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If you are ready to leave your sandy sandals behind and take a break from Malagueta Beach, here are the best day trips from Malaga to explore all the beauty the Andalusia region has to offer.
Sunny Malaga is always a crowd pleaser with its more than 300 days of sun a year, more affordable prices than other beach destinations like Barcelona, and its well-connected airport.
However, it is not only the good weather and the beach that make Malaga an attractive destination. Surrounded by a variety of Andalusian gems, Malaga is the perfect gateway to exploring this beautiful region of Spain.
After living in Malaga for almost six weeks, some of my most memorable days were actually the day trips I was able to take from the city. Surrounded by a variety of unique towns, there’s plenty to keep you entertained once you are over your beach holiday— which I honestly am after around two days of just laying by the beach.
So if you are anything like me, and don’t know how to lay on the sand and spend your days away but still love the idea of a beach holiday, Malaga is a great place to be to have the best of both worlds. The beach life and the adventure life, mixed with a touch of foodie travel and historic destinations.
From the unmissable Alhambra in Granada, the picturesque streets of Ronda, and the panoramic views of Europe’s balcony in Nerja, each day trip from Malaga offers something different.
This post will guide you through the best day trips from Malaga, including the main attractions in each city, their distance from Malaga, for what kind of traveler the place is good for, as well as some tips on where to eat, of course.
So, pack your bags, fuel up your car, and let’s explore beautiful Andalusia!
Best Day Trips From Malaga: Iconic Sites and Unique Destinations
Ronda: Picturesque city on a cliff
What is Ronda known for?
The two main things that Ronda is known for are; its legendary 18th-century bull ring, which makes it one of the oldest in Spain, and its iconic Puente Nuevo, a one-of-a-kind 98m bridge that connects the old and new areas of Ronda.
Besides these two unmissable city attractions, the city has a true Spanish local charm that I was not expecting for a destination that seems to be popular. Maybe Hemingway had a point.
The streets are peaceful and picturesque, with only a few tourists walking around, mostly taking pictures of these main attractions before departing for their next stop.
So I highly recommend taking the time to get lost in the small white-washed alleys of the town, which feels like a luxury that doesn’t happen much in other popular Spanish towns.
How far is Ronda from Malaga?
Visiting the quaint city of Ronda is one of the best day trips from Malaga since it is only 100km (62 miles), or around an hour and a half drive from sunny Malaga.
The best way to get to Ronda from Malaga
The easiest way to get to Ronda from Malaga is to rent a car and drive, it will be faster than public transportation, plus it gives you all the freedom in the world to visit more towns at your own pace.
Another option for visiting Ronda from Malaga is to book a tour that drives you there and back, which takes the hassle away from planning a route, renting a car, and all that.
Most of the tours going to Malaga also stop at other nearby towns or wineries, which doesn’t sound bad at all.
Top things to do in Ronda on a day trip
- Visit the historic Bullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda—don’t worry, it is now only used only as a museum.
- Walk the lush Paseo de Blas Infante en route to Mirador de Ronda (la Sevillana) to get a view of the impressive gorge, the mountains, and the popular Puente Nuevo.
- Get the best view of the emblematic Puente Nuevo from Mirador de Cuenca.
Where to eat in Ronda
It wouldn’t be my blog if I didn’t have a super specific foodie recommendation, and this one is good!
While visiting Ronda you must have lunch at Bodega San Franciso. This was such an unexpected highlight of our trip to Ronda, so I would highly, highly recommend it. The food is incredible, but watch out, portions are massive. So don’t over-order, like we did.
Go a bit before you start to get really hungry to put your name down for the waitlist. Believe me, it’s worth it. The ham croquetas were some of the best ones I have had in Spain, and the “tortillitas de camaron” are to die for.
Good for what kind of traveler
Ronda is one of the best day trips from Malaga since it is perfect for every kind of traveler.
You get a bit of history with the bullring, the imposing Puente Nuevo is exciting for all, the sleepy streets of the old town will charm anyone, and a quick lunch stop for amazing lunch is surely appreciated by any kind of traveler.
Granada: Home to the historic Alhambra
What is Granada known for?
Granada is world-renowned for its grand architecture, particularly the imposing Alhambra. A jaw-dropping palace complex with lush beautiful gardens and a fortress that sits on top of a hill overlooking the white-washed city of Granada.
The inside of the palace is nothing like I have ever seen before, filled with incredibly intricate carvings everywhere you look, a masterpiece recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Another fun fact, and my favorite reason why Granada is known for, is for honoring the free tapa with a drink culture, that is popular in other places of Europe, like Italy, but not much in Spain anymore.
But the Alhambra is also nice.
How far is Granada from Malaga?
The unmissable Granada is a a very accessible 130 km (80 miles), or around an hour and a half drive which makes it one of the best day trips from Malaga to see a UNESCO world-recognized heritage site.
