Planning day trips from Málaga? Add these places to your list

This is one of our favourite spots on the southern coast of Spain and definitely worth exploring when staying in Andalusia. It was once a traditional fishing village and has now become a popular holiday spot, although it still has buckets of oldy-worldy charm, especially out of peak season. Some of the best beaches in Andalusia can be found very near Nerja. You can combine some beach time with a stroll around the town, and perhaps a meal at one of the many fantastic seafood restaurants. Not to be missed are the incredible Nerja caves, about a 10-minute drive from the village itself. They’re part of what makes this one of the best day trips from Málaga.

Only 6 km from Nerja, and perfect as a destination in itself or to be squeezed into your day exploring this area. Frigiliana has in the past been voted one of the prettiest villages in Andalusia, thanks to its well-maintained white-washed buildings, cobbled streets and colourful flower pots. Take a stroll through the old Moorish quarter and soak up the atmosphere. Pull up a chair at one of the many bars that offer views down over the village and out to sea. If you are looking for relaxing places to visit near Málaga, this is the spot.

When it comes to places near Málaga, nowhere is as relaxing as Salobreña. This is another small beach town, but is slightly less popular with tourists than Nerja. However, it’s just as charming, and one of the best day trips from Málaga out of high season for those who don’t like crowds. It has long, shingle beaches, but the main attraction is the castle perched on top of the monolithic promontory that stands alone in the middle of what is otherwise an area of flat land. You can visit the castle and wander the streets of the ancient village clustered around it, perhaps stopping for a drink and to admire the views out to sea or to the Sierra Nevada from one of the many white-washed bars.

The coast might be beautiful and a great option for day trips from Málaga, but there’s plenty to discover inland, too! There are no words to describe Ronda. The way the town perches on the top of the walls of the gorge that suddenly appears from nowhere has to be seen to be believed, and the history of this strategically important stronghold is fascinating.

You could easily spend a couple of days exploring the places to see in Ronda and the villages around it, but a day is enough to visit all the main highlights of Ronda itself. It’s only about an hour and a half drive between Málaga and Ronda, but make sure you get an early start to make the most of your time there.

Granada’s fame precedes it, with the Alhambra being one of Spain’s most visited tourist destinations. Whilst you could easily stay in Granada, if you’re short on time, then a Málaga to Granada day trip is feasible. You can drive from Málaga to Granada in an hour and a half, but bear in mind that parking can be a little tricky in the winding streets of the old city centre. The Alhambra is mindblowing and something that everyone should see at least once in their life, but tickets book up quickly. Make sure you get organised in advance, or book one of the many-day trips from Málaga to the Alhambra. Other Granada highlights include the Albaicín neighbourhood, Generalife and the Cathedral.

Going even further into the heartlands of Andalusia, you’ll come to the ancient city of Córdoba. This is another city that, like Granada, has a fascinating, multi-layered history, symbolised by the mosque-cathedral that dominates the city centre. There are also countless other historical buildings to be explored. The best way to get to know the city on a day trip from Málaga is definitely to take a tour. It takes nearly two hours to drive between the two cities, but a Málaga to Córdoba day trip is definitely worth it if you get going early. Just be wary about visiting in mid-summer, as temperatures soar here.

If you are an adrenaline junkie, embrace yourself for this adventure. Once dubbed “the most dangerous walkway in the world,” the Caminito del Rey has undergone a dramatic transformation into one of southern Spain’s most thrilling and scenic hikes. Suspended along the sheer walls of the Gaitanes Gorge, this cliffside path offers jaw-dropping views of turquoise reservoirs and jagged limestone cliffs. Today, the route is fully safe and restored and winds for nearly 8 kilometres through rugged terrain, just one hour outside of Málaga. If Instagrammable views and vertigo-inducing drama are your thing, add this Málaga day trip to your list for a truly unforgettable holiday.

Did you know? There is a corner of Great Britain nestled in the heart of Andalusia. British red post boxes sit beneath Mediterranean skies, while fish and chips are served with sweeping views of North Africa across the strait. This culture clash is worth exploring on your trips from Málaga and not only that, but Gibraltar offers its fair share of must-see landmarks to explore.

When planning your day, start with the towering Rock of Gibraltar, home to ancient tunnels, panoramic walking trails, and the famous Barbary macaques, the only wild monkeys in Europe. From here, your day will be full of wonder. Whether you're exploring its WWII-era caves, sailing alongside dolphins, or ascending to the summit by cable car, Gibraltar offers a day of surprising contrasts, just over two hours from Málaga.

Looking for Bronze Age tombs and Baroque bell towers on your day tours from Málaga? Just 45 minutes from Málaga, you will find Antequera, one of Andalusia’s hidden gems. Here you can explore the hilltop Alcazaba, whitewashed streets, and an impressive collection of churches that earned it the nickname “the Florence of Andalusia.” If the town feels too small for an entire day’s schedule, just outside lies El Torcal, a surreal, wind-carved limestone landscape that feels plucked from another planet. This is an ideal place for an afternoon walk before tucking into the hearty local cuisine.

Fancy beach bars, mega yachts and glossy marinas, Marbella has earnt a name for itself as the Spanish Saint Tropez. But venture past the designer labels into its Casco Antiguo and you’ll discover a world of Andalusian charm. Stroll down its winding cobbled lanes between whitewashed façades complete with flower-draped balconies and enjoy a coffee in a leafy plaza with the locals. Shelter under orange trees as you nip in and out of the quaint boutiques and galleries in the old town during your Málaga day tours. You don’t have to stay in Marbella to enjoy the intimate, historic and effortlessly chic town. However, for those craving nature, the nearby Sierra Blanca mountains offer rugged trails and panoramic views that stretch from the glittering Costa del Sol to the distant coast of Morocco. Whether you’re in the mood for boutique browsing, a lazy tapas lunch, or a mountaintop moment of peace, Marbella is one of the top day trips from Málaga.

If you want to extend your day trip into a weekend away, staying in Seville gives you more time to explore the city. Yet, despite the capital of Andalusia being the furthest away of all the places mentioned, it is just over two hours from Málaga. The stunning Alcázar has been used as a set for Game of Thrones, and the whole thing is suitably mysterious and other-wordly. The Cathedral is a must visit, alongside the Plaza de España, the Maria Luisa park and the city’s museums dedicated to the arts and history of the region. Don’t forget to tuck into some delicious tapas while sightseeing. Just as with Córdoba, avoid visiting Seville in July or August, as it turns into a very beautiful oven. Yet despite the extreme heat in the summer, Seville still remains one of the best cities near Málaga.