Málaga is well known as the birthplace of the artist and sculptor Pablo Picasso, and as such, is a port city that embodies the Andalusian way of life.Málaga is a treasure trove of history, with beautiful beaches and a charming ancient town. But after you've got your fill of this beautiful city, why not hire a car and explore the rest of southern Spain? A wide variety of scenery, centuries of culture, local producers, and delectable food can be found all along the magnificent Atlantic coast, from Andalusia's White Villages (including Ronda, situated in a picturesque valley) to charming Granada. Here are some of the top day trips from Málaga:
Best Day Trips from Málaga
Marbella is encircled by the majestic Sierra Blanca mountains, which are bordered by 17 kilometres of excellent beaches. Bring your camera and a swimsuit with you when you visit Marbella. You can also go to museums that hold modern art by well-known painters such as Picasso, Dali, and Miro. Park your vehicle and walk through the cobblestone streets of Casco Antiguo, a charming ancient town. While Avanza's public transportation is excellent, if you are travelling in a group, you should consider hiring a vehicle. The journey takes around one hour.
Frigiliana, clinging to a hilltop, is the archetypal whitewashed Spanish village worth exploring solo or with company. Walking through the artistically beautiful, winding cobblestone alleyways and lanes is only one of many things to do here. Take in the historic Moorish castle before stopping for souvenirs. Need a bite? There are plenty of wonderful cafés and taverns to choose from. If you want to be alone in nature, Frigiliana also has various gardens and natural parks, such as the Sierras de Tejeda and the Almijara y Alhama Natural Park. Taking a bus from Málaga to Frigiliana takes around 1.5 hours.
The journey from Málaga to Granada takes around 90 minutes each way. Visit the Alhambra palace, which is nestled against the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Moorish architecture continues! More spectacular buildings may be found by asking locals or exploring the city's Arabic Quarter. The UNESCO-listed Generalife Gardens will appeal to nature enthusiasts. A few minutes of reflection here may be all you need. If you like to roam about more, go to Sacromonte, an ancient Roman neighbourhood. This village is well-known across the world for its cave houses. Yes, there are still people living there now!
Road Trips from Málaga
The ancient city of Cordoba is about 2 hours away from Málaga. You might easily lose track of time since there are so many wonderful architectural sites all over the place! Cordoba's Mosque-Cathedral is a must-see for every traveller to the city. It's a stunning landmark in the heart of the city that enthrals tourists. Aside from the many elements from bygone times, it is particularly well-known for its red and white striped arches. Stop for a bite to eat at one of the delightful cafés nearby before seeing the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs. It was once a fortress!
How about a road trip to the southernmost point of the country? Go to Gibraltar by car! The drive to Gibraltar through AP-7 is around 2 hours long and is a terrific experience. Adventure enthusiasts will find enough to do here, starting with a hike up to Europe Point and a visit to the Trinity Lighthouse. The Barbary macaques, often known as the "Apes of Gibraltar," may be found all over the area. They're pretty amusing and cheeky. At the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, you can even enjoy a panoramic cable car trip to see them in their natural habitat!
If you're looking for a longer road trip, take AP-7 and A-381 to Cadiz, which is about 2.5 hours away. When you arrive, go straight to the Plaza of San Juan de Dias. The major church and the municipal hall are located in the 16th-century square. The cathedral is the most well-known landmark in town. If you want to see the city from above, climb to the top of the Poniente Tower. La Caleta beach is open to swimmers of all ages. If you like to be in nature, we recommend Genovés Park and Santa Catalina Castle.
Scenic Drives near Málaga
WithMálaga as a base, vacationers can drive to Costa Tropical, which is just 55 kilometres away. Many tropical crops are grown here, including sugarcane and avocado. This route takes you through various communities, including Rincon de la Victoria, Motril, and Salobrea. Many civilizations, including the Romans, Moors, and Carthaginians, have left their imprints here. When not enjoying the coastal regions and lovely coves, visitors may enjoy diving into history to discover more about these civilizations. Swim on the lovely beaches and eat delicious Spanish tapas before returning to Málaga.
The 55-kilometre-long "Sun and Wine route" is a visual feast. Visitors and residents alike appreciate the community and the beach lifestyle. Located in Axarquia, you can visit Torrox and Nerja. The settlements in the Sierra Almijara mountains have kept their Moorish characteristics. It's extremely intriguing! The "Sun and Wine Route' is well titled; vines and grapes may be seen everywhere! Needless to say, the wine and cuisine in the area are also excellent.
Journey to the west coast of Málaga for a wonderful and picturesque drive. This route will take you to some of the nicest coastal roads in the area, all the way to Fuengirola. There are several places to stop along the road. Some of them include Torremolinos for the castle, Benalmadena for the whitewashed town, and finally Fuengirola for its hot spas, Arab Castle of Sohail, and Roman Villas. Is it too hot outside? There are ice cream sellers on the beaches! Swim in the beautiful waves to cool down before returning to Málaga.