Home » Helpfulness

20 Recommended malaga excursions – travel blog mini globetrotter


20 recommended Malaga excursions

The Andalusian port city of Malaga is a great starting point, from where you can reach many of the attractions in the area on a trip great. We’ve lived in the area for a while and have been constantly on the move. Within a few kilometers you will find places steeped in history, exciting cities full of fire, interesting cultural offers and unforgettable landscapes.

In the following, I have put together a list with 20 different trip ideas from Malaga. To make it easier, I also wrote about how to get there by the respective means of transport from Malaga. Usually the rental car is the best choice, but sometimes it works also by bus or by train.

Note: This article may contain affiliate links that I have clearly marked with an asterisk *.

The white village of Frigiliana is just one of the 20 places to visit from Malaga.

How to best organize Malaga excursions

As mentioned above, you can also visit some of the destinations around Malaga by public transport. However, the rail and long-distance bus network is by far not as well developed as, for example, in Germany. More recommendable is still the rental car.

In Malaga you can rent a car both directly at the airport and in the city near the train station. The prices are heavily dependent on the tourist season. Nevertheless, one can do one or the other bargain in Malaga, because the big car rental companies are all represented. It is best to book your car as fast as possible.

Use this search and booking mask * to find out more about car rental prices in Malaga.

Public transport for excursions from Malaga

Malaga has a long-distance train and bus station, so many attractions in the area can be reached without a car.

The central station of Malaga is called Alameda and is located just west of the city center. From here there are direct connections to other cities in Andalusia, such as Seville or Cordoba. The trains are operated by the state railway company Renfe, which also sell their tickets online.

From experience I can confirm that the Long-distance trains in Andalusia are fast and pleasant to drive. If you want to know more about the train system in Andalusia, I recommend you this detailed and clear site in English. Incidentally, if you do not stay overnight in Malaga, you can easily reach Malaga’s Central Station on the suburban train from the western Costa del Sol and then transfer there.

Many places in Andalusia, however, are not on a railway line, and there it remains only one, with the Remote bus to arrive. These include, for example, the white village of Frigiliana, but also the southernmost city in Spain, Tarifa. The bus station of Malaga is located in the Paseo de los Tilos. Tickets are available at the kiosk in the immediate vicinity. More information about bus travel in Andalusia here (in English).

The easiest way is there, just one guided tour to join for the day. You do not have to worry about the arrival or the tickets or the tour on site. This article also gives you some suggestions.

Ronda with its spectacular Puente Nuevo is a popular destination for a day trip from Malaga.

The most beautiful trips from Malaga: 20 ideas for sights in the surrounding area

Almost all of them were personally tested by me for the following 20 attractions in the area around Malaga. They are to be unconditionally recommended, and I hope that you will also be able to visit one place or another during your trip to Andalusia.

1st Ronda: Puente Nuevo, Arab Baths and the Plaza de Toros

The beautifully situated town of Ronda is one of the most popular destinations in Andalusia. This is mainly because of the spectacular location and the great view: From the viewpoint Alameda del Tajo you have a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside. The Puente Nuevo spans the Tajo in a spectacular and spectacular way.

Add to that many other great attractions that have made Ronda so famous, such as the well-preserved Arab Baths. As a little insider tip I also recommend the curious Museum Lara, which holds an interesting collection of historical instruments and instruments of torture of the Inquisition.

So you come from Malaga to Ronda

Car: About the A-357 and A-367, travel time about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Train: Change at Antequera-Santa Ana, total journey time around 2 hours.
Bus: –
Organized tour: Ronda excursion from Malaga in German language *

2. Bioparc Fuengirola: crocos, lemurs and leopards

The Bioparc of Fuengirola is one of the best zoos in Spain. Especially if you are with children in the area, a zoo visit is actually essential. In Fuengirola, the focus is on the animals of the tropical rainforests.

