Excursions
Malaga is certainly very well connected. That means there’s plenty to explore just round the corner.
Here are some ideas for day trips (or half-day trips) if you fancy escaping the city!
Torremolinos: where the Costa del Sol story began
More than half a century after bursting onto the tourism scene, Torremolinos still defines innovative travel. This vibrant coastal town continually reinvents itself while remaining true to its Andalusian roots. Torremolinos is where the Costa del Sol began. The first hotels appeared here, and fishing families opened simple beach bars serving their daily catch. From those humble beginnings, the town […]
Marbella: from the exclusive Puerto Banús to the charming old town
Marbella ranks as one of the most celebrated towns along the entire Costa del Sol coastline. Situated approximately one hour’s drive from Malaga, this glamorous resort has cultivated a longstanding reputation for exclusivity and sophistication. World-renowned nightlife, distinguished international visitors and millionaire residents all point towards one defining characteristic: luxury. Why Marbella attracts the rich and famous The town functions […]
Almeria: Natural parks, Moorish castles and movie magic
Getting to Almeria from Malaga takes just over two hours by car, making it one of the more ambitious day trips from the Costa del Sol – but it’s absolutely worth the journey. This eastern Andalusian city sits close to the border with Murcia and often flies under the tourist radar precisely because of its geographical isolation from the main […]
Nerja: the heart of the Axarquía
Located approximately 45 minutes east of Malaga, Nerja stands out as the most renowned town in the Axarquía area, offering a distinct atmosphere compared to the bustling western Costa del Sol. This area attracts visitors seeking a more serene way of life, particularly within the charming whitewashed towns and villages nestled further inland. Nerja has been a popular tourist destination […]
Cadiz: Andalucía’s gateway to the Atlantic
Cadiz may pose some challenges in terms of getting there from Malaga, but it unquestionably justifies the effort. Situated on the Atlantic coast, this ancient port city offers a distinct atmosphere and a slightly cooler climate compared to the Mediterranean region of Andalucía. While the province of Cadiz has some of the finest beaches in Andalucía, even the city beaches […]
Cordoba: the melting pot of Andalucía
One of the most popular (and easiest) day trips from Malaga is to the city of Cordoba. Cordoba has a long history as a melting pot of different cultures and religions. Beginning as a Roman settlement, by the 10th century, not only was Cordoba under Moorish rule and the capital of Al-Andalus, it was the largest, most important and most […]
Ronda: Andalucía’s most spectacular clifftop white village
Ronda stands as one of Andalucía’s most spectacular mountain towns, perched dramatically on a rocky plateau just 90 minutes from Malaga. This white-washed pueblo blanco (white village) splits into two distinct quarters, divided by the breathtaking Tajo de Ronda gorge that plunges 100 metres into the valley below. The town’s crowning glory is the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge, completed in 1793 after 34 years […]
Caminito del Rey: the “daredevil walkway”
The Caminito del Rey is the jewel in the crown of rural tourism in Malaga. Pinned to the side of the Desfiladero de Los Gaitanes gorge, towering approximately 105 metres above the Guadalhorce river, this path has earned the nickname ‘The Daredevil’s Walkway’ due to its historic unsuitability for the faint-hearted. Stretching across a breathtaking three kilometres, the linear route […]
Seville: the ultimate Andalusian city break
Seville (Sevilla in Spanish) is Andalucía’s most high-profile city destination and is one of the most popular day trips from Malaga. As the regional capital and largest city in southern Spain, it offers a wealth of attractions and activities shaped by the influences of diverse cultures throughout the centuries. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites Seville boasts three UNESCO World Heritage […]
El Palo
Malaga, a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse neighbourhoods, offers a unique experience in each of its districts. One such area is El Palo, a charming seaside neighbourhood in the eastern part of the city, renowned for its traditions, beautiful beaches and exquisite seafood cuisine. Getting to El Palo To reach El Palo from Malaga city […]
Guadalhorce river estuary nature park
Nestled on the western outskirts of Malaga city lies the Paraje Natural Desembocadura del Guadalhorce (or Guadalhorce river estuary), a pristine natural area covering 122 hectares. Bordered by the river’s final arms, this sanctuary boasts an exceptional variety of habitats, including lagoons, riverbanks and sandy coastal areas, which provide homes for a diverse range of species all year round. Wildlife […]
Fuengirola: the multicultural hub of the Costa del Sol
Fuengirola has gained global recognition in recent times, becoming a home from home for many people who have chosen Spain to embark on their new life. Its allure stems from its remarkable blend of diversity, warm hospitality and exceptional lifestyle. Standing out as the most culturally diverse town on the Costa del Sol, Fuengirola proudly presents the annual Feria Internacional […]
Granada: the epicentre of Andalucía’s Moorish past
Granada is primarily known for three things: its magnificent Moorish architecture, vibrant nightlife and the tradition of serving free tapas with any drink you order. In the city, you’ll find numerous bars lining the streets and squares, where you can enjoy a small plate of food alongside your reasonably priced drink. These tapas can range from fried fish and slow-cooked meat […]
Pedregalejo
On a sunny weekend afternoon, there is no better place to see how malagueños enjoy themselves than the charming former fishing village of Pedregalejo. Located on the eastern side of Malaga city, the seafront is jam-packed with restaurants and bars, and attracts all types of people, from families with children enjoying a meal out to groups of young people gossiping […]
Playa de Guadalmar
Guadalmar Beach is located on the far western side of Malaga city, between the Guadalmar estate and golf course and the Guadalhorce river estuary. For this reason this is a protected area of high environmental value, inhabited by a number of species of birds migrating between Europe and Africa. Guadalmar beach is most well-known, however, for being the only authorised […]
Playa Peñón del Cuervo
On the eastern edge of Malaga, just before the boundary with La Cala del Moral, is one of the city’s hidden gems: Playa del Peñón del Cuervo. It’s a small, picturesque beach which stands out thanks to a large rock formation which divides it in two. Despite being relatively secluded and difficult to reach for those unfamiliar with the area, […]