The best way to get to Granada from Malaga
The easiest way to get to Granada from Malaga is to rent a car and drive there. You could even combine this trip with one of the other destinations on this list as we did.
Another fuss-free option for visiting Granada from Malaga is to book a day tour. Some of them will provide a guide which guarantees you will get much more out of the experience than if you go by yourself.
Top things to do in Granada on a day trip
- Visit all the sections of the historic Alhambra, the Alcazaba fortress, the lush Generalife gardens, and the unmissable Nasrid Palaces. (Make sure to book a visit to the Alhambra in advance)
- Marvel at the beautiful Renaissance Granada Cathedral.
- Stroll around the sleepy city center and end up at the quaint Plaza de Bib Rambla.
- Order a drink at one of the many local tavernas and enjoy your tasty free tapa.
Where to eat in Granada
Similar to our trip to Ronda, Granada surprised us with an incredible meal that also quietly became a highlight of our trip to this historic city. And we found this tasty lunch at Taberna la Tana.
Taberna la Tana is a cozy and easygoing spot serving slightly elevated tapas. Like mouth-watering anchovies, artichokes with sun-dried tomatoes, a regional cheeseboard, and flavorful meat cuts.
I think we ordered half of their menu, and it was all incredible! Also, don’t skip on their tinto de verano, it’s *chefs kiss*.
I think we had such good meals in both, Ronda and Granada, since both cities feel very local, and way less touristy than our base of Malaga, which is now packed with tourist trap restaurants.
So enjoying high-quality meals at a small local taverna was such a welcomed surprise on these originally planned historical day trips.
Good for what kind of traveler
Granada is one of the best day trips from Malaga for history buffs—which I try to be but my memory is that of a goldfish—but if you actually retain historical facts and can analyze the timeline of events, this day trip from Malaga is ideal for you.
As a foodie, I do have to admit that I love the free tapa tradition that Granada is known for. Is not even about not paying, it’s just that I find it super cute and welcoming, so I would say foodies would also appreciate Granada foodie culture.
Marbella: Glamorous and upscale beach town
What is Marbella known for?
Marbella is a popular beach holiday destination in the sun-drenched Costa del Sol known for its luxurious beach resorts, glamorous nightlife, upscale restaurants, and boutique shops, as well as for its quaint old town and pristine beaches.
A popular destination with the rich and famous Marbella is a good day trip from Malaga to wander around and experience a bit of the beautiful city, without overspending on accommodation there.
How far is Marbella from Malaga?
The glamorous Marbella is a short 60km away (37 miles) or around a 50-minute drive, which makes it a super accessible, and easy-to-plan day trip from Malaga.
The best way to get to Marbella from Malaga
Marbella is relatively close to Malaga and is better connected than some of the other destinations on this post, with a direct bus route going from the center of Malaga to the north of Marbella, in about one hour.
However, if you also want ease of movement then a car rental is always a great option, the drive along the coast on the way to Marbella makes it worth it.
Top things to do in Marbella on a day trip
- Walk the picturesque streets of the Marbella Old Town
- Pop into some of the many glamorous beach/boho boutiques
- Visit Dalí’s statues that are showcased along Avenida del Mar
- Stroll down the beautiful Marbella Promenade
Where to eat in Marbella
We arrived in Marbella late in the evening after exploring Ronda where we had an incredible late lunch, so we didn’t really eat in Marbella but we wanted to have a little snack and that is how I found Taberna Tierraranda.
Tucked away in a narrow alley in the old town of Marbella, Taberna Tierraranda offers some simple tapas, which were okay, but the showstopper here is their grilled meats.
I wish we would have been hungry enough to try them, but looking over at tables filled with locals devouring massive plates of juicy steak and fries definitely made me make a mental note to share this place.
Good for what kind of traveler
While Marbella does have nice beaches, I think the highlight of it remains that upscale glamorous lifestyle. So I think this destination is perfect for the more sophisticated traveler that enjoys boutique shopping, and partying.
However, as a day trip I think is good for any kind of traveler as the Old Town is quite cute to stroll around, with plenty of bars and cafes to slow down.
Nerja: Andalusian beach town with beautiful nature
What is Nerja known for?
Nerja is a picturesque white-washed town that is known for its post-card worthy coves, its unique “Cueva de Nerja”, the iconic “Balcón de Europa”(Europe’s balcony), and the spectacular nature surrounding the town such as turquoise rivers and waterfalls.
The town itself is quite small and easy to explore, however, all the natural offerings in and around it make it a perfect day trip from Malaga, with plenty to keep you entertained.
How far is Nerja from Malaga?
The quaint beach town of Nerja is only 69km away (43 miles) or around a one-hour drive, which makes it an easy day trip from Malaga.