Unique in this zoo: in July and August you can visit the Bioparc until 11pm. This allows observation of the animals under night conditions (the park is illuminated by artificial moonlight).

For more information and for tickets (unfortunately it is not exactly cheap), please visit the official website.

How to get from Malaga to Bioparc Fuengirola

Car: About the A-7, travel time about 40 minutes.
Train: By suburban train C1 to Fuengirola (final stop), journey time approx. 1 hour.
Bus: –
Organized tour: –

The view from the Balcón de Europa is truly unique.

3. Nerja: Stone Age caves and the famous Balcón de Europa

Nerja is a pretty little seaside resort east of Malaga. Here you can stroll through the picturesque old town, refresh yourself in the cool water, eat delicious and enjoy the indescribably beautiful view from the famous Balcón de Europa.

Afterwards, make a short detour to the caves of Nerja just outside the city, where once the first modern European people set up camp.

So you come from Malaga to Nerja

Car: About the coastal road A-7, travel time about 60 minutes.
Train: –
Bus: Buses from Malaga stop near the center of Nerja, but you still have to walk a few steps to really get into the action. Unfortunately, the main attraction of the place, the caves of Nerja, not connected to this bus line (there is a tourist train from the city center). Traveling by public transport is therefore less recommendable.
Organized tour: Half-day trip from Malaga to Nerja and Frigiliana in German language *

View over Mijas.

4. Mijas: Charming white village with great views

There are many white villages in Andalusia, but hardly anything is as easy and comfortable to reach from Malaga as Mijas. In addition, Mijas is really pretty and absolutely worth seeing. Although it is only a few kilometers to the built-up tourist resorts along the Costa del Sol, in the mountain village Mijas still reigns the charm of the old days.

The biggest advantage of Mijas are the many panoramic terraces, from where you have a magnificent view of the surrounding area and the Mediterranean Sea. But also in terms of restaurants and shopping Mijas leaves nothing to be desired.

So you come from Malaga to Mijas

Car: About the A-7, about 60 minutes driving time.
Train: Suburban train C1 to Fuengirola (final stop), approx. 1 driving time, then change to the bus to Mijas.
Bus: –
Organized tour: Private half-day tour to Mijas from Malaga *

Colorful play of colors in the sky over Tarifa.

5. Tarifa: Surfer culture with a touch of Africa

In the very south of Spain lies the small port city of Tarifa. There’s a lot to discover here. From the battlements of the defiant castle you have a wonderful view to Africa. Of course, you can also see how the ferries go back and forth between the two continents.

On the beach there is usually the colorful game of kitesurfers to admire, taking advantage of the strong winds of the Atlantic. And just twenty minutes drive later, you will find one of the most beautifully located Roman archaeological sites in the world: Baelo Claudia is incredibly well preserved with a forum, main street, spas and fish market, and is located on a wide white sandy beach, one of the most beautiful in Andalusia.

For more information read my article about our trip to Tarifa and Baelo Claudia in Bolonia.

So you come from Malaga to Tarifa

Car: About the AP-7, about 2 hours, toll road.
Train: –
Bus: Avanzabus, travel time at least 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Organized tour: –

6. Benalmádena Teleférico: Soaring over the Costa del Sol with a cable car

In addition to the zoo in Fuengirola, there is another extremely family-friendly attraction on the western Costa del Sol, namely the Benalmádena Teleférico. This is the name of the cable car that brings visitors to the top of Calamorro.

From here you have a wide view over the entire coast. There are also daily bird of prey shows. If you like, you can also use the station on top of the mountain as a base for hiking in the mountains. A great experience for the whole family.

So you come from Malaga to Benalmádena

Car: About the A-7, travel time about 35 minutes.
Train: Suburban train C1 to the stop Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel, about 45 minutes.
Bus: –
Organized tour: –

It helps to be a little afraid of heights when you commit the Caminito del Rey.

