The best day trips from Malaga: discover the gems of Andalusia

Málaga’s a fantastic place to base yourself — beachy vibes, history, amazing food — but one of the best things about it? So many great places are just a short trip away. In this post, we’re diving into the best day trips from Málaga, from pretty mountain villages to epic historic cities.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, this helps me keep this site running.

Only about 25 minutes from Málaga by car or train, Benalmádena is an easy and fun day trip destination that offers a little bit of everything — pretty beaches, cultural spots, family-friendly attractions, and gorgeous views from above.

Start your visit in Benalmádena Pueblo, the old part of town tucked into the hillside. It’s a lovely whitewashed village with narrow cobbled streets, peaceful squares and flower-filled balconies. Head to Plaza España for a coffee and wander up to the Castillo de Colomares, a quirky, fairytale-like monument built in honour of Christopher Columbus — it’s like something out of a storybook and definitely worth a stop.

If you're up for a view and don't mind heights, hop on the Benalmádena Cable Car, which takes you up to the top of Mount Calamorro. On a clear day, you can see all the way across the Costa del Sol and even to Africa. There are walking trails at the top, and sometimes even falconry displays — a great spot if you want to mix in a bit of nature and adventure.

Back down at sea level, Benalmádena has a beautiful marina, packed with yachts, bars and restaurants. It’s a great place for lunch or a relaxed stroll along the water. If you’re travelling with kids, Selwo Marina or Sea Life Benalmádena are good fun too — small but enjoyable aquariums and animal parks right by the coast.

You can get to Benalmádena by car (25 mins), train (the C1 line runs regularly from Málaga city centre and the airport), or bus. It’s quick, cheap, and super easy — making it ideal for a one day trip or a laid-back beachy escape with a bit of local flavour.

Just under an hour from Málaga, Marbella is one of the most popular day trip spots on the Costa del Sol — and with good reason. While it’s often known for its glitzy reputation, luxury yachts and nightlife, there’s a lot more to Marbella than meets the eye. The heart of the town is its gorgeous old quarter, a maze of narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings and balconies overflowing with flowers.

Start your wander around Plaza de los Naranjos, a charming square lined with orange trees, lively cafés and historic buildings — perfect for a morning coffee or a lazy lunch. From there, it’s just a short walk to Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, a stunning 16th-century church that’s well worth a quick visit. The nearby Parque de la Alameda offers a bit of cool shade if you need a break from the sun, and it leads straight down to the seafront. Marbella’s Paseo Marítimo is one of the loveliest promenades on the coast, stretching for miles along the beach. You can stroll by Playa de Venus, stop for an ice cream, or sit and watch the boats bobbing about in the Marina.

If you’ve got a bit more time, why not head out on the water? Marbella is also a great spot to join a Sailing & Dolphin Watching tour — you’ll get to cruise along the coast, enjoy snacks and drinks on board, and if you’re lucky, spot dolphins playing in the waves. It’s a relaxing and fun way to see a different side of the Costa del Sol.

Whether you’re in the mood for shopping, sightseeing or just relaxing by the sea, Marbella’s got it all — and it’s super easy to reach. You can get there by car in around 50 minutes via the AP-7, or hop on a direct bus which takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. If you prefer a more comfortable ride, private transfers or taxis are widely available. There’s no direct train, so road travel is definitely the way to go.

Nerja is a charming coastal town just about an hour’s drive from Málaga, famous for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. One of the biggest draws here is the incredible Nerja Caves, a vast network of caverns filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, plus prehistoric cave paintings that give you a real glimpse into ancient times. Don’t miss the Balcón de Europa, a beautiful viewpoint right in the town centre that offers panoramic views over the Mediterranean—perfect for a leisurely stroll or to catch a breathtaking sunset. The town’s laid-back vibe makes it a lovely place to wander through narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings, enjoy fresh seafood in seaside restaurants, or relax on beaches like Playa de Burriana.

Nerja is easily reachable by car or bus from Málaga, and for those who want to explore without the hassle, there are also guided day trips that include the caves and town highlights, making it a perfect, easy day away from the city.

If you’re in the mood for flower-filled streets, whitewashed houses and sweeping mountain views, Frigiliana is an absolute must. Just a short drive from Nerja or around 1.5 hours from Málaga, this hilltop village is often called one of the prettiest in Spain — and once you wander through its cobbled lanes and old town, you’ll see why. I’ve got a full guide to Frigiliana with all my tips on what to see, how to get there, where to eat and stay — check it out if you’re planning to visit!

Granada is one of those places that completely sweeps you off your feet. Just under two hours from Málaga by car or bus, it’s a city bursting with history, culture and atmosphere — and it makes for an unforgettable day trip.