The best way to get to Nerja from Malaga
Once again, the easiest way to move around the beautiful Costa del Sol and reach Nerja from Malaga is by car.
This allows you to have full flexibility in your trip and make different stops along the way.
For example, for ultimate day trip efficiency during our day trip from Malaga, we stopped at Nerja first to explore for the morning, before heading up north to Granada for the afternoon.
If you don’t feel comfortable renting a car, there are always tours that can facilitate day trips and organize activities for you to do.
Top things to do in Nerja
- Take in the breath-taking views from the Balcón de Europa (Europe’s Balcony)
- Spend some time at one of Nerja’s gorgeous coves such as Playa Calahonda
- Book an adventure trip to go kayaking along the cliffs of Nerja
Where to eat in Nerja
If you follow the same itinerary as we did, visiting Nerja in the morning and Granada in the afternoon, then save your appetite for the Granada lunch spot. It’s worth it.
However, if you are in need of a bite to eat, head over to Cafeteria El Picoteo de Pintada, a no-frills local cafe, for a coffee and a little sandwich. All we need to keep the adventure going!
Good for what kind of traveler
Nerja is a very small town, so it makes a perfect pit stop on the way to Granada to admire the beautiful Balcón de Europa and the cute coves around it.
However, if you have a full day to spend here, Nerja could be one of the best day trips from Malaga for the adventure seeker due to the many fun activities available here, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and exploring its renowned caves.
Cádiz: Charming ancient city
What is Cádiz known for?
Historic and charming Cádiz is known for its stunning and unique Cathedral, for its relevance in Spain’s history with being the most important port city in the country, and being the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe.
Cádiz is a destination full of history, with its port being the starting line for many Spanish maritime adventures that changed the course of history.
This ancient seaside city is also known for its delicious and fresh seafood dishes, and its surrounding region of Jerez where Spanish-acclaimed fortified wines are made.
As you can see, there is something for everyone in Cádiz.
How far is Cádiz from Malaga?
Out of this list, Cádiz is one of the longest day trips from Malaga, being located 233 km away (144 miles), or about a two-hour-and-a-half drive.
Even though this is a longer day trip than the other options, I consider it well worth a visit and a mention due to its historic charm and sleepy town vibes.
This was the first city that made me feel like I was wandering around an authentic Spanish town with almost no other tourists in sight—probably thanks to the longer driving distance from tourist hubs like Malaga.
The best way to get to Cádiz from Malaga
Because of the distance, the best and most efficient way to get to Cádiz from Malaga is definitely by car.
Any other kind of public transportation option that I have found takes around double the time.
Top things to do in Cádiz
- Wander the streets and admire the Roman remains that pop around the city such as the Roman Theatre of Cádiz, Arco de la Rosa, and Castillo de la Villa
- Admire the unique style of the Cathedral de la Santa Cruz de Cádiz with a combination of baroque, rococo, and neoclassical styles
- Visit Santa Catalina Castle, a 17th-century fortress complex
- Explore the lush Parque Genovés and visit the Garita, a strategic viewpoint
- Admire the Gran Teatro Falla, a gorgeous Neo-Mudejar building that stands out with its red brick exterior
Where to eat in Cádiz
Cádiz is known for its delicious seafood, and while there are plenty of eye-catching restaurants with big pictures and five different languages on the menu, let’s stay away from those and instead head over to the hidden Taberna El Tío de la Tiza.
We came across this place as we were exploring the old town and it immediately caught my attention by the look of only locals eating there, by its tucked away location and its handwritten menu on a chalkboard.
All signs of a great local gem! We were sold. So we ordered half the menu.
Our undisputable favorites are the “tortillitas de camarón” (fried little shrimp pancakes), and the clams. I would normally never order clams but these were incredible!
The pescadito frito (fried fish) is also a local dish worth trying, perfect with a cold glass of vermouth. My mouth is watering as I type this.
Good for what kind of traveler
This town is perfect for history buffs, for sure. However, the town’s charm and sleepy vibe allure anyone.
Cádiz has become one of my favorite destinations in Spain so far, due to how authentic it feels. There were almost no tourists, just locals living that glorious slow life, enjoying their fried fish and cold beers on outdoor tables with friends.
Even though travelers visiting Spain might initially go for the most picturesque beach towns, I think Cádiz is definitely worth a pin on the map for when you need a break from laying under the sun and want to experience true Spanish culture and a destination with more depth.
From the unmissable sleepy streets of Cádiz to the remarkable Alhambra in Granada, and the impressive Puente Nuevo in Ronda, there is so much beauty and diversity to explore during a day trip from Malaga.
Hope this post with the best day trips from Malaga, the top attractions in each city, their distance from sunny Malaga, and tips of places to eat at is useful for your upcoming trip to the beautiful Andalusia region of Spain.
Are there any other day trips from Malaga that we are missing? Let us know in the comments, we are always up for a good road trip!