7. Caminito del Rey: Spectacular hiking trail in the mountains of Málaga

Undoubtedly, the Caminito del Rey hiking trail is one of the best natural experiences in the Malaga region. Completely redone a few years ago, Caminito del Rey follows the tracks of a dilapidated old workers’ path through a deep ravine that connects two reservoirs.

Passing glittering lakes, through fragrant pine forests and up high along the steep walls of El Chorro gorge.

Make sure you book your tickets in advance (or take part in an organized tour), more information in my article: Our experiences on the Caminito del Rey near Malaga

How to get from Malaga to Caminito del Rey

Car: About the A-357, travel time about 1 hour.
Train: By train to Ronda, get off at El Chorro station, journey time around 40 minutes.
Bus: –
Organized tour: Caminito del Rey of Málaga with German speaking tour leader *

The village of Frigiliana is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia.

8. Frigiliana: Charming White Village near Nerja

This white Andalusian village is one of my absolute favorites: Frigiliana, with its whitewashed houses, cobbled sidewalks and staircases, glowing geraniums and tile pictures, is a dream of a white village.

Here you can easily spend half the day, stroll through the streets, dine in one of the restaurants, breathe the Moorish atmosphere and enjoy the view of the mountains. The other half of the day you can then explore the seaside resort of Nerja, which can be reached by car in just a few minutes.

So you come from Malaga to Frigiliana

Car: About the A-7, travel time around 60 minutes.
Train: –
Bus: The bus from Malaga takes you to Nerja. Here you have to change to the bus to Frigiliana.
Organized tour: –

El Torcal is a relatively unknown attraction in southern Spain, but it is definitely recommended.

9. El Torcal: Super-light hike in a fanciful karstic mountain range

Have you ever thought about hiking on the ocean floor? Well, this is possible in El Torcal north of Malaga. Today, however, this seabed is a few hundred meters above the current sea level, so you have to climb rather than descend to the depths rather.

Thanks to millions of years of rain and wind erosion, the most bizarre rock formations have emerged here in El Torcal. A great trip idea therefore for the whole family. The walks are easy enough to tackle and entry is free. recommendable.

More about El Torcal in my article here.

How to get from Malaga to Torcal de Antequera

Car: About the A-45 and A-7075, travel time is around 60 minutes.
Train: –
Bus: –
Organized tour: Private tour from Malaga in El Torcal and to the dolmens of Antequera with tapas included (Affiliate Link)

10. Marbella: Shopping and celebrities

When I first came to Marbella, I was pleasantly surprised. Because Marbella has its reputation as a celebrity resort for the rich and famous. But Marbella is actually so much prettier and more romantic than you might expect in the beginning.

Especially the old town and especially the area around the Plaza de los Naranjos is very nicely laid out, not only because of the centuries old houses around it. There is a lot to discover in the maze of old town streets: high-end boutiques and traditional small street chapels with statues of saints behind glass, for example. A glass of wine is then very elegant in the neighboring Puerto Banús to buy.

So you come from Malaga to Marbella

Car: About the AP-7, toll road; or via the A-357 and the A-355, with no toll. Driving time approx. 1 hour.
Train: –
Bus: ALSA bus, about 70-90 minutes.
Organized tour: –

The famous Lion’s Court of the Alhambra is a masterpiece of Moorish architecture.

11. Granada: The Alhambra and the Generalife

Granada should actually be on every holiday in Andalusia anyway. The main attraction of Granada is undoubtedly the Alhambra as well as the gardens of the Generalife (which one can experience everything with the family or even without kids, I explain here).

But in Granada there is so much more to discover. For example, the charming old town opposite the Alhambra overlooking the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Beautiful churches, winding streets and the cave houses the Sacromonte.

So you come from Malaga to Granada and the Alhambra

Car: About the A-92, travel time around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Train: –
Bus: –
Organized tour: Alhambra Tour of Málaga including admission *

Khaleesis kite is still loitering in the bullring of Osuna.

