t go wrong with El Chiringuito. Attention, sweet tooths: frozen yogurt at Llaollao is something you will definitely be coming back for.
How to get from Málaga to Marbella
There are no direct trains from Málaga to Marbella. You can take the train from Málaga to Fuengirola, then transfer to a bus to Marbella, or take a bus directly from Málaga. It takes roughly 1 hour to get to Marbella from Málaga.
Nerja and Frigiliana
The coast to the east of Málaga is not to be missed. This is where one can find Nerja, a city with some of the most astounding and inspiring landmarks in Spain. Nestled under the Sierra de Almijara mountain range, Nerja boasts cliffside beaches and sensational views of the horizon. The quaint town of Frigiliana is just 6 kilometers away, taking breaths away with its white-washed houses and clear blue skies.
What to see and do
Without a doubt the single most talked about Nerja attraction is Europe’s balcony, or Balcón de Europa, perched atop a cliff and overlooking the Mediterranean sea ahead. The viewpoint comes at the end of a long promenade lined with benches and cafés, swarming with artists and enthralled visitors. Outside the busy central area plenty of wonders await, such as the jaw-dropping Nerja Caves, housing prehistoric cave paintings and the world’s largest stalactite. A 4-kilometer walk to the village of Maro and the Eagle Aqueduct makes for a glorious day in Andalusian nature. Beaches in Nerja are extremely diverse, from huge ones where you can rent jet-skis, to hidden oases and cliff diving areas. Frigiliana, a short bus ride away, is so extraordinary that it hardly seems real. Dressed in white, decorated with mosaics and colorful flower pots, its streets come alive most markedly during the late-August Three Cultures Festival, an elaborate and touching celebration of different communities.
Frigiliana
Where to eat
Before starting on a tapas run, make sure your eyes are not bigger than your belly! However you plan your bar hopping, do not leave out La Piqueta, the top tapas bar in Nerja. On the other hand, there are the white-tablecloth places such as Restaurante 34, with fantastic views and poolside tables. Get a table at Lan Sang for some mouth-watering Thai food.
How to get from Málaga to Nerja and Frigiliana
Nerja can easily be reached by bus from Málaga. Buses run regularly, and the ride is never longer than 1.5 hours. It takes about 20 minutes on the local bus to get from Nerja to Frigiliana, and the ticket price is approximately €1.
Córdoba
Córdoba, on the banks of the Guadalquivir river, takes immense pride in having the most UNESCO heritage sites than any place in the world, and is as multicultural as one would expect. This inland city is a bit further from Málaga, which is why an early head start is crucial for a day trip to Córdoba. Granted, all of its most popular sites are within walking distance of each other, so get ready for a day of roaming!
What to see and do
The wondrous Mosque-cathedral of Córdoba, also known as the Mezquita, truly is a sight to behold. The building is a spectacular combination of architectural styles, and it is highly recommended to book a tour of the place in order to find out all about its winding history. The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos can be found right next to the mosque, luring visitors in with its terraced gardens, fountains and mosaics during the day. At nightfall, entrancing light-and-water spectacles take place at the Alcázar. For a genuinely unique experience, head towards the Hammam for a spa day in the old Moorish style, surrounded by arabesque decor and a whole lot of steam! The entirety of Córdoba’s Historic Centre is a heritage site, filled with streets to wander through, blooming courtyards to duck into, restaurants for a quick stop for tapas or refreshments… and finally, the Roman Bridge of Córdoba, an exquisite architectural landmark ideal for a sunset stroll. Córdoba is at its most magical during the month of May, when the whole city is in bloom and the Feria de Mayo takes place, one of Andalusia’s most important festivities!
Where to eat
Don’t forget to keep track of the Spanish dining schedules: lunch is served from 1pm to 3pm, and dinner from 9pm (a little earlier in tapas bars). During these hours, try as many local specialties as possible: the bull’s tail, the pork-roll flamenquín, snails, salmorejo soup… all available at traditional restaurants like Taberna Salinas, modern ones like Cuatromanos, or at dozens of tapas bars.
How to get from Málaga to Córdoba
There are several ways to get to Córdoba from Málaga, the fastest of which is by train. An average trip of about 1 hour will cost more than a bus ride, which can last from 2.5 to 5 hours but is available from €12.
Ronda
The deep El Tajo gorge splits the village of Ronda into two districts, La Ciudad and El Mercadillo. Ronda used to be famous for its bullfighting scene, although there is so much more to this ancient village than that. One would be remiss not to seize an opportunity to visit this magnificent place.
What to see and do
The main distinguishing feature of Ronda are its three bridges, especially the Puente Nuevo. Standing on the 66-meter long bridge and looking down into the 120-meter deep ravine is an almost surreal experience. A museum detailing the history of the bridge is located within it, in the chamber above the central arch. Enjoying the view can also be done from the Paseo de Ernest Hemingway, so named after the great writer who found Ronda quite inspirational. For Hemingway, particularly inspiring were the bullfights taking place in the grand Plaza de Toros, whose main purpose is declining in popularity, but the site still amazes with its sheer grandeur. The House of the Moorish King was never in fact a royal residence, although it is hard to stay mad about being misled when walking around its lovely gardens. From there, take the stairs down to the 14th century Water Mine at the foot of the El Tajo gorge. Ronda is also home to some of the most well preserved Arab baths, today partially renovated.