The crown jewel, of course, is the Alhambra, a breathtaking palace and fortress complex with intricate Islamic architecture, lush gardens and stunning views over the city. It’s one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks, so make sure to book your tickets in advance, they often sell out.

But there’s more to Granada than just the Alhambra. Wander through the Albaicín, the city’s old Moorish quarter, where narrow, winding streets open up to secret courtyards and incredible viewpoints — the Mirador de San Nicolás is a must for those postcard-perfect Alhambra shots with the Sierra Nevada in the background. Granada also has a unique tapas culture — in many places, you’ll get a free tapa with every drink, which makes bar-hopping a delicious adventure in itself.

Based on reviews and recommendations, I’ve picked out what seems like the perfect guided day trip from Málaga to Granada for you. It includes comfortable transport, skip-the-line tickets to the Alhambra, and a knowledgeable local guide who brings the history and stories to life. If you want to make the most of your day without the hassle of organising everything yourself, this is definitely the way to go!

Ronda is an absolute gem tucked high up in the mountains, about an hour and a half from Málaga by car. Famous for its dramatic gorge, El Tajo, which splits the town in two, Ronda offers jaw-dropping views that you won’t forget. The town itself feels like stepping back in time, with historic bridges like the Puente Nuevo connecting the old and new parts of the city. Wander through charming streets lined with whitewashed houses, explore the ancient bullring — one of the oldest in Spain — and enjoy tapas in cosy local bars with a view of the gorge. Ronda’s perfect if you want a mix of history, nature and a bit of adventure.

It’s easily reachable by car or bus, and many travellers recommend joining a guided day trip from Málaga, which takes care of transport and includes a local guide to show you all the hidden gems and tell the fascinating stories behind this dramatic town.

If you're up for something a bit more adventurous, the Caminito del Rey is hands down one of the most unforgettable day trips from Málaga. Once known as the “world’s most dangerous walkway”, it’s now completely safe and has been beautifully restored — but it still delivers that wow factor with its dramatic cliffside paths and breathtaking views.

The 7.7 km linear trail winds its way through narrow gorges, high bridges and dizzying drop-offs — all safely fenced and accessible to most reasonably fit walkers. It takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, with plenty of photo stops along the way. You’ll finish near the El Chorro area, where you can grab a snack and a celebratory drink after your walk.

If you’re not hiring a car, the easiest way to visit is by booking an organised guided tour from Málaga. It includes transport to and from the trail, entry tickets, and often a guide who shares the fascinating history of the route and surrounding area. It’s a great stress-free option, especially since public transport connections to the trailhead can be tricky and time-consuming.

If you do have a car, make sure to book your ticket in advance, as entry numbers are limited and it often sells out — especially in high season. Once you’ve secured your ticket, you can drive to the area (about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Málaga), park at the northern entrance near Ardales, and take the shuttle bus from the end point back to your car after the walk.

It’s worth starting early to avoid the heat and the midday crowds — and don’t forget to bring water, good walking shoes, and a camera. The views are absolutely epic.

Fancy visiting another country for the day? A trip to Gibraltar from Málaga is totally doable — and totally worth it — but the best way to go is definitely on a guided tour. Because while it’s exciting to explore a little slice of Britain on the southern tip of Spain, the border crossing, parking, and road rules can be a bit of a hassle if you're going it alone.

Gibraltar is a unique mix of British pubs, red phone boxes and Spanish sunshine — plus some truly impressive sights. The main attraction is the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, where you’ll find panoramic views stretching across to Africa on a clear day. You can take a cable car or minibus tour up the rock, and don’t miss the chance to meet the famous Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild monkeys. Watch your bags — they’re cheeky!

Other highlights include the dramatic St. Michael’s Cave, packed with colourful rock formations and even used for concerts, as well as the Great Siege Tunnels, dug by hand into the rock during the 18th century. There's also tax-free shopping in the town centre if you're after a little retail therapy.

Because Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, there’s a passport check at the border, and traffic can back up quickly. This is where booking a full-day guided tour from Málaga really comes in handy — it includes coach transport, help with the border crossing, and a local guide who’ll make sure you don’t miss the best bits. It’s the easiest, most stress-free way to see Gibraltar in a day.

Wherever your adventures from Málaga take you — whether it’s coastal towns, mountain villages or historic cities — there’s so much beauty and variety just a short trip away. I hope this guide has helped you pick out the perfect day trips for your time in Andalusia. And if you’re still planning your route around Spain, don’t forget to check out my other travel posts on destinations like Nerja, Frigiliana, Madrid and beyond — they’re packed with tips, itineraries and inspiration for your next Spanish escape.