12. Osuna: Baroque palaces and a Game of Thrones museum

Admittedly, Osuna is not very well known abroad, but that does not mean that you can not go there. The small town is about halfway between Malaga and Seville, but can also be visited for themselves.

The city center of Osuna is easy to explore and full of architectural treasures: the nobility had here one or another townhouse in the Baroque style. In the city museum there is a small, but fine Game of Thones exhibition: the series was partially shot in Osuna. The bullring was also used, which is why you can discover a real dragon’s head here.

More about Osuna and Game and Thrones in my special article.

So you come from Malaga to Osuna

Car: About the A-45 and the A-92, travel time around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Train: –
Bus: ALSA bus, about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Organized tour: –

Barbary macaques are a great attraction in Gibraltar, but there is much more to see, especially if you’re into military history.

13. Gibraltar: The Rock, sweet monkeys and duty-free shopping

The British enclave in southern Spain is also a good tip for a day trip from Malaga.

First of all, Gibraltar belongs to the UK, so you leave Spain for a day (and then even run over the runway of an airport, already an experience). Then you see the top of the rock and the only free-living monkeys in Europe, which can pose very great for holiday pictures. And then Gibraltar is also something of a shopping paradise for many visitors, because the goods are duty-free.

Many good tips to Gibraltar, and which sights you can visit here, I explain in a separate post.

So you come from Malaga to Gibraltar

Car: Over the tollway AP-7, travel time approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Train: –
Bus: There is no direct connection to Gibraltar. Instead, you have to get off the border at La Línea de la Concepción. Travel time about 3 hours.
Organized tour: Full-day excursion from Malaga to Gibraltar in German language *

In Cabo de Data abandoned farmhouses and windmills meet dramatic landscapes of rocks, water, sand and desert.

14. Cabo de Gata Natural Park: beaches, deserted places, volcanic landscapes

Cabo de Gata is a natural park in the east of Andalusia near Almeria. It’s quite a stretch from Malaga if you want to go there, but it’s definitely worth the drive.

In Cabo de Gata you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Andalucia (unfortunately quite crowded in summer), many abandoned buildings (windmills, farms, even a gold mine), and a bizarre landscape of salt pans, pointed peaks and sandy plains. Especially recommended for hikers, cyclists and landscape photographers.

How to get from Malaga to Cabo de Gata

Car: About the AP-7, about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Many speed traps!
Train: –
Bus: –
Organized tour: –

15. The Dolmens of Antequera: A trip to the origins of human culture

In 2016, Antequera’s dolmens were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The 6,000-year-old site consists of three Stone Age stone tombs, all of which are in exceptionally good condition. Not only fans for the early and early days will get their money‘s worth here.

One of the dolmens was created with reference to El Torcal, the above-mentioned Karst mountains. Therefore it is worthwhile to combine these two excursion destinations. But Antequera’s city center is also impressive.

Admission is free, closed on Mondays. Click here for the official website (in Spanish).

How to get from Malaga to the dolmens of Antequera

Car: About AP-45, about 45 minutes.
Train: Change at Antequera-Santa Ana towards Antequera-Cuidad. The dolmen can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot.
Bus: ALSA bus to Antequera, journey time is approx. 50 minutes.
Organized tour: Private Tour from Malaga to the Dolmens of Antequera *

The view from the top is really spectacular in Zahara de la Sierra.

16. Sierra de Grazalema: Green paradise for hikers with many white villages

The Sierra de Grazalema is a mountainous natural park behind Ronda with many sweet white villages. The pristine landscapes are characterized by spruce and pine forests that cover the deep valleys and high mountain peaks.

Visit the Sierra de Grazalema for a hike on one of the designated trails to visit one of the many pretty mountain villages, such as Grazalema or Zahara de la Sierra, or just to let the scenery pass you on a road trip.

More about the Sierra de Grazalema I wrote in my article here.