Ronda
Where to eat
If you’re the type that always asks for the local specialty, go for the spicy sausage chorizo rondeño, or a local variety of the famed gazpacho. Both are served in tapas bars and restaurants all over Ronda. Fine dining options like Bardal are easily found in the Old Town, while the El Mercadillo district is perfect for budget travelers, with hit bars like El Lechuguita.
How to get from Málaga to Ronda
To get to Ronda from Málaga, catch a train for the shortest journey. If you’re traveling on a budget, consider the bus. Travel time on the route is between 2 and 3 hours.
Almería
The capital of the easternmost Andalusian province, Almería possesses all the characteristics of this area’s hotspots – idyllic temperatures, neverending beaches, and imposing Moorish fortification. On top of that, Almería’s scenery is further enriched by a desert area that provided a backdrop for a number of spaghetti westerns.
What to see and do
Following Granada’s Alhambra, Almería’s Alcazaba is the second largest Moorish fortress in Spain. Its immaculate gardens and memorable views of the city below are indeed something to write home about. Also fortified is the Almería Cathedral, dating back to the early 16th century. Walking along the streets of central Almería and the Plaza de la Constitución, nobody would have guessed that beneath them lies a network of tunnels. The tunnels were originally built as a shelter but now serve as the Civil War museum, or Museo Refugio de la Guerra Civil. One of the more unusual sights in Almería is the English Cable, a loading platform jutting out into the sea, and a remarkable example of modern industrial architecture. It lights up beautifully at night! Provided there’s enough time, the desert filming location some 25 minutes out of town is definitely worth visiting. An organized trip from Almería to Oasys Mini Hollywood is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to step onto a real European western set, cowboys and all!
Almeria
Where to eat
By far the most praised restaurant in Almería has to be Tortillería La Mala, their tortillas getting nothing but rave reviews, and for good reason! International dishes are prepared thoughtfully at Cafe Cyrano, while Les 2 Frères brings France to the south of Spain. The bar-cafeteria Express is a great pick for vegetarians, and Tetería Almedina offers a sublime Moroccan menu.
How to get from Málaga to Almería
Buses run constantly from Málaga to Almería, with varying prices and travel times, the latter ranging from 2.5 to 7 hours. Check below to find the trip that suits you best.
Cádiz
Undeservedly overlooked, Cádiz stands dignified on the very edge of southwestern Spain and among the oldest continually inhabited European cities. Situated on a peninsula awash in Atlantic waves on three sides, Cádiz is at the same time ancient and fresh. The local atmosphere and above all food will simply win you over.
What to see and do
In a city of no less than 126 towers, it would be a shame not to climb at least one! Tavira Tower is the Old Town’s highest and most popular tower with an intriguing feature inside it. The Camera Obscura is a room equipped with optical lenses that allow visitors to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city. The second most visited tower belongs to the Cádiz cathedral, a building of both Baroque and Neoclassical elements due to construction lasting over a hundred years. On the waterfront, two castles flank the city’s most popular beach. The Castle of San Sebastián is permanently closed, but a walk along the pier to the castle is romantic nonetheless. The star-shaped Santa Catalina castle on the other side of the La Caleta beach is accessible, serving today as a cultural and recreational venue. Cádiz truly has some of the most wonderful parks in Spain, like the botanical garden Parque Genovés, or the soothing Alameda Apodaca, with its checkered walkway and amazing views.
Cadiz
Where to eat
Everyone ought to try a sandwich made of fresh ingredients, namely cheese and salami, found at the Cádiz market. One of the city’s favorite taverns La Tabernita only opens its doors half days a week, and the tapas at Tapería de Columela will blow your mind any day. Discover how Chileans have their sandwiches at SanWich, or blend in with the locals at Casa Manteca.
How to get from Málaga to Cádiz
Several buses and trains depart daily for Cádiz from Málaga, and the approximate duration of the trip is 4 hours, with prices ranging from approximately €19 to €30.
Gibraltar
The British territory of Gibraltar lies right next to the town of La Linea de la Concepcion, so just stepping into this town provides a rare experience of being in two countries at once. What’s more, a whole other continent can be seen from Gibraltar’s highest point. The occasional pub makes one feel as if they are in a much sunnier version of the UK, one where monkeys hop freely around!
Gibraltar
What to see and do
Of course going up to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar to soak in the views of both Europe and Africa is all anybody talks about while in the area. The 425-meter high peak is reached by cable car, and is inhabited by mischievous barbary macaques munching on bananas and pickpocketing the unsuspecting tourists. Rumor has it that the monkeys reached Gibraltar through St Michael’s Cave. The cave, nowadays hosting various ceremonies, together with the Great Siege Tunnels makes up a fascinating underground system underneath the Rock. All kinds of monuments are scattered around Gibraltar, honoring historical events and figures, and a number of them can be found at Gibraltar’s southernmost Europa Point. If the macaques were not enough wildlife for you, join an exciting dolphin watching excursion. For those with more time to spare, why not hop on a ferry to Tangier, Morocco? Africa is just an hour and a half away!
Where to eat
Those who have been to DBellota call it ‘a must’ of Gibraltar, extensively praising their food and service. Much like in the UK, Gibraltar has a wide array of different cultures and their cuisines represented in the area; Asian food at Curry and Sushi, pizza at Tramonti, fish and chips at Tina’s Takeaway… a true tour of the globe on your tastebuds!
How to get from Málaga to Gibraltar
Gibraltar is 2.5 hours away from Málaga by bus, with ticket prices starting at around €14. There is no direct train connection between the two cities.