How to get from Malaga to the Sierra de Grazalema

Car: About the A-357 and the A-367, travel time about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Train: –
Bus: –
Organized tour: –

17. Tangier: Day trip to Morocco and back again

Since Africa is really incredibly close, it would actually be a pity if you do not take a day trip to Morocco. Who can resist the temptation of colorful markets and exotic food?

To get to Morocco from Malaga, drive to Tarifa and take the ferry to Tangier. It’s best to fill out the customs declaration on the ferry: this will save you unnecessary waiting time at the Moroccan border. Unfortunately, long lines can form in both directions at the border.

With a knowledgeable guide you can get the most out of such a day in Tangier. In this English forum post you will find a lot of useful information.

How to get from Malaga to Tangier in Morocco

Car: About the AP-7 to Tarifa, toll road, about 2 hours. Leave the car in Tarifa, then continue by ferry to Tangier.
Train: –
Bus: –
Organized tour: Tangier day trip from Malaga (in English or Spanish) *

View over the city of Cadíz

18. Cadiz: the city of the Hundred Towers

One can only describe Cadiz as follows: A shiny pearl directly on the bright blue Atlantic.

In Cadiz you can wonderfully follow the colonial past of Spain, admire the many watchtowers of the merchant families from the Tavira tower, and eat many delicious tapas.

As an inspiration, I’ve written about Cadiz for a day before.

So you come from Malaga to Cadiz

Car: About the AP-7, about 2 hours, toll road.
Train: –
Bus: –
Organized tour: –

In Cordoba is the fascinating Mezquita Cathedral, which you should definitely have seen.

19. Cordoba: The Mezquita, UNESCO listed Old Town, Royal Palace

There are many good reasons to visit Cordoba from Malaga, especially the unique Mezquita.

The Mezquita is the mosque of ancient times, when this part of Spain was still ruled by the Moors. At its center today is a Catholic cathedral. All around, the houses of the old town and the old Jewish quarter jostle each other. If you are looking for refreshment, you should definitely plan a walk in the water garden of the Alcazar.

Cordoba is definitely one of my favorite cities in Andalusia, but read here.

How to get from Malaga to Córdoba

Car: Over the tollway AP-45, approx. 1 hour 45 minutes.
Train: With the AVE towards Madrid, Córdoba Station, journey time approx. 1 hour.
Bus: –
Organized tour: Cordoba Day Trip from Malaga *

Partly the ancient irrigation ditches flow through the middle of the mountain villages of the Alpujarras.

20. Las Alpujarras: Last Moors’ retreat in the Sierra Nevada

The Alpujarra is a mountainous area at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Here, the last Moors retired after the Christian rulers had “recaptured” Spain again. That’s why the villages here are reminiscent of the Berber cultures of North Africa.

Olive trees and citrus trees are cultivated on the terraced fields, with rainwater being channeled down the mountain slopes through a sophisticated irrigation system. It is not unusual to find such a canal in the middle of the village. A perfect region for hiking, sightseeing, shopping and to taste real Andalusian specialties in small family restaurants.

Since one day can be quite short, I recommend you to concentrate on the neighboring villages Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira.

How to get from Malaga to Las Alpujarras

Car: About the A-7 and the A-348, about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Train: –
Bus: –
Organized tour: –

The best day trips from Malaga

I hope these 20 suggestions for a trip from Malaga help you plan your vacation better. As you can see, the offer of sightseeing in the Malaga area is very diverse and there is a lot to discover.

Of course, I’m always happy about feedback, if one or the other worked out well or maybe less well! There is a comment field below the article &# 128578;

Further links about Andalusia:

Now remember on Pinterest for later!

Related Posts

Like this post? Please share to your friends:
Christina Cherry
Leave a Reply

;-) :| :x :twisted: :smile: :shock: :sad: :roll: :razz: :oops: :o :mrgreen: :lol: :idea: :grin: :evil: :cry: :cool: :arrow: :???: :?: